‘Automation is an indispensable part of the energy transition,’ says Richard Schellekens, IT manager at AVIA Vollenhoven in Tilburg. The company uses Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central in combination with the industry-specific solution FuelVision365.
AVIA Vollenhoven is in the midst of the energy transition, and automation is playing an increasingly important role in this process. “What makes AVIA Vollenhoven unique is the combination of local roots, a family-oriented culture, and forward-thinking entrepreneurship,” says IT Manager Richard Schellekens. “When you call us, you’ll always get a familiar face on the line. That personal touch and our values—being a good employer, looking out for our staff, a sense of community, and social responsibility—are what make us strong.” As ICT manager, Schellekens is responsible for AVIA Vollenhoven’s application landscape. “There are two of us, and we handle both strategic and operational tasks. One day we’re connecting cables; the next, I’m working on implementing sustainable mobility solutions or upgrading from Navision 2017 to Business Central. For me, no two days are the same; that variety is one of the reasons my job is so enjoyable.”
ERP Software: Business Central + FuelVision365
AVIA Vollenhoven has relied on Microsoft business software and the expertise of Alistar—formerly Logic Vision—for nearly 20 years. An important tool in daily operations is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, combined with the industry-specific solution FuelVision365. Schellekens: “The system supports our core processes: from customer management and fuel invoicing to point-of-sale modules. We hardly use Excel anymore; almost everything is handled through the system. The trip module and POS integration are also crucial 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. “I prefer to use a single integrated system as much as possible. It’s great for us that Logic Vision is now part of Alistar and has broader in-house expertise than just ERP.”
“The system supports our core processes: from customer management and card billing to point-of-sale modules. We hardly use Excel anymore; almost everything is handled through the system.”
Richard Schellekens, IT Manager
Highest value
According to Schellekens, FuelVision365“s greatest value lies in its ability to handle exceptions. ”In principle, you can automate standard business processes effectively using almost any system, but it’s precisely the exceptions that are important in our industry. For example, we have to deal with factors such as density and special units that are common in our industry. That’s where FuelVision365 really makes a difference.“ Schellekens is also pleased with the updates that Microsoft continues to roll out in Business Central. ”The analytics module in Business Central is constantly being expanded. That’s very valuable.”
At the end of 2024, AVIA Vollenhoven went live with Business Central following an upgrade from Navision 2017, the predecessor to Business Central. Schellekens greatly appreciates the collaboration with Alistar as the implementation partner. “The consultants” expertise and calm demeanor were very reassuring during this implementation.” Another key factor in the project’s success was the time that AVIA Vollenhoven’s employees set aside for it. ”We spent the months leading up to the implementation working on scripts and test plans. That allowed us to complete the transition in a single weekend. Preparation is everything.”
Go with the Flow
Looking ahead, Schellekens sees automation as an indispensable link in the energy transition. “We want to be part of the energy transition and make it as easy as possible for our customers. We can’t do this alone. It’s important that our partners join us in this effort. For example, we’re currently working with Alistar to determine the best option for managing transactions from various authorization partners. So we really need our partners” support when it comes to integrating with other software as well.”
AVIA Vollenhoven
AVIA Vollenhoven is a family-owned business founded 130 years ago by Jacques van Vollenhoven. Since its founding, the Tilburg-based company has been inextricably linked to petroleum products. Over the years, it has grown into one of the largest independent petroleum wholesalers in the Netherlands. Since 2006, AVIA Vollenhoven has been part of the AVIA cooperative and has brought a growing number of gas stations under the AVIA brand. AVIA Vollenhoven operates AVIA (staffed), AVIA XPress (unstaffed), and AVIA Truck (transport) gas stations. With approximately 230 employees spread across North Brabant, Zeeland, and Limburg, AVIA Vollenhoven provides targeted support to help its customers on their way.
