Fuel Delivery Workflow

This design workflow outlines a comprehensive, scalable, and highly functional mobile fuel delivery solution inspired by services like Booster and FuelFox. The system will be built as an extension and white-label customization of Fleetbase, an open-source logistics platform under AGPL v3 (community edition). Based on research, Fleetbase supports white-labeling through customization of its modular components (e.g., UI rebranding, custom extensions), and its commercial license (FCL) allows for redistribution and reselling if needed for proprietary elements. However, since we want it fully open source on GitHub, we’ll stick to AGPL-compliant modifications—fork the repo, customize, and share all changes publicly. This enables you to sell the software (with support services) to small fuel delivery businesses while maintaining transparency. No licensing restrictions prevent white-labeling under our brand; we can rebrand via config files, themes, and extensions without violating AGPL, as long as deployments share mods if public.

The solution will be “badass” by incorporating real-time features (e.g., WebSockets for tracking), AI-enhanced routing (via extensions), robust security, and seamless integrations. It’ll be scalable using microservices, cloud deployment (e.g., AWS), and containerization (Docker/Kubernetes). Core repo on GitHub: e.g., your-brand/fuel-delivery-platform, with sub-repos for apps and extensions.

Key additions recommended (beyond basic specs):

  • Multi-tenant architecture for selling to multiple businesses (each with isolated data).
  • Compliance features (e.g., fuel handling regs like EPA/OSHA tracking, audit logs).
  • Analytics dashboard for business insights (fuel usage trends, efficiency metrics).
  • Push/email/SMS notifications for status updates.
  • AI/ML for predictive scheduling (e.g., forecast fuel needs based on historical data).
  • Offline support in apps for poor connectivity areas.
  • Integration with fuel price APIs for dynamic pricing.
  • Admin portal for business owners to manage fleets, pricing, and reports.

High-Level System Architecture

  • Backend: Fleetbase core (PHP/Laravel API) extended with custom modules. Use MySQL/Redis for data/storage. Deploy as microservices for scalability.
  • Frontend (Web): Ember.js-based dashboard, white-labeled with your branding (custom CSS/themes, logo swaps). Handles admin, customer portals.
  • Mobile Apps: Cross-platform (Flutter for Android/iOS) customer and driver apps. Integrate with Fleetbase’s Navigator (driver app) and Storefront (customer e-commerce). Native builds for app stores.
  • Integrations Layer: REST APIs + Webhooks for external devices/services. Use WebSockets for real-time.
  • Infrastructure: Dockerized for easy deployment. Host on AWS (ECS for containers, RDS for DB, ElastiCache for caching). Auto-scale with Kubernetes for high traffic.
  • Security: JWT auth, encryption (TLS, data-at-rest), role-based access (RBAC). Compliance: HIPAA-like for data if needed, plus fuel-specific logging (e.g., spill prevention alerts).
  • Scalability: Horizontal scaling (add servers), CDN for assets, serverless functions (Lambda) for notifications.

Component Breakdown and Workflow

1. User Roles and Onboarding

  • Customers: Sign up via web/app (email/phone verification). Create account with profile (vehicles, payment methods). GPS-based location capture (Google Maps API integration).
  • Drivers: Managed via Fleetbase (onboarded by admins). App login with biometrics.
  • Admins/Business Owners: Dashboard for fleet oversight, user management, pricing setup.
  • Workflow:
    • Customer registers → Verifies email/SMS → Adds vehicle details (fuel type, tank size) → Links payment (Stripe integration for auto-charge).
    • Missed: KYC for commercial accounts (e.g., business verification).

2. Scheduling and Ordering

  • Customer Side: App/web portal to request delivery. Input GPS location (auto-detect or manual), fuel type/quantity, time window. System checks availability via Fleetbase API.
  • Backend Processing: Fleetbase handles scheduling. Use its FleetOps extension for order creation, assigning drivers based on proximity/load.
  • Additions: Predictive AI (integrate TensorFlow.js or external ML service) to suggest optimal times based on traffic/fuel prices. Dynamic pricing (e.g., surge during peaks).
  • Workflow:
    • Customer submits request → Fleetbase quotes price/time → Confirms → Order queued.

