Logistics App Development, in a Nutshell!

“Proclaim the features, steps, types, business models, challenges, and benefits of logistics business applications!”

Warehousing, Shipping, Logistics and Transportation disport the manufacturers to ship the products, without involving the third parties. As the businesses swell to territories of their native places and national peripheries, it necessitates a random requirement to increase the logistics services. It requires rendering a broader range of activities, encompassing a strategic set of activities.

Logistics & Transport App Features

General Features

• Supply Chain Management – To manage inventory and supply chain through the application.
• Easy Tracking – To easily track goods and services
• Asset Tracking – To track physical assets by scanning barcodes
• Route Management – To manage the routes for faster transfer through the application
• Distribution Management – To manage all the information through the app
• Manufacturing Management – Has features that are beneficial for manufacturers
• Mobility Solutions – To add flexibility in the complexity
• Integrated Efforts – It integrates various systems to make it simpler.
• Flexible delivery – To change the delivery schedules and routes

Advanced Features

• Vehicle Dashboard
• Driver Information
• Tracking Tool
• Mileage Log
• Google Map Integration
• Build-in messaging
• Digitized documentation
• Changeable shipping order status
• Digital gallery with freight images
• History of completed shipments
• Real-time inspections submissions
• Barcode scanning API integration
• Third-party payment gateway
• Logistics optimization software
• Easy Navigation
• Roadside Assistance
• Consignment Tracking
• GPS Vehicle Tracking
• Planning Vehicles in Real Time

How can I develop a logistics app?

The Logistics industry requires 24 hours to track all ongoing – continuous deliveries. Follow these steps as you start Logistics App Development:

• Have an idea to form a transportation app
• Identify the target audience
• Approach the client and receive a rough tough app estimate
• Sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA)
• Design a prototype
• Start with Code creation
• Bring in quality assurance team and incorporate feedback
• Include analytics tool, capture metrics

What types of mobile apps can be developed for a logistics company?

• Fleet Management Mobile Apps (Real-time inspections submissions (DVIR) and issues reports, Barcode scanning, Digital gallery (photos, docs, and comments), Integrated GPS to track vehicles, Work Order Submission)
• Logistics On-Demand Mobile Apps (GPS tracker, offers section, order page, built-in messaging, digitized documentation)
• Warehouse Mobile Apps (Barcode scanner, integration with enterprise resource planning (ERP), shipment tracking, geolocation, speed, times of arrival and departure, navigation status, ETA))

More Choices:

• Transportation Management System
• Location Tracking Application
• Fleet Management app
• Shipment tracking apps
• On-demand logistics apps
• Warehouse mobile apps
• Tracking and forwarding applications

Why do transportation and logistics companies require a Mobile App?

Mobile apps are a better and more advanced alternative to the traditional ways of maintaining the supply chain. It helps companies and individuals track their orders anytime through integrated GPS technology. Mobile applications reduce desk work, increase visibility, manage shipments, ease warehousing, invoicing and dispatching delivery.

Logistics App Development Services

• Logistics App Consultancy
• Full-cycle logistics app development
• Integration and implementation
• Training and support

Logistic App Business Models

Business Models for Transportation and Logistics are divided into 1st party logistics (1PL), 2nd Party Logistics (2PL), and so on until 10PL.

• 1PL involves a manufacturer or a company that has freight, and cargo, for the transportation of goods from one place to another. These companies are capable of taking care of their own transportation.
• 2PL companies are traditional transportation providers who act as an intermediary between buyers and sellers. They are the carriers who take care of all transactions between buyers and seller.
• 3PL companies are the logistics service providers that involve the transportation and administration of all the services like inventory management, warehousing, labelling, packaging, customs brokerage, tracking, checking delivery status, and offshore warehousing.
• 4PL companies are the supply chain overseers that carry out an array of services including operation handling and administering the entire supply chain.
• 5PL includes solution optimization services for companies or traders who wish to switch from the supply chain to the supply network. They are also called logistics aggregators.

Other business models to follow up in logistics and transportation include – 6PL (AI-based logistics), 7PL (asset carriers), and 8PL till 10PL (when the supply chain incorporates AI at every step).

Technology Stack

• Logistics Technologies – Android Studio, Android SDK, XML, Kotlin, Java
• UX/UI – XD, Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, InVision, Zeplin, Sketch
• Web and Frontend – HTML5/CSS3, MEAN, VUE.JS, Backbone.JS, AngularJS, React.js, React Native, Node.js, Laravel, CodeIgniter
• Backend and Database – Firebase realtime Database, Firestore, AWS Amplify, Room DB, MongoDB, Microsoft SQL, PostgreSQL
• 3rd Party Library – Chatbot, Face detection, Network Calling, Image Processing, Integrate Payment, InApp Purchase, Custom Views, Firebase, Firebase Chat, Socket, Databinding, Dependency
• Payment Gateway – Apple Pay, Google Pay, Stripe, PayPal
• PM Tools – Jira, Trello, Slack

Advantages of Logistics App Development for Transportation Industry

• It is highly cost-effective
• Logistics Apps offer supply chain visibility, enabling enterprises to track fleets, and record driver behaviour.
• The logistics process can be automated through mobility solutions in real-time.

Examples of Best Companies in Logistics

Best Logistics Companies In India	Best Logistics Companies (Global)
Stockarea Aegis Logistics Ltd Allcargo Logistics Ltd Apollo LogiSolutions Ltd Blue Dart Express Ltd Container Corporation Of India Mahindra Logistics Ltd TCI Express Ltd VRL Logistics Ltd Gati Limited	United Parcel Service (UPS) Deutsche Post FedEx CSX Transportation XPO Logistics C.H. Robinson Canadian National Railway Expeditors International Ryder Supply Chain Solutions J.B. Hunt DHL Supply Chain & Global Forwarding	Burris Logistics Agility Ryder Supply Chain Solutions Hub Group Transplace SAIC Anji Logistics** Penske Logistics Hellmann Worldwide Logistics Schneider NFI Echo Global Logistics Sankyu Mainfreight Imperial Logistics Ingram Micro Commerce & Lifecycle Services	Kuehne + Nagel DB Schenker Nippon Express DSV Panalpina C.H. Robinson Sinotrans XPO Logistics UPS Supply Chain Solutions Expeditors GEODIS CEVA Logistics Toll Group CJ Logistics Maersk Logistics Kerry Logistics DACHSER Hitachi Transport System Kintetsu World Express Bolloré Logistics GEFCO	FedEx Logistics MODE Transportation Groupe CAT Americold ID Logistics Group Fiege Logistik Coyote Logistics Transportation Insight, LLC/Nolan Transportation Group Yusen Logistics Total Quality Logistics Apex Logistics International Landstar CTS International

Challenges: Points To Consider While Creating Apps For Logistics

Logistic apps connect the drivers with riders and customers with service providers by involving third-parties. They need to follow up with NDA and ensure logistics labelling regulations to avoid the risk of falling out.

Cost to Build a Logistics App in 2022

In short, it comes to around USD 30K – 50K (scalable).

Mopping Up

Custom Logistics app development companies can introduce incentives/discounts for users, and develop an app that overcomes hurdles in managing vehicles, optimizing routes, ensuring timely deliveries, managing dispatch, tracking inventory, and offering lucrative vendor management. Best logistics app development companies can sketch out a fully customized logistics app within 8 weeks, follow up with best app development companies and discuss your requirements!