ABOUT THE CLIENT
Parcel carrier PPL CZ
PPL CZ is one of the largest Czech parcel carriers. PPL CZ has been operating in the Czech market since 1995, but it also specializes in parcel transportation throughout Europe. It is also a member of the DHL Group and has more than 6,000 drop-off and delivery points across the Czech Republic, and this number is constantly increasing. The company has set itself the goal of meeting the challenges of the 21st century and digitalizing its services.
WHAT WE WERE TASKED WITH
The project aimed to make the functionalities on PPL’s website available to end users via a mobile app and extend them with additional services such as delivery ratings. The mobile app would become one of the key communication channels with customers.
„Getting everything done in a few clicks, in any location.“
WHY DID PPL CHOOSE US?
With PPL, we also co-developed their in-house MyParcelshop app for operators of partner drop-off and delivery points. We were, therefore, able to apply the know-how we gained to the development of the mojePPL mobile app. At the same time, we brought our own long-standing experience in mobile app development to the project.
WHAT CHALLENGES WERE WAITING FOR US?
APPS FROM A TO Z
Our challenge was to create an app from A to Z. Starting from the “product discovery” phase, designing the complete design, to try to adapt the app to a wide range of users.
The biggest challenge was connecting the mobile app with PPL’s IT infrastructure. It is very complex, involving a large number of systems and interconnections. Even the smallest functionality on the mobile app required a lot of changes “inside”. It was a challenge for us and for PPL.
WHAT WAS THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS LIKE?
We started the development of the app in April 2022. In the beginning, there was an analysis and design phase that lasted only two months. The work continued with the actual development of the app. By early December 2022, version 1.0 was already available for download on the App Store and Google Play..
The mobile app was developed using Kotlin Multiplatform technology, which means that a large part of the development was done in only one technology, in this case, Android, and the other one, iOS, was neglected and only took up a small part of the development.
“At eMan, we believe that multiplatform technologies are the direction that mobile apps will continue to take. The technology brings benefits, especially thanks to a common core for both Android and iOS, so that “common logic” does not have to be developed on both platforms,”” comments David Nidl, project manager at eMan.
WHAT CAN THE APP DO?
The mojePPL mobile app allows you to track your deliveries and submissions. The customer has a constant overview of where his shipment is and does not have to waste time reading emails. At the same time, the app also includes a map of PPL’s delivery points and can accurately navigate customers to a specific location via integrated maps. Last but not least, customers can send packages without printing a label. Users can save their favourite contacts in an address book for faster check-in when sending a parcel. The application also includes cash-on-delivery payments.
WHAT DO CUSTOMERS GET WITH THE APP?
„A constant and perfect overview of everything you need to know about your shipments.“
The key was to make the app intuitive and easy to use. Sending packages is not just a matter for mobile geeks but for the general public. Today, customers can easily get everything they need in the mobile app on both Android devices and iPhones. Registration and login to the app are based on the email address entered, and once verified, all current incoming and outgoing parcels are automatically matched.
With a few taps, it is possible to find out where a package is located, check the shipping price, check the opening hours of the drop-off point or view the PIN for collection. In addition, you can use the app to return the parcel, change the delivery location or time, for example, redirect it from your home or work address to one of PPL Parcelshops, PPL Parcelboxes or third-party boxes. In addition, the application has continuous notifications, thanks to which users always have up-to-date information about the movement of their shipments.
ALL IN ONE PLACE
The mojePPL app also benefits customers using the ‘Parcel for you’ service, allowing them to send parcels weighing up to 31.5 kilograms. They can easily view all delivery points in the app and find the nearest and most convenient one. There is now no need to print a label. The necessary data can be entered directly into the app. Then simply take the parcel to the nearest PPL Parcelshop or PPL Parcelbox, or simply call the driver, who will pick it up at the designated address.
Credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay payments can be made directly in the mobile app for shipment or cash on delivery. Customers can also save their favourite contacts in the mojePPL app, to whom they frequently send parcels.
“The app is gaining traction and becoming increasingly popular among users.”
WHAT ARE THE RESULTS?
Already after a few months, we could see excellent results. It has been available for download since December 2022, and six months later, almost 100,000 users are using it.
Digitalisation is constantly moving forward at PPL. Customers today demand the maximum level of convenience, flexibility and time savings, and the new app brings all of this to them,
Milan Loidl, director of marketing and business development at PPL CZ
