App Development Your Logistic Business may seem like a challenging task. Moreover, why do you want to build such an app from scratch when ready-made logistics software solutions are available? Are you unsure where to start? If so, don’t worry! To help you, here we will explore everything about Logistics App Development, covering all the aspects involved in the entire process.
Here, we will explore;
- The Need for App Development in the Logistics Business
- Key Features of Logistics App Development
- App Development for Specific Logistics Business Segments
- How Much Does It Cost for Logistics App Development?
- Successful App Development Strategies for Logistics Businesses
- In a Nutshell,
Without much delay, let’s dive in!
The Need for App Development in the Logistics Business
The following are some of the reasons why you should opt for Logistics App Development;
- Effortless Online Booking
Nowadays, everyone prefers to do most of their work on their smartphones, and these apps can provide that convenience to customers. With a few touches on their mobile screen, users can book freight or a courier via Logistics App.
- No Paperwork
Managing a lot of paperwork, especially the kind that comes with the logistics sector, is not a simple process. With the help of a Logistics Mobile App, everything gets optimized.
- Increased Efficiency
Logistics software can automate many of the manual processes involved in transportation operations. It can save time and reduce errors, making it easy for businesses to manage their transportation operations more efficiently.
- Location Tracking
Advanced logistics management solutions include built-in location tracking functionality, allowing you to track the actual location of your drivers. As the data gets automatically updated in real-time, your fleet management staff doesn’t need to monitor the system for reports.
- Increased Scalability
With a logistic mobile app, you can manage logistics operations of any size, making it easy to adapt to changing business requirements and market conditions.
- Effective Communication
Earlier, fleet managers had to text or call drivers to get location updates. But, with automated logistics software solutions, they can track their locations anytime and from anywhere without being distracted while driving.
- More Convenience
With an on-demand logistics app, you can manage your customer’s orders quickly, and the customer has immediate access to their order. Furthermore, if they are unable to receive the order/parcel, they can notify or reschedule the delivery at their convenience.
- Cost Savings
Automation of logistics operations can lower labor costs, and real-time tracking can help find areas for cost savings, such as reducing fuel use or labor expenses.
Key Features of Logistics App Development
Some of the key features of Logistics App Development are as follows;
- Easy Onboarding
Users can sign-up, register, and log in to the Logistics App using their social media accounts or email addresses.
- Manage Dispatchers
Under this section, the admin can view, add, edit, and delete the dispatcher’s information anytime.
- View Nearby Trucks
This feature allows customers to view the nearby available trucks in real-time to meet their logistic needs.
- Admin Dashboard
Admin can view a detailed summary of no. of active drivers, their LIVE location, shipments completed, and so on via Admin Dashboard.
- Earnings Report
Drivers can view the earning reports on a daily, monthly, and weekly basis, which include all relevant details and payment options.
- Shipper Details
Drivers can view the details of the exporter, consignor, or shipper responsible for initiating a shipment. Details include name, address, phone no, drop-off address, invoice, etc.
- GPS Tracking
With the help of the GPS feature, the drivers can easily find the customers’ addresses and provide on-time deliveries.
- Vehicle Selection
Customers can choose an appropriate vehicle from a list of all available vehicles for transporting goods.
- Availability Status
Using this feature, the driver can change his availability status, such as busy, available, and offline.
- Consignment Details
Drivers can find information about the shipper or freight, such as name, address, contact information, fuel charges, toll rates, goods weights, distance traveled, etc.
- Fare Estimation
At the time of booking, customers can view a detailed fare estimate for the services they choose.
- Billing and Invoice
Admin can analyze and approve all the bills and invoices generated by the users and drivers from the Admin Panel.
- Trip Log Reports
Admin can evaluate and record all the trips taken by drivers, including the start and end times and milestones reached.
- Ratings and Reviews
Customers can rate and review the driver based on their experience with the shipment delivery.
