Cross-platform mobile app for real-time logistics tracking
A high-performance React Native / Expo app that lets field operators track inventory and log tasks in real time, even while offline.
Transferring delta log files to central databases...
The Challenge
Field staff operating in remote warehouses and transport vessels had no reliable way to track inventory. Existing mobile tools were slow, required a persistent cellular connection, and frequently lost data when synchronization failed.
- Lack of internet connections in metal-shielded warehouses and offshore vessels.
- Constant application crashes and memory leaks on older barcode scanning devices.
- Manual resolution of database sync conflicts due to simple 'last-write-wins' rules.
Operations Bottleneck
Connection dead zones causing tracking synchronization losses.
Infrastructure Solved
Offline SQLite table merges resolving conflict states.
The Solution
We built a cross-platform mobile application using React Native and Expo, utilizing a local-first SQLite database configuration. The app logs actions offline and schedules synchronization queues that resolve conflicts automatically when a connection is re-established.
- Offline-first architecture with transactional local SQLite database logs.
- Background queue manager syncing updates with backends via delta updates.
- Custom merge resolutions handling concurrent updates on inventory sheets.
Our Approach
Hardware Audit
Audited warehouse scanner devices to target memory constraints.
Local-First Setup
Designed an offline-first transactional schema on SQLite.
Delta Sync Logic
Wrote delta synchronization logic sending lightweight change log diffs.
Scanner Hooks
Hooked native hardware laser scanner APIs into React Native events.
Conflict Resolution
Implemented timestamp and sequence validations to merge entries automatically.
Warehouse Simulation
Tested app functionality inside Faraday bags to simulate dead zone drops.
User Journeys
Warehouse Operator
Logistics Dispatcher
Tech Stack
Mobile Client
- React Native
- Expo modularity
- TypeScript
Local Cache
- SQLite client
- Atomic transactions
Sync Services
- Delta sync protocol
- Timestamp merge conflicts
DevOps
- EAS Build
- Fastlane integration
Development Process
SQLite Cache Layer
Wrapped database operations in atomic transactions to guarantee data consistency during abrupt shutdowns.
Expo Native Modularity
Configured custom Expo plugins to access zebra hardware scanners and system network states.
Delta Sync Efficiency
Designed sync payloads that send change lists rather than full tables, saving battery and data usage.
Automated Conflict Resolver
Engineered custom conflict handlers that resolve status mismatches on the central server.
Results & Impact
Measurable efficiency gains, reduced operations costs, and reliable integrations delivered.
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