Tips for Successful Development of Logistics Planning and Management Software

An effective business in logistics is hardly possible without relevant logistics software.

There are different types of data businesses need to manage on a regular basis. This data is produced on different steps within the supply chain; it needs to be collected transferred, processed and analyzed accurately.

To survive on a highly competitive market, logistics businesses require a software strategy – a vision of what kind of software the company needs, what apps there are on the market and whether they can be used by the departments, and whether the software can be customized and optimized according to the company’s needs and much more.

However, a few major companies can afford in-house or outsourced custom software development. Hence, a startup idea that will automate and or optimize logistical processes streamlining workflow and thus, ensuring faster and less expensive delivery will be appreciated by the industry.

In its turn, it is always challenging to transform even a perfect idea and domain expertise into a smooth app. Here are the main points everyone should consider before developing a new logistics app:

Determine the Core Features and Create Them

MVP (stands for Minimum Viable Product) development is the best way to present the new idea to the market as soon as possible.

Many startup ideas shatter because they lack relevant feedback from the market. Startups work on software until it is perfect but it turns out this is not what the users want. But there are no resources for the redevelopment.

Instead, startups decide on the minimum core features, get them developed and launch the app to gather user feedback. When everyone sees this is what the market needs and is willing to pay for, they can improve it, create new features and so on. Otherwise, startups save resources on pivoting and they can use to adjust their product to the market needs.

Find the Right Team

A reliable development team always stands behind a successful product. When looking for a team of professionals it is crucial to make sure they are on the same page with you: they understand what say, show interest discussing project details, and provide you with their vision of the future app development.

Experience on a similar project is also a plus signaling they have preliminary domain knowledge.

Also, communication is the key to success. Regular discussion on the done and to-do tasks ensure everyone keeps the bigger picture in mind and the software will do what is promised, when promised.

Integration into Existing Software

Most definitely, app users already use different software solutions for their business processes. Hence, they might need to exchange the data between your app to their existing system: save, load, transfer or share between system users.

A seamless data exchange will be a huge benefit while problems with data integration might block the app usage for most of its target audience. Not to say, the software must ensure the same high level of user experience for different platforms (web, iOS, Android).

Environment, Environment, Environment

As for the above, smooth app functioning and its availability, 24/7, are a must. There will be no excuses when a real-time system becomes unavailable and logistics companies suffer losses.

In parallel with app architecture, startup teams must plan relevant infrastructure to ensure optimal app performance as well as its scalability with the growth of user base.

Here can be recommended to apply DevOps practices in order to ensure continuous delivery with no interruption into user work as well as the optimal consumption of resources.

Adopt Automation

Convenience is more important than sophistication. Apart from plain, intuitively clear design, users will value a program that will take on their work, on especially tedious routine. Business process automation possible to eliminate human error. When the processes can be done in the background while users get the result helps them make an informed decision in a stress-free manner freeing time for more prioritized tasks.

Also, automation increases productivity lowering the risks of slowing down the operations with the growth of their number.

To sum up, effective logistics software helps its users streamline their workflow and perform operations in a stress-free way. Startups’ aim here is to determine the points that can be improved and find a development company that can turn their idea into software striving for seamless integration, continuous delivery, and smooth functioning on different devices and from different places.