Have you ever wondered how the logistics sector is involved in managing the intricacy of routes, shipments, and communication smoothly? Well, it is possible through a robust tool called logistics apps. These applications are behind every seamless delivery and efficient route. One can even call these software solutions the backbone of modern supply chains.
Are you associated with this industry and looking forward to building such an app for your business? If yes, then first of all, you should get an idea about the cost that is incurred in the process. In this detailed blog post, we will first list the essential features that drive the logistics app development and then talk about the factors that decide the cost. So, let’s dive in:
Logistics App Development: What is It?
Logistics app development refers to the process that involves crafting software applications that are specially tailored to cater to the requirements and challenges within the logistics and supply chain industry.
These apps are designed in a manner to facilitate and simplify different aspects of logistics operations. It includes tracking vehicles, managing shipments, optimizing routes, and coordinating stakeholder communication.
What are the Key Features to Look for during Logistics App Development?
Here, we will discuss the list of essential features crucial for logistics app development. So, let’s find out:
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Multilingual Support
Maintaining clear communication is vital, and translation errors can ultimately hinder the decision-making process. A multilingual logistics application helps resolve this problem by effectively improving customer satisfaction and attracting more customers.
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Truck Tracking
The app utilizes GPS location to offer a real-time overview of the vehicle’s location. Along with that, this app system helps track vehicles, optimize goods delivery, and provide comprehensive details about cargo. These apps reveal the GPS coordinates transmitted by the sensors on a map. It also stores the data transmitted by truck GPS units.
Additionally, these apps were developed by employing technologies such as QML, C++, Qt framework, JavaScript, and the Kalman filter, which helps boost the accuracy of GPS positioning.
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Chat and Calls to the Driver
The application includes built-in calling and messaging features, facilitating swift communication between shippers, drivers, and managers. It enables logistics managers to make certain improvements or adjustments in routes in case of breakdowns or accidents. The driver can again offer the customer with the required delivery information.
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Best Route
You will most likely find the best route feature in the logistics application that helps streamline the delivery process. With the help of this feature, it is possible to discover the most efficient path for transporting goods. It involves consideration of certain factors such as traffic, distance, and delivery time, ensuring drivers rake the most seamless and fastest route possible. Thereby, it helps in reducing costs and saving time.
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Cross-Platform App Capabilities
A cross-platform logistics app can operate seamlessly on Windows, iOS, and Android platforms both on desktop and mobile devices. The best part is that it does not require any modifications in the UI. It again offers users different ways to access the app, which ensures convenience for all.
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Offline Functions
Sometimes, problems may arise with the web connection. Users can easily access reports and input data without an internet connection using an office mobile application.
Estimating the Cost of Logistics App Development
Multiple factors decide the cost of logistics app development. Due to the different functions and requirements of logistics applications, sometimes it can be challenging to find out the actual price of logistics app development. However, you would be able to get an estimate or general overview by considering the below-discussed factors:
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Frontend and Backend Development
The frontend and backend frameworks of logistics applications and technologies stack play a critical role in influencing the logistics app development cost. One of the vital things to consider in this aspect is that you will incur more costs if you select a framework for microservices rather than monolithic architecture.
However, you always get the option to scale your application with the increase in your business requirements, which is considered the best part. In such a case, the cost will also increase.
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Application Features and Complexity
The estimated cost of developing a logistics application considerably relies on the app’s complexity and the specific features you want to add to it. Below is given an approximate breakdown:
- A basic logistics app with minimum functionality costs around $25,000 to $100,000.
- Medium-sized apps with average complexity and features can range anywhere from $100,000 to $180,000.
- A fully-fledged application with all interactive features and advanced functionality will likely be priced at $180,000 or higher.
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Platform Selection
Another major factor that influences the logistics app development cost is your choice of platform. The platform you have selected for running the application plays a significant role. Compared to iOS, the price of developing apps for the Android platform is considered higher. The main reason behind this is the Android platforms demand a considerable amount of fragmentation.
Again, a cross-platform app will work amazingly well on both platforms if you select this option. So, it is regarded as a cost-effective alternative that is worth choosing.
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Tech Stack
The next key factor that creates a lot of impact on the logistics app development cost is the tech stack. You should essentially determine the technology stack to get an estimate. If you desire to use R or Swift, you will have to incur higher expenses when compared to using Assembly or VBA.
Both VBA and Assembly are known to be the least-used programming languages. Other than that, it is imperative for you to assess the app’s complexity before finalizing the technology for app development.
With the incorporation of more features, the complexity of the application will most likely increase. It again demands a more sophisticated technology stack to cater to the requirements. In turn, it results in an escalation in the overall cost of logistics app development.
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App Development Team Size
The size of the development team is another major factor that affects the cost of logistics app development. Generally, a larger team necessitates more resources like equipment and salaries, which, in turn, increases the overall expenses. On the other hand, a smaller team has fewer people and resources involved in the development procedure, which contributes to lower costs.
For achieving best-in-class outcomes and maximum value out of your investment, it is recommended to hire a professional logistics app development agency. They tend to have a lot of experience in this field so they can assist you in the best possible manner. Approaching these agencies will help you to get an idea about the accurate cost.
Final Thoughts
So, logistics app development is more than just creating software. Instead, it helps in empowering the overall industry. By investing in the right technologies and features, businesses can effectively revolutionize their logistics operations, which helps them get an extra edge.
