A Comprehensie Guide for Logistics App Development

International trade is growing as the global logistics business accelerates. Effective logistics development can increase your transportation business in such an environment. Therefore, if you run a logistics company, you can use an app to improve workflow and efficiency. This blog covers logistics app development's types, features, pricing, etc.

What is A Logistics App?

A logistics application is an all-inclusive digital logistics delivery system that facilitates fleet administration, shipment monitoring, vehicle maintenance, and route planning for enterprises.

Customers, in addition to company owners, can use the on-demand platforms of these apps to schedule a shipment at any time. These programs are great because they give users constant information about their shipments, allowing them to calculate ETAs with a high degree of accuracy. Digital transformation in the logistics sector may also result from the incorporation of numerous cutting-edge solutions into these apps.

>> Read more about digital transformation in other fields:

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The logistics industry has reached new heights in recent years. After the pandemic's effects waned in 2021, nearly all businesses resumed normal operations within their offices, taking care to adhere to all regulations.

Because of this, the global logistics market increased by 2.7% from the previous year, to a total of 2.7 trillion Euros. However, consumers remained on lockdown in most areas, and this fact became one of the main motivating factors for enterprises to create a logistics app.

Different Types of Logistics Apps

Fleet Management Apps

Companies that operate a fleet of cars for commercial transport or cargo shipment will benefit from this logistics solution. Using a logistics app, managers may monitor the location, status, and history of their fleet's trucks and buses in real time. 

On-demand Logistics Apps

Logistics on-demand apps facilitate interactions between drivers and clients requiring shipment delivery. Like ridesharing apps, users in need of a freight delivery service in their area can place orders as they want.  

Real-time Tracking Apps

Logistics tracking software displays real-time positions so that customers, managers, and owners may observe where their vehicles are and where they've been. Drivers can also utilize tracking apps to help them get where they're going quickly and safely. 

Inventory Management Apps

Goods, deliveries, and storage space can't be efficiently managed without warehouse and inventory tracking. 

One warehouse can hold hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of items. As a result, the availability of all parts may be monitored with the help of inventory management software. 

Benefits of Having A Mobile App for Logistics Businesses

• Improved Customer Experience: A logistics mobile app may boost customer satisfaction by providing real-time shipment status information, tracking, and frictionless staff communication.

• Competitive Advantage: A logistics mobile app improves visibility, efficiency, and customer experience, giving your organization an edge over competitors.

• Reporting and Analytics: A powerful analytics and reporting module provides insights and enables data-driven decision making. The reports on delivery performance, transit times, and carrier performance should assist users analyze data and optimize logistics operations.

• Save Time Tracking Fleet Locations: As noted, advanced logistics management solutions have built-in location tracking so you can easily track your drivers. Since data is updated automatically in real time, fleet managers don't need to monitor the system for reports.

• Better Communication with Drivers: Previously, fleet managers had to phone or text drivers for location updates. However, automated software solutions allow individuals to track their locations anytime, anyplace, without engaging in superfluous chats that could distract them while driving.

• Increased Transparency: The dashboard provides order, dispatching, shipment delivery, and other information at any moment. This enables logistics managers to keep clients informed about their order's status and delivery estimate. This process increases shipment transparency and brand loyalty.

• Paperwork Reduction: Digital logistics business automation solutions save paperwork significantly. Everything is online now, from shipping monitoring to receipt sharing and bill payments.

• Easy Online Booking: Most people do their job on their phones these days, and these apps give clients that convenience. This lets them book freight or a courier with a few taps on their phone.

• Simplify Supply Chain: Logistics apps simplify and speed up supply chains. It helps companies track orders, manage inventory, and deliver efficiently. People work faster, make fewer mistakes, and know where things are.

>> You may consider: How Will On-Demand Delivery Services Impact Retail Stores?

Core Features To Include in Logistics Applications 

General Logistics App Features

User App Panel Features:

• Registration & Profile Creation;

• Save delivery address/location;

• View nearby vehicles for transportation;

• Choose vehicle type;

• Get fare estimate;

• Book a vehicle;

• See Estimated Time Of Arrival (ETA);

• Manage/Plan Trip;

• In-app driver calling;

• Push notifications for delivery and arrival;

• Rate and review services;

• Cancel bookings;

• Examine booking history;

• Multiple payment options;

• See invoices by email and SMS;

• See driver info;

• Share transportation info.

