C-Store Solves Internet Connectivity Challenge
By Jackson Lewis on Jul. 05, 2017BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- Mirabito Energy Products resolved an issue of loss of internet connectivity due to power outages, and it completed a case study with supply chain and connectivity firm Barcoding outlining the problem and solution.
Here are details of Mirabito’s online connectivity issue and how it worked with Barcoding to resolve the problem …
The challenge
Before working with Barcoding, Mirabito used broadband internet as its only data source in its convenience stores. But the stores experienced frequent outages that kept them from functioning. Outages would disable the credit-card network and other Mirabito technology systems, leaving staff unable to serve customers, which meant lower revenue and customer satisfaction.
“Within our store environment, we have loyalty and other customer-centric value-add programs. These programs, along with the credit-card network, require internet connectivity to operate correctly, so during an outage the customer experience suffers greatly. In this situation, our employee feels helpless because they cannot adequately service the customer,” said Eric Bunts, chief information officer for Mirabito.
The solution
Mirabito worked with Verizon Wireless and Barcoding to set up a supporting cellular network system to give the stores uninterrupted access to Mirabito’s supply chain.
Barcoding installed Cradlepoint AER1600 Series routers with Cradlepoint’s NetCloud Enterprise Cloud Manager to control each device remotely. The routers include multicarrier 4G LTE support in addition to Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity.
Results
Now that the new cellular network is installed, stores have a backup option to allow internet connectivity, and the system also provides Mirabito with regular metrics and reports.
“Previously, we would average three to four sites being down for a total of four hours per week. With the new system, we may have one store down every other week for five minutes. This is a huge reduction in lost connectivity,” Bunts said. “Additionally, the system creates reports that allow us to evaluate and proactively resolve any issues. When dealing with metered data, the metrics are just as important as operations, and this solution gives us real-time data.”
Binghamton, N.Y.-based Mirabito is a full-service energy provider for families and businesses in upstate New York, western Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. The company operates 101 retail convenience stores with a variety of fuel products.
Barcoding, based in Baltimore, is a systems integrator specializing in developing and installing enterprise products and services. The company works with businesses across a wide range of industries to improve their supply-chain and logistical hurdles.