Case Study

Systems like this aren't abnormal to us.

Abnormal Load Logistics had been running day-to-day operations on Microsoft Access for years. It had served them well, but the business needed a web-based system the whole team could use at once - without the limits of a desktop database. We delivered a purpose-built platform to replace it.

Project at a glance

  • Client: Abnormal Load Logistics
  • Industry: Haulage / abnormal loads / transport
  • Services: Build
  • Delivered: Direct delivery of a bespoke operations platform - customers, load configurations, jobs, sundries, invoicing and payments
  • Project status: Live

The challenge

Core haulage operations - customers, load configurations, jobs, authorities, routes, invoicing and payments - were managed in Access.

A key driver was multi-user support. The team needed to work in the system at the same time, from more than one desk, without stepping on each other's toes. A dedicated web application could keep the same workflows while making concurrent use a first-class part of the design.

Our approach

Direct client delivery of a greenfield web application shaped around how the haulage operation actually runs - customers, specialist load definitions, job planning and billing - with shared access for the team built in from the start.

Built end to end as an Angular front end and NestJS/MongoDB API, with user accounts, permissions, PDF generation, email and cloud hosting suited to day-to-day operational use.

The solution

Delivered a full-stack operations platform replacing the Access-based system - covering customers, loads, jobs and billing in one place, available to multiple users at once.

  • Customer management with contacts, pricing and statements
  • Load catalogue with vehicle dimensions, axles, weights and configurations
  • Job management including routes, vehicles, hauliers, council and police authorities
  • Sundries, invoicing with PDF generation, payments tracking and multi-user permissions

The outcome

Operations moved from Access onto a web platform built around the company's real workflows - and designed for the team to use together.

  • Single place to manage customers, loads, jobs and billing
  • Proper multi-user access so the team can work concurrently
  • A maintainable platform that can evolve with the business

The platform is live and supporting day-to-day haulage operations.

Technology

A modern stack chosen for a maintainable ops platform that can grow with the business.

  • Angular
  • NestJS & MongoDB
  • AWS
  • PDF generation & email delivery

Facing a similar challenge?

Whether you're replacing legacy software, connecting existing systems or building something new, tell us what you're trying to achieve.