Logistics App Development, in a Nutshell!

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

Logistics apps are mobile apps built for logistics and supply chain organization, which help streamline the entire transportation process of goods. Different types of logistics apps can be built for the industry; such as fleet management, location tracking, inventory management, warehouse management and apps, etc. Logistics is a vast-spread industry, which requires different applications for handling different sorts of tasks.
Mobile Applications for the logistics industry help streamline the supply chain and management processes, process automation, and improve productivity, information exchange, and even revenue growth. Businesses can grow their business and raise their potential with the advantages of these applications.
The software is very helpful; it is now the basic requirement for transportation companies, factories, workshops, and retailers to favor business operations and users’ potential growth. Therefore, companies or organizations are looking forward to logistics app development tailored to certain business needs.

Logistics & Transport App Features

Certain features must be in the logistics application. Here are those logistics app features mentioned; which you must integrate to raise its authenticity into the marketplace:

Features	Descriptions
Dashboard	The dashboard is for the dispatcher, where they can see real-time visibility, locations, status of deliveries, order management, and more. This is a kind of analytical platform, where the dispatchers can observe what’s going on in the business.
Geolocation (Real-Time Tracking)	The logistics apps are integrated with a geolocation feature, which enables businesses and customers to track the order and know its status.
Push Notification	Push notifications are for both businesses and customers; where you will get updates about deliveries, services, the status of drivers, delays, offers, discounts, and anything. The notification feature is to notify the users about every update happening with the service and deliveries.
Route Optimization	Route Optimization is a great feature for deliveries, where the algorithm will share the best routes with no traffic and the optimized one for prompt delivery services.
Inventory Management	There is a certain feature for inventory management, and there are applications also built for the same. Here the business person can check how much inventory is left, how much more to add, what’s the regular inventory flow, and other details to keep track of it for streamlined management.
Data Analytics	Data analytics is the feature, where the dispatchers can cross-check for performance. He can verify the area of improvement, what’s lacking in the services, and what more to add or eliminate for betterment.
Automating Task Allocation	The logistics apps have details of drivers, dispatcher’s business operations, order management, and everything. So here the algorithm will automatically assign tasks to the delivery partners and manage orders accordingly.
Order Management	The mobile app for logistics and supply chain organization has an order management feature, which enables it to manage the orders and allocate the tasks according to availability.
Registration & Authentication	The businesses and dispatchers and delivery partners; every individual who is part of the service and organization have to register on their platform with the required information and details. The information is important to mention for the authentication of every individual, and also for the safety purpose.
Chatbots	If the drivers or customers have any doubts regarding the services, their parcels, or anything else; they can clarify it and resolve them with the chatbots. These bots are accessible 24*7, so the users can get help anytime they need it.
Payment Gateways	One can integrate different payment gateways in their logistics mobile app, and the users will take charge of one that suits their preferences and needs. It is one’s choice, which payment gateway seems to be perfect for him to integrate into the application.
Reviews & Rating	Users and delivery partners can give reviews and ratings according to the services they have experienced. These reviews and ratings will help the dispatchers to revive and improve their services as well.

Advanced Features of Logistics Applications

Features	Descriptions
Voice-Activated Systems	Implement voice-activated systems within warehouses and for order-picking processes, enabling hands-free operation and increasing productivity while reducing errors.
Augmented Reality (AR) for Warehousing	Utilize AR technology to assist warehouse workers in picking, packing, and locating items, improving accuracy and efficiency in fulfillment processes.
Blockchain for Supply Chain Transparency	Implement blockchain technology to enhance transparency and traceability across the supply chain, providing stakeholders with real-time visibility into the movement of goods and ensuring the integrity of transactions.
IoT-enabled Sensors	Deploy IoT sensors to monitor environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and shock during transit, ensuring the quality and integrity of goods, especially for sensitive or perishable items.
Predictive Analytics	Utilize machine learning algorithms to predict demand, optimize routes, and forecast inventory levels based on historical data, weather conditions, and other relevant factors.

How to Build a Logistics App?

To build the logistics mobile app, here are some steps to follow for its development:

• Conceptualization for the App

First, understand what the product is, which is your targeted audience, and learn how to execute the development process, know what is more to add, etc. Completely understand the requirement in the first step, and have a clear knowledge about how to execute the problem.

• MVP Development

When you have decided everything and got about the further processing; now it is the moment to build the MVP for a demo presentation to the clients. Building the MVP will help in understanding how the product will work in the marketplace. This MVP product is going to be an experimental stage for the application

• UX/UI Design

With the demo orientation and results from the marketplace out of product, now it comes to do the UX/UI. The developers and clients will altogether decide on adding components, elements, animations, and other custom designs.

• Development

Here the developers will add features, write the codes, and set up the front-end and back-end development for creating this application fully.

• Testing & Assurance

Once the application is developed, the quality testers will test the application, eliminate the technical glitches, debug the app, and overall make this app worth launching into the marketplace.

• Deployment

Once the app is fully approved by the developers and quality testers, later the app will be launched on its dedicated platform, be it iOS, Android, or Cross-Platform.

• Support and Maintenance

According to the client’s demand, we can also provide support and maintenance services. This is the post-deployment service, where we will check the response of the app from the market, and also make some changes as required for its better growth and visibility.

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

• Targeted Audience

Learn which is your targeted audience, what are their pain points and what is their preferences, what’s more to add, etc. Knowing your own targeted audience will help in finding the right way to develop for targeting the right sources.

• Security and Data Privacy

You are sure to integrate some security and data privacy measures; which will keep the data and information secured for the users and delivery partners. Implement some important security measures; that enable protection from data breaches.

• Customization Ideas to Implement

Do you have some custom ideas in mind for logistics app development? You better consult the ideas with a logistics app development company and take wise suggestions for robust applications. Discussing these custom ideas prior will help to understand which are the right ones to integrate, and which ones to eliminate.

• Know your Budget

Before you get into mobile app development, it is very important to know what your budget is. Budget is the first and most important thing that decides how the product will become. Also, consult the budget with developers to know what best you can do within a certain cost boundary.

If you are building logistics apps, it is important to consider a few factors. Here are those factors mentioned:

Cost to Build a Logistics App in 2024

Do you want to build a logistics app? The vital and first thing to know is “Logistics App Development Cost.” The cost cannot be determined without knowing the project requirements, analytics, research, and other factors. Still, here we can tell one average cost of logistics app development, $5000-$20000.

On the contrary, different other aspects can change the cost of development; which are:

• Features and Functionalities

Initially the features and functionalities will decide the cost of development. The basic features will charge an average development cost, but simultaneously the extended features and advancement added in the logistic app will cost more to the clients.

• Deployment Platform

The deployment or app launch platform plays an integral role in evaluating the cost of development of a certain project. In case you want an iOS, Android, or cross-platform app launch; every segment costs differently. Therefore, first, the clients have to decide on the launching platform to know the cost.

• Design also Decides the Development Cost

If you choose basic and simple intuitive designs, that will cost less compared to the animated and custom designs. That is why, first, you need to know which design elements to integrate into the app to know the exact cost of development.

• Support and Maintenance (Post Deployment Services)

There are certain clients, who demand post-deployment services. It means the developers will handle, add, eliminate, fix the bugs, and make changes to the application after deployment. Here we come across some cost fluctuations; where the cost varies on whether you are taking the services or not.

These are a few factors that impact the cost of development. Whereas, there are many other factors also which are included to evaluate the exact cost of logistics app development.

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!