Trucker/Driver App Panel Features:

• Login and manage profile;

• Upload ID verification documents;

• View Rate Card by distance and weight;

• View revenue breakdown and profitability report; 

• Cancel trip;

• Select Vehicle Type driver operates;

• Ride availability toggle;

• In-App calling with customers;

• Accept/Reject Pickup Requests;

• View User and Consignment Details; 

• Receive Push Notifications;

• Use Navigation Map and Set Route;

• Supports Multiple Languages;

Admin/Dispatcher App Panel Features:

• Manage Users/Drives/Fleet;

• Manage User Complaints;

• Control billing and invoicing;

• Assign Sub-Admins;

• Trip management and tracking;

• Report Revenue and User Acquisition Stats;

• Make Multi-Stop Routes;

• Manage Rate Card;

• Offer Discounts;

• Offer subscriptions to regular users.

Advanced Logistics App Features 

• Notifications: Allow the app to rapidly alert clients of shipment status, delivery, and other crucial information.

• Ratings and Reviews: Let app users rate and assess the mobile app's performance.

• Quote: Let clients obtain quotes from service providers based on available deals to estimate cost and time.

• In-app Chat: Let consumers contact the service provider about pending deliveries and other issues.

• Chat Help: Chatbots are essential for B2B and B2C businesses, and most service and product apps include chatbot creation.

• Multilingual Support: Drivers who don't speak English can use the app easily with multi-language capabilities. The functionality allows drivers from different regions to coordinate, making the logistics firm more scalable.

• Link and Upload Files: Help dispatchers upload shipping documents like insurance and more.

• Travel Logs: Let admins record trip details including start-to-finish time, distance, and more.

• Control Fuel and Vehicle Use: All running vehicles can store and manage fuel usage data here. Therefore, vehicles may be tracked and managed to determine if they need a service or pollution check.

• GPS: App routes are determined by GPS. Understanding driver journey information and calculating time and cost becomes easier.

• Driver Safety: This capability tracks driver behavior like speed, phone use, and more. A scorecard is provided to help users choose drivers and assure their safety.

• Multi-payment Gateway Integration: Assist Logistics mobile apps make payments easy. The app supports Braintree, PayPal, and other currencies.

• Cloud storage: A logistics company needs cloud storage to store its massive data. Cloud integration enables save and access user and driver data anytime, anywhere.

Logistics App Development Tech Stack

Your development team will choose a tech stack to implement your logistics management software features after you decide on them. Logistics app development requires the correct technologies for performance and user experience. Additionally, it will affect development time and cost.

This tech stack is appropriate for logistics app development:

• Frontend Development – Java, Kotlin, Swift, Bootstrap, CSS

• Backend Development – Python, NodeJS, Angular, JavaScript, PHP

• Database Management – MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB

• Real-time Analytics – Spark Streaming, Apache Kafka, Google Cloud Dataflow

• Push Notifications – Push.io, Twilio

• DevOps Collaboration – Chef

• Cloud Computing – AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud

• Navigation – Google Maps API

• Payments – PayPal, Amazon Pay, Stripe

• Registration and Authentication – OneLogin, Auth0

Technology Trends in Logistics App Development

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is like a smart assistant that improves decision-making. AI has transformed the supply chain. Forecasting demand with AI-powered predictive analytics lets organizations plan and produce. AI-driven route planning and real-time tracking expedite goods delivery. Additionally, AI-enabled chatbots deliver fast and effective customer care.

>> Read more: The Impacts Of No-Code AI On App Development

The Internet of Things

Devices that communicate form the Internet of Things (IoT). In the supply chain, IoT devices are crucial. Sensors track shipments in real time and report their condition. This helps deliver things safely and on time. IoT devices enables real-time inventory control, helping organizations avoid supply shortages. Remote equipment monitoring helps organizations enhance machinery efficiency and reduce downtime.

Blockchain

Supply chain transactions are transparent and secure with blockchain technology. It is like a digital ledger that records every transaction and cannot be changed. Blockchain makes product tracking and authentication easier due to its immutable record-keeping. Smart contracts, which automate and self-execute agreements, remove intermediaries and speed up transactions.

