The EasyFBO workflow management system recently went live at ProJet Aviation’s FBO in Leesburg, Virginia.
The web-based software takes the traditional paper and radio process of managing fuel order requests completely electronic for a more efficient and safe process, according to company officials.
The founder of EasyFBO is John Hill, a pilot and FBO employee for more than four years.
“I knew there had to be an easier way to handle this important process for FBOs,” Hill said speaking of the workflow that starts when a pilot places a fuel order: Then the front desk writes it down, then they radio the line technicians, then they complete the fueling and finally bring a paper ticket back to the front desk.
This communication process has proven to be a pain point for FBOs especially when just a single miscommunication can lead to very costly mistakes, according to Hill.
EasyFBO gives pilots the option to submit orders from their smartphones, tablets, computers, or even a kiosk at the front desk. The front desk will still be able to input orders directly into the system for clients who prefer to verbally order their fuel, but using the system ensures the ultimate mitigation of misfueling risk.
The FBO front desk will be able to monitor pending fuel requests and the orders will be automatically sent out to the proper fuel truck tablets. 100LL trucks will see only 100LL orders and Jet A trucks will see only Jet A orders.
When a fueling is complete, a line technician just has to type in the final meter numbers and then move on to the next order without extra radio chatter or having to drop off a ticket. The front desk automatically receives an electronic fuel ticket to proceed with invoicing in any software of their choice.
“The roll out of EasyFBO was just that: Easy,” said Shye Gilad, CEO of ProJet Aviation. “In just a few days, it has become the preferred method of handling fuel transactions. We are experiencing a significant reduction in radio chatter and communication errors, as well as an increase in customer satisfaction. This is a huge return on a relatively small investment!”
EasyFBO plans to launch at a total of 10 beta locations before the end of 2016, with most launching this summer.
“We’re excited to partner with multiple FBOs looking to provide the best service possible to their customers while at the same time increasing the efficiency and safety of their operation,” said Hill. “We want our system to be like an extra employee for the FBO, but at a significantly lower cost.”
EasyFBO provides a turn-key package for their beta customers that includes on-site help during launch week, continued customer support, all of the tablets, data-plans, and access to the online portal.
FBOs who become an EasyFBO beta location get a discounted price, along with free upgrades as the EasyFBO team continues to grow and update their solution, according to Hill.
“At EasyFBO we are always learning and always innovating,” he said. “We started this company by personally interviewing FBOs and will continue to directly work with the people on the ground who use this system so we can continue to make it the best solution possible for all FBOs.”