The LPG industry is evolving fast, and so is the need for smarter, more efficient plant management. Whether you’re running a single depot or managing multiple facilities, choosing the right software can determine how well your operations scale, how much you save, and how confidently you grow.
But with so many solutions on the market, how do you know which one is right for your plant?
Here are the top 7 essential features to look for in LPG plant management software — features that go beyond generic accounting tools and speak directly to the needs of gas businesses.
1. Cylinder Tracking and Asset Management
LPG cylinders are your most valuable assets. Without accurate tracking, they can go missing, become unaccounted for, or fall into misuse — costing your business millions over time.
Look for software that offers:
Unique cylinder ID assignment
Real-time tracking across depots, dealers, and customers
History logs for each cylinder
Alerts for lost, overdue, or damaged cylinders
Why it matters: Precise tracking improves accountability, reduces losses, and ensures smooth operations.
2. Depot and Inventory Management
LPG plants often manage bulk gas, empty/full cylinders, valves, and other accessories across multiple sites. Manual stock-taking is error-prone and time-consuming.
A good software should include:
Centralized inventory view
Stock transfer between depots
Automated reorder alerts
Product-level tracking (e.g., accessories, spares)
Why it matters: Efficient inventory control prevents stockouts, overstocking, and depot miscommunication.
3. Sales and Customer Management
Your software should do more than track stock — it should help you manage relationships.
Look for:
Customer profile management
Tiered pricing and discount structures
Dealer account tracking
Integrated invoicing and receipting
Why it matters: Understanding your customers improves service delivery and sales performance.
4. Integrated Accounting and Financial Reporting
Generic accounting software doesn’t understand the dynamics of LPG sales, cylinder deposits, returns, and credit systems.
Choose a platform with:
Customizable chart of accounts
Expense and revenue tracking per depot
Bank reconciliation
Real-time profit/loss reports
Why it matters: Financial clarity helps you make smarter decisions and ensures compliance with tax laws.
5. Regulatory Compliance and Audit Support
The LPG industry is highly regulated. Proper documentation is not optional — it’s essential.
Your software should help with:
Tax calculations and reports
Cylinder deposit tracking
Audit trail for every transaction
Compliance-ready reporting templates
Why it matters: Stay prepared for inspections, audits, and licensing renewals with minimal stress.
6. User Role and Access Permissions
In large plants or multi-user setups, not everyone should access the same data.
The right platform allows:
Role-based access control
Approval workflows
Activity logs by user
Why it matters: Protect sensitive information, prevent unauthorized changes, and ensure accountability.
7. Cloud Access and Mobile-Friendly Design
You need access to your data from anywhere — especially in distributed operations.
Look for:
Web-based or mobile app access
Cloud backup and data protection
Offline capabilities (if possible)
Why it matters: Modern plant management should be accessible on-the-go, secure, and scalable.
Bonus: Local Support & LPG-Specific Design
Software designed for supermarkets or retail won’t work for LPG. Look for tools built specifically for your industry, with customer support that understands local regulations, workflows, and market needs.
Conclusion
LPG plant software isn’t just about digitizing your paperwork — it’s about creating a smarter, safer, and more profitable operation. Choosing the right platform starts with identifying what matters most to your business.
At PetroStack, we’ve built our platform around these exact features — because we understand the daily realities of running an LPG plant in Africa. From asset tracking to automated accounting, PetroStack helps you run leaner, grow faster, and stay in control.