Running a successful independent service station takes more than just long hours and hard work; it also requires the right tools behind the scenes. For Sri Reddy, who operates BP Mount Waverley in Melbourne, having a reliable and insightful POS system has proven to be one of the most important factors in managing the site effectively.
After a brief period using another POS platform, Sri recently returned to Beacon and says the decision has given him renewed confidence in how he operates the business.
A Familiar Platform That Delivers
Sri initially implemented Beacon POS when he took over BP Mount Waverley and used it for almost six years. During that time, he was impressed with the system’s stability and the visibility it provided into his day-to-day operations.
“I started with Beacon when we took on the site and used it for many years without issue,” he says. “At one point, I became curious after hearing about another system through some industry contacts, so I decided to try something new.”
A Learning Experience
While the alternative POS looked good at first glance, Sri soon found that it didn’t meet his needs in the same way Beacon had.
Sri reflects on the experience as a valuable one that helped him clarify what’s most important in a POS system. “You realise very quickly what features you rely on as a business owner, the daily reports, the ability to monitor margins, and the tools to track performance accurately.”
Why He Came Back
Sri ultimately made the decision to return to Beacon, citing its back-office reporting and system reliability as key drivers.
“As a site owner, I need to know exactly what’s going on each day, how many cents per litre I’m making, how each category is performing, and where adjustments are needed,” he explains. “Beacon gives me that visibility and control.”
He also notes that since returning, he’s noticed how far the system has come. “The support is better now than it was before, and Beacon has made improvements in the way the system functions and integrates with the day-to-day running of the site.”
Built for Operators Who Want Insight
One of the features Sri appreciates most is how Beacon supports good decision-making. “The reports are clear, accurate, and easy to access. I can get the data I need when I need it.”
This includes features like stocktakes, receiving stock, and margin analysis, all of which he uses regularly to manage profitability. “It’s a system that helps me run the business efficiently, without needing to spend all day in the back office.”
Support That Makes a Difference
Sri is also quick to praise the Beacon support team. “They take their time developing new features, but when they do, they get it right. And if you ever need help, they’re there.”
While it took a little time for new staff to get used to the Beacon interface, Sri says it hasn’t been a barrier. “There’s always a learning curve with any system. But once they understand it, it works well.”
A POS That Grows With You
Beacon’s continued development is something Sri sees as a major advantage. From improving the platform’s usability to rolling out new features that reflect customer feedback, he believes the system is evolving in the right direction.
“They’re focused on making it better all the time, which gives you confidence that you’re not just using a system that’s standing still,” he says.
Final Word: “I’m Glad to Be Back”
When asked if he would recommend Beacon to other independent service station owners, Sri doesn’t hesitate.
“Definitely. It gives me the tools I need to understand my business, the support to back it up, and the flexibility to grow. I’ve seen what’s out there, and I’m happy to be back with Beacon.”
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Returning to Beacon POS: A Better Fit for Business at BP Mount Waverley
Running a successful independent service station is no small task. For Sri Reddy, who operates the busy BP Mount Waverley site in Melbourne, technology plays a crucial role in staying on top of the day-to-day operations. After experimenting with a different POS system, Sri recently returned to Beacon and has no regrets about coming back.
“I had Beacon when we first took on BP Mount Waverley and used it for almost six years,” Sri says. “Then I heard from others in the industry that a different system was becoming popular. I got curious and decided to give it a try. It looked flashier on the surface, but I didn’t really look beyond the front-end.”
Looks Can Be Deceiving
Sri admits that when he made the switch, he was drawn in by the polished appearance of the alternative POS system. “It looked a bit more modern, more attractive at the time,” he explains. “But I didn’t check the back office before switching. That was my mistake.”
It didn’t take long for Sri to feel the limitations.
“The reporting wasn’t there. I missed the features Beacon had, things like daily cents-per-litre margin reports and category sales. Even simple security settings like being able to prevent staff from changing prices were missing.”
One incident in particular highlighted the difference. “With Beacon, I can set cigarettes so the price can’t be changed by console operators. That’s important to prevent discounting or mistakes. But with the other system, you could just change the price to anything, even a dollar.”
Why Back Office Matters
For Sri, the back office isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s the heartbeat of his business.
“As a site owner, you need to know exactly what’s happening every day. I want to see how many cents per litre I’m making. Based on that, I can adjust prices. Beacon makes it easy to do that.”
He also appreciates the reliability of the reporting. “Everything is accurate, and it’s available when I need it. The other system struggled to give me reports when I needed them. Beacon is much more responsive.”
Returning to Beacon
After experiencing the limitations of the other system, Sri made the decision to return to Beacon and says it was a relief to be back.
“The switch back was easy. And even though some of my staff found Beacon a bit more involved to learn, for me as the owner, the back office tools make all the difference.”
Beacon’s ongoing improvements since Sri first used the system have also been a welcome surprise. “Their support has improved a lot in the last couple of years. They take their time developing features, but they do it right.”
Integration, Stock Management, and Support
Sri now uses Beacon for a range of business functions from stocktakes and receiving deliveries to checking reports and managing profitability. “Everything is there,” he says. “The functionality for stock management is excellent, and the system is stable.”
Support is also something he values. “They’re much better now. You can tell there’s a focus on doing things properly.”
While his console operators initially found the interface a bit different from what they were used to, Sri says the training curve is worth it. “Once they’re used to it, it’s fine. But for me, the value is in the insights the system gives me every day.”
Final Word: A POS System That Works for You
Would Sri recommend Beacon to other service station operators?
“Definitely. 100%,” he says without hesitation. “It gives you the reporting you need, the control you want, and the support to back it up. I’ve used other systems, but Beacon is where I feel confident about how my business is running.”
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