Transport software Supply chain Real-time tracking

Digital transformation for transport and logistics

Custom software for the transport and logistics sector that speeds up processes, reduces costs and gives you full supply chain visibility. From TMS integrations and route optimisation to real-time tracking and compliance automation, we build the digital backbone for your logistics operation.

Why transport and logistics need custom software

The logistics sector runs on speed, reliability and coordination across the chain. Off-the-shelf software rarely covers the full complexity of your operation: multiple transport modes, changing regulations, real-time data from dozens of sources and client-specific SLAs.

Custom software gives you control over that complexity. Whether it's a smart API integration between your TMS and ERP, a mobile app for drivers, or a complete visibility platform for your clients, the software fits your work processes rather than the other way round.

We build software that scales with your operation, from 20 routes a day to 2,000, from a single depot to a pan-European network. Read more about our technical services or see how we develop middleware and integration layers.

  • Real-time data integration between systems
  • Multimodal transport management (road, water, rail)
  • IoT telematics and sensor data processing
  • AI-driven route and capacity planning
  • Client portals with live tracking and ETA
  • Compliance automation (eCMR, ADR, DORA)
  • Supply chain analytics and KPI dashboards
  • Mobile apps for drivers and warehouse staff

What we build for transport and logistics

From operational tools to strategic platforms: software that has a direct impact on your logistics performance.

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TMS integrations

Connect your Transport Management System to your ERP, WMS, accounting and customer portals. We build bi-directional integrations that automatically synchronise order, trip and invoicing data.

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Route optimisation and planning

Algorithms that take into account time windows, vehicle capacity, vehicle availability and traffic data. Fewer empty kilometres, lower costs, better service.

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Real-time tracking and visibility

From GPS positions and sensor data to live ETA calculations. Give your clients, planners and management continuous insight into the status of every shipment.

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Warehouse management (WMS)

Stock optimisation, pick-and-pack workflows, barcode/RFID integration and cross-dock logic. Built to measure for your warehouse processes.

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Supply chain analytics

Dashboards and reports that give you clear insight into cost per trip, load factor, lead times and service quality. Data-driven decisions instead of gut feeling.

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Compliance and documentation

Automate eCMR generation, ADR checks, driving and rest time recording and DORA reporting. Less manual work, fewer errors, fewer fines.

If you transport animal feed, the previous loads per load compartment and the cleaning in between must be demonstrably recorded. How we capture this with the driver is described on the page about the app for receipt and segregation.

Logistics software for every type of operation

Every logistics sub-sector has its own challenges. We build software that suits your specific context.

Freight forwarders and road haulage

Order management, planning optimisation, subcontractor management and margin calculations. Software that supports the entire order-to-cash cycle, from quote request to invoicing.

Typical integrations: TMS, accounting software, Transporeon, customer portals

Last-mile delivery

Dynamic route planning, delivery window optimisation, driver apps with POD (proof of delivery) and customer notifications. Built for high volumes and tight time windows.

Typical integrations: e-commerce platforms, SMS/push gateways, payment providers

Ports and terminals

Terminal management systems, container tracking, yard management and Portbase integrations. Software that streamlines the complex coordination between shipping lines, terminals and hinterland carriers. Read more about our port software expertise.

Typical integrations: Portbase, customs systems, terminal operating systems

Fleet management

Fleet management, maintenance planning, fuel monitoring and driver communication. From tachograph data to TPMS sensors: all vehicle data in one central platform.

Typical integrations: telematics units, TPMS, tachograph systems, ERP

Technology and integrations

Logistics software stands or falls with reliable integrations. We build event-driven architectures that process real-time data from dozens of sources, from IoT sensors to ERP systems.

Our approach is API-first: every module communicates through well-documented interfaces. That makes it straightforward to connect new systems later or replace existing integrations. Find out how we work on API integrations and IT operations optimisation.

For data-intensive applications such as route optimisation and predictive maintenance, we combine cloud-native services with dedicated compute, depending on latency and cost requirements.

Integration ecosystem

Transporeon
Portbase
TMS systems
SAP / Exact
IoT platforms
TPMS / telematics

Tech stack

  • Event-driven architecture (Kafka, RabbitMQ)
  • Cloud-native (AWS, Azure, GCP)
  • Real-time data (WebSockets, MQTT)
  • Containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes)
  • Geospatial (PostGIS, HERE, OSRM)

From logistics challenge to working software

Our process is designed for rapid value creation. We start with the core of your challenge and expand iteratively from there.

Analysis and design

We map your logistics processes, identify bottlenecks and define the technical architecture. Including an inventory of integrations with existing TMS, WMS and ERP systems.

Iterative development

In two-week sprints we build working software. After each sprint we demonstrate progress and adjust priorities based on feedback from operations.

Integration and testing

Integrations with your existing systems are built and tested in a staging environment. Load and integration tests simulate peak demand before we go live.

Rollout and ongoing development

A phased rollout minimises risk. After go-live we monitor performance and keep building based on data and user feedback.

Why choose Appfront as your logistics software partner

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Domain knowledge in transport and logistics

We speak the language of the sector: trips, loading metres, time windows, CMRs. That saves explanation time and shortens lead times. See also our page on transport and logistics.

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Integration specialists

Logistics is a chain of systems. We have extensive experience integrating TMS, WMS, ERP and telematics platforms. Learn more about our API integration approach.

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Scalable architecture

We build software that grows with your operation. From regional to international, from tens to thousands of shipments a day. Read more about custom software development.

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Rapid time-to-value

Our agile approach delivers working software in weeks, not months. You see results in your operation straight away and steer based on real data.

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Compliance by design

We build regulations such as eCMR, ADR and DORA into the architecture from the outset, not as an afterthought. This saves time during audits and helps you avoid fines.

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Personal contact, direct line

No account managers or ticket queues. You work directly with the developers building your software. That is how we work at Appfront.

Frequently asked questions about logistics software

What makes logistics software different from standard custom development?
Logistics software has to handle real-time data streams from IoT devices, varying regulations by country, and integrations with sector-specific systems such as TMS and WMS. High availability is also crucial: if the software goes down, the lorries stand still. That calls for an architecture designed specifically for the logistics context.
Can you integrate with our existing TMS/WMS systems?
Yes. We have experience integrating with widely used TMS and WMS platforms, both via standard APIs and via EDI (EDIFACT, XML). Where a system doesn't offer an API, we build an integration layer that synchronises data reliably. You can read more on our middleware development page.
How do you handle real-time data from IoT devices?
We use event-driven architectures (Kafka, MQTT) to process high volumes of sensor data with low latency. GPS positions, temperature sensors, TPMS data and tachograph data are normalised, stored and made available in real time via dashboards and APIs.
How much does it cost to develop logistics software?
The investment depends on the scope: the number of integrations, the complexity of the business logic and whether mobile apps are needed. We start every project with a clear scope definition and budget. A first working version can be in place relatively quickly, after which we develop iteratively. Get in touch for a no-obligation estimate.
How long does a typical logistics software project take?
A proof of concept or first working module can be in place within a few weeks. A complete platform with multiple integrations and user roles usually takes several months. We work in two-week sprints, so you see working software continuously and can steer the project as you go.
Do you also build mobile apps for drivers?
Yes. We build mobile apps for drivers and warehouse staff, with functionality such as route navigation, proof of delivery (photo/signature), barcode scanning and direct communication with planning. The apps also work with limited network coverage thanks to an offline-first architecture.

Ready to digitise your logistics?

Tell us about your logistics challenge. We are happy to help you think through the right technical approach and show you what is possible.

No-obligation advisory call Concrete estimate Personal contact

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