Innovative technology to automate product replenishment
Mobil recently completed a pilot program for its EZ Order system, a holistic technology solution designed to streamline and automate fluid replenishment for customers. The solution can be scaled to the needs of each customer, and includes a Mobil EZ Order button, tank monitoring integration, an online portal, and an smart device app.
The system works by placing a self-adhesive button to a fluid tank, which allows a user to simply press the button when supply gets low to place a re-order. The customer instantly receives a text message prompting them to confirm the order details. Once confirmed, the distributor and customer will be notified by email and the order will be fulfilled.
According to Cassandra Clarke, on-highway offer advisor for ExxonMobil, the goal is to launch the full Mobil EZ order experience later this year.
“We’re happy with how the testing and development process has progressed, and we’re confident that we’ll be able to deliver a high-quality solution that helps fleet managers save time and make their day-to-day jobs easier,” Clarke says.
The types of fluids the system can help streamline include heavy duty diesel engine oils, greases, automatic transmission fluids, and other ancillary fluids.
Clarke notes the pilot program was a success and had nearly 400 individuals test the system. For example, one customer was out of the office and had more trucks come into his fleet than originally anticipated. The fleet was quickly running out of product. The customer received a notification via a button click from a technician, and he was able to quickly confirm the product order from across the country without having to make a phone call. A simple “yes” replied to a text confirmed the order. This prevented downtime in the shop.
The Mobil EZ Order experience is underway for a wider commercial launch in later 2019. Once launched, the company is planning to eventually incorporate a predictive ordering feature.
