Locargo

An online cargo marketplace for businesses in Texas. Our team helped a US-based logistics operator to turn their IP into a B2B marketplace, bringing other operators on the single platform. This task required our team to develop an integrated solution that uses sensors and a distribution optimisation algorithm to plan the logistical operations across the ecosystem of participating drivers. The client benefited from the ability to utilise unused capacity.

Industry:

Ground Transportation

Location:

USA

Business size:

Small Businesses

Problem and Solution Summary

The client, Locargo, faced challenges with various web and mobile development needs across different facets of their B2B cargo and delivery marketplace project. Locargo had an insufficient number of experienced in-house software engineers, making it challenging to meet the project's demands efficiently.

We developed a fully functional web application for delivery services, drivers and customers. We also facilitated the rapid scaling of Locargo's IT department, addressing the challenge of limited in-house expertise by providing a team of skilled software engineers.

The platform got key upgrades: customers now enjoy a better service area, more transparent order tracking and easier payments with the internal payment module. Searching for cargo services is more efficient and drivers benefit from a special area with tools like route planning, order tracking and a rating system for feedback.

About the Client

LOCARGO is a Texas-based B2B trucking and delivery platform that connects service providers and drivers with local customers. Their business model is similar to Uber's concept, involving efficiently using resources and meeting freight needs in an on-demand economy. The client is focused on the broad Texas trucking market, drawing attention through access to the Port of Houston. This strategic position gives an advantage in serving many customers and partners in the local delivery ecosystem.

The client has set ambitious goals, planning to serve at least 3% of the Texas delivery market through their platform. This demonstrates a desire for significant market impact and efficient coverage of customer needs.

Outcome

Computools engineers facilitated the swift expansion of the client's IT department, ensuring the timely creation of a comprehensive B2B solution for cargo and delivery in Texas. This efficient development strategy met all negotiated goals and delivered a final product that aligned with the specified requirements.

Key accomplishments include:
  • Development of fully functional web applications catering to delivery services, drivers and customers.
  • Creation of a mobile version of the web app.
  • Implementation of ergonomic UX/UI design for an enhanced user experience.

Business challenge

weaknesses

  • Different web and mobile development needs for different parts of the project
  • Insufficient number of experienced in-house software engineers
  • Tight development schedule with little time for the internal IT department scaling

strengths

  • B2B cargo and delivery business model suitable for the on-demand economy
  • Customer-centric application architecture planned for a high satisfaction rate
  • Different web and mobile applications for delivery services, drivers and customers
  • Lucrative Texas-wide shipping scene with direct access to Houston port

Business challenge

Project Completion Details and Current Arrangements

Upon completing the project, the client now operates a fully functional B2B platform for cargo and delivery services in Texas. The comprehensive web applications and mobile versions cater to the diverse needs of customers, drivers and service providers. The implementation of an ergonomic UX/UI design ensures a user-friendly experience

Business challenge

Why Computools?

Computools demonstrated a high level of expertise in digital transformation and software development. The team's proficiency in technologies such as Backend Java, MongoDB, MySQL and others ensured the efficient development of the required solutions.

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STORY IN DEPTH

The client executed a meticulous selection process for a contractor for their Texas-based cargo and delivery B2B platform. They assessed vendors through market research, requests for proposals and careful comparison. Computools emerged as the chosen partner due to our transparent communication, expertise in relevant technologies and commitment to a Scrum-based approach. Our track record, team composition and alignment with the client's values made us the optimal choice for turning the ambitious project into a successful reality.

Project Description

The client’s business idea was to develop a Texas-wide online marketplace for cargo and delivery services. An Uber-like platform connects cargo service providers and their drivers with local customers. With 300 Texas-based delivery companies, the platform was to cater to at least 3% of the market. Joining an internationally distributed team, the Computools engineers supported all major stages of the development cycle, from preliminary analysis to implementation and launch. They focused on the backend development of the web portals for clients and delivery services, as well as the mobile applications for customers and drivers.

Primary features of the platform:
  • Customers service area
  • Order status tracking
  • Internal payment module
  • Cargo service search
  • Drivers service area
  • Route plotting
  • Order tracking
  • Rating system

Digital Platform & Technology

Communication Framework

Open and efficient two-way communication is crucial to the success of a digital transformation project. Following consultation with the client, we agreed upon a clear communication framework with scheduled regular face-to-face and online meetings and regular reports by email. Our communication ecosystem also incorporated a structured documents environment and client access to Computools' internal task-managing platform. This made the general project roadmap and specific processes transparent and clear for all parties.
Skype
Jira
Slack

Team

To support the in-house development efforts, Computools screened the talent pool and suggested a team of experienced software engineers. Their technological expertise included Backend Java, MongoDB, MySQL, ensuring efficient mobile and web development.

Business Development Manager

Dennis Dubinsky

Dennis is passionate about cultivating productive partnerships in IT consulting and software solutions. Beyond his professional endeavours, Dennis enjoys exploring diverse hobbies, including hiking and discovering new facets of technology.

