Historically, the logistics industry has been at the forefront of technological evolution. Using modern digital capabilities such as the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and automation at their advantage, companies migrated their businesses online to provide precise cargo traceability and rich data analytics. The efficiency of modern business relies on its prowess to use the latest technology. This statement is especially true regarding the impact of pandemic-driven events on both social and business domains. In this article, we’d like to share two customer stories that prove that proper solutions in the right hands make a difference against all odds.
The client
The first client is a delivery business based in California that employs more than 4.000 couriers. Until recently, to track deliveries, the business used a dashboard application that has been in development during the last five years by the team of in-house developers and freelancers.
Despite their best efforts, the app had serious flaws in functionality, and monthly costs on maintenance and fixing bugs averaged around $500-800. Besides, when delivery traffic had increased because of COVID-19, the system couldn’t support effective work during peak days, affecting the company’s bottom line. As land transportation has generally remained available across the USA, it quickly became clear that the pandemic has placed the business in a position of uncertainty.
The company addressed Akveo to speed up the processing of orders so that it would be possible to track up to 1000 deliveries simultaneously. Also, it was vital to collect statistics and export revenue reports from the dashboard.
Our solution
The team of Akveo used the Fleet Management Template as the basis for the new application. The idea was to use the pre-developed template's features to set up the customer’s business processes the right way. In early June 2020, the team of 3 full-stack developers started the development process with a new API version 2.0. to build a new app. Within 6 weeks, our engineers implemented several main features for operators:
- real-time tracking of new deliveries on a map
- the database of curriers and workload
- delivery orders processing
- the customers’ database and orders history
- transactions history.
These features were delivered to the client and accepted in full. The design for the application was based on the Fleet management UI kit with an optimized default UX. It’s worth noting that the efforts on front-end development were reduced by almost half. The delivery team switched to the new app in September 2020. Now, the app is running in a new production environment.
Racing against time, the Akveo team delivered the fully-functional solution in just two months. Now we continue the development of new features such as couriers delivery planning, revenue and delivery reporting, vehicle management, and others. With our advanced and robust fleet management dashboard, any delivery business can thrive no matter what the current circumstances are.
The client
Our next customer developed a B2B GPS tracking tool targeted at retail and delivery companies in the LatAm region. Before contacting Akveo, the client had investigated a variety of existing solutions in the interactive cars and routes tracking market to integrate into their product. The goal was to find a ready-to-use solution and release a minimum viable product (MVP) in the short term.
Solution
The product team used the Fleet management template as a source of UI components for several product features. The Akveo team customized front-end components in accordance with client style guidelines and business logic. Also, our developers provided consultancy services for front-end architecture design.
The client successfully met deadlines and released the product two months prior to the initial due date. That played a crucial part in the marketing campaign concerning the growing pandemic’s wave. With a limited budget, the client enriched the product with pre-defined template features and got a significant boost in development for the following user scenarios that allow to:
- track and show in real-time the location of a vehicle
- show all trips for a selected car on the map
- track inventory movements for selected items
- see carriers stats and filter out by several parameters.
To sum up
Just like in several other industries, the pandemic-driven disruptions in the automotive sector might stimulate competitiveness and further economic growth for a tech-savvy business. The answer lies in proper technology and effective management, even with limited resources and budget. In the wake of the second wave of COVID-19, we can’t be sure if a cure to eradicate the virus for good may appear any time soon. However, technology can help to minimize the impact of the disease on the logistics business among others, and stabilize the delivery process. It’s all about following the best industry’s practices, and digitalization is the greatest among them.
Is your organization interested in developing a convenient fleet management solution? Regardless of your project’s specifics, we offer top-notch development and consulting services covering both technical and business aspects. Check out our fleet management template’s page and contact us.
Billing Automation for a SaaS Company with Low-Code
Our client needed a robust billing solution to manage hierarchical licenses, ensure compliance, and automate invoicing for streamlined operations.
The solution:
We developed a Retool-based application that supports multi-tiered licenses, automates invoicing workflows, and integrates seamlessly with CRM and accounting platforms to enhance financial data management.
The result:
- Achieved 100% adherence to licensing agreements, mitigating penalties.
- Automated invoicing and workflows reduced manual effort significantly.
- Dashboards and reports improved decision-making and operational visibility.
Retool Dashboards with HubSpot Integration
Our client needed a centralized tool to aggregate account and contact activity, improving visibility and decision-making for the sales team.
The solution
We built a Retool application integrated with HubSpot, QuickMail, and Clay.com. The app features dashboards for sorting, filtering, and detailed views of companies, contacts, and deals, along with real-time notifications and bidirectional data syncing.
The result
- MVP in 50 hours: Delivered a functional application in just 50 hours.
- Smarter decisions: Enabled data-driven insights for strategic planning.
- Streamlined operations: Reduced manual tasks with automation and real-time updates.
Lead Generation Tool to Reduce Manual Work
Our client, Afore Capital, a venture capital firm focused on pre-seed investments, aimed to automate their lead generation processes but struggled with existing out-of-the-box solutions. To tackle this challenge, they sought assistance from our team of Akveo Retool experts.
The scope of work
The client needed a tailored solution to log and track inbound deals effectively. They required an application that could facilitate the addition, viewing, and editing of company and founder information, ensuring data integrity and preventing duplicates. Additionally, Afore Capital aimed to integrate external tools like PhantomBuster and LinkedIn to streamline data collection.
The result
By developing a custom Retool application, we streamlined the lead generation process, significantly reducing manual data entry. The application enabled employees to manage inbound deals efficiently while automated workflows for email parsing, notifications, and dynamic reporting enhanced operational efficiency. This allowed Afore Capital's team to focus more on building relationships with potential founders rather than on administrative tasks.
