Inspiration
We envisioned an application that fetches data in real time and connects truckers to shippers throguh notification-like popups that get sent to preferred truckers.
What it does
The application is a real-time logistics platform designed to facilitate the matching of trucks with cargo loads. The core of its functionality bases itself on a WebSocket connection, which allows for live communication between the server and clients. As trucks and loads are updated, this information is pushed in real-time to the user interface, where trucks and loads are listed in their respective tables. Truckers receive instant notifications for loads that match the Truck ID of their choice, ensuring they can quickly claim loads suitable for their current route and preferences. Users can interact with the system by selecting a truck to see associated loads or vice versa.
How we built it
The real-time logistics application was constructed utilizing a modern tech stack, ensuring dynamic and responsive user interactions. At the heart of its real-time functionality, WebSockets enable continuous data flow, crucial for live updates. The frontend was crafted using React, known for its efficient rendering and state management capabilities, which allows for seamless transitions and interactions within the user interface.
Challenges we ran into
Initially, the application was not able to retain state across user interactions, meaning if a user navigates away from a detailed view back to the main list, their previous interactions and data selections are not preserved. Afterwards, we ran into the problem of not being able to reload the data from the Notification Table.
We also ran into the problem with setting up how to integrate a WebSocket since we never used this technology before. However, we knew that learning how to use WebSockets would become a great tool to our project and that it was worth learning.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We are proud of the backend because of the ease-of-access offered to users. The real-time data is integrated smoothly such that truckers can see real time data in a matter of seconds.
What we learned
We learned how to integrate WebSockets, how to manage real-time data feed from MongoDB, as well as how to create a well-structured frontend website.
What's next for 5-head-loadboards
We wll implement a map that shows the truckers where the trucks are situated and integrate an api that can calculate the estimated time (deadhead).
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