Autonomous Vehicles and Robotics

Warehouses and delivery are being transformed by robots and autonomous vehicles. Warehouse automation can pick, pack, and sort products, improving efficiency and eliminating errors. Delivery is faster and more accurate with self-driving vehicles and drones. Cobots improve workplace productivity and safety by working with people.

Data Analytics/Big Data

Big data is the vast volume of data generated daily. Data analytics helps us understand and gain insights. Data-driven supply chain decision-making boosts operations and efficiency. Companies can prevent hazards via predictive analytics. Companies may track and adjust logistics operations via real-time monitoring and analysis.

Warehouse Automation

Warehouse automation streamlines storage and inventory management with technology. Quick and precise product retrieval is possible with automated storage and retrieval systems. Robotic material handling minimizes worker fatigue and boosts efficiency. Integration of automation technologies boosts warehouse productivity and reduces errors.

Cloud Computing

The cloud centralizes data storage and access. Instead of storing data on physical devices, the cloud allows remote access. Cloud infrastructure can scale to handle massive data sets. Real-time information sharing on collaborative platforms keeps supply chain partners informed.

Last-Mile Delivery

Final delivery from the transportation hub to the customer's doorstep is last-mile delivery. This technology has advanced greatly. On-demand delivery platforms are fast and convenient. Drones and robots speed last-mile deliveries to remote or congested places. Shipping routes are optimized by GPS and mapping, saving time and money.

>> Read more: Top Mobile App Development Trends for 2023

Team Structure for Logistics App Development

A quality logistics management mobile app requires a team, including:

Project Manager

This person oversees the whole development process of a Logistics mobile app. A Project Manager communicates with the team and management and finds solutions.

App Developers

A team of iOS or Android app developers is needed to develop an app, depending on the number of platforms. This team must be proficient in the newest tools and technologies and have extensive app development experience.

Designers

This expert team designs the app's appearance. They not only make the software seem attractive but also make it easier to navigate, so users keep using it.

Quality Analysts

This team of professionals ensures the app meets standards and is error-free. Several app testings assist this team to determine it.

How to Build A Logistics Mobile App?

Step 1: App Discovery

Know your project scope and app development requirements initially. Project analysis can help you determine logistics app kinds, features, and technology, laying the groundwork for app development. 

Step 2: MVP Development

An MVP app development business and a minimal viable product are great for market validation of your app idea. You can test your app idea and deploy it faster and cheaper using this strategy.

Step 3: UI/UX Design

After defining your app idea and feature requirements, create a high-quality, straightforward design that meets end-user needs. Interactive UI/UX designs get logistics software developers on track.

Step 4: App Development

App development begins with coding after design. Use technology and third-party integrations to integrate all functions and screen transitions. 

Step 5: App Testing

You must check your app is bug-free and works as expected following app creation. Thus, mobile app testing is essential.

Step 6: Advanced App Functionalities Addition & Maintenance

With user feedback, you and your team can decide what advanced features to add to your app next. You must also keep your app up to date and bug-free.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Logistics Mobile App?

Logistics mobile app development costs depend on numerous factors, including:

Choice of Platform

Developing an app for one platform costs less than developing it for several platforms. Because designing an app for one platform requires one team, developing for two platforms requires two teams, double the cost.

Outsourcing Country Selection

The cost of app development depends on the outsourcing country you choose. US and European hourly app development rates are far higher than Asian ones. Therefore, you must select where to invest in app development because the difference is usually substantial.

Design & Features

This again affects cost, as an app with basic functions and simple design costs less than one with sophisticated features and intricate design.

Overall, an app with basic functionality for a single platform in Asia should cost $25000–$35000, whereas an app with sophisticated features for Android and iOS will cost $50000–$60000.

>> Read more: No-Code And Low-Code Solutions In Logistics And Supply Chain

Conclusion

Logistics is growing at an unprecedented rate. Advanced technologies like logistics mobile apps have simplified logistics and supply chain activities.

Using these effectively is difficult and requires expert advice to get results. Coordinating with an on-demand app development business that has expertise in logistics app development is the best course of action.

Our developers at Relia Software provide engaging digital logistics solutions that can boost your business. We carefully finish every development stage, from ideation to logistics management app design.

>> Follow and Contact Relia Software for more information!