Building a Smart Logistics Platform: Achieving 99.9% Shipment Visibility for a Perishable Goods Exporter
Industry Logistics & Supply Chain
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$10B+ Client Revenues
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12+ Successful Years
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1000+ IT Ninjas
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5000+ Projects
Client's Testimonial
"The cold chain monitoring solution from Developers.dev has been a complete game-changer for our business. We've reduced spoilage-related losses by over 80%. The level of visibility and control we now have is incredible. The team's ability to solve complex connectivity and battery life challenges was impressive. They delivered a rugged, reliable system that works anywhere in the world."
David Jenkins, Founder & CEO, BetSmart.ai
Client Introduction
The client is a major Australian exporter of perishable goods (high-value seafood and produce) with annual revenues exceeding $100M. Their business was plagued by spoilage and theft during international transit, leading to millions in annual losses and damaged client relationships. They needed a solution to track not just the location, but the real-time condition (temperature, humidity, shock events) of their shipments from their warehouse to the final destination.
Problem
Once a shipment left their facility, the client was effectively blind. They had no way of knowing if a refrigeration unit failed mid-journey or if a container was tampered with until it was too late. This lack of visibility made it impossible to prove liability, take preventative action, or assure their customers of product quality.
Key Challenges
Global Connectivity
The tracking devices needed to report data from anywhere, including ships in the middle of the ocean and remote warehouses with poor cell service.
Battery Life
The devices had to operate autonomously for 30-60 days on a single charge.
Environmental Ruggedness
The hardware and sensors had to withstand extreme temperatures, moisture, and shock.
Data-Driven Alerts
The platform needed to intelligently distinguish between a minor temperature fluctuation and a critical cooling failure, alerting the right personnel immediately.
Our Solution
Developers.dev delivered a turnkey smart logistics and cold chain monitoring solution, covering everything from firmware to the final application.
⚙️ Custom Firmware Development
We wrote highly optimized firmware for a multi-modal tracking device that used LTE-M for primary connectivity and switched to a satellite IoT network as a backup, all while aggressively conserving power.
☁️ Centralized Cloud Platform
We built a multi-tenant platform on Azure IoT Hub that could ingest data from thousands of active trackers, manage device lifecycle, and process location and sensor data.
📍 Geofencing & Smart Alerts
We implemented a sophisticated rules engine that allowed the client to set up custom geofences and condition-based alerts (e.g., "Alert if temperature in container X exceeds 5°C for more than 15 minutes").
📊 Supply Chain Visibility Dashboard
We created a web portal with a live map view of all shipments, detailed sensor data history, and a "digital chain of custody" report for every trip, which could be shared with clients and insurers.
Implementation and Execution
Phase 1 (Weeks 1-4)
Sourced and vetted a hardware manufacturing partner for the tracking devices.
Phase 2 (Weeks 5-12)
Developed the firmware and cloud platform in parallel using agile sprints.
Phase 3 (Weeks 13-18)
Conducted extensive field testing on actual shipping routes between Australia and Asia.
Phase 4 (Weeks 19-22)
Optimized the data reporting frequency and power management algorithms to achieve a 45-day average battery life.
Phase 5 (Week 23)
Integrated the platform's API with the client's existing inventory management system.
Phase 6 (Week 24)
Provided comprehensive training and onboarding for the client's logistics team.
Positive Outcome
📉 80%+ Reduction in Spoilage
Real-time alerts allowed the client to take corrective action mid-transit, saving numerous high-value shipments.
👁️ 99.9% Shipment Visibility
Achieved near-perfect, real-time tracking and condition monitoring for all active shipments.
💲 Lowered Insurance Premiums
The verifiable data trail allowed the client to negotiate a 15% reduction in their cargo insurance premiums.
🤝 Enhanced Customer Trust
The ability to provide customers with a live tracking portal became a powerful competitive differentiator.
Why Choose Us
📈 Process Maturity
Our structured approach was essential for managing hardware and software dependencies.
🔒 Ironclad Security
Ensured the tracking and platform data could not be tampered with.
🌐 Ecosystem of Experts
Our POD had deep skills in low-power firmware, global connectivity, and cloud data platforms.
✅ Verifiable Track Record
Experience with asset tracking and logistics projects.
🤖 AI-Augmented Delivery
Used simulation tools to test device behavior under various network conditions.
🛡️ Full IP Ownership
The client owns the firmware and the custom cloud platform.
🌟 Zero-Risk Talent
Provided elite embedded systems engineers.
💬 Transparent Engagement
A clear SOW and regular demos kept the client fully aligned.
🔗 End-to-End Partnership
We manage the platform and are now developing a V2 device with more sensors.
Conclusion
By leveraging our end-to-end IoT development capabilities, the client transformed their supply chain from a high-risk liability into a transparent, data-rich, and highly efficient operation, securing their position as a market leader.