A Complete Guide for On-Demand Logistic App Development

With digitization, mobile apps have become an integral part of our daily lives. From ordering your food to booking a cab- you can get everything to your doorstep.

Convenient…isn’t it?

And because of their accessibility, simplicity, time-saving, and convenience, many enterprises started employing freelance labor, and the transport industry is not an exception.

Nearly a decade ago, this sector used to face manifold problems like poor time management, paperwork, manual intervention, and whatnot. But the emergence of logistics app development has taken the industry by storm and now offering ample benefits that businesses had expected 10 years ago.

Importance of a Mobile App Development

A mobile application is of great significance when it comes to logistics. It makes firms work smarter and faster. The drivers can use the app to view their routes to deliver and have real-time feedback. It saves fuel and time. Managers can monitor shipments via the app and know where the goods are at all times. In case of a holdup, they can respond fast. The mobile application for logistics also provides alerts and messages, which make everyone aware and in touch.

Warehouse employees can utilize the app to scan products, minimizing mistakes and accelerating work. The customers also benefit because they have the option of tracking the status of their orders at any moment and receiving delivery notifications. The app captures valuable information and presents reports, assisting businesses in planning. So, logistic app development assists in developing individualized solutions to suit each business's requirements. It brings all elements of the supply chain together and increases customer satisfaction. And if you don’t have any app, you’ll end up losing your customers in the long run.

You might have understood the need for developing an app! Now, the question is, how can you create a mobile app for logistics? Or what are the steps involved in logistics app development?

Let’s discuss them!

How to Create an On Demand Logistics App?

The following are the steps to build a feature-rich and beautiful app for your logistics business.

1. Clear Your Goal

Firstly, you need to understand why you need to build a transport app and for whom you are doing so! There could be two possible reasons behind it.

One, you need the app for your own transport business. In this case, you can track your vehicles and drivers. You can also let your customers track their cargo or shipments in real time.

Two, you want to build the app for other transport companies. You can sell or offer the app as a service. These companies can then use it to manage their trips, track goods, and update their customers. In both cases, the app should be easy to use and solve real problems.

2. Know Your Target Audience

When you don’t know who your audience is, the effort you’re putting into on-demand logistics app development may go in vain.

If you’re a business person, your audience should be transportation companies. And you should list down your features that can attract them to become your prospective consumer.

3. Check Important Features

When you’re creating a mobile app for logistics, ensure it consists of multiple features that can be categorized into three different panels:

• Admin Panel: Includes tracking of fleet and driver while managing inventory, order, and payments.
• A Customer Panel: Includes tracking orders and booking vehicles.
• A Driver Panel: Includes verifying order details, identifying the real-time location, etc.

4. Don’t Overlook Technology

Building a mobile app for logistics ensures that it must run well on different tech platforms. This includes:

• Operating Systems: Android, iOS
• Types of apps: Native, Hybrid, Web
• Cloud Storage: AWS or Google Cloud
• Payments: Credit/Debit Card, Paypal, Stripe, Mobile Wallet, COD etc.

5. Choose Professional Partner

When it comes to building a logistics app for your business, you need a professional logistics app development company that’s credible, experienced, and can get the job done without breaking your bank.

Don’t go with freelancers, as that would drain both your money and time. Make sure you check the company’s track record that you’re choosing. This will make your investment a lucrative one.

Features of an On-Demand Logistic App

Here are the important features that need to be kept in mind during on-demand logistics app development.

Designing a Dashboard to Inspect

To keep an eye on different activities such as incoming orders, dispatched orders, and delivered orders.

Fleet & Vehicle Management

To get the real-time location of their fleet and guide the best possible route.

Push Notifications

To let customers know about the orders dispatched and to let drivers know about assigned orders, a message from a customer, and change in scheduled orders.

Payment and Invoice Feature

An on-demand logistics app can be integrated with AI-technology to improve and automate the accounting analysis.

In-app chat for communication

To get in touch with drivers and customers. If anyone has a doubt, the chat feature would resolve it in real-time.

Tracking & Monitoring

To let the customer know about the driver location and the estimated time of delivery.

So, you’ve understood how to build a logistic app and its essential features. But if you want to make your app stand tall above the rest, you need to know a few important tips.

Tips to Consider While Developing a Logistic App for your Business

When it comes to logistic app development, you need to consider these tips. Let’s discuss them!

1. Easy to Use & Customize

If you think putting multiple things at once on your app will make it beautiful, you’re probably mistaken.

Your customers will download your app to get service and if it takes a longer time than usual, it’s a huge loss.

If you’re developing a logistic app, ensure that

• Your app should be 100% customizable as per the client’s unique needs.
• Fewer queries and quick delivery of service
• Don’t pull out updates too often
• Accept customers’ suggestions
• You keep the app layout simple and clean.
• You use clear buttons and easy words.

2. Loading Time

To make your logistics app development successful, ensure it loads quickly. If it does take more than 5 seconds to load, you’re going to lose your customers. It is because in transportation business, speed matters.

Before launching the app, test everything.

• Check if ads load fast.
• Make sure analytics work properly.
• Test all input fields and forms.
• Check internet connection handling.
• Use images that load quickly without slowing down the app.

A fast app builds trust, and users stay longer and use it more. However, slow apps lose customers.

3. Prioritize the App Design

It’s incredibly important as the design of your app can make or break your business. Because different smart devices come with different screen resolutions, you should create your app according to that.

If you’re new to the world of app development, consider outsourcing your work to a leading mobile app development company that can do the task with ease.

4. Multilingual Support

To make your business grow across every corner of this world, you have to integrate multilingual support in your on-demand logistic app.

One of the biggest advantages of the support is that your app will be available in multiple languages and your user can choose their preferred language and access your app. This would certainly give a boost to your business and even people from other countries likely to connect with you and avail your services.

5. Integrate Predictive ETAs Using Traffic Data

Don’t just show a basic map. Use live traffic and route data to give predictive ETAs for deliveries. Customers expect to know when their package will arrive, not just that it’s on the way. This builds trust and reduces support calls. Use services like Google Maps API or Mapbox with traffic layers to improve time accuracy.

How is Appicial Applications an Ideal Solution to Your Logistic App Development?

No matter what you think but the transportation sector has been building an on demand logistics app to earn a significant return on investment (ROI).

As the industry is growing like a wildfire, you have to have an on-demand logistic app to stay ahead of your competitor.

Don’t know what to do? No worry, leave everything to us!!

Appicial Applications is a leading mobile app development company that has been designing and developing apps for years and has helped multiple businesses to gain a market foothold. With a fervent crew of goal-oriented professionals, we harness state-of-the-art technology to build feature-rich, functional, beautiful, and future-ready apps that perfectly cater to your needs and budget.