Maximizing Operational Efficiency with APIs and Automated Workflows 

In a traditional procurement-to-payment workflow, the sheer volume of manual touchpoints can be overwhelming. Counting supply and contract management, forecasting and dispatching, as well as reconciling and invoicing, it’s not uncommon for such workflows to include over a hundred touchpoints.  

The correlation between such a high number and the efficiency of a process is unmistakable. A high-touch workflow inevitably leads to slower processes and increased error rates, including inventory variance factors, billing discrepancies, and ultimately, lost revenue. 

How can fuel operators drive this number down? Workflow automation is the key. 

API integration for automation 

Manual touchpoints spur specific errors and issues depending on where they lie in the workflow. A traditional tank chart, for example, relies on manual measurements and periodic ATG readings. As a result, traditional tank charts can be pretty inaccurate, sometimes being off by 7% or even more. On the back-office side of the equation, manual invoice matching doesn’t always reveal inaccuracies quickly, leading to lost time and delayed payments. Resolving billing issues requires even more time and labor hours as operators “chase paper” through multiple workflow systems to reconcile discrepancies. 

The power of integrating API technology is its ability to connect multiple workflow applications, centralizing data streams for a dashboard view of all moving parts. An API solution can connect to pricing feeds, tank monitors, tax engines, ERPs, 3rd party haulers, routing tools and more so that fuel operators have a single connection point for all workflow services and tools. They gain end-to-end visibility via a single source of truth—a central hub where they can view and act on all relevant data all in one place. 

Business value of automation 

By minimizing manual interventions and maximizing efficiency throughout the supply chain, workflow automation helps companies unlock substantial revenue growth opportunities while ensuring unparalleled operational excellence. It enables fuel operators to reduce manual touchpoints, flag disparities in near-real time for prompt response and resolve back-office invoice matching and reconciliation prior to data hitting the accounting system.  

In addition, automated systems facilitate: 

• Complex buy- and sell-side contracts across providers and terminals with daily price changes Best buy purchases with smart pricing and freight consideration 
• Precise, consumption-based inventory forecasting 
• Universal dispatch and carrier management 

In short, automation moves orders through the procurement to payment workflow seamlessly, transforming businesses and adding substantial value to their bottom line. 

To learn how your business can benefit from API integration and automated workflow, talk with one of our Titan Cloud solution consultants here. 

Brian Allender

SVP of Product & Technology

Brian has over 15 years’ experience providing a range of solutions to businesses of all kinds, focusing on development, project management, quality assurance, and operations. As the SVP of Product & Technology at Titan, Brian leads the company’s overall product strategy, including process improvement and development operations.