Emtep Aviation Logistics – Early Android Job Management & Real-Time Dispatch System (2009)

In the very early days of Android (circa 2009), we built one of our first mobile field-service applications — a pioneering real-time job management and dispatch system for Emtep Aviation Logistics. This project marked the beginning of our long history delivering mobile solutions for field teams, engineers and logistics operators.

At the time, Android was brand new. Development tools were unstable, documentation was often out of date, and only the Eclipse IDE with the ADT plugin existed. Despite these limitations, we delivered a complete Android workflow app and accompanying web-based management system to support a fleet of 30 logistics vehicles operating across UK airports.

Business Requirements

Emtep needed a mobile system that would allow drivers to:

• Receive real-time job allocations from the control centre
• View job details on an Android device
• Add notes and status updates while on the move
• Capture photos of collected/delivered items
• Collect digital signatures on delivery
• Communicate job completion back to HQ instantly
• Integrate fully with a back-office job management web app

The system needed to operate reliably in high-pressure environments — including deliveries of aircraft components to grounded aircraft at Heathrow and other UK airports where speed was essential.

Solution

We developed a full end-to-end solution consisting of:

• A first-generation Android app installed on drivers’ devices
• A secure job management web application used by office staff
• Real-time synchronisation between mobile and web systems
• Integrated mapping, routing and signature/photo capture

Despite the early state of the Android ecosystem, we engineered a stable and practical workflow tool that allowed dispatch teams to assign jobs instantly, and for drivers to update job status in real time.

Early Android Screenshots

Below are screenshots from the original 2009 Android workflow app — a glimpse into the early days of mobile app development:

Results

This early Android system enabled real-time communication between dispatch teams and drivers, reduced paperwork significantly and supported fast response logistics operations at several UK airports.

While the technology used was the earliest form of Android development, the project played a key role in shaping the mobile workflow frameworks we use today — from offline-first field apps to modern logistics and job management platforms.

This project remains an important milestone in our history, demonstrating our long-standing experience in Android development, mobile workflow systems and real-time job dispatch.