What is logistics tracking software?
TRIARE is a reputed development company with expertise in logistics software that combines experience and innovation. If you want to make your transportation and warehouse operations more agile and manageable—we’ve got you covered.Improve your efficiency thanks to a scalable logistics solution that includes capabilities from order processing to warehouse control to customer demand prediction.
This is the part where you would read about the importance of logistics tracking software because of the cost efficiency and operational effectiveness it brings.
Don’t get us wrong; it does all these things and more! But we decided to start by sharing insights about logistics software from our standpoint. How do these systems work? Which modern technology do they use, and what should you always keep in mind during development? Answers to these questions and more are below. And in the end, hopefully, you will understand exactly what and why you want when it comes to tracking systems.
Defining logistics tracking software
Logistics tracking systems rely on location technology in tracked vehicles. The most commonly known vehicle tracking system is GPS. By using it, devices and applications collect location data, allow fleet tracking in real time, and offer route recommendations. The quality of such applications created by developers determines the effectiveness of tracking solutions.
The natural question that arises next is what are the pitfalls in developing and integrating the logistics tracking software? The major one is the lack of a vision associated with using the system, which is necessary for defining its capabilities. Naturally, the logistics tracking software of an airline carrier and a regional pizza company would differ drastically, despite several common elements. To answer this question, let’s delve into the details of how logistics tracking systems work.
How does the logistics tracking software (GPS) work?
Logistics tracking systems work by relying on the three main types of technology, and Global Positioning System (GPS) is one of them. The other two include Radio-frequency identification (RFID) and On-Board Diagnostics (OBD). Each technology has its functionality:
- RFID facilitates the control and tracking of the items.
- GPS provides real-time information on routes, including location, route, and other conditions.
- OBD collects and stores information on driving conditions and vehicle maintenance. It can also assist with fleet management by displaying alerts and requesting actions.
In the past, these elements required extensive human control and interaction to ensure coordination and control. The Internet of Things (IoT) has changed that by enabling communication between machines and systems directly. Such an interaction became possible due to the progress made in the network systems. The larger capacity of these systems enabled the transfer of the larger data packages at a higher speed. At the same time, the capabilities of the new processors allowed for receiving the data, analyzing it, and making decisions. The autonomy of the IoT-based logistics tracking solutions is their main advantage.
Here’s what the logistic tracking process looks like:
| Step | Description |
| 1. Data collection | On-vehicle censors collect data using GPS and OBD technology |
| 2. Data transfer | Mobile data connection allows sending the data and information about movements and location to the local gateways |
| 3. Data processing | Gateways transfer information to the network server with the processing of direction, location, speed, and other variables, followed by its transfer to the application server in the cloud. |
| 4. Transformation of data into analytics | Logistic software converts the processed data into alerts and reports distributed to the users. |
How To Choose The Best Shipment Tracking system?
Shipment tracking software is playing an increasingly important role in the success of companies. Solid tracking technology allows them to be more productive, accountable, and profitable by using a parcel and shipment tracking system all the way from the manufacturing plant to the warehouse to the customer’s doorstep.
There are a lot of options and offerings on the market right now, so it’s only logical to have to make a choice. We want to present some key points which are worth paying attention to when selecting the best tracking system for your business.
Opportunities for integration. In order to speed up the order placement and delivery process, e-commerce and shipping firms often have payment processing and customer management software in place. The question to ask is, will the tracking software integrate easily into an existing system?
User-friendly interface. Most customers are neither software nor tech-savvy. Make sure the tracking system of your choice has a convenient UX that can be easily navigated by users with any technical background.
Scalability. Your tracking solution must be able to expand as your business grows. Look for a software piece that can accommodate an infinite number of users so that your company’s cargo tracking may grow according to the company’s scaling.
Data security. If a cyber intruder gets access to your customers’ information, they will never deal with you again. Make sure the shipping tracking system your company uses is more than capable of safeguarding the data of both your business and your customers against hackers.
Custom development or SaaS logistic tracking system. What is better to choose?
Two popular ways to develop logistics tracking system for your business are custom and SaaS development.
Custom software is tailored to your company’s requirements, so it solves your logistics problems more efficiently. A cloud-based SaaS solution is software that is accessible through an Internet browser. Instead of installing software directly on the device, the service itself is now hosted in cloud storage.
You can read about them in detail and evaluate their pros and cons below:
| Custom logistics tracking system | SaaS |
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Why implement the cargo logistics software, and where to start?
Better communication that allows for improving internal corporate processes is among the primary reasons behind the integration of logistics software. The investments into new tools, such as cameras, sensors, and mobile apps improve fright management, scheduling, and vehicle routing. The advanced IoT GPS tracking software supports the third-party APIs with features including average speed measurement and parking assistance.
The use of cloud systems entails more robust data security in logistics tracking systems. This, in turn, increases the levels of safety for drivers, machine operators, and other industry participants. Big data analysis can support consistent optimization by eliminating inefficiencies.
To achieve the benefits listed above, keep the following points in mind:
- Ensure robust connectivity to support consistent communication
- Contemplate scalability: company’s growth should trigger improvements in logistics tracking systems
- Achieving feasibility means matching investments with the projected short-term and long-term benefits
- Maintenance and streamlining should include smart risk management frameworks and flexibility amid changing conditions
- The security element means data and information safety, along with sufficient backup capabilities.
Including these elements in the development process will ensure a high-quality solution that matches your goals.
How to develop a logistic tracking system for your business?
When it comes to doing business, effective management is the key to any company’s success. In addition, if your company is growing, you need an effective software solution that can help increase productivity by streamlining your logistics processes. That’s where a logistics tracking system comes into play. Not only can it help you ensure fast and safe shipping, warehousing, and delivery, but you can also add value to your enterprise and outperform your competitors.
The following are the basic steps in the development of logistic tracking system software:
- Select a software provider
- Choose between a cloud-based solution and an on-site logistics tracking system
- Decide on the functionality of your software
- Create a mobile version of the logistic tracking system
According to research by the ARC Advisory Group, the development of a logistic tracking system enables businesses to save at least 8%. Additionally, these technologies satisfy one of the key demands of customers: transparency in the logistics tracking system.
What TRIARE has to offer
TRIARE possesses invaluable experience and expertise in the logistics industry. The company has met the needs of numerous industry participants by developing customized solutions based on their specific needs and requirements. Get a free quote to develop your logistics tracking software.
