How Gekom Engineered a Robust, Multi-Platform Payment Ecosystem
Securing Payment Acceptance
Facing headwinds with its existing fleet payment agreements and challenged by an aging legacy system struggling to scale with a growing customer base and gas station network, Gekom embarked on a strategic modernization journey. This initiative aimed to not only introduce crucial upfront payment support and bolster payment acceptance but also to fortify the platform against vulnerabilities, enhance its performance, and eradicate persistent defects, ultimately paving the way for expanded market reach, diversified service offerings, and a future of sustained growth and innovation in the fleet and fuel management landscape.
“Modernizing Gekom’s payment infrastructure isn’t just about transactions; it’s about fueling a new era of trust, accessibility, and growth for the fleet management ecosystem.
Needs
Gekom, a fleet and fuel management solutions provider, faced declining acceptance of fleet payment agreements, necessitating support for upfront payments. Additionally, vulnerabilities, performance issues, and defects in its legacy payment solution emerged as its customer base and gas station network grew, demanding modernization.
Solution
We conducted market analysis and engaged payment providers to define selection criteria, ensuring vendor independence, service quality, and cost efficiency. Our approach included:
- Gap analysis & redesign: Evaluating existing functionalities and architecture to align with the new provider’s requirements.
- Agile development: Using Scrum for incremental releases to refactor legacy code, improving performance, security, and stability.
- Multi-platform accessibility: Extending the solution to Android and iOS via mobile apps.
Challenges & expectations
The project aimed to:
- Expand Gekom’s gas station network by guaranteeing payment acceptance, overcoming credit-related objections.
- Boost fleet customer adoption, increasing fuel transaction volume and revenue.
- Enhance financial predictability and reduce default risks for gas stations.
Key challenges included:
- Implementing a guaranteed payment model, requiring legal adjustments and seamless software integration.
- Driving gas station adoption through clear communication and operational adjustments.
Results
- Legacy modernization: Transitioned to a continuous delivery model with a clear roadmap, improving system robustness.
- Mobile expansion: Launched Android/iOS apps, broadening accessibility.
- Operational success: Enabled upfront payments and initiated a campaign to expand the gas station network.
Technology & methodology
- Backend: .NET/C#
- Frontend: Angular, Flutter/Dart (mobile)
- Database: SQL Server
- DevOps: GitLab CI/CD
- Testing: Postman, Cypress
- Cloud: Azure
Future plans
- Guaranteed payment expansion: Grow gas station participation and diversify financial partnerships.
- Post-paid solutions: Develop credit-based payment options to attract more fleet clients.
- Tech advancements: Upgrade backend/frontend stacks for scalability and security.
- Geographic growth: Target high-demand regions and industry events.
- New payment methods: Integrate PIX recurring payments and digital wallets.
- UX improvements: Enhance mobile/web interfaces with data analytics tools.
By modernizing its payment infrastructure, Gekom strengthens its position as a leader in fleet management solutions, driving innovation and sustainable growth.