Rock the Logistics Business with Android App Development

Why Android App Development is Inevitable for Logistics Companies?

Your Logistics company want to create an app to boost up your business? Why not consider Android app development?

I know what you are thinking, IOs sound much more familiar to you and your peers, maybe even now you are reading this article on an Apple device. So why Android? 

Although IOs is a dominance operating system in the United States, the story is utterly different when you take a global view.  Statcounter has recorded a substantial usage rate of Android OS all over the world, and the number is around 74% in March 2019.

Another reason is that Android apps appear very popular among Up-And-Coming markets such as China, South America, India, etc. Logistics company, nowadays, should not be enclosed by the national barriers, but we need to embrace the trend toward globalization, and see the enormous potential of emerging regions, which is clearly illustrated by the research Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index 2018 carried out by Agility company. The statistics show estimated attractiveness scores for Logistics investment in the next five years (from 2018).

And you could see the reason why I highly recommend the use of Android app development for Logistics companies.

For that, Android operating system, with a higher level of featured flexibility, is the optimal choice to tap into them. 

And the big question after choosing the proper OS for your Logistics company is how to start, what to be prepared and what are the things you should pay attention to. Many Android app development projects, in spite of having great potential to succeed, cannot take off just because the developers don’t follow basic mobile app regulations. 

Here are 10 hacks for not only Logistics companies but every organization that have the intention of going digital with an Android app development project.

9 Lessons to Remember Prior to the Android App Development Project

Choose the Most Suitable IDE (Integrated Development Environment)

Whatever app you are trying to develop, the first step always is setting up a Software development kit and installing an IDE. Here are 12 of the most popular developer options available to choose your IDE from:

Today, users tend to pay more attention to the Android studio as it is amazingly easy to use and master, with additional features like auto corrections and XML file previews. The creator also provides tutorials on YouTube which can assist you with your first steps of android app development.

Learn Android Programming and Coding Languages

Building an app without knowing coding language is no different than running your Logistics business without any cars.

In terms of Android app development, the skills and knowledge regarding two major languages of Java and Android is essential. You should know that Java is the core language of Android and to fully comprehend this, the prerequisite requirement is to learn XML for the design and concepts of programming in Java, which might sound complicated but is actually easy and you can meet this criterium on the go.

Once you nail both XML and Java, it is time to learn how to bridge them with each other using Android principals, which, again, is very easy once you have learnt basics.

Utilize Open Sources Code Libraries

In the android app development process, code libraries play an important role. These libraries contain already formulate codes so that you don’t have to start everything from scratch. There are abundant libraries sources out there at your disposal but remember that as repeating the same source code is ill-advisable. Therefore, dedicated android app developers always consider the main purposes of the library that they intend to use and focus on libraries that enhance functionality and integrate the latest technology in their apps.

However, if the functions in your app is too complicated and professional, something like tracking your vehicle or figuring out the optimized route for your truck, doing it yourself by borrowing code stock online might not be a good idea, not to mention the code will likely be unavailable. In the situation of a Logistics company, outsourcing the Android app development procedure would be more reasonable considering the complex abilities the app must equipped with. 

Agree upon a Clean and Organized Code

Every app developer has his unique style in coding, CSS and HTML to build apps. There are such different techniques and processes for Android app development that sometimes it is hard to understand the code written by another coder when the needs for maintaining, fixing or upgrading arise. On another case, you might be the one in hardship if your code style varies from time to time.

Therefore, it is beneficial to stay consistent in your style of coding and adhere to one proper Android coding style to avoid misunderstanding.

Eye-Catching Application Internal Design

People always say things like: “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” It’s true in some case but it is absolutely out of the equation in the competitive market of Logistics. 

Don’t fool yourself and not pay attention to how your app looks.

Your app might have a wonderful use and bring ultimate benefit to customers, but without a dashing and favorable outlook, that will all come to waste. Normally a user would judge one app’s quality in a fleeting glance of utmost 30 seconds so the judgment usually base on non-quality aspects, which is mostly related to the design of it.

In order to increase your app appeal, put effort into satisfying various requirements of users’ interface app design-UI. The theory gives out tips, and standards that shaping the work of every app designers like using solid and linear icons that clearly express your theme and branding; or, images color colors should be considered carefully as they will have tremendous effects on the customers’ experience. 

Android Apps UX Design  

Another aspect of designing that an Android app design project must cover is the Users’ experience app design requirement. 

Your app will be much useful to the users if it’s complicated and inefficient to operate it. Here are some practical tips for optimized users’ experience: 

Users’ goal-oriented:

• Take the user to their goal of using your app as fast as you can. In your case, that means to take the users right to the map so they can put their logistics order.
• Use standards: The standards of app design are something globally agreed. For example, the symbol X is existing.
• Action buttons must be clearly stated: Don’t let the users feel confused about whether to put any buttons.
• Stay consistency within your app: Be consistent thorough the pages to help the user navigate around easily.

Don’t Forget Help is Always Available

The one highlighted thing about Android app development is that it has a vibrant, thriving and constantly updated community where you can call for help for bugs or problems solutions. And furthermore, because Android app development platforms is an open source, it makes it even easier for you to share a common issue by posting it online or browsing through readily available material posted by thousands of experienced Android developers.

There are some well-known communities that you can check out like Android communities, Reddit, XDA developers, etc.

Google Play Submission

Publishing your application on Google play is the last and most vital step of an android app development process.  

But hang on, before jump to that let’s have a thorough testing of your Android app with beta testing and debug tools to simulate devices and usage for your app like the Uberstarter, Debug Bridge, Logcat, etc.

Remember that once you’ve published it, there’s no turning back. But don’t worry too much if you have done everything properly. 

But besides that, the next step is more relevant to how you carry out the 4Ps for your apps like choosing the timing of launching, application category, and content rating, determining the method of distribution of your app along with its pricing strategy and package. 

A Smart and Alternative Solution

A piece of good news for those who don’t have any idea about the coding of Java, you can still write Java code and create applications without Java using Hybrid apps such as JavaScript, CSS, and HTML.

Or, If you’re not so technically intelligent and maybe your company just want to focus on your Logistics profession then outsourcing the complete Android app development process to a prestige app development company might be your best choice.

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