You may be certain that a customized solution offers flexibility, scalability, and cutting-edge security standards while also satisfying all business requirements. Not to mention long-term cost effectiveness. There is no need to invest funds in additional customizations or features because you are provided with a fully functional product that is specifically designed for the operational operations of your organization.

You need seasoned experts and a solid development plan to create logistics software that functions as intended and adds genuine value to your business. The team of professionals at MadAppGang has direct experience developing business software, e-commerce apps, and logistics apps. We can assist you with designing and creating effective digital tools for iOS, Android, and the web. Let's first define logistics software, explain why a customized solution is necessary, and then go over how to create it.

How might logistics software help your business? What is it?

Although logistics software comes in a wide variety of formats, these platforms are typically used to automate and manage tasks related to freight transportation, inventory control, order processing, fleet and warehouse operations, and more. Your company can gain from effective logistics software use in a number of ways, such as:

Improved route planning

Shorter delivery periods

Monitoring all operations in real time

Quick communication

Quick and comprehensive data reports

Lower transportation costs

Lower maintenance and operating expenses

Effective client support

Improved management of the supply chain

Decreased possibility of human error

To put it another way, a logistics platform enhances customer service, increases supply chain efficiency, increases workflow process visibility, and even lowers the cost of transportation services.

Dedicated versus off-the-shelf logistics solutions

When it comes to off-the-shelf (ready-made) software for logistics firms, there are various kinds available:

Platforms for warehouse management can assist in managing distribution operations and keeping track of a business's inventory.

Systems for enterprise resource planning (ERP) assist in the management of routine tasks including purchasing, accounting, risk and project management, and compliance.

Supply chain management systems are used to monitor shipments and freightage, control production and dispatch, and assess people and material resources.

Shipping logistics software and on-demand delivery logistics apps are examples of transportation management systems. These solutions guarantee that shipments are compliant and appropriately documented while also assisting in the coordination and execution of the transportation of products.

Integrated Transportations software solutions that are customized to meet the demands of a specific organization at every operational level are superior to each of these solutions, even though each one can be helpful when utilized as intended. All of the aforementioned systems' capabilities can be merged when creating custom logistics software to produce a one-of-a-kind offering with genuine value.

Additionally, you can incorporate additional features that boost employee productivity with a tailored solution. For instance, the MapAppGang team combined offline maps with a pit stop planner when developing Atlas, an app for truck drivers. These features allowed truck drivers to plan and review routes anywhere, even in remote areas of Kazakhstan where there was no network access.

How to create software for logistics

Are you prepared to use technology to improve customer service, fleet management, and productivity? Not sure where to begin? MadAppGang has produced a four-step approach to help you create a customized logistic platform.

1. Determine what you need.

Identifying your company's pain points and compiling a list of issues that the logistics software should address should be your first step. For instance, your logistics software could send out emails or push alerts with the most recent order information on a frequent basis if answering calls and emails on order locations and statuses is diverting office workers from higher-value tasks.

Or maybe you want to introduce something similar to DHL's SmarTrucking system for your business, or you want to look at drone-based delivery. These strategies are simple to execute thanks to integrated IoT tools and customized logistics software.

It is simpler to ascertain the solution's scope, deployment style, number of features needed, and expected cost once you have a clear idea of what the software should do.

2. Select whether to use on-premises or cloud deployment.

Selecting a deployment plan is the second stage in developing logistics software. All services will be set up on the servers and hardware of your business when you use an on-premises deployment. As a result, your business has complete responsibility for the software's operation, administration, and upkeep. Although this kind of deployment is more costly and less flexible, it provides a higher level of security and grants the business complete control over its servers and backups.

Cloud-based software is stored offsite, and its upkeep and monitoring are handled by a different business. Because you don't need to pay an internal crew to maintain and upgrade systems or purchase additional hardware, the cost is reduced. Furthermore, integrating a cloud-based management system with other systems from previous installations is simpler. The ability to access the system from any location is another significant benefit of cloud systems.

3. Identify the key characteristics

The features of a logistics platform vary depending on the kind of business using it. For instance, a barcode scanner is unnecessary in gasoline delivery app development, but built-in navigation is crucial. In the meanwhile, warehouse management systems rely heavily on the same barcode scanner. Determining the list of essential attributes might be challenging at times. So, here's a starting point hint.

Select which of the following base system models—all of which are a component of transport management systems generally—is the most appropriate for your business and use it as a starting point based on your needs and business type:

Relationship management for customers (CRM)

Systems for managing warehouses (WMS)

Management of the supply chain (SCM)

Management of enterprise assets (EAM)

Systems for manufacturing execution (MES)

Next, determine which model characteristics are essential and which are unnecessary. Consider other features that should be included, such as real-time tracking, support for many languages and currencies, KPI monitoring, interface with accounting software, and so forth.

4. Add a mobile app to finish your logistics software.

A company's logistics software system is completed by mobile apps, which connect the head office to employees, ships, and cars wherever they may be. All employees have access to real-time company data, and the insights from this data keep everything running properly. For instance, while traveling, truck drivers can email the paperwork to warehouses via an app. Businesses can save a significant amount of time and money and improve customer service by streamlining corporate operations.

By improving communication, a logistics app enables businesses to analyze data more quickly and take prompt decisions and actions. For instance, real-time fleet data is provided via a fleet management mobile app or vehicle tracking app, both of which have clear advantages. For example, keep tabs on every truck and offer assistance if a driver unexpectedly runs out of petrol in the Mojave.

The agile logistics software of today can completely transform several facets of conventional logistics. Integrate many features to produce a unique solution tailored to your business strategy. Even while it may seem difficult to meet all needs on a single platform, you can achieve it quickly and easily with the assistance of experts.

Speak with the project managers at MadAppGang. We can assist you with software planning, defining the main functions of the app and the logistics solution overall, establishing a budget, and estimating a timeline. After receiving your idea, our professionals can transform it into intelligent logistics software that streamlines your company's operations.

What is the price of creating logistics software?

The price of developing logistics software varies. A standard solution's minimum viable product (MVP) usually starts at $20,000. However, a lot of things influence the overall cost:

1. The deployment kind. On-premises deployment is more expensive, as previously stated. You can save additional hardware and maintenance costs by choosing a cloud-based solution.

2. How many features should be included in the mobile app and web platform? It makes sense to think that a simpler solution would be less expensive, yet it is a false economy. Since it takes time and money to add capabilities to already-existing products, it is less expensive to incorporate all the required functionalities when developing the logistics software. Furthermore, you can save money on operating expenses and improve service immediately by enhancing all business operations with a fully functional solution.

3. How logistics software is developed. It takes a lot of time, money, and effort to hire an in-house development staff. Although less effective, purchasing and licensing an established logistics platform is more cost-effective. As was previously mentioned, prepackaged software solutions could not be able to interact with the apps you require or might not have the necessary customizations.

The best strategy for creating logistics software is to work with a seasoned development company. Your customized solution will be put into place reasonably fast, in accordance with the specifications and needs of your business, and at a fair price. An outsourced development team also saves you money on equipment (software, hardware), office rent, and other expenses.

The bottom line

Logistics firms can better organize and automate supply chain management with the use of custom logistics management software. It facilitates order and inventory management, improves fieldwork management and communication, enables the business to process more orders, and improves customer service. In order to remain competitive, businesses in the logistics sector must meet their goals and outperform their rivals. This is made much simpler by good logistics software.