Mobile Application for Car Rental Management

UDS Systems - Microsoft Azure ServicesAzure Services
Power Apps - Microsoft Power Platform ecosystemPower Apps
Mobile Application for Car Rental Management (Azure Services, Power Apps) - UDS System Case Study

Geography

Germany

Industry

Automotive

Implementation

2023

Size

200 employees

Client’s Request

transitioning select portal functionalities into a mobile app - client request

Our client, a prominent German automotive company, sought to enhance their car rental management system by introducing a mobile application. While they already operated a web-based car rental management portal, their primary objective was to improve operational efficiency and flexibility by transitioning select portal functionalities into a mobile app.

Preparation

Preparation for implementation - Mobile Application for Car Rental Management

Upon a comprehensive evaluation of the client's requirements, two primary development options emerged:

  • Develop a Progressive Web Application (PWA).
  • Employ React Native for the project.

After careful consideration, React Native was chosen for its robust feature set and compatibility with React, enabling the reuse of existing React project components.

Technologies Utilized:

  • React Native
  • Redux
  • TypeScript
  • React Query
  • StyledComponents

Realization

Our dedicated team embarked on the project with a clear vision of the client's goals. However, a significant challenge arose during the integration of Microsoft-based user authentication. React Native lacked a direct library for this purpose. Fortunately, our team devised an ingenious workaround by leveraging Microsoft's native code.

The resulting mobile application offered a range of features, including:

Realization - Mobile Application for Car Rental Management with Azure Services and Power Apps

1. Car Repair Status

Users can view the status of their car's repair on this page. It shows two status indicators: the date of receipt and the planned completion date. There are two different types of records:

  • Vorbesichtigung (Car Inspection): This type included three steps, covering an appointment date for inspection, the start date of repair, and the completion date.
  • Abholung (Pickup): In this scenario, there were only two steps – the start date and the completion date. Users also had access to a map and contact information for the workshop.

2. Fahrzeuge (Cars) 

This page allowed users to see a comprehensive list of cars associated with their account, complete with their respective statuses, such as active, inactive, or in use.

3. Aufgaben (Tasks)

The "Aufgaben" page presented users with a consolidated view of all tasks assigned to them. Tasks spanned various types, including technical inspections (Hauptuntersuchung), UVV inspections (instruction on trade association regulations on safety and health protection), general tasks (e.g., buying coffee for the manager), repair approvals, lease returns, lease extensions, and vehicle return checklists. Tasks were categorized by status, including open, in progress, completed, canceled, and postponed.

4. Kontakt (Contact)

The "Kontakt" page offered users a convenient means to contact customer support and access crucial contract-related documents.

Innovative Features

In addition to the successful transfer of portal functionalities, several innovative features were implemented:

  • Authentication of Microsoft Users: A seamless integration allowed users to access their accounts using Microsoft credentials.
  • Interactive Animations: Complex animations, such as arrow rotations, were incorporated into the app to enhance the user experience.
  • Kebab Menu:  An ingenious solution involving Index ensured that menu options remained visible and user-friendly, even when other elements were present, thereby improving overall navigation.

Visualization

Menu - Mobile Application for Car Rental Management (Power Apps)
Menu
To-do List - Mobile Application for Car Rental Management (Power Apps)
Repair status - Mobile Application for Car Rental Management (Power Apps)
Vehicles - Mobile Application for Car Rental Management (Power Apps)
Contact - Mobile Application for Car Rental Management (Power Apps)
NoView

What The Customer Received

Power Apps Mobile Application for Car Rental Management - benefits on real case studyPower Apps Mobile Application for Car Rental Management - benefits on real case study

Summary

In conclusion, the recently launched mobile application has revolutionized the car rental management service, especially benefiting drivers. Not only has it optimized operational prowess, but it has also paved the way for targeted marketing strategies and enhanced user allegiance. With over 1,800 users swiftly adopting the application, its user-centric design and proficiency are evident. This widespread adoption highlights the app's transformative impact on the car rental sector, reaffirming its potential in boosting efficiency, customer gratification, and laying a robust foundation for prospective revenue expansion.