How We Develop A Unique App & Web Portal For Shipment
How We Develop A Unique App & Web Portal For Shipment
Overview
A Netherlands-based freight management company for freight management approached us to develop a freight management application that would help facilitate and streamline their operations across Europe.
The client is involved in domestic and international freight transportation, connecting the shippers with the carriers and mediating a viable and cost-effective deal between both, while ensuring that the shipments reach the destination safely and on time.
Keeping the client requirements in mind, we proposed and developed a highly scalable and digital freight management platform, deploying the same across multiple verticals; in web and app versions.
The core objective was to eliminate the manual processes and automate the client’s existing legacy infrastructure into a smart, sustainable, and transparent digital freight network, connecting the shippers with the carriers.
All of those, we were able to assimilate into a smart digital freight management platform that simplifies end-to-end logistics management and support for freight shipping, providing cost-effective solutions to the client’s target audience.
It not only helps the shippers to connect with multiple carriers/dispatchers but also tracks the shipment in real-time with essential carrier details. The carriers can keep tabs on the drivers and the vehicles on the move along with shipment details, with an open line of two-way communication between both.
To cater to the requirements of the shippers and carriers, the platform in both its web and app versions was developed with distinctive features and functionalities.
Challenges We Addressed
Upon approaching Brainium, the client highlighted several challenges in their workflow, including the need for integration, access to data and insights, customization, and automation. Brainium developed a comprehensive plan to address these issues using proven solutions and best practices.
Some of the key challenges addressed through the robust asset tracking system include:
- Integration with Other Systems: Integration with CCv2 (the existing Customer Central system) and the Google Admin Console was crucial. This required meticulous planning and execution to ensure data and functionalities were migrated without disrupting ongoing operations.
- Data Migration: A significant amount of data needed to be migrated from CCv2 without any loss or corruption. Strong data validation and transfer processes were implemented to ensure data integrity.
- User Experience and Interface Design: The system needed to cater to the usability requirements of both school districts and the client’s employees. This was achieved through iterative design and testing to ensure a user-friendly and functional interface
- Security and Privacy: Ensuring the security and privacy of sensitive data, including student information and device details, was paramount. This required implementing stringent security measures and complying with data protection regulations.
- Scalability: The client required a scalable solution to accommodate an increasing number of devices and users. A solid architectural framework was developed to handle increased loads without compromising performance.
- Real-time Synchronization: Real-time synchronization with the Google Admin Console was necessary to keep device management current. Efficient data syncing mechanisms were implemented to achieve this.
- Complex Workflow Automation: The system needed to automate complex workflows related to order management, repair tracking, and inventory management. Comprehensive workflow mapping and automation tools were utilized to streamline these processes.
- Customization for Diverse Needs: The solution had to be flexible enough to meet the diverse needs of different school districts and the client’s internal teams. The system was designed to be adaptable for multiple user requirements.
- Maintenance and Updates: Ensuring the system remained up-to-date with regular maintenance and feature updates was critical. A robust maintenance plan and a responsive development team were put in place to address issues and implement enhancements.
The robust web application developed by Brainium successfully addressed these challenges, delivering a secure, user-friendly, and efficient system that meets the needs of both school districts and the client’s employees.
Technology
The technology stack used for this project included:
Database
- PostgreSQL
- Local Management Program: pgAdmin
- Remote Monitoring: Render Dashboard
Backend
- Authentication: Auth0
- Application Language: Node.js
- Web Application Framework: Express
- Testing Framework: Jest
- Code Quality: ESLint
- Code Style: Prettier
- SQL: pg
- Git rules: Husky
- Realtime Connections: Pusher
Frontend
- Application Language: React.js and TypeScript.js
- Testing Framework: Mocha
- Code Quality: ESLint
- Code Style: Prettier
Third-party APIs and Integrations Used
- Auth0
- NETSUITE
- UPS
- GCP APIs
Development Environment
Project Execution Protocol
The development of this project followed a rigorous execution protocol:
- Project Initiation
- System Analysis
- Visualization
- Development
- Testing (User Acceptance Testing – UAT)Documentation
- Deployment (Go Live)
Active communication with the client was maintained throughout the development lifecycle, ensuring timely execution and deployment of the web application for the asset management system.
Solution
The award-winning solution delivered to the client provided a centralized asset-tracking system with an intuitive interface for order management, repairs, device tracking, and inventory management. The system was tailored to facilitate the delivery and management of Chromebook devices to local school districts in the most efficient manner possible.
- Account Registration: The system streamlines the account registration process, enabling school districts to sign up with the client efficiently. Client admins are provided with tools to verify and approve accounts upon registration.
- Placing Orders: The system features an intuitive interface where school districts can log in, select products and accessories, and place orders. The system automatically sends order details to client admins for processing, ensuring a seamless ordering experience.
- Repair Requests: School district customers can log repair requests for their devices through the system. Admins receive these requests and can update the repair status in real time, providing transparency and efficiency in the repair process.
- Tracking Devices: The system allows school districts to check devices out to students and track their status. Admins can view overall device inventory and update statuses as needed, ensuring accountability and accurate tracking of devices.
- Google Admin Console Integration: The integration with the Google Admin Console was a significant achievement. School districts can now manage Chromebook details directly within the system, with perfect synchronization ensuring that all devices are registered and updated without the need for external URLs.
- Inventory and In-House Repairs: The system supports school districts in ordering parts for in-house repairs and managing inventory. Client admins can manage overall inventory and process in-house repair credits, overseeing the entire device management and maintenance process.
- Admin Management: The system allows the client’s employees to perform a wide range of administrative tasks, including account management, order processing, and analytics on sales metrics. These functionalities are designed to enhance efficiency and improve the user experience for both school districts and the client.
- Incorporating Google Telemetry: The system integrates Google telemetry data, providing the client with real-time tracking of assets (Chromebooks) and detailed insights into asset performance and usage. This feature enables proactive maintenance, reducing downtime and optimizing asset utilization.
Client Feedback
At Brainium, client satisfaction is our highest priority. The feedback we received on this project highlights the success of our collaboration:
“We demoed the product at ISTE 2024 to dozens of school district administrators, CTOs, and business owners, and engaged with hundreds of schools and companies worldwide. The feedback was phenomenal. A huge shoutout to each one of you! Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off. The product is making waves as the only asset management software with Telemetry data, so many were shocked and amazed at how much was there, and how easy it would be to integrate and be able to have that data at their fingertips.”