Overview
A concrete logistics software with a truck in the foreground and various app views on screens behind it.

Anonymized project from a permanent position. Content altered for legal reasons.

The digital ecosystem for global concrete logistics

Simplifying concrete logistics for customers, dispatchers, drivers, salespeople and inspectors. In at international environment, processes, communication and transparency are being rethought in order to sustainably change everyday working life on construction sites and in the office.

Contents

    Result

    Unified system for every role in the delivery process

    The digital application supports different roles throughout the entire delivery process. Common functions create a uniform information base.

    Concrete delivery cycle infographic with miniature objects and symbols from sales to inspection.
    1. Real-time data for individual truck deliveriesMakes status phone calls about delivery progress largely unnecessary and reduces dispatcher workload as at information point.
    2. Order-related chatServes not only for direct communication about questions and issues but also as automatic documentation of the entire order history.
    3. Digital delivery note as a single source of truthUpdates in real time and enables everyone involved to act on the same information level.
    4. More self-service in order managementAllows customers, among other things, to place orders 24/7 or cancel due to bad weather on their own.

    Customer app

    The mobile app contains most of the same information as the desktop app.

    Scheduling software for construction sites as a desktop and mobile app against a construction site background.
    1. Mobile appOptimized readability and usability, even with changing outdoor weather conditions and protective smartphone cases.
    2. Desktop appOffers at extended calendar function for planning and overview.

    Dispatcher app & sales

    Order overview across all customers with comprehensive order-level processing and management capabilities.

    Logistics software dashboard in map view for shipment tracking against at operations center background.
    1. Resource planningEnables coordination of drivers, trucks and plant capacities for optimal utilization.
    2. Decision authorityDispatchers keep control when short-term changes or cancellations occur.
    3. Extended customer viewSimilar to the customer web app, but with at operational focus and broader control capabilities.

    Driver app

    Focus on the current delivery instead of the entire order.

    Truck navigation app with route planner against the background of a truck driver in the cab.
    1. Optimized for the truck cabLarge buttons and increased font sizes ensure readability on mounted tablets.
    2. Clear tour sequenceDrivers see current and upcoming trips and can prepare more effectively.
    3. Field-ready navigationRoutes take bridge clearances, underpasses and permitted weights into account.
    4. Experience-based hintsShared information from other drivers about site access points or waiting zones.

    Inspector app

    Enables the capture of samples and measurement results in the field.

    Mobile quality assurance app for concrete laboratory testing against the background of at inspector on the construction site.
    1. Centralized data collectionAll quality data is gathered digitally and in a structured way in one place.
    2. TraceabilityMeasurement results are clearly linked to individual deliveries and remain analyzable later.

    Initial situation

    Project start

    Project takeover of at existing pilot from a London design agency with first implementation in a US city.

    1. Lack of transparency in ordering and deliveryLeads to mutual blame across stakeholders, delays and coordination problems.
    2. Error-prone workflowsOrders are placed by phone and delivery documents are maintained manually.
    3. AssignmentDigitize and automate the entire concrete ordering and delivery process to improve efficiency and strengthen trust among all participants.

    Market analysis

    Analysis of existing solutions on the market

    To identify common features as well as strengths and weaknesses.

    Comparison of user interfaces of different mobile apps for concrete orders and delivery status tracking.

    User research

    Interviews with dispatchers & foremen

    Personal conversations in the factory and on the construction site provide direct insights into everyday work and responsibilities.

    On-site interview with a logistics employee at his PC workstation in the concrete plant.
    On-site interview with a foreman in work clothes at his office workplace on the construction site.

    Online interviews & user tests

    International users from Europe and America provide insight into the use of their existing software and provide expert feedback on new concepts

    Screenshot of a remote interview via video call during the analysis of at existing logistics software.

    Observation as a truck passenger

    Daily routines, vehicle checks and even the smallst inconspicuous things are experienced up close and meticulously documented.

    Truck navigation system on the windshield with time stamp 8:45 a.m.
    View of a construction site with a yellow and a red crane and the timestamp 9:01.
    Unloading a concrete mixer truck into a red shipping container at the construction site with a time stamp of 9:23 a.m.
    Photo of a delivery note for a concrete delivery with handwritten times and a time stamp of 9:47 a.m.
    Side view of a truck driver in the cab while driving, with the time stamp 9:52 a.m.
    Side view from a concrete mixer truck of the rear view mirrors and a concrete plant with the time stamp 10:07 a.m.

    In-app feedback from users

    Requests for improvement or problems can be marked and reported directly on the respective screen. This enables continuous optimization of the software even after its release.

    Construction worker uses at app on the construction site to provide feedback and optimization suggestions directly on site.

    Design approach

    Double Diamond Design System

    A structured design process that first opens the view and then focuses again.

    Schematic representation of a four-step double diamond design process with symbols for start, analysis, decisions, solution vision and resolution.
    • Opportunities & framework conditionsRecognize potential and define the project framework.
    • analysisResearch and understand the real problem. Explore: Open the problem space, dive deep and collect information. Define: Focus the findings, narrow them down and specify the core problem.
    • DecisionsMake groundbreaking decisions and fix the problem. Design: Open the solution space, get creative and design approaches. Validate: Review the approaches, test them and filter out the best solution.
    • Solution visionThe clear, desired target image of the solution. Development & Iteration: Implement the solution, continuously test it and optimize it.
    • SolutionThe finished, successfully validated end product.