SaaS Versus Managed Services

A shift towards SaaS 

There are vendors that will help companies do just about everything these days. From compliance management and fuel reconciliation to ATG alarm management and tank monitoring, retailers around the world are outsourcing services to third-party vendors to streamline their processes. But what if there’s a more efficient way to manage these services without having to relinquish control over your data? 

That’s where Software as a Service, or SaaS, platforms come in. These solutions allow retailers to manage their work in the cloud, access it anywhere, and receive regular software updates. We’re seeing a huge industry shift to these solutions from third-party managed services as companies automate processes that used to require large teams of experts. Moving onto one SaaS platform isn’t just more efficient, but it also gives greater data visibility, reduces costs, and provides more security. 

One single source of truth 

As convenience retailers have invested more heavily in technology, many have found themselves with multiple vendors per project or business function. Not only is it tedious to have multiple platforms, but many managed services platforms don’t speak to each other, keeping your data siloed. With comprehensive SaaS solutions, retailers can integrate their internal systems for company-wide visibility into data and processes. With all your data in one place, it’s easy to identify inefficiencies or warning signs that were once concealed between gaps in service platforms and providers. With all the consolidation happening, it’s more important now than ever to maximize technology efficiencies by streamlining your services on one single source of truth.  

Stretch your budget 

Large retailers cite many reasons for moving from managed services to SaaS solutions, but cost efficiency is always one of them. Managed services can cost more than $100 per site per month, and if you have multiple vendors and hundreds of sites…well you get the picture. While the original intent might have been to outsource services to save on staffing costs, the truth is that consolidation of services to one platform is often the most cost-effective option.  

If you’re a smaller retailer with fewer sites, then managed services may be the cheaper option, but you should run the numbers for yourself. Hiring someone to head up the services in-house may still be cheaper than outsourcing your services, especially if you move to a SaaS platform with support teams available that can alleviate work for internal teams. Regardless, smaller retailers will have to decide which choice is most cost effective for their company, and if a lower price for managed services is worth the risks.  

Be Prepared 

Everyone’s heard about the recent cyber-attacks on businesses large and small, including breaches at Colonial Pipeline and JBS. No one is immune from these hacking attempts (not even the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard) so once-cautious retailers are being urged by internal IT departments to adopt more secure platforms for their data. As cyberattacks become more prevalent, retailers are eager to eliminate any vulnerabilities in their processes starting with availability of their data. 

By moving to SaaS solutions, retailers can eliminate multiple logins by third parties, which introduces a higher risk for human error. Removing any unnecessary vulnerabilities such as this can increase security over customer and payment systems data. When it comes to cybersecurity, the best way to mitigate risk is by consolidating the number of platforms and companies that have access to your data. 

Going the distance 

When faced with a lack of forecourt visibility, cost inefficiencies, and the threat of a cybersecurity attack, retailers need to make changes to how they manage their sites and forecourt data. By switching to a SaaS platform, you can take control of your data, allowing you to streamline your processes and save money too. And if you work with a company like Titan Cloud, you won’t have to make these changes alone and can get the support you need to make a seamless transition.  

Interested in learning more about SaaS solutions? 

Contact us.

Eric Nordstrom

Senior Director of Customer Success

Eric has 20+ years of experience in customer success roles and has been in the fuel industry since 2009. Eric’s main focus is to lead a positive customer journey, drive growth, and keep customer retention levels high.