Retool CMS Application for EdTech Startup
Our client, CutTime, a leading fine arts education management platform, needed a scalable CMS application to improve vendor product management and user experience.
The scope of work
We developed a Retool application that allows vendors to easily upload and manage product listings, handle inventory, and set shipping options. The challenge was to integrate the app with the client’s system, enabling smooth authentication and product management for program directors.
The result
Our solution streamlined product management, reducing manual work for vendors, and significantly improving operational efficiency.
Building Reconciliation Tool for e-commerce company
Our client was in need of streamlining and simplifying its monthly accounting reconciliation process – preferably automatically. But with a lack of time and low budget for a custom build, development of a comprehensive software wasn’t in the picture. After going through the case and customer’s needs, we decided to implement Retool. And that was the right choice.
The scope of work
Our team developed a custom reconciliation tool designed specifically for the needs of high-volume transaction environments. It automated the processes and provided a comprehensive dashboard for monitoring discrepancies and anomalies in real-time.
The implementation of Retool significantly reduced manual effort, as well as fostered a more efficient and time-saving reconciliation process.
Creating Retool Mobile App for a Wine Seller
A leading spirits and wine seller in Europe required the development of an internal mobile app for private client managers and administrators. The project was supposed to be done in 1,5 months. Considering urgency and the scope of work, our developers decided to use Retool for swift and effective development.
The scope of work
Our developers built a mobile application tailored to the needs of the company's sales force: with a comprehensive overview of client interactions, facilitated order processing, and enabled access to sales history and performance metrics. It was user-friendly, with real-time updates, seamlessly integrated with existing customer databases.
The result? Increase in productivity of the sales team and improved decision-making process. But most importantly, positive feedback from the customers themselves.
Developing PoC with Low Code for a Tour Operator
To efficiently gather, centralize, and manage data is a challenge for any tour operator. Our client was not an exception. The company was seeking to get an internal software that will source information from third-party APIs and automate the travel itinerary creation process. Preferably, cost- and user-friendly tool.
The scope of work
Our experts ensured the client that all the requirements could be covered by Retool. And just in 40 hours a new software was launched. The tool had a flexible and easy-to-use interface with user authentication and an access management system panel – all the company needed. At the end, Retool was considered the main tool to replace the existing system.
Testing New Generation of Lead Management Tool with Retool
Our client, a venture fund, had challenges with managing lead generation and client acquisition. As the company grew, it aimed to attract more clients and scale faster, as well as automate the processes to save time, improve efficiency and minimize human error. The idea was to craft an internal lead generation tool that will cover all the needs. We’ve agreed that Retool will be a perfect tool for this.
The scope of work
The project initially began as a proof of concept, but soon enough, with each new feature delivered, the company experienced increased engagement and value.
We developed a web tool that integrates seamlessly with Phantombuster for data extraction and LinkedIn for social outreach. Now, the company has a platform that elevates the efficiency of their lead generation activities and provides deep insights into potential client bases.
Building an Advanced Admin Portal for Streamlined Operations
Confronted with the need for more sophisticated internal tools, an owner of IP Licensing marketplace turned to Retool to utilize its administrative functions. The primary goal was to construct an advanced admin portal that could support complex, multi-layered processes efficiently.
The scope of work
Our client needed help with updating filters and tables for its internal platform. In just 30 hours we've been able to update and create about 6 pages. Following features were introduced: add complex filtering and search, delete records, styling application with custom CSS.
Together, we have increased performance on most heavy pages and fixed circular dependency issues.
Creating MVP Dashboard for Google Cloud Users
Facing the challenge of unoptimized cloud resource management, a technology firm working with Google Cloud users was looking for a solution to make its operations more efficient. The main idea of the project was to create an MVP for e-commerce shops to test some client hypotheses. Traditional cloud management tools fell short.
The scope of work
Determined to break through limitations, our team of developers turned Retool. We decided to craft an MVP Dashboard specifically for Google Cloud users. This wasn't just about bringing data into view; but about reshaping how teams interact with their cloud environment.
We designed a dashboard that turned complex cloud data into a clear, strategic asset thanks to comprehensive analytics, tailored metrics, and an intuitive interface, that Retool provides. As the results, an increase in operational efficiency, significant improvement in cost management and resource optimization.
Elevating CRM with Custom HubSpot Sales Dashboard
Our other client, a SaaS startup, that offers collaborative tools for design and engineering teams, was on a quest to supercharge their sales efforts. Traditional CRM systems were limited and not customizable enough. The company sought a solution that could tailor HubSpot to their workflow and analytics needs.
The scope of work
Charged with the task of going beyond standard CRM functions, our team turned to Retool. We wanted to redefine how sales teams interact with their CRM.
By integrating advanced analytics, custom metrics, and a user-friendly interface, our developers provided a solution that transformed data into a strategic asset.
In 40 hours, three informative dashboards were developed, containing the most sensitive data related to sales activities. These dashboards enable our customer to analyze sales and lead generation performance from a different perspective and establish the appropriate KPIs.
Building a PDF Editor with Low-Code
Our client, a leading digital credential IT startup, needed a lot of internal processes to be optimized. But the experience with low-code tools wasn’t sufficient. That’s why the company decided to hire professionals. And our team of developers joined the project.
The scope of work
The client has a program that designs and prints custom badges for customers. The badges need to be “mail-merged” with a person’s info and turned into a PDF to print. But what is the best way to do it?
Our developers decided to use Retool as a core tool. Using custom components and JavaScript, we developed a program that reduced employees' time for designing, putting the data, verifying, and printing PDF badges in one application.
As a result, the new approach significantly reduces the time required by the internal team to organize all the necessary staff for the conference, including badge creation.
