Challenge
Logistics app from scratch is a desktop WPF software for the internal purchasing and product logistics departments. The solution is designed to save transportation costs. In the first step, it is related to the special case of refrigerated logistics. So, logistics planning software helps to agree with the freight forwarders’ quantities of the items, rates, postal code areas, etc., and to keep them against the transportation costs of the suppliers. In other words, a transportation solution supports employees in the selection of the most cost-efficient procurement and goods delivery ways.
Solution
The software engineering team was responsible for the design, architecture, development, testing, and deployment of the solution. The hired .NET desktop developers worked in two-week sprints. Also, it had daily stand-up meetings to briefly discuss the activities of each team member and identify potential obstacles. Sprint planning meetings also took place. Surely, all team members worked for the result, clearly informing the management about the progress.
Logistics management software is designed according to the client’s needs and based on the internal workflows of his company. In general, the purchasing department fills in the Excel file with the information about articles to be purchased. Later it transmits the spreadsheet to the clerk. The clerk verifies the completeness of the list and accepts the file via his desktop client.
In parallel, the system checks if the database already has the vendor of an exact product. If there is a unique hit, the generation of the questionnaire with pre-recorded data from the purchasing department takes place. The questionnaire is generated in the form of a spreadsheet. The Excel file is attached to the email that is stored in the specific folder (in the email client). Anyway, the editor can check this letter before sending it. The developed logistics management software has a connection to GroupWise. Additionally, the desktop client supports the reviewer if there is a situation without the unique hit among the suppliers.
The supplier, in turn, responds to the letter with the completed spreadsheet. Logistics planning software can automatically read the Excel from the letter and validate it. In case of any issues with the file, the email with the request to fix the problems is generated either automatically or manually. In other words, the questionnaire filled in by the supplier can be accepted or rejected. Based on the accepted list, the purchasing department selects the supplier. After this happens, the generation of Excel file. It includes information about the transportation agents, and the file has to be uploaded to the system. The logistics management software checks whether transportation with better rates from the freight forwarder exists.
Results
Logistic software development services were provided to the customer by our firm. Chudovo, as a transportation software development company, built a dedicated team of professionals in their field. So, the development team was assigned to the customer’s project on a full-time basis. The client was informed about the progress of the team during the entire development period. As a result, the customer owned the logistics app, which greatly facilitated the work of his internal departments. Firstly, all work processes were accelerated through automation. Secondly, the created software for logistics management performs its main function. It helps to save costs during the selection of suppliers and product transportation.