get in touch
image
ractangle
case study

IoT-Based GPS Fleet Tracking App Development

Transportation & Logistics

  • Cloud solutions
  • Maps and Geolocation
  • Frontend
  • Backend
  • DevOps
  • IoT
  • Optimization
  • Real Time Solution

Development of a GPS fleet tracking solution that uses the Internet of Things (IoT) data to provide visibility into what’s happening on the road in real time and allow interventions even if the truck is thousands of miles away. Optimizing the system’s code and improving its integration capabilities so it can display up to 1000 trucks on a map simultaneously and visualize their movements in real time.

client

3D Telematics

  • image Malaysia
  • image Up to 50 employees

A GPS fleet tracking company and logistics software provider that offers a web and mobile-based solution for managing and streamlining the workflow of multiple fleet operators on a single platform.

fleet tracking

request background

Implement a GPS fleet tracking system based on a proof-of-concept

The client reached out to us with the task to develop an IoT-based vehicle tracking system that would collect vehicle data and visualize it on a map. It would use connected devices to provide the real-time operational updating of vehicle data — such as location, speed, fuel consumption, driving time, and video from cameras — through the CAN bus. The harvested data would be stored in a database and available for processing.

According to the client’s request, the solution would enable dispatchers to manage the history of vehicle data updates, generate reports, monitor events and notifications, control connected devices remotely, manage customs billing, and take advantage of other GPS tracking fleet management features with the help of a mobile device or a laptop.

gps tracking app

challenge

A testing prototype of a GPS tracking app that had low flexibility, limited integration capabilities, and no documentation

The Malaysian provider of fleet tracking services approached us with a PoC that was completely undocumented. To begin with, all we had was the product vision, a basic web-based application with some testing data to demonstrate how the future GPS fleet tracking software solution should work, and certain documentation provided by producers of IoT devices we had been integrating the client’s solution with.

After we conducted a thorough audit of the client’s fleet management and tracking app, (just as we did in the web-based shipping platform project), we noticed that it had two significant limitations. First, the poor code quality hampered new feature implementation. Second, the existing integration mechanism wasn’t stable enough to allow hundreds of trucks to be connected to the system and displayed on the map simultaneously with real-time movement visualization as the client required.

The client couldn’t achieve their goals using the existing codebase. After all, the provided app was more of a concept rather than a fully-fledged GPS telematics fleet tracking software product that needed a couple of updates. This meant we needed to rewrite most parts of their app from scratch.

goals

  1. Code optimization of the client’s app to make new feature implementation easier.
  2. Upgrading the integration mechanism of the client’s solution to increase the number of IoT devices integrated by the system and visualized on a map.
  3. New feature implementation, such as remote vehicle control and real-time freight movement visualization
gps fleet tracking

solution

The transforming power of technology and expertise

  • image Node.js, PHP, HTML, CSS, AWS
  • image 2 years
  • image 3 specialists

First of all, we improved the integration capabilities of the client’s GPS fleet management solution using a Node.js-based IoT signal parser. This allowed us to dramatically increase the number of connected devices. Second, we optimized the backend code, which gave us a stable core for further development and feature implementation.

To implement functionalities for the client’s fleet tracking system, the development team's capabilities were increased from two to three contributors. From the client’s end, the product owner was in touch with us throughout the entire process.

As a result, this product traveled a two-year-long path from a basic proof-of-concept (PoC) with many challenges to be resolved to become one of the best fleet GPS tracking systems in the market.

