RaceTrac's Rapid Expansion Campaign Gets Technological Boost

ATLANTA, Ga. -- RaceTrac Petroleum will leverage Systemates Inc.'s Projectmates construction management software for its rapid expansion campaign. The convenience store retailer will use the solution to manage the complete lifecycle of its new store construction and capital improvement projects.

In the past three years, RaceTrac has opened more than 100 c-stores and its plans for future development are stronger than ever. With this rapid growth, the Atlanta-based company needed a web-based construction management software that could streamline processes and be used from "cradle to grave," according to Dallas-based Systemates. After a thorough investigation of several project management software systems, RaceTrac selected Projectmates for its flexibility, robust suite of business process workflows and vast experience in the retail industry, the supplier said.

A phased implementation plan is underway, with RaceTrac's engineering department adopting Projectmates first. The chain's real estate and construction departments will begin full implementation in March. "We're going to live and breathe Projectmates," said Chad Baker, senior engineering project manager. "The intent is to communicate better so projects run smoother."

Projectmates has features designed specifically for retail to help processes such as surveying, permitting, store planning, merchandising and construction, as well as post-opening special projects and promotional activities. Enterprise reporting eliminates the challenge of collecting and compiling analytics across a large number of properties. Executives can track project status by division, region, project manager and project type, for example.

The software also integrates with accounting software to automatically process approved invoices and report budget progress in real time, and Projectmates offers users a way to roll out a project/program to dozens or hundreds of stores in two simple steps, enabling clients to effortlessly push out items like project schedules, design documents and checklists.

All Projectmates business process workflows are supported on Apple's iPad and other iPad-like devices, making the software ideal for store surveys and for viewing project planograms, schedules and punch lists onsite. In addition, Projectmates' parts ordering system provides a process for ordering construction assemblies, allowing materials for capital improvement projects to be generated and tracked through delivery at the store.

RaceTrac operates 320 retail gasoline convenience stores in five southeastern states -- Florida, Georgia, Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Most RaceTrac sites features 20 to 24 fueling positions and a 4,000-plus-square-foot convenience store, featuring over 4,000 items.