Rushabh PatelThe task of monitoring all logistics operations 24×7 is an arduous one. Logistics and transportation management systems are continually operating. Logistic business owners face nightmares in attempting to properly manage their logistics operations. The logistics business consists of several departments and is essentially a segmented one. Owners have to be wary about their fleet of trucks, delivery management, and warehouses. Besides, the problems that these businesses face due to the sheer absence of visibility across departments result in significant losses. Instances of such losses are well described in the fact that the average fleet drives about 20 percent of empty miles, also known as deadhead trips. These severely cut down on the businesses profits. The proper functioning of a logistics business requires well-managed warehouses to ensure maximum truckloads. The solution to these problems lies in the benefits of logistics app development.
With the help of proper logistics management software, you can turn your departmental work predictable and visible. Moreover, to track your driver’s location at all times so that you have absolute transparency across your departments, a Logistics app is essential. Thus, the following guide aims to enlighten you with aspects of logistics application development that would help you enhance your business.
How does the logistics market fare- logistics app development
MarketWatch predicts that the worldwide market for logistics will grow by more than $280 within the next three years. This implies a CAGR growth of more than 5 percent. By the end of 2024, the annual growth rate as per projections is 4.13%. Moreover, when it comes to sales figures, the entire logistics industry is touted to amount up to $15.5 trillion by the next two years. In fact, the industry accounts for the highest percentage of market shares, up to 35%. All these stats show us that we have a bright future ahead for the logistics industry.
Types of logistics mobile apps- logistics app development
Logistics apps developments have attracted many mobile app development companies to invest and develop their own logistic management software. We can broadly classify these mobile apps into the following types.
1. On-demand logistics
On-demand logistics apps provide on-demand service to end-users. They are concerned with the delivery of goods as per the user’s requirements. Also, these apps instantly fulfill user demands and help them in connection development.
2. Warehouse mobile app
Warehouse mobile app stores large volumes of data regarding all products stored in warehouses. Besides, it provides a simplified solution to warehouse data management and access.
3. Fleet management
The most popular among all logistics mobile applications is the one that facilitates fleet management. It records all information related to fleets and vehicles. It helps businesses organize, manage and coordinate their vehicles from a central hub. Hence, it aids them to keep their overall fleet operations running smoothly and hassle-free. Logistic businesses that are able to properly implement fleet management apps can reduce operational costs and boost performance effectively.
4. Tracking apps
These apps are basically used to track and target delivery information related to real-time locations and delivery routes. Also, it ensures that businesses are aware of the goods and products being transported and the status of the delivery.
Must-have features of your logistics app
Most logistics apps differ in advanced features, but when it comes to basic functionalities, they stay more or less the same. The must-have features of a logistics app include three panels. Besides, these panels need to be designed and developed when performing the app development. The three panels are the User panel, Admin panel, and Dispatcher panel. These panels would serve their namesakes through various functionalities that would simplify workflow for your logistics business. Let us have a brief look at each of them.
Customers that use your app for the first time need to register their basic details and sign in. These details will be assigned to their accounts in your logistics apps. Alternatively, users can opt to sign in using their existing social media accounts.
2. Booking scheduler and management
Logged in users will be able to choose from vehicles for fulfilling their on-demand logistics requirement using this functionality. Users can mention the date, place, time and pre-book their pickups. They can manage their bookings through this feature as well.
3. Track shipments
A very crucial feature in logistics apps is the tracking of their shipments. Users will use this feature to track the real-time status and location of their shipments. However, you have to implement this feature very acutely so that users face no discrepancies while using it.
4. Notification panel
Users and dispatchers will require the app to inform them of any necessary and relevant intimation. Besides, the notification feature in the app alerts users of every relevant information, including delivery status, order information, offers, and discounts, etc.
5. Payment gateways
This feature will incorporate multiple payment options such as credit and debit cards, net banking, wallet, and UPIs. Consequently, the users can seamlessly make payments using the most convenient options.
How to build the best logistics apps for your business?
We will quickly browse through a stepwise guideline for developing the best logistic management software.
1. Perform considerable market research
The market for on-demand consumer apps is booming, and the logistics industry is a steady one. However, every business needs consistent market research to back up its investments and executive decisions.
2. Choose a suitable business model and develop a plan
A suitable business model will determine the business plan you will follow. The features and functionalities of your app will be based on your business plan.
3. Work out the features and functionalities
The features and functionalities of your app need to be confirmed before you can move ahead with the development.
4. Acquire the necessary technology stack
Acquiring the right tech stack would determine how efficiently your application will be. Thus, finalize the necessary application technologies your logistics application development will need.
5. Perform testing and continuous development
Once the app is developed, you will have to ensure that proper testing is performed and the development team adopts a habit of continuous development.
6. Launch the app and market it thoroughly
You will need to invest considerably in your app launch event. People need to know more about your app, which must be launched across multiple OS platforms. You also need to invest substantially in pre and post-app marketing for at least a few weeks post-release.
Conclusion
Logistics businesses can benefit a lot from logistics apps. Therefore, it is high time that you engage and invests your time and effort in developing mobile applications for your transport management system. Besides, it is imperative that you learn about the basics of logistics apps development before you venture into it.
