New Era of Efficiency in Retail Operations:
In the fast-paced world of convenience retail, every second counts. Whether it’s a gas station, a convenience store, or a fast-food restaurant, businesses are constantly under pressure to keep their operations smooth, efficient, and consistent. EG Group, a global leader in the retail sector, faces these challenges daily across its extensive network of brands and service stations. The company operates thousands of locations across Europe, the United States, and Australia, partnering with iconic brands such as Esso, SPAR, Subway, Starbucks, KFC, Cooplands, Go Fresh, Cumberland Farms, and Asda.
However, managing such a wide variety of operations comes with its own unique set of difficulties. EG Group needed to find a solution to streamline its diverse activities, improve communication between teams, and enhance operational efficiency at all levels. That’s when the company turned to flowdit—a digital platform designed to simplify complex processes, bring clarity to operations, and enhance real-time communication across multiple sites. This partnership transformed EG Group’s operations across various brands, reducing inefficiencies, cutting down on downtime, and providing teams with a clearer, more structured way to handle maintenance and operational tasks.
The Challenge: Navigating Complexity Across a Vast Network
Managing a diverse portfolio of brands and services meant EG Group’s operations were often siloed. Each brand—whether it was Esso service stations, Cumberland Farms convenience stores, or KFC restaurants—came with its own operational quirks, maintenance requirements, and communication needs. Before flowdit, EG Group faced several challenges:
1. Fragmented Communication
At the core of the issues EG Group faced was fragmented communication. With operations spanning multiple countries and including a vast number of brands, communication across departments was often slow and ineffective. Staff at different locations struggled to get the real-time updates they needed about maintenance issues or operational changes. Maintenance tasks were often relayed through phone calls, emails, or paper checklists—leading to confusion, delays, and missed information.
For example, when an Esso pump malfunctioned or a KFC fryer broke down, it was up to the local team to identify the issue and report it. However, this wasn’t always an efficient process. Teams would often get lost in a sea of emails or phone calls trying to get clarification. Sometimes tasks would get lost in the shuffle or miscommunications would lead to duplicate efforts, further extending resolution times.
2. Inefficiencies in Managing Maintenance Tasks
Another significant pain point for EG Group was managing maintenance tasks across such a large network. With dozens of locations under different brands, there was no centralized way to track and manage maintenance tasks effectively. Paper-based checklists were still the norm, which made it easy for tasks to be missed or filled out incorrectly.
Maintenance teams would fill out paper forms detailing the issue, then pass them on to supervisors or operations managers. However, once the forms were filled out, they would be filed away or stored in physical folders, making it impossible to track the status of each task in real time. For operations managers, this created a constant backlog of requests and an inability to keep track of the overall progress of maintenance across locations.
This inefficiency was especially evident when urgent issues arose—like malfunctioning fuel pumps or faulty kitchen equipment during peak hours. Teams had to scramble to get the right tools, personnel, and information, which often resulted in downtime and disruptions to the customer experience.
3. Lack of Data Integration and Performance Tracking
EG Group also struggled with data integration. Each brand had its own method of tracking performance metrics, such as maintenance schedules, compliance checks, or health and safety audits. As a result, it was difficult to get a clear, accurate picture of the performance across different locations.
Operations managers found themselves sifting through different systems, trying to aggregate data to make informed decisions. This lack of unified data made it hard to identify trends, optimize workflows, and make decisions based on comprehensive insights. Reports were often manually compiled, leading to errors, outdated information, and missed opportunities for process improvement.
The Solution: How flowdit Helped EG Group Overcome Operational Hurdles
Recognizing that these inefficiencies were holding them back from achieving their full potential, EG Group decided to turn to flowdit, a platform designed to streamline operations and improve communication across large organizations.
1. Centralized Communication Across Multiple Brands
The first step in the transformation process was centralizing communication. With flowdit, EG Group was able to consolidate communication across its entire portfolio of brands into one easy-to-use platform. This allowed maintenance teams, operations managers, and support staff to communicate directly through the app, reducing the reliance on emails, phone calls, and fragmented paper trails.
flowdit’s real-time messaging system made it easy for staff to report issues and track their resolution. Operations managers and maintenance supervisors could assign tasks directly through the platform and track their progress from a single dashboard. The app also allowed for immediate updates when a task was completed, ensuring everyone involved was in the loop.
