Costa Solutions Makes Freight Logistics Easy With WaveMaker

The Costa Solutions application runs on handheld tablet PCs from Austin-based Motion Computing. Because these tablets must operate on warehouse loading docks, where internet connectivity is not guaranteed, the entire rich internet application is architected to run in both connected and offline modes.
 

"We do not have a large technical staff, so I needed an easy-to-use web development platform that would help us create a solution quickly," said Jeff Strahl, Director of Information Technology for Costa Solutions. "I also wanted an open source solution that didn't lock me in - WaveMaker gave me an easy way to get started with the open source version and upgrade to a commercial subscription when I needed enterprise level security."
 

When the tablet is offline, data and pictures are collected and stored on the tablet PC. When internet connectivity is re-established, WaveMaker automatically synchronizes the changes back to the logistics data center.
 

Prior to the new system, Costa Solutions was using an application built in ColdFusion. The business driver for change was the requirement to migrate the ColdFusion application to a flexible Web 2.0 architecture that could adapt quickly to changing customer requirements.
 

"Unlike front-end JavaScript frameworks such as ExtJS and jQuery, WaveMaker gives us an end-to-end web development solution that includes data access and security," stated Jeff Strahl. "With WaveMaker, we had a running prototype of our logistics application up and going in under a week, which blew away our business users!"
 

The WaveMaker solution included both WaveMaker's web development platform as well as agile development services. WaveMaker's professional services team delivered complete running systems after every 4 week sprint, enabling Costa Solutions to optimize the application's usability over the course of the project.
 

Costa Solutions' new warehouse logistics application handles all aspects of loading and unloading trucks as well as scheduling temporary loading dock labor and reporting damaged shipments. The logistics application is also available via a web browser for the company, its customers, and its partners.
 

"The combination of WaveMaker and agile methodology allowed us to be incredibly responsive to business requirements" said Derek Henninger, VP of Engineering and Services for WaveMaker. "WaveMaker makes it easy to deliver complete applications on a regular cycle, ensuring close alignment between business users on and project functionality."

Web 2.0 Logistics Receiving Application

The application built using WaveMaker provides state-of-the-art warehouse receiving and accounting management. Features include:

• Real-time Processing:all warehouse information is processed in real-time, enabling more timely responses to problems.

• Counterfeiting Protection:electronically-generated receipts include measures to prevent fraud attempt and ensure payment accuracy.

• Offline Operation:when the internet connection is lost (which happens frequently in warehouses), the application stores data locally, then synchronized when the connection is re-established.

• Digital Camera Integration:field supervisors can use their tablet's built-in camera to capture images of damage goods for better tracking by the central office.

• Screen-based Signature Integration:electronic signatures can be captured securely and permanently.

• Automatic Updates:when the main office pushes out application updates, the field tablet PCs are automatically upgraded upon connection to the internet.

• Automatic Price Calculation:sophisticated field validation eliminates pricing errors.

WaveMaker's Agile Professional Services

WaveMaker's professional services team combines WaveMaker tools with an Agile development methodology to deliver web and cloud applications quickly and cost effectively. WaveMaker's prototyping capabilities deliver running web applications from Day One, allowing companies to ensure that the applications truly meet their business needs. To learn more, visit http://www.WaveMaker.com/ProServe.
 

About WaveMaker Software

WaveMaker Software™ is the only open and easy-to-use cloud development platform. WaveMaker's visual, drag and drop tools flatten the Java learning curve by 92% , enabling any developer to build enterprise web applications that deploy to a standard Java platform. WaveMaker's WYSIWYG studio creates standard Java applications with 98% less code, boosting developer productivity and quality without compromising flexibility. WaveMaker applications are cloud-ready and include built-in support for multi-tenancy and elastic scaling. WaveMaker is a rapidly-growing company backed by a 15,000-strong developer community and customers like the Center For Disease Control, Macy's and KANA. For more information, visit http://www.WaveMaker.com.
 

About Costa Solutions

Costa Solutions' goal is to provide an aggressive, competent, and professional staff of team members to expedite unloading freight in a timely manner. They have had the privilege of servicing the distribution industry for the last 20 years (since 1988) and look forward to providing equal or superior service in the future. They currently service over a dozen docks in the State of Texas and have the resources to expand their service, customized to meet new clients' needs. For more information, please visit http://www.CostaSolutions.com.
 

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