Catom | Post-M&A integration for fuel stations

Key takeaways.

Catom pulled off a fast, large-scale migration of the acquired network’s IT infrastructure.

300 sites

succesfully migrated with no disruption for consumers and partners from day 1.

10 weeks

development time for all business-critical interfaces.

60 configurations

orchestrate the active data flows for the fuel station network.

2,6x faster

migration speed: just 10 weeks instead of the projected 6+ months.

Challenges.

To acquire the BP station network in the Netherlands, Catom had to uncouple all systems from a global ERP environment.

The deal timeline at risk.

Due to a global ERP freeze period on the seller side, there was a strict deadline for the project. And on top of that, very little data could be shared in advance for compliance reasons. In practice, that meant Catom had only about ten weeks to carry out the migration. BP had estimated a minimum of six months development time for the project. A failure to complete the IT migration on time would put the entire acquisition deal at risk.

Surging IT costs.

Some initial quotes from existing global IT service providers of the multi-energy giant were higher than the Lobster project in total. There was also no guarantee of delivery according to the deadline.

A complex data jungle.

The network’s technology landscape required seamless integration of fuel cards, payments, HR systems, and inventory management. Master data management was a nightmare: One partner, for instance, would send daily product data containing tens of thousands of SKUs. Catom had to filter out just under 10% of these for their store assortment and synchronize them across all systems under ongoing operations.

“We were told it was impossible to complete the project in such a short timeframe and it would take at least six months. With Lobster, we managed to get the first version ready for go-live in just ten weeks, saving the entire deal.”

Roel Brand

Catom

IT Project Manager

Outcome.

Thanks to Lobster’s efforts and with the help of partners, SLTN and Team 14, all stations were migrated on time without any issues.

Deadline met.

Catom went live on schedule with all core functions, avoiding expensive managed services from legacy technology providers. Instead of getting bogged down in lengthy coordination loops with corporate suppliers, Catom was able to stay in control and manage the migration entirely on their own terms.

Business continuity in payment processing.

High-volume fuel card transactions (DKV, UTA, etc.), which are particularly complex, are running flawlessly. With fuel card issuers requiring precise records of individual transactions and billing files in highly specific partner formats, any error would immediately lead to revenue losses. Lobster now reliably manages these payment flows and ensures daily cash flow.

Maximum flexibility.

Catom has successfully freed itself from dependence on large IT providers. The team can now design and translate data flows on its own, without having to rely on third-party response times. If an intermediate system fails, the integrated platform ensures that data is cached and processed in an orchestrated manner once the point-of-sale or backend system is operational again.

Approach.

The implementation of Lobster enabled Catom to perform an agile, internal data transformation and created a solid foundation for future acquisitions.

Strategic architecture shift

From point-to-point chaos to a central data integration platform.

Instead of incurring high licensing costs for the existing rigid systems of the fuel station network, Catom decided to build its own central data hub. Since the company follows a strict IT and compliance strategy, Lobster fit the bill with its flexibility and “freedom of choice”: on-prem, in the cloud, or even hybrid. The platform now acts as middleware, orchestrating all inbound and outbound interfaces between the stations and the central systems for finance, HR, payments, and logistics.

Agile implementation with the right IT partner

Rapid rollout thanks to Lobster’s expertise

To meet the tight ten-week deadline, Catom adopted an extremely agile approach. Engaging a specialized and experienced Lobster partner yielded solid results. Catom does not maintain an in-house software development department, and Lobster’s no-code logic proved to be an invaluable asset for configuring interfaces swiftly, transforming data, and visually pinpointing sources of errors.

Managing the daily data streams from external partners

Clean-up, harmonization, and automated ordering

Integrating third-party partners for shop replenishment was particularly complex. Product files containing up to 50,000 SKUs had to be processed daily, from which Catom needed to filter out the 2,000 to 3,000 shop items relevant to them. The Lobster Data Platform enables them to cleanly harmonize these massive volumes of data and the systems‘ varying location IDs, as well as to establish automated ordering processes.

Cross-acceptance and seamless consolidation during ongoing operations

Existing fuel cards can be used everywhere

Thanks to Lobster, Catom also implemented cross-acceptance for fuel cards. Customers can now use Catom’s own “OK” fuel card to pay at BP stations that have not yet been rebranded. They remain unaware of the migration in the background. Catom is currently making extensive use of the platform to consolidate its customer loyalty systems.

Creating a perfect “acquisition engine”.

Ready to tap into new growth opportunities.

Catom has set ambitious growth targets and has now positioned itself to execute future acquisitions in the fuel and convenience space with speed. With Lobster, the company has created the perfect tool for rapid integrations, one that has already impressively demonstrated its effectiveness.

Technical Setup.

The on-premise Lobster Data Platform acts as the central nervous system connecting the fuel stations (using POS systems from two providers) with Catom’s ERP landscape. It processes diverse data formats, including CSV, Excel, and SFTP transfers. The system launched with 66 configurations and has since grown to a solid setup comprising over 85 active interfaces.

Lower Costs.
Faster Processes.
Enhanced Efficiency.

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What's next.

Following the successful system migration, Catom is now focusing on master data management.

Data management and synchronization.

The last takeover revealed significant discrepancies in location IDs and product data, and the Lobster Data Platform will serve as a strategic tool for data management and synchronization going forward.

Every new project.

Furthermore, every new optimization or acquisition project will now utilize the platform by default.

About Catom.

Catom B.V. is a rapidly growing wholesaler and retailer of conventional and renewable fuels and lubricants in the Netherlands, founded in 1998. The company supplies oil traders, independent fuel station operators, and other business customers on the mainland using its own fleet of tanker trucks, as well as the maritime market using its own bunker boats and bunker stations. In addition, Catom operates over 400 fuel stations and electric charging stations with attached stores under the OK brand. Catom is headquartered in Breda and has six regional sales offices.