7 best Features That You Must Have in Your Logistics App

The projected revenue in the supply chain management software industry is expected to be $18.57 billion in 2022, which is a projected growth rate of 7.9%. Logistics, supply chain, and transport app development services are taking center stage in the industry. Today, process streamlining and workflow management in the supply chain sector have become a key priority for companies.

Custom logistics app development enables companies to take advantage of solutions that can track, manage, and monitor the entire supply chain. From consignment booking to the final delivery station, it enables logistics providers to completely track the process.

Through AI-enabled logistics apps, companies can also reduce the pressure that comes through high demand. The solution analyzes the supply and demand to ensure that inventory is always available. It also helps to collaborate between different stakeholders by offering real-time data and insights. Data analytics now plays a crucial part in simplifying supply chain operations.

However, there are several features that logistics app developers can incorporate in the solution. While common functions are easily deliverable, some advanced features can really take the application to the next level.

This article will showcase the top 7 features that enterprises can consider incorporating in app development for transport and logistics management.

7 best Features for Logistics Applications

As customer needs evolve, the supply chain must too. Logistics service providers are now digitizing their channels and systems to achieve a smoother experience — from procuring the raw material to the final delivery of the product.

This evolution calls for several features that will reorient the application to match the dynamic customer needs. Here are 7 best features that companies should consider while hiring for logistics app development services:

1) Pre-planned routes

• Often, the drivers do not have an idea about the best routes that they need to take. It leads to late delivery, which might disrupt the supply chain. It also multiplies the fuel cost and may even lead to client dissatisfaction.
• The best solution for this is to include a feature of pre-planned routes during custom logistics app development. By assigning routes to the drivers, they won’t be confused and deliver the products on time.
• It would also allow them to eliminate the guesswork that comes with taking unplanned routes. There might be traffic on these routes that the map can easily show to them.

2) GPS tracking

• Today, GPS has become essential in logistics tracking app development. Without any tracking, there would be no data about the delivery time and how the logistics system is managed.
• GPS tracking is a complete solution for drivers and products. It showcases the actual location of the vehicle, the tracking of products at each location (if there are several locations to drop off), the routes that the driver is taking, and monitoring where each vehicle is.
• When companies need to find the exact time of deliveries, GPS tracking helps assess how much time it will take to reach the destination.

3) Fare calculator

• One of the most significant features to consider in app development for logistics is the fare calculator. Many times, delivery companies forget this feature and use separate machines for this process. It involves a lot of time and mismanagement of parcels.
• Having a fare calculator will enable the company to weigh the parcel and calculate how much it will cost to deliver the package. There are several parameters it calculates, like the vehicle delivery cost, time cost, destination address, pickup, and more.
• Fare calculators are important because it eliminates the need for additional systems to determine how much each delivery will cost. It is a great feature for small businesses that can’t afford separate systems for pricing.

4) Real-time notifications

• Companies need to be on their toes to make decisions in today’s dynamic world. While vehicle tracking is essential, they also need real-time alerts & notifications of each and every activity. It streamlines the entire tracking and monitoring process.
• Any enterprise software development company that builds a logistics solution should incorporate real-time notifications. Alerts about the vehicle status, parcel status, different delivery locations, emergencies, wrong deliveries, customer not available, etc., can help companies better manage the dynamics.
• The shipment progress in real-time enables the delivery partner to understand what is actually going on at different stages rather than just guessing what happened to the parcel.

5) Regular driver logs

• Drivers are the most critical aspect of the logistics business. They determine the delivery speed and effectiveness of the entire process. Without tracking the status of drivers, companies are always in the dark about specific reasons for any issues that arise with the parcel.
• During logistics and truck app development, it is important to have a feature where drivers can log at regular intervals. It provides complete details about the hours drivers worked for, deliveries made, the time spent in each delivery, and much more.
• The result is proper management of each delivery based on analysis of the driver’s logs. It will also reduce human intervention once the process is standardized and automated.

6) Nearby facilities

• This is one crucial feature that many companies avoid. Drivers get stuck if they can’t find a fuel station nearby. What if they want to spend the night and need a safe warehouse of the company nearby? In case the engine faces an issue, how will they find a garage?
• Keeping the driver’s convenience in mind, every logistics delivery app development service provider should build a feature that showcases nearby facilities. It must show the nearby garages and mechanics, warehouses, fuel stations, or any other assistance centers needed by drivers.
• When emergencies happen, or there is a need for any facility, drivers won’t have to run here and there. They can just check the application and find the best solution that is nearby.

7) Chatbot support

• Every logistics app development company suggests incorporating a chatbot in the supply chain solution. How will customers and drivers connect with each other if they face any problems with the delivery?
• A chatbot will provide answers to common questions, which will reduce the burden from the support staff. Customers can also give feedback to the chatbot once the delivery is made.
• However, chatbots should offer an option for offline support in case the problem is not solved online. The integration of both physical and digital support is the best option for logistics applications.

Wrapping Up

There’s a heavy demand for logistics and transport app development services. As the supply chain industry moves towards digitization, companies focus on becoming digital themselves. Logistics applications are the first and the most important step in serving their customers and providing them with a great delivery experience.

Originally published at https://www.codementor.io.