Dive Brief:
- Kwik Trip has tapped software company Gravitate to automate various supply chain tasks across its store network, according to a Monday announcement.
- The convenience retailer is using Gravitate’s Supply & Dispatch solution, which aims to help c-stores, carriers and wholesalers manage their fuel value chains through automated orders and route optimization.
- The partnership is part of Kwik Trip’s strategic project to move towards AI-enabled supply chain programs, according to the announcement.
Dive Insight:
Kwik Trip is working with Gravitate to improve its fuel supply decisions and minimize the laid-in cost of fuel across its entire store network, according to the announcement. It will also use Gravitate’s capabilities to auto-dispatch, source all loads and streamline the in-cab workflow for its internal fleet and carriers.
The program aims to help Kwik Trip keep communication open across its network, as well as streamline processes for drivers, dispatches and store employees.
"We had a big choice to make back in 2020: Go with an outdated legacy solution or take a leap of faith with Gravitate. We couldn't be happier with our decision,” Chad Hollett, vice president of fuel distribution for Kwik Trip, said in the announcement.
The announcement comes as Kwik Trip continues to deal with a weeks-long network outage that the company says was likely caused by a cybersecurity incident.
This isn’t the first time Houston-based Gravitate has worked with a convenience store retailer. The company has also partnered with Casey’s General Stores; Huck’s; and Hutchinson Oil, which operates Hutch’s c-stores.
"Our order engine, workflow, analytics and supply management capabilities have been pushed to new highs thanks to Kwik Trip,” Mike Scharf, CEO and founder of Gravitate, said in the announcement.
La Crosse, Wisconsin-based Kwik Trip is one of the largest c-store operators in the U.S., with over 800 locations in its network.
