- MVP Development
- Architecture & Infrastructure Design
- Mobile Development
- Dashboard Development
- Compliance Features Implementation
- REST APIs Integration
- UX Design
Logistics Company
Logistics app for seamless HOS compliance and driver safety
The project was about developing a secure hybrid app that could quickly send data from an Electronic Logging Device (ELD) device connected through Bluetooth, all while fitting with the company’s existing tech. A vehicle monitoring company wanted to develop important features like Hours of Service (HOS) tracking and maintenance tools to comply with strict regulatory standards and ensure both driver safety and vehicle maintenance requirements.
Built to follow FMCSA guidelines, the app allows drivers and back-office staff to view logs, update duty statuses, access an inspection mode for the Department of Transportation (DOT), and send ELD files directly to the DOT. This solution is designed for both large transport fleets and small operators, from big companies to single-vehicle owners.
Industry
LogisticsHeadquarters
US
Services we provided
About the client
This is a company that helps individual truck owners and large fleet companies to safely track vehicles and monitor driver's driving hours. Their platform already offered GPS tracking, vehicle maintenance, and other monitoring features designed to optimize vehicle operations and enhance safety on the roads. To make data sharing easier and track important metrics, they wanted to build an advanced ELD mobile app. This app would automate time-consuming compliance tasks, reducing errors. With the mobile app linked to the ELD, truckers and fleets can more easily avoid violations, prevent fines, and run smoother operations.
Challenge
The two main challenges for this project were navigating extensive government regulations and developing an ELD mobile application that would operate effectively on Android and iOS platforms, with a particular focus on Android devices due to their prevalence in the targeted user base. First, the legal documentation consisted of over 600 pages outlining key requirements and regulations for tracking devices. The project had to comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. Second, building an app demanded precise tracking and reporting of data, including miles driven, engine hours, and vehicle identification numbers (VIN). Moreover, an ELD mobile application had to work effectively on both Android and iOS platforms, while including new Hours of Service (HOS) and Maintenance tracking features.
One of the main initial deliverables was to provide a communication schema between the ELD, the app, the web dashboard, FMCSA, and database. Following this, we needed to develop detailed documentation to comply with specific government regulations, a crucial step for designing the architecture of the app.
Solution
-
Comprehensive Review of Regulations
To tackle the challenge of working through 600+ pages of government regulations, we carefully reviewed each part and held regular check-ins and consultations with the client. We also did proactive research to stay updated on the latest ELD rules, making sure our documentation was accurate and fully compliant.
-
Mobile Application
We built native Android and iOS apps optimized for performance, helping drivers log hours, track compliance, and access past records. With a simple tap, they can update duty status, edit logs, and handle DOT inspections. The app also enables sending ELD output files via email or web services, ensuring compliance and smooth operations anywhere.
-
Recommended Approaches to Transfer Report to FMCSA
Suggested methods include secure RESTful APIs for real-time reporting, automated email systems for scheduled submissions, direct upload capabilities via FMCSA web services, and ensuring data compatibility with FMCSA's required formats and protocols.
-
Bluetooth Compatibility Fix
To address an issue with ELD Bluetooth connectivity on iOS, we updated the Bluetooth descriptors used in classic mode. This change ensured the device could be recognized and connected on both Android and iOS, enabling seamless data transfer and more reliable communication.
-
Architecture and Infrastructure Diagrams
Architectural and infrastructure diagrams were created to detail the planned system's structure, showcasing how different components such as servers, networks, and services interconnect and interact. These diagrams serve as a foundational blueprint for developers, ensuring all team members understand the technical framework and system dependencies.
-
User Flow and ERD Diagrams
This includes a detailed entity-relationship model of the database, showing tables, keys, and their relationships to emphasize efficiency and scalability. User flow diagrams outline the journey within the mobile app and client’s system, highlighting decision points and interactions to optimize the experience and simplify task completion.
-
Architecture Design and Device Communication Schema
We created a secure architecture that uses REST APIs to relay data from the ELD and the app to the server, enabling real-time monitoring and compliance management. This also involved changing some Bluetooth settings to accommodate iOS devices' limitations.
-
Intuitive Application Design
In designing the mobile application, a key focus was ensuring it was user-friendly for drivers with varying levels of tech-savviness. The interface was crafted to be intuitive, with clear navigational cues for reporting hours, viewing duty status, and receiving alerts, significantly simplifying the user interaction and adoption process.
-
Feature List Breakdown for the App and Client's Pages
The breakdown covers mobile app functionalities such as log management, compliance tracking, and DOT communication, alongside client features like vehicle status monitoring, maintenance alerts, and a centralized operations dashboard.
-
Real-Time Monitoring Dashboard for Safety Managers
A sophisticated, web-based dashboard was created to provide a centralized view of fleet operations. This dashboard displays live data on vehicle status, driver HOS compliance, and maintenance alerts, ensuring that fleet managers are always informed and can make decisions based on the most current information.
Features delivered
-
Real-Time HOS Tracking
Central to our solution, this feature automates the capture of driver duty status, calculating hours in real-time to ensure compliance with FMCSA regulations. It provides instant visibility into each driver's HOS, significantly reducing the risk of compliance breaches.
-
Automated Driving Logs
We implemented a system for automatic generation and submission of drivers' logs. This capability eliminates the need for manual log entries, streamlining record-keeping and improving audit readiness.
-
Maintenance Alerts
By processing data from the R4COON device, the app can preemptively alert drivers and fleet managers about upcoming vehicle maintenance needs. Timely maintenance helps prevent breakdowns and extends vehicle lifespan.
-
Seamless Data Transfer
Utilizes REST APIs for reliable and smooth data transfer between the ELD devices, mobile app, and web dashboard – ensuring that all stakeholders have access to up-to-date information at all times.
-
Direct Communication Tools
Enhances communication by allowing users to send SMS directly from the system to a driver's mobile device, facilitating efficient and immediate correspondence.
-
Unlimited User Support
The app and web dashboard are designed to accommodate an unlimited number of users, ensuring scalability for customer’s growing business needs.
Key results and business value
-
Regulatory Compliance Assurance
Integrating the ELD mobile app into the fleet management system greatly improved compliance with FMCSA requirements. Automated HOS tracking and reporting helped drivers stay within regulations, reducing violations and fines. As a result, fleet operators gained both cost savings and a stronger reputation.
-
Improved Driver Safety
The app’s user-friendly design has improved both driver safety and satisfaction. Easy log management, DOT inspection support, and instant compliance status reduce stress around regulations, while maintenance alerts keep vehicles in top condition and help prevent safety issues.
-
Cost Savings on Maintenance and Fuel
The maintenance alerts functionality has led to timely vehicle servicing, reducing the likelihood of expensive repairs and extending vehicle lifespan. Furthermore, better compliance with HOS regulations helps ensure drivers are well-rested, which can contribute to more fuel-efficient driving practices, thereby saving costs on fuel.
-
Improved Communication and Documentation
The capability for drivers to directly submit ELD output files to the Department of Transportation has streamlined the documentation process, making it more efficient and reliable. This seamless communication between drivers, fleet managers, and regulatory bodies has not only saved time but also minimized the risk of documentation errors.
-
Scalable Solution for Growth
The app has been designed with scalability in mind, capable of accommodating the growing needs of fleet operators. Whether for small fleets or large enterprises, the system supports an unlimited number of users or new vehicles without compromising performance or compliance.