Internship Thesis Mobile Applications

Our organization is in the process of modernizing the way we manage trailers, trucks, and other vehicles used in our daily operations. A key element in this improvement is the ability to reliably register the condition of equipment at the moment it is coupled, handed over, or inspected. To support this, we aim to explore existing mobile applications that can digitalize this process in a structured and user‑friendly way.

The app we envision must work on all common mobile devices, including Android phones, iPhones, tablets, and rugged industrial hardware. Its core functionality revolves around photo‑based documentation: drivers, subcontractors or checkers take pictures of trailers or trucks during inspections, and these photos are automatically enriched with GPS coordinates and timestamps, ensuring that the exact location and time of every inspection or damage report is always known.

These photos should be linked to a simple, configurable checklist that may include items such as tire condition, lighting functionality, coupling status, correct closure of doors, and other inspection points. The app should also allow users to report damage. When damage is submitted, the system should automatically check whether this damage has already been reported. If so, the user receives immediate feedback that the issue is already known. This prevents duplicate reporting and reduces administrative workload.

A key requirement is that the solution must be expandable. Beyond trailer condition and damage registration, the app should support additional internal processes in the future. Most importantly the handover of trucks between drivers. In such cases, drivers will again take photos, complete a handover checklist, and record location and time automatically. Future extensions could include inspections or handovers of Third party customers (rental), pool cars, forklifts, or other warehouse equipment. A modular, flexible setup is therefore essential.

Another step which needs to be taken in consideration is the support and recognition of this tool by our partners such as Ferry & Rail companies, so it can be used as a valid and approved tool and evidence when claims occur.

Although the application will initially function stand‑alone, it is important that it can be connected to our internal systems at a later stage. For that reason, scalability, integration options (such as APIs), and secure handling of photos and location data are critical aspects of the research.

Identify and evaluate existing mobile applications suitable for photo‑based condition and damage registration of trailers, including mandatory GPS and timestamp logging. Determine to what extent these solutions can be expanded to support additional workflows such as truck handovers between drivers. Assess the technical feasibility, cost structure, scalability, data security, and integration possibilities of the available solutions. The tool should be able to integrate with existing tools within Ewals Cargo Care. The data remains property of Ewals Cargo Care at all times.

• Research Report including:
  • Market analysis of existing solutions
  • Cost models and licensing options
  • Technical feasibility and integration potential
  • Assessment of scalability, usability, and data/security aspects/language options
  • Clear recommendation for next steps and preferred solution
• Proof of Concept or Test Results (optional):
  • Practical evaluation of 1–3 shortlisted apps
  • Test scenarios focusing on photo functionality and GPS tracking
• Management Presentation
  • Summarizing insights, findings, and the final

This project provides an exciting opportunity to dive into real world of logistical challenges and explore an area within Ewals that has not yet been mapped or optimized. You will be working on a topic that blends innovation, mobility, and digital transformation. Giving you direct exposure to technologies and workflows that play an increasingly important role in the logistics sector.

By participating in this assignment, you will not only gain practical experience with advanced mobile, GPS, and inspection technologies, but you will also make a meaningful contribution to creating a more efficient and sustainable logistics environment. You will be expected to clearly articulate the methods and techniques you apply, while demonstrating how these can be translated into practical solutions at the intersection of IT and business process management.

This makes the assignment especially valuable for students who want to build a strong professional portfolio, work on a high impact project, and develop skills that are highly relevant in today’s rapidly evolving logistics and technology landscape.

Bachelor or Master

• Logistics (engineering)
• Business IT & Management
• Logistics Engineering
• Business Administration with an IT focus

Analytical skills, interest in process optimization, and the ability to translate functional requirements into practical solutions will be important for success.

Start date: As soon as Possible 

Ewals Cargo Care is a family owned transportation company, which is founded in 1906 by Alfons Ewals. The main office is found in Tegelen near Venlo. Besides this, Ewals has 28 other offices in Europe, which lead to a local presence in 13 European countries with approximately 2.500 employees.

The organization has grown into a strong international player. Our customers are offered a broad spectrum of logistics products ranging from full loads, part- and project loads, Control Tower set-ups and Value Added Logistics to global forwarding. Especially, but certainly not exclusively, we are known for our European multimodal network that includes more than 4800 Mega Huckepack XL(S) trailers. In addition, we can rely on a solid network of partners. Ewals is continuously improving work processes and investing in the development of our employees.