Transportation Company Cost Calculator
Simplifying cost estimation is essential for efficient logistics. Learn how we helped a transportation company automate shipping cost calculations, enhance accuracy, and improve workflow efficiency with Microsoft PowerApps.
The Challenges
A transportation company wanted to develop a smart calculator that could accurately calculate shipping costs based on several variables such as warehouse location, client location, transport type, and cargo size. The challenges included:
- Complex Cost Calculations: Calculating the most cost-effective shipping price manually based on multiple variables like distance, vehicle type, and cargo size was time-consuming and prone to errors.
- Lack of Automation: The company was using an outdated system that didn’t automate the cost estimation process, requiring manual input from employees and causing delays.
- Geographic Variables: The need to account for geographic distances and locations (e.g., warehouse to client) added complexity to the cost calculation process.
- User-Friendly Interface: The existing system lacked an intuitive interface for employees to easily input data and generate cost estimates for customers
Our Solution
We developed a smart transportation cost calculator using Microsoft PowerApps, Power Automate, and SharePoint List, ensuring that the calculation process was automated and accurate:
- Power Apps (Canvas App): A custom Power App was created, allowing users to input key parameters such as warehouse location, client address, transport type, and cargo size. The app used this data to calculate precise shipping costs in real-time.
- Power Automate: Automated workflows were built using Power Automate to trigger notifications and approvals when a cost estimate was generated, ensuring that the entire process was efficient and reduced human intervention.
- SharePoint List Integration: A SharePoint List was used to store essential data, such as client locations, available transport types, and associated costs, ensuring the information was easily accessible and up-to-date.
- Google Map Integration: To calculate precise distances between the warehouse and client locations, Google Maps API was integrated into the Power App. This ensured that geographic data was automatically retrieved, providing accurate distance-based cost calculations.
Core Principles
The solution was designed based on the following principles:
- Automation: Power Automate ensured that cost calculation processes were automated, reducing the need for manual input and speeding up the workflow.
- Real-Time Data: Google Maps API and SharePoint List integration ensured that location data and transport details were always up to date, providing real-time and accurate cost estimates.
- User Experience: The Power App interface was designed to be intuitive and easy to use, allowing employees to quickly generate accurate shipping cost estimates without technical knowledge.
- Scalability: The solution was built to scale, allowing the transportation company to add more data points and integrate additional features as needed.
The Result
The implementation of the solution brought several key benefits to the transportation company:
- Accurate Cost Estimates: The integration of Google Maps and automated calculations ensured that cost estimates were based on real-time location data and the correct transport variables.
- Improved Efficiency: Power Automate streamlined the workflow, reducing manual errors and saving time by automating notifications and approval processes.
- Enhanced User Experience: The Power Apps interface made it easy for employees to input data and generate cost estimates quickly, improving productivity and reducing errors.
- Cost-Effective Shipments: The company was able to offer more accurate and competitive shipping rates, ensuring cost-effective solutions for their clients.
Transform your cost calculation process with Microsoft PowerApps
Contact us today to see how we can help automate your workflows and improve the efficiency of your operations.
Success Stories
"The new cost calculator has completely transformed the way we operate. The ability to get accurate, real-time cost estimates based on multiple variables has significantly improved our efficiency. Our employees no longer have to manually calculate prices, and our customers benefit from more accurate quotes."
— Transportation Company
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