The following IoT fleet tracking and management features were implemented:

  • Constant data transmission. If a connected fleet tracking device is switched on, the system constantly receives a signal from it to collect the needed vehicle data, such as speed, time on the road, fuel level, GPS position, tire pressure, and video streaming from cameras.
  • Reporting. All device data is stored in the system for further analysis and can be exported in preferable formats, like .csv and .pdf.
  • Data visualization. The collected data can be visualized in web reports and on an interactive map. Optimized code allowed us to boost the system’s stability, enabling us to significantly increase the number of trucks displayed on a map simultaneously. Meanwhile, the WebSocket protocol allowed for smooth map updates for real-time freight movement visualization.
  • Remote command processing. The dispatcher can send a remote command to a device to perform some actions, such as switching the engine off/on, opening containers, and so on. This feature particularly comes in handy at customs. Since drivers typically don’t have access to the freight and can’t open containers on their own to present the goods to a customs officer for inspection, the dispatcher can open the container remotely upon the driver’s request.

outcome

From basic PoC to powerful telematics system

  • AWS-based architecture with powerful data storage and processing capabilities
  • Seamless integration with approximately 1000 IoT devices, including GPS trackers from different manufacturers
  • New features, such as video streaming from cameras or remote command processing
  • An increase in the number of trucks displayed on a map from 100 to 1000 objects
  • Smooth truck movements visualization in real-time — before we stepped in, the location of trucks on the map of the client’s GPS tracking app was updated only every 5-10 seconds
  • The considerable increase in speed of automated composing of the truck movements report: from 4 days for 4 trucks to 15-40 seconds for 1000 trucks
cta

Have a business idea?

Feel free to contact us and get a free cloud solutions software consultation session.

estimate project or just write an email
image
image image

Related cases

SaaS Route Planning Tool for Fleet Management Optimization

Transportation & Logistics

SaaS route planning software development to accommodate the growing delivery volumes. Integration of ML algorithms for real-time traffic data analysis and automated route optimization. Incorporating fleet management features to track driver performance and ensure real-time oversight of vehicle locations for better visibility.

Supply Chain Data Analytics Software

Transportation & Logistics

Building supply chain analytics technology software equipped with predictive analytics, machine learning, and AI algorithms. Overcoming data fragmentation, consolidating supply chain data from ERP systems, IoT sensors, GPS devices, and other sources. Creating user-friendly dashboards and reports for straightforward data access.

SAAS Fleet Management Software for a Logistics Company

Transportation & Logistics

Development of fleet management SaaS with advanced features. Improved fleet management with optimized routes and lower fuel consumption. Streamlining operations, reducing costs, and enhancing overall efficiency due to real-time tracking and data-driven decisions.

SaaS Warehouse Management System

Transportation & Logistics

Development of cloud-based warehouse management software to optimize and automate the warehousing operations of a 3PL provider. The logistics company operated with a legacy system, which didn’t support the integration of automation tools and required manual entries. To help the company remain competitive in a digitalized logistics environment, we have developed a comprehensive cloud-based WMS solution. Our development team utilized the latest cloud-computing practices to provide a scalable SaaS product for the client’s digital transformation.

privacy

Under the NDA, we are unable to give you thorough information on the cases. We are valuing the privacy of each client. Therefore, the brands are not mentioned.

Transportation Management System (TMS) Modernization

Transportation & Logistics

Refactoring and modernization of legacy software for a freight forwarder with a global client base. Enhancing this web-based transportation management system with new capabilities and its subsequent maintenance.

privacy

Under the NDA, we are unable to give you thorough information on the cases. We are valuing the privacy of each client. Therefore, the brands are not mentioned.

Mobile App Development and Web Platform optimization for shipping service provider

Transportation & Logistics

Development of an MVP version of a mobile app that can track the drivers working hours and provide the payment for the performed work.

privacy

Under the NDA, we are unable to give you thorough information on the cases. We are valuing the privacy of each client. Therefore, the brands are not mentioned.

Shipping Web Platform Development

Transportation & Logistics

Complete audit and further development of a shipping platform that enabled new third-party services integration, saved costs and significantly decreased the server load.

privacy

Under the NDA, we are unable to give you thorough information on the cases. We are valuing the privacy of each client. Therefore, the brands are not mentioned.

