Samsic is an international family business services