Apps are becoming a crucial part of the transport industry. Markets and Markets Research predicts that by 2021, the supply chain software market will be worth $USD 19 billion and that it will expand at a compound annual rate of 7.5 percent until 2024.

The rising population in urban areas, coupled with people embracing more IoT and automation technologies, are acting as catalysts for the growth of smart transportation. People are more comfortable using transport apps to check schedules and traffic information. The global smart transportation market is expected to grow from USD 94.5 billion in 2020 to USD 156.5 billion in 2025, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.6 percent.

However, many companies are still keeping their transportation and logistics records on paper, which is not only time-wasting but also an inefficient, unsafe, and error-prone way to store data. Not to mention losing multiple competitive advantages.

In this article, we will discuss what web and mobile apps can offer for three parts of the transport industry: logistics, supply chain, taxi/transfer. But first, let’s understand what web and mobile apps can do.

Web apps in transportation

In order to accurately keep track of logistics and transport operations, dedicated web applications are developed. They are customized to provide the ultimate enterprise applications experience.

We have all used web apps before. A web app is simply a software or program that you can access through a web browser. It is not necessary to download web apps since they are accessible to anyone independent of their device specifications. All you need is an active internet connection, and you’re all set.

A mobile web app is pretty similar to a web app, except they are downloadable in different versions that are device-specific and can be accessed offline. Therefore, you don’t always need an active internet connection to use them.

Mobile transportation applications

The contemporary transport sector includes so many functions like ride-sharing, GPS location, route planning, navigation, collection and analysis of traffic data, and information about traveling at different times of the day or year, which can all be provided by a single mobile transportation app. Smartphones have also made it easier for people to quickly embrace the use of mobile apps since all this information literally in the palm of your hands.

If you are wondering how do mobile apps work differently from web apps, it’s simple. Web apps are simpler in their features, so they are easy to build. Mobile apps platform-specific nature makes them more difficult to build, but they are better in terms of functionality compared to web apps. There are several types of mobile apps for transport: native, cross-platform, and hybrid. If you are looking to learn more about how to create mobile apps easily without code, we have explained it earlier.

Now let’s move on to examples of how web and mobile apps can help a transport company.

1. Logistics

Logistics is simply the management of the flow of resources from the source to their final destination. The main problem facing logistics is poor coordination due to many parties involved. Therefore, it is difficult to have unified control over the entire process.

Thanks to technology gurus out there, there’s a software solution that synchronizes all parties involved. Logistics companies should start thinking of how to make web apps or mobile apps that link the processes from ordering a product to receiving the delivery since this is going to be the new norm.

Here are a few solutions that logistics apps can use:

• Maps and navigation. Logistics apps have navigation functions that reduce expenses greatly. Drivers can identify and avoid trouble spots and calculate the fastest routes to their destinations, guaranteeing fast deliveries.
• Online services. Customers can order services from the comfort of their home by simply clicking on a button. Logistics apps have streamlined services such that the process of acquiring services is simple and efficient.
• Analytics. Logistics apps record details of previous shipments, whether successful or not, which provide vital statistics and real-time insights for future shipments.
• Labour management. With logistics apps, businesses can keep track of their drivers and vehicles in real-time using GPS on the drivers’ mobile phones.

Cases:

Hawk-Eye is a fleet management solution mobile app that uses GPS location to track the routes taken by vehicles ensuring compliance. It also has a messaging functionality for communication in real-time.

Veeqo is an example of an inventory and shipping management platform for e-commerce businesses.

The platforms may be useful, but a custom solution can combine all the features you need. In addition, it will offer better data security. 

2. Supply chain

Mobile and web app solutions have unlocked the potential to automate the supply chain management (SCM) sector of businesses by combining a number of management tools inside the services.

These supply chain apps perform activity tracking, asset tracking and provide a messaging platform where the parties involved can communicate easily. You can’t compete with technology. Currently, you can automate most parts of the transportation industry, including real-time tracking of your fleet from arrival to departure times, route planning, customer services, and even keep logs of itineraries and stops during the journey. Here are just some of the advantages:

• Digitized supply chain process. A paper-based book-keeping system is so 1990’s. Automating business processes eliminates errors and performs calculations within seconds. Supply chain apps have awesome features that will save your business time and ensure the security of data.
• Easy management of all parties. A supply chain app can keep an eye on your drivers, vehicles, inventory, deliveries, and orders, all the same time making it easier to know when something goes wrong.

Cases:

Daily Route Tracker- Driver Time Management app is a tracking app that records the number of times and how long drivers stop while on the route. This information can be used for route planning in the future.

Desk-Issue Management can help with collaboration between your team and customer, which results in better communication and response to issues.

Again, a custom app development can be tailored to your specific needs and serve all parties at once.

3. Taxi/Transfer

Most people don’t want to go out and physically hail a taxi anymore, not with taxi apps around. These apps have almost completely replaced traditional taxi services. Since Uber’s success and popularity in the market, more similar transport applications have come up.

However, taxi app development is not easy. These apps have a lot of functionality, including business intelligence and predictive analysis. A small change can have a big impact on the outcome.

Cases:

Where to begin. There are numerous taxi apps in the local and international market, which make it a very competitive business. Transportation applications like Uber and Lyft have millions of users every day, something that a startup app development company has to keep in mind. It is advisable to have a unique value proposition that makes your business outstand your competitors. We have explained how we create successful taxi apps in 3 steps earlier.

Conclusion

The transport industry is facing a new revolution. It’s about time we embrace the functionalities that transport apps bring because they are becoming the new normal.

TRIARE creates top-notch transport and logistics apps. We are ready to help you nurture your business by handling your day-to-day operations.

You can never go wrong investing in transportation apps for your business. They offer long-term benefits and predictive analysis that can be vital as you make strategic decisions. For all transport and logistics management services, we got you.