App Development for Specific Logistics Business Segments
Some of the specific Logistics Business Segments are as follows:
Fleet Management
Logistics Tracking App Development will help you manage and maintain your business’s vehicles and fleet. It will make coordinating your trucks easier. These apps generally record and retain diverse information of every single vehicle, ranging from its available status to technical details and past orders. Such solutions often comprise an app for drivers to track vehicle status and a website for admins to manage vehicles and analyze statistics.
Warehouse Management
If you own a warehouse, a digital management solution will undoubtedly be beneficial. This app will help you collect, organize, and manage all the data related to the goods in your warehouse. You can save information such as the types of goods, when they arrive, how long they should be stored, where they are located in the warehouse, and which vehicle should transport them to their final destination.
On-Demand Logistics
Logistics delivery apps are meant for the general public. If your vehicles are not carrying a heavy load and have some space that could be filled, you can consider dealing with private shippers. With this solution, you can collect orders from people who need their cargo soon. Partnering with a logistics app development company will allow you to enter new markets and attract more customers.
How Much Does It Cost for Logistics App Development?
The following are some of the several factors that determine the overall cost of on-demand logistics app development;
- App Features
The features included in an on-demand logistics app have a significant impact on the overall cost of app development. If you need an app with advanced features, then it is obvious that you will need highly experienced mobile app developers who can integrate the advanced features you need into your app.
Therefore, to keep costs under control, you must carefully determine which features are vital for your app and prioritize them accordingly.
- Development Team
The overall cost of developing an on-demand logistics app will vary based on the size of the Development Team involved. A large team size leads to increased expenditure.
Generally, an on-demand logistics app development team will include professionals such as:
- Project managers,
- Product owners,
- UI/UX designers,
- Developers,
- Quality assurance engineers,
- And database administrators.
As such, the cost of development will be greatly determined by the number and level of expertise of the team members engaged.
- Location
The location of the development team can also impact the cost of developing an on-demand logistics app. Employing mobile app developers from high-cost regions, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, or Western Europe, is more expensive than hiring one from a low-cost region, such as India.
- App Platform
The cost can also be determined by the platform on which you choose to run your application. In general, developing logistics software for the Android platform can be a bit higher than for the iOS platform because the former requires a massive amount of fragmentation.
- UI/UX Design
The visual aspect of a logistics app plays a vital role in its success, and the cost of design varies depending on its requirements.
- Technology Stack
The technology stack chosen for on-demand logistics app development also has an impact on cost. Advanced technology stacks like NodeJS, React Native, Firebase, and MongoDB are more expensive than simpler stacks like HTML5, CSS3, and PHP.
- Maintenance
The cost of maintenance and support varies depending on the complexity of the app and the level of service required. Businesses should plan for ongoing maintenance and support to ensure that their app meets the needs of their customers.
Successful App Development Strategies for Logistics Businesses
Some of the Successful App Development Strategies for Logistics Businesses are as follows;
- Use Accurate Data
Accurate data helps make informed and cost-effective decisions. Implementing automation in logistics is the most effective technique to increase data accuracy.
- Focus on Customer Experience
Enhancing your customer experience should be your top priority. Therefore, providing customers with real-time data and information is vital for logistics companies to gain a competitive advantage.
- Collaborative Logistics
Collaboration across the supply chain is necessary to boost efficiency and visibility. Collaboration in Logistics is one of the most powerful strategies for developing a roadmap for eternal growth.
- Choose the Right Warehouse Management System
Choosing the right warehouse management system will work best for you. It has the potential to yield enormous business benefits. The scalable and flexible warehouse model can do wonders for your logistics operations.
- Identify Your Business KPI
When developing a logistics strategy, it is vital to consider the company’s overall long-term performance. You can set your goals and objectives by analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs).
In a Nutshell,
Logistics apps can enhance the overall process of the supply chain, from warehouse management to vehicle maintenance. With logistics software solutions, you can automate your logistics operations while increasing your business’s efficiency.
If you want to develop a robust, custom-built logistics mobile app for your business, Unicodel can help.
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