3. Driver Management, Routing, and Optimization

  • Fleetbase Core: Use built-in tools for driver assignment, scheduling, and routing (integrates with Google Maps/HERE for optimization).
  • Auto Re-Routing: Real-time via WebSockets. If traffic/delays, Fleetbase’s algorithms re-optimize routes (add AI extension for machine learning-based predictions, e.g., using historical data).
  • GPS Integration: Install telematics devices (e.g., compatible with Fleetbase’s telematics module, like Geotab or Samsara). Devices send location/fuel level data to Fleetbase API. Real-time tracking for customers (map view in app).
  • Workflow:
    • Order assigned → Driver app shows route → GPS updates position → Auto-re-route if needed → Arrival notification.

4. Delivery and Fuel Dispensing

  • Fuel Flow Meter Integration: WSLRW-DFM (LoRaWAN-based wireless meter from Daviteq). Install on delivery trucks. Meter sends flow data (volume dispensed) via LoRa gateway to your backend (custom extension in Fleetbase).
    • Integration: Build a webhook listener for meter data. On delivery, app scans QR/starts flow → Meter tracks dispense → Auto-stops at requested volume → Data logs to blockchain-like audit trail for accuracy.
  • Tracking: Customer tracks driver in real-time (map with ETA). Driver app captures proof (photo/signature).
  • Additions: Safety checks (e.g., app enforces grounding procedures). IoT alerts for low truck fuel.
  • Workflow:
    • Driver arrives → App confirms location → Starts dispense via meter → Completes → Auto-payment triggers.

5. Payment and Billing

  • Integration: Stripe/PayPal for auto-charge on completion (use Fleetbase’s payment extensions or custom webhook).
  • Workflow: Delivery confirmed (via meter data) → Invoice generated → Card charged → Receipt emailed.
  • Additions: Subscription models (e.g., monthly fuel plans for fleets). Refund handling for disputes.

6. Monitoring, Analytics, and Reporting

  • Dashboard: Web-based with charts (Matomo or custom via Fleetbase). Track metrics: delivery times, fuel efficiency, driver performance.
  • Additions: AI insights (e.g., anomaly detection for fuel theft). Export reports (PDF/CSV).
  • Workflow: Real-time feeds → Daily/weekly summaries → Alerts for issues (e.g., low efficiency).

7. Notifications and Communication

  • Channels: Push (Firebase), email (SendGrid), SMS (Twilio).
  • Triggers: Order updates, ETA changes, completion.
  • Additions: In-app chat between customer/driver for coordination.

8. Integrations Summary

  • Fleetbase Extensions: FleetOps (operations), Navigator (driver app), Storefront (customer portal).
  • External:
    • GPS Devices: Telematics API (e.g., send data to Fleetbase sockets).
    • Fuel Meter: LoRaWAN gateway → Custom API endpoint.
    • Maps: Google/Apple Maps for routing/tracking.
    • Payments: Stripe.
    • Others: Fuel price APIs (e.g., GasBuddy), weather for route optimization.
  • Custom Extensions: Build GitHub-published modules for fuel-specific logic (e.g., meter integration).

Development and Deployment Workflow

  1. Setup: Fork Fleetbase GitHub repo. Customize core (rebrand UI, add fuel schemas).
  2. Build Extensions: Create AGPL-compliant modules for fuel meter/GPS integrations.
  3. App Development: Use Flutter for cross-platform apps. Integrate Fleetbase SDK for API calls.
  4. Testing: Unit/integration tests. Simulate deliveries with mock GPS/meter data.
  5. Deployment: Docker compose for local. AWS/Kubernetes for prod. CI/CD via GitHub Actions.
  6. Open Source: Push to GitHub under AGPL. Include docs, setup guides. Sell via support contracts (installation, customization).
  7. Scaling: Monitor with Prometheus. Auto-scale based on load.

Potential Challenges and Mitigations

  • Licensing: AGPL requires sharing mods—fine for open source. If clients want proprietary, offer commercial license path.
  • Regulations: Add compliance modules (e.g., fuel spill reporting). Consult legal for fuel delivery specifics.
  • Cost: Initial dev ~3-6 months for a team. Use free tiers for integrations.
  • Badass Factor: Incorporate VR previews for routes, voice commands in apps, or blockchain for tamper-proof logs.

This workflow positions your solution as a turnkey, open-source powerhouse for small businesses, with us providing paid support/updates.

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