International Trade Digitalization & Paper Work Automation

Transportation & Logistics

Complete transformation from offline to online. Development of an export document system – automation of many customs forms and documents, implementation of pdf generation and track of content updates on external websites. Today, our client can help businesses worldwide with all the processes of international transportation and customs clearance all over the world.

Go to our portfolio

Articles you may also like

6 Use Cases of AI in Transportation and Logistics: [2024 Edition]

Use Cases of AI in Transportation & Logistics: Are They Relevant for Your Business?

Logistics 11/14/2024 14 min read
IoT in Fleet Management: [Use Cases, Trends & Case Studies]

Employing IoT for Fleet Management: Benefits, Use Cases & Success Stories

Logistics 10/25/2024 14 min read
Last-Mile Delivery Optimization: [Key Strategies in 2024]

Last-mile Delivery Solutions: Optimize Logistics for Better Customer Satisfaction

Logistics 09/24/2024 13 min read
Load Planning Software: [Features, Types and Benefits]

Load Planning Software: Features, Types and Benefits

Logistics 08/12/2024 11 min read
Blockchain for Supply Chain Management: [Benefits & Use Cases]

Why and How to Employ Blockchain in Supply Chain Management (Tips & Success Stories)

Logistics 07/03/2024 10 min read
How to Develop a GPS Tracking Software for Real-time Vehicle Tracking

How to Develop a GPS Tracking Software for Real-time Vehicle Tracking

Logistics 06/04/2024 17 min read
Best Trucking Software in 2024: [Custom or Off-The-Shelf]

Best Trucking Software to Consider in 2024: Custom vs Off-the-Shelf

Logistics 05/31/2024 14 min read
Multi-Carrier Shipping Software: [8 Use Cases & Key Benefits]

Multi-Carrier Shipping Software: a Guide to Enhancing Shipping Efficiency

Logistics 05/02/2024 11 min read
ᐉ How to Build Custom Fleet Management and Maintenance Software

How to Build Custom Fleet Management and Maintenance Software

Logistics 04/26/2024 16 min read
Transportation Management Software Development [2024 Guide]

Transportation Management Software Development — A Detailed Overview

Logistics 04/18/2024 19 min read
IoT Transportation: 6 Use Cases to Boost Supply Chain Visibility in 2024

Embracing IoT in Transportation and Logistics to Boost Supply Chain Visibility

Logistics 03/20/2024 13 min read
How to choose the Best Transportation Management Software [2024 Guide]

How to Choose the Best Transportation Management Software: Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf

Logistics 02/22/2024 14 min read
Top Logistics Technology Trends in 2024 | Acropolium

Top Logistics Technology Trends Reshaping the Industry in 2024

Logistics 01/25/2024 9 min read
Warehouse Automation Systems [8 Benefits for Your Business]

Warehouse Automation Systems: Technologies Taking Warehousing to the Next Level

Logistics 01/16/2024 10 min read
How to Develop a Document Management System for Logistics

How to develop a logistics document management system (case study included)

Logistics 01/10/2024 20 min read
3PL WMS software: Why Choose a Custom SaaS WMS

3PL Warehouse Management System: Why Choose a Custom SaaS WMS for Your Warehouse

Logistics 12/22/2023 9 min read
Supply Chain Analytics Software [Key Features & Use Cases]

Employing Supply Chain Analytics Software for Efficient Workflows — Key Features & Use Cases

Logistics 11/30/2023 12 min read
The Best Route Optimization Software to Employ in [2024]

Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf Route Optimization Software: Which Serves You Best?

