Custom WMS Development
Planet Express is a US-based logistics company specializing in international and domestic package forwarding. They approached us in 2017 with an ambitious goal to launch a logistics system that would allow them to start shipping packages from Los Angeles to customers worldwide. Today, they also operate warehouses in Oregon, Florida, and the United Kingdom.
We developed their platform from the ground up, including complete infrastructure design and architecture, hardware and API integrations (FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.), payment gateways, and accounting systems. All within just 3 months, from the first whiteboard sketch to shipping the first package worldwide.
We also launched their website, managed server installation and configuration, and took over 24/7 SLA operations year-round. Despite time zone differences, we maintained seamless project operations. Today, we continue to expand the system and manage marketing and Google Ads campaigns.
Termín
2017 - aktivní
Klient
Planet Express Shipping LLC
Custom Solution
The project’s initial goal was simple: create a system that allows receiving a package, displaying its details to the customer, and then shipping it through a selected carrier anywhere in the world. We launched the first MVP version within 3 months and have been building on it ever since.
- Modular WMS with clearly separated processes (receiving, put-away, picking, packing, shipping, returns).
- Real-time scanning and validation of steps to minimize errors during picking.
- Process automation for receiving, weighing, photographing, and more.
- API integrations from payment gateways to carriers and supporting services.
- GDPR, CCPA compliance to meet legal requirements in respective countries.
- Fulfillment WMS for wholesale customers.
- Public API and documentation for end users who needed to connect their own systems.
Technologies Used
For the MVP, we used the Nette Framework and deployed the project on dedicated OVH servers, handling installation, setup, and maintenance.
As the project grows, we constantly upgrade technologies and keep everything in top shape. Among the tools used are Redis, MySQL, Docker, GitLab CI/CD, Cloudflare, AWS, RabbitMQ, S3 Minio, and integrations with Stripe, QuickBooks, FedEx, DHL, Zebra Print, Canon API, and others. Some remain in use, while others have been replaced with alternatives to increase efficiency.
Collaboration and On‑site Work
Every year we work directly at the client’s warehouses in the US and UK for one or two months, allowing us to verify changes in real operation and adapt the system and processes. Over the years we’ve optimized everything from package intake to final delivery.
Key Project Goals
- Speed up and improve accuracy from intake to international delivery.
- Allow customers to shop from US stores that don’t normally ship abroad.
- Provide US shipping addresses and package consolidation for cost savings.
- Ensure a reliable, scalable system for thousands of international shipments daily.
What We Delivered
We developed a robust Warehouse Management System (WMS) that manages the entire process from receiving shipments to international dispatch. The system operates in Los Angeles, Oregon, Florida, and the United Kingdom.
- Shipment receiving with automatic customer assignment based on a unique code.
- Package consolidation and repacking to save on international shipping costs.
- Rate calculation and automatic carrier selection based on price, weight, and destination.
- Label printing (Zebra, DYMO) and customs form generation.
- Customer notifications at every step, from receipt to delivery.
- Integrated invoicing and credit management in customer accounts.
- API integrations with third-party systems.
Integrations and Connections
The system connects internal warehouse processes with global shipping services.
- Carriers: FedEx, UPS, DHL, USPS, and others depending on region and shipment type.
- Hardware: label printers like Zebra and DYMO, weighing and dimensioning devices, conveyor belts.
- Payment gateways and systems for managing customer accounts and credits, including Bitcoin payment integration.
- Shopify integration for fulfillment center needs.
- Public API created for end users who needed to connect their own systems with our data.
Operations and Scaling
- Monitoring and alerting ensuring uninterrupted process control.
- Automatic database backups with recovery tests for maximum security.
- High Availability and scaling of applications and databases during seasonal peaks.
