Hermes Connect: Custom Logistics App for Airfield Cargo Operations
A rugged Android app and tracking portal that digitized ground logistics and streamlined cargo movement across airfields.
Client
The client is an aviation technology provider that offers a core logistics system for airports. Their platform helps coordinate airport logistics—but had a major blind spot: cargo operations on the airfield itself. That’s when they reached out to Peppernode to build a smart, mobile-first extension to digitize this gap.
- Digitized airfield cargo handling workflows
- Enabled real-time cargo tracking across airport locations
- Designed for small-screen Android devices used on the airfield
- Improved cargo routing accuracy and replaced paper-driven process
Challenge
The client’s existing system covered warehouse and internal airport logistics—but didn’t extend to what happens on the tarmac. Until now, workers manually printed load instructions on paper and used small tractors (“tug vehicles”) to move containers across the airfield.
- No way to track where cargo containers were or where they were headed
- Paper-based processes led to errors and inefficiencies
- Loaders could only guess whether their “train” of containers was correct
The lack of visibility created friction, lost time, and delivery mistakes. Workers had to rely on printed sheets and guesswork, slowing down turnaround time for flights and risking misloads—especially with hazardous cargo or location-specific constraints.
Solution
- 1 PM/BA
- 1 UI/UX Designer
- 1 Mobile Engineer
- 1 Backend Engineer
- 1 QA Engineer
We worked closely with the client to deliver a fit-for-purpose solution in tight timelines. The team moved from wireframes to prototypes quickly, iterating based on real-world device testing. UX adjustments were frequent due to real-world conditions—small screens, gloved hands, bright sun, and no GPS signal.
We also faced early logistical blockers: testing physical barcode scanner buttons without access to real devices. We overcame this by syncing with the client’s on-site team and adapting our flow through remote demos and proxy testing.
- Train creation & cargo routing. Workers scan cargo containers (ULDs) and build a virtual “train” based on destination. Only containers headed to the same drop point can be added.
- Barcode scanning & validation. Rugged handheld devices scan physical cargo using a laser scanner—validated against flight manifest data from the client’s core system.
- Dynamic flight & location matching. The app shows active arrivals and departures, indicating where each cargo unit must be taken.
- Drop & Confirm. After physical delivery, workers confirm the destination in the app, while the system automatically records the timestamp and sends the data to the Hermes core system.
- Train disassembly. Delivered cargo is marked as unloaded, and location history is recorded for traceability.
- Hazardous cargo handling. Flags cargo types with restricted movement rules. Warnings and override options allow safe correction of misloads.
- Admin Web Portal. A companion web interface displays all movement logs, cargo history, and delivery status for managers.
While the client provided flight and cargo data from their core system, our team designed and implemented the full mobile solution and portal. We adapted on the go, particularly around hardware limitations and UX restrictions in outdoor environments.
- FastAPI
- PostgreSQL
- SQLAlchemy
- React native
- Expo
- React 19
Insights from our team
“Designing for airport conditions was tough. You’re working with big gloves, tiny screens, scanners—not exactly your average smartphone app. We had to rethink UI from scratch.”
Results & Impact
- MVP app delivered in under 4 months
- Replaced paper-based cargo instructions with live, in-app updates
- Enabled real-time cargo tracking between warehouses and gates
- Improved coordination between flight manifests and on-ground loaders
- Interface designed to work on rugged Android scanners with small screens
- Created digital history of cargo movement for better traceability
- Reduced risk of misloads and improved hazardous cargo handling
- Built foundation for future automation and offline capabilities
Ready to Build Smart Operations Tools?
At Peppernode, we build rugged, reliable custom tools—from airport field logistics to retail dashboards. If you’re moving people, goods, or data, let’s make it faster and smarter.
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