Business Analyst

Nikita Abelmasov

Nikita Abelmasov
Nikita started working on commercial IT projects in 2009, focusing on web development, then switched to management and BA in 2015. He has extensive experience in requirements gathering, start-up and ongoing business solutions consulting, development preparation and organising business processes for various mixed teams. He is passionate about urban exploration, new technologies, photography and sci-fi universes.
Nikita Abelmasov

Project Manager

Andrey Melnichenko

Andrey started working in IT in 2003, focusing on C and C++ development and switched to Java in 2007. He is recognised for extensive expertise in application servers, software development life cycle and database architecture. He enjoys pop music as well as political and Java ecosystem podcasts.

Team Lead

Oleg Svet

Oleg Svet
Oleg began to code in middle school, obtained an MBA in Computer Science, worked on commercial IT projects in 2011, and worked as a mobile developer, start-up, enterprise and full-stack developer. He joined Computools in 2013 as a Co-Founder and, firstly, CTO, then CDO. He’s interested in airsoft, cybernetics, fantasy and MMO computer games.
Oleg Svet

UI/UX Designer

Oleksander Korshunovich

Oleksander Korshunovich
A UI & UX Designer at Computools, Oleksander specialises in creating attractive and functional solutions for web and mobile applications. He has extensive experience with design tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Figma, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Animate, Adobe XD, Adobe After Effects, and he is actively studying Blender. Oleksander has a Bachelor's degree in Civil Procedure from Odesa National Academy and has worked with various companies in Poland and Ukraine in UI/UX design.
Oleksander Korshunovich

Quality Assurance Engineer

Glib Kovalenko

Glib has over three years of experience as a manual QA. Glib has demonstrated proficiency in testing websites and mobile and desktop applications. He deeply understands client-server applications and excels at writing and maintaining relevant documentation. His dedication to ensuring product quality and standards sets him apart.

Computools’s Engineering Team

Story of a Team Decision

Curating the project team at Computools was a strategic move. The collective experience of professionals had a track record in logistics and B2B marketplace solutions. The team's prior success in similar projects streamlined development, ensuring an efficient and industry-tailored solution.

Backstage

The Computools team implemented a well-developed communication framework that supports successful cooperation with the client-side members of the distributed workforce. Planning sessions, daily meetings and feedback sessions are the three pillars that uphold seamless collaboration and keep up the development pace.

Sprint Retrospective

Short and relevant meetings via audio and video conferencing tools ensured that all team members completed their tasks on time and overcame occurring problems without impeding the progress of other engineers.

Planning Session

The Computools engineers started every sprint with a planning session to assess the tasks, assign them to individual developers and discuss potentially problematic features. These meetings set a brisk development pace and ensured successful cooperation among the distributed team members.

Sprint Demo

This concisely showcases the latest developments, features and improvements accomplished within each sprint. This interactive session facilitates real-time feedback and ensures alignment with project expectations, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.

Communication Flow

The Computools team fostered transparency through continuous project delivery and regular feedback sessions. The client could assess and evaluate the progress and introduce new requirements, spurring the developers to increase efficiency and find innovative solutions.

Project Management Methodology

The distributed team implemented a Scrum-based approach to ensure the continuous integration of the project’s aspects and features. After the initial strategy session, tasks were planned and assigned to individual engineers through Jira. The iterative approach accelerated the development pace and allowed the client to assess the progress and regularly introduce new requirements when needed.

Project timeline

5 months
10 months
2 weeks
Consulting & design phase
Engineering phase
Launch
01

CONSULTING

  • Analysis of client's business processes Identification of strengths & weaknesses
  • Setting of goals with the client
  • Preparation of specifications, tasks & deadlines
02

Product DESIGN

  • Planning
  • Business process modelling
  • Technology selection
  • Project management and development flow
  • Expertise-based talent evaluation
  • Team formation
  • Establishing internal communication flow
03

Product Engineering

  • System requirements analysis
  • Role assignment
  • Task assignment
  • Software development
  • Testing & fixing
04

Launch

  • System launch
  • Deploy & delivery

Design

Within the design phase, tasks were structured to enhance UX and UI. User research and persona creation guided the development of intuitive wireframes and prototypes. Concurrently, UI design focused on crafting visually appealing interfaces with consistent branding. The ergonomic UI ensured seamless interactions.

USER PERSONA → SITE MAP → WIREFRAMES → USER INTERFACE
locargo user persona

USER PERSONA

An in-depth profile representing key stakeholders for targeted design decisions

locargo site map

SITE MAP

A visual representation outlining the hierarchical structure and navigation flow

locargo wireframes

WIREFRAMES

A simplified, skeletal layouts illustrating the basic structure and functionality of pages

locargo user interface

USER INTERFACE

A visually appealing and ergonomic design for seamless user interactions

Design

Production Release

The production release involved a meticulous process of deploying the finished product to the market for end users. Continuous testing and refinement ensured a smooth launch. Results included a successful market entry and positive user engagement.

Design

ONGOING SUPPORT

We provide continuous assistance, addressing queries, implementing updates and ensuring the product's sustained efficiency. Our customer-centric approach aims for a lasting partnership beyond the initial development phase.

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