2. Streamlining Maintenance and Task Management
One of the most powerful features of flowdit was its ability to streamline maintenance and task management. With flowdit’s digital checklists, maintenance teams could quickly identify and log issues. The platform also automated routine tasks, reducing manual effort and allowing staff to focus on more important activities.
For example, when a maintenance issue arose, staff could immediately log it into the system. Supervisors would then be notified in real-time and could assign tasks to the appropriate maintenance crew. The platform’s digital checklists ensured that every task was completed according to standard operating procedures and that no steps were skipped.
3. Real-Time Tracking and Visibility
For operations managers, flowdit offered real-time tracking of all maintenance tasks, compliance checks, and health and safety audits. Instead of relying on paper-based forms or constantly checking in with staff, managers could access detailed reports, view task completion statuses, and ensure that everything was on track.
This also made it easier for managers to prioritize tasks. For instance, if a safety inspection revealed a critical issue, it could be flagged, and resources could be allocated to address the problem immediately. This level of visibility reduced downtime and improved response times for critical tasks.
4. Data Integration and Analytics for Informed Decision-Making
With flowdit’s powerful data analytics tools, EG Group could now aggregate data from multiple locations into a single dashboard. This integration of data allowed operations managers to track key performance indicators (KPIs), such as maintenance response times, equipment uptime, and service quality.
Having all of this data in one place allowed EG Group to make more informed decisions, whether it was optimizing maintenance schedules, tracking the success of new processes, or identifying trends across locations. The ability to access real-time insights helped improve overall operational efficiency and drive continuous improvement across the entire organization.
“The collaboration with the flowdit team is very positive and based on partnership. The support is excellent and plays a key role in the successful use of the app.”
Frances Grünler
Travel Manager, Communication & Office Coordinator
The Results: Streamlined Operations, Reduced Downtime, and Improved Efficiency
The shift to flowdit yielded measurable results for EG Group:
1. Increased Efficiency Across Locations
flowdit significantly improved operational efficiency across all EG Group locations. By eliminating manual processes and introducing digital checklists and real-time communication, teams were able to work faster and more effectively. Tasks that previously took hours to coordinate were now completed in minutes, with clear accountability and real-time tracking.
Maintenance teams no longer had to worry about losing track of tasks or dealing with backlogs. With automated scheduling and digital task management, every maintenance job was logged, tracked, and completed on time.
2. Reduced Downtime and Faster Issue Resolution
With real-time visibility and automated task assignment, EG Group experienced a dramatic reduction in downtime. Problems that once took hours to identify and resolve were now addressed much more quickly. The ability to track progress in real time also meant that issues could be flagged immediately, reducing the time it took to address critical problems.
The reduced downtime was especially beneficial for high-traffic locations like fuel stations and fast-food outlets, where even a short disruption can lead to significant revenue loss.
3. Better Communication and Collaboration
Thanks to flowdit, communication between maintenance teams and operations managers became more efficient and reliable. The platform ensured that everyone was on the same page, whether it was about an ongoing maintenance task, a new compliance issue, or an emergency repair.
The flow of information was seamless, reducing the need for constant phone calls or follow-up emails. This not only saved time but also helped teams collaborate more effectively, as everyone had access to the same up-to-date information.
“The collaboration with the flowdit team is very positive and based on partnership. The support is excellent and plays a key role in the successful use of the app.”
Conclusion: Setting a New Standard in Retail Operations
By embracing flowdit’s digital platform, EG Group has successfully addressed the challenges of managing diverse operations across multiple sectors. The transformation from paper-based checklists and fragmented communication to a streamlined, real-time platform has led to significant improvements in efficiency, downtime reduction, and overall operational performance.
EG Group’s ability to quickly adapt and implement flowdit has positioned them as a leader in convenience retail, setting a new standard for operational excellence. With the ability to streamline maintenance processes, integrate data across brands, and improve communication, EG Group has set itself up for long-term success in an increasingly competitive industry.
Ready to transform your operations and take your business to the next level?