Logistics 11/01/2023 11 min read
Logistics & Shipping APIs Integration Guide [2024]

A Guide to Integrating Logistics and Shipping APIs to Optimize Your Supply Chain Business

Logistics 10/19/2023 14 min read
Machine Learning in Logistics & Supply Chain [6 Use Cases]

Adopting Machine Learning in Supply Chain and Logistics for Successful Automation

Logistics 10/13/2023 14 min read
Best Truck Dispatching Software to Consider in [2024]

Best Trucking Dispatching Software in 2024: Custom vs Off-the-Shelf

Logistics 09/05/2023 12 min read
Cloud Computing in Logistics and Supply Chain [2024 Guide]

Cloud Computing in Logistics and Supply Chain: Use Cases Included

Logistics 07/28/2023 11 min read
ᐉ Warehouse Management Systems Development [2024 Guide]

Warehouse Management Systems Development: Empowering Real-Time Tracking and Visibility

Logistics 07/11/2023 10 min read
Chatbots in Logistics & Transportation ☑️ Benefits & Use Cases

Chatbots in Logistics & Transportation: Benefits & Use Cases

Logistics 06/14/2023 14 min read
Logistics & Transportation Software Modernization☑️ Best Practices and Lessons Learned

Logistics & Transportation Software Modernization: Best Practices and Lessons Learned

Logistics 05/12/2023 12 min read
ᐉ Big Data in Logistics: Key Benefits [5 Real Use Cases]

Big Data in Logistics: Key Benefits & 5 Real Use Cases

Logistics 04/27/2023 18 min read
Software for Freight Brokers ☑️ Increasing Efficiency and Profitability

How Software for Freight Brokers Increases Business Efficiency and Profitability: Real-World Examples

Logistics 03/27/2023 12 min read
Logistics App Development ☑️ Building a Product That Will Help Your Business

Logistics App Development: Building a Product That Will Help Your Business

Logistics 03/16/2023 19 min read
Logistics Management System [2024 Guide]: Use Cases Included

Why A Logistics Management System Is A Must For Successful Supply Chain Operations

Logistics 03/14/2023 14 min read
Supply Chain Management Software System ☑️ Features & Integration

Supply Chain Management Software System: Its Features, Benefits, and How to Integrate a Suitable One

Logistics 01/25/2023 16 min read
Freight Forwarding Software Solutions ☑️ 2024 Guide

How to Turn Custom Freight Forwarding Software to Your Advantage

Logistics 01/11/2023 16 min read
Shipping Management System Development ☑️ [2024 Guide]

How to Automate the Shipping Process with a Shipping Management System

Logistics 12/26/2022 13 min read
ᐉ How to Build an Airport Operations Management Solution

How to Build an Airport Operations Management Solution

Logistics 10/27/2021 17 min read
ᐉ Guide of How to Integrate e-AWB for a Freight Forwarder

Guide of How to Integrate e-AWB for a Freight Forwarder

Logistics 08/17/2021 14 min read
Blockchain Implementation in Logistics: Key Benefits & 3 Real Use Cases

Blockchain Implementation in Logistics: Key Benefits & 3 Real Use Cases

Logistics 08/05/2021 18 min read
ᐉ How to Build a Fuel Management System [Complete Guide]

How to Build a Fuel Management System [Complete Guide]

Logistics 05/18/2021 14 min read
Uber API Integration: A Complete Guide with 7 Benefits & Examples

Uber API Integration: A Complete Guide with 7 Benefits & Examples

Logistics 05/11/2021 15 min read
ᐉ Why It Pays to Build Dispatch Management Software

Why It Pays to Build Dispatch Management Software

Logistics 05/04/2021 13 min read
Logistics Customer Portal Development: Step-by-Step Guide

Logistics Customer Portal Development: Step-by-Step Guide

Logistics 04/29/2021 14 min read
How to Build Vehicle Routing Software to Earn More and Drive Less?

How to Build Vehicle Routing Software to Earn More and Drive Less?

Logistics 04/27/2021 18 min read
EDI in Logistics: How to Develop EDI Software to Make an E-Switch?

EDI in Logistics: How to Develop EDI Software to Make an E-Switch?

Logistics 04/20/2021 14 min read
ᐉ Choosing a Map API ✔️ Mapbox vs. Google Maps — Acropolium

Choosing a Map API: Mapbox vs. Google Maps

Logistics 03/09/2021 27 min read