“Automation is an indispensable link in the energy transition.’ So says Richard Schellekens, ICT Manager at AVIA Vollenhoven in Tilburg. The company works with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and uses it in combination with the industry solution FuelVision365.
AVIA Vollenhoven is in the midst of the energy transition, and automation is playing an increasingly important role. “What makes AVIA Vollenhoven unique is the combination of local roots, a family culture and forward‑looking entrepreneurship,” says ICT Manager Richard Schellekens. “When you call us, you actually get a familiar face on the line. That personal contact and our values – good employer stewardship, taking care of our people, solidarity and social responsibility – make us strong.”
As IT Manager, Schellekens is responsible for AVIA Vollenhoven’s application landscape. “We are a team of two and handle both strategic and operational work. One day we’re connecting cables, the next I’m working on sustainable mobility or upgrading from Navision 2017 to Business Central. No day is the same for me, and that variety is one of the reasons I enjoy my job so much.”
“The system supports our core processes: from customer management and card invoicing to POS modules. We hardly use Excel anymore; nearly everything runs through the system!”
Richard Schellekens, ICT Manager
ERP software: Business Central + FuelVision365
VIA Vollenhoven has relied on Microsoft business software and the expertise of Alistar—formerly Logic Vision—for nearly 20 years. A crucial tool in daily operations is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, combined with the industry solution FuelVision365. Schellekens explains: “The system supports our core processes, from customer management and card invoicing to POS modules. We hardly use Excel anymore; almost everything runs through the system. The trip module and POS integration are also essential for us. The software is modular and therefore flexible.”
In addition to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, AVIA Vollenhoven also uses other Microsoft products such as Power BI and CRM. “Ideally, I want to use one integrated system as much as possible. It is a great benefit for us that Logic Vision is now part of Alistar and has broader expertise than ERP alone.”
Main value
According to Schellekens, the greatest value of FuelVision365 lies in its ability to support exceptions. “Standard business processes can be automated effectively by almost any system, but it’s the exceptions that really matter in our industry. For example, we deal with factors such as density and special units that are common in our sector. That’s where FuelVision365 truly makes a difference.” Schellekens is also pleased with the ongoing updates Microsoft continues to roll out in Business Central. “The analytics module in Business Central keeps expanding. That is extremely valuable.”
At the end of 2024, AVIA Vollenhoven went live with Business Central after upgrading from Navision 2017, the predecessor of Business Central. Schellekens greatly appreciates the collaboration with Alistar as the implementation partner. “The consultants’ expertise and calm approach were very reassuring throughout the implementation.” Another key factor in the project’s success was the time AVIA Vollenhoven’s staff dedicated to preparation. “In the months leading up to the implementation, we worked on playbooks and test plans. As a result, we were able to complete the transition in a single weekend. Preparation is everything.”
Partners in progress
For the future, Schellekens sees automation as an indispensable link in the energy transition. “We want to move with the energy transition and make that process as easy as possible for the customer. We cannot do that alone. It is essential that our partners move with us. For example, together with Alistar we are currently exploring the best option for managing transactions from various authorisation partners. So even when it comes to integrations with other software, we rely heavily on our partners.”
AVIA Vollenhoven
AVIA Vollenhoven is a family‑owned company founded 130 years ago by Jacques van Vollenhoven. Since its establishment, the Tilburg‑based organisation has been closely connected to oil products. Over the years, it has developed into one of the largest independent oil wholesalers in the Netherlands. Since 2006, AVIA Vollenhoven has been part of the AVIA cooperative and has placed a growing number of service stations under the AVIA brand.
AVIA Vollenhoven operates AVIA (staffed), AVIA XPress (unstaffed) and AVIA Truck (transport) service stations. With roughly 230 employees spread across North Brabant, Zeeland and Limburg, AVIA Vollenhoven helps its customers stay on the move with focus and dedication.