Fast and efficient fuel payments using QR Codes

This functionality is crafted to guarantee that drivers can easily manage company fuel payments, reducing any inconveniences or interruptions in the course of their travels.

Project Details

Company

Namutek Fintech

Project type

Contract

Project Date

June 2021

My role

Senior UX Designer

The Challenge

The current payment process lacks efficiency and user-friendliness, creating hurdles for drivers and attendants who need to conduct transactions seamlessly. The existing system requires users to navigate multiple steps and with bad interfaces, leading to confusion and frustration. As a result, users often experience delays and errors while attempting to make payments, negatively impacting their overall experience.

What we know

  • The main payment method in Flotas up to this point has been through a company debit card. The driver will provide the card to the attendant, and he will pass it through the dataphone, entering the driver code or license plate, car mileage, amount to pay, and gallons they’re buying.

  • Certain gas stations also can do this by scanning a QR code in the driver’s window.

  • Both methods are not digital; during the transactions, the attendants will request information that is not needed, and this will cause entering random information in the system that could lead to errors.

  • When the transaction fails, the dataphone will not show any error; it will only display an X sign. Therefore the user can take no action.

  • The actual process is so problematic that some gas stations say they don’t take that payment method to avoid the experience.

  • Dataphone change processes are very complex.

  • The main users are truck drivers on the road with limited internet access and time constraints.

About Flotas

  • Flotas is a dedicated banking partner that provides fuel payment solutions tailored specifically for fleet management companies in Central America. Flotas platform empowers users to effortlessly assign fuel rights to their drivers while seamlessly managing business rules, billing, and cost-saving strategies.

  • Mobile App: Android and iOS

    Web App

  • Truck Drivers: Individuals purchasing fuel at the stations. May benefit from loyalty programs, mobile payment options, and personalized offers.Require functionalities for route optimization, fuel load tracking and availability.

    Financial Managers/Accountants: Handle financial transactions, invoicing, and reconciliation.

    Fleet Managers: Manage vehicle fleets that rely on the fuel supply. Require data on fuel consumption, expenses, and vehicle efficiency.

Design Process

I started by gathering all user insights, defining the appropriate user flow and technical requirements in collaboration with the Product Owner. I also met with implementation managers to gather information about the end-users. Unfortunately, testing or interviewing end users wasn't possible for this project.

The project involved implementing new technology in the platform, so I worked closely with the CTO to ensure we had the right data and information on potential risks, constraints, and expected outcomes.

The most exciting aspect of this project was digitizing a manual process.

The Solution

High-level Diagram

This experience begins when the gas station attendant, using their Android device, enters the dispensed amount for the Fleet driver.

This action generates a QR code that the vehicle driver can scan with their phone.

Upon scanning the QR code, the vehicle driver can select the vehicle plate, choose the type of fuel purchased, and input other necessary business-related information directly in Flotas App. Additionally, the driver can proceed to make the fuel payment by selecting continue.

The gas station attendant can confirm the payment through an SMS notification.

The driver receives automatic confirmation and can review their purchase receipt along with the purchase history for the last 3 months.

Outcomes

The prototype

QR code payments have proven to streamline transactions at fuel stations across Central America. The quick scanning process has reduced the time customers spend at the moment of payment, contributing to improved operational efficiency.

The QR code payment solution has demonstrated a high level of interoperability and compatibility with various devices and platforms. This ensures a smooth experience for users across different devices and operating systems, promoting inclusivity.

A version 2.0 was planned to incorporate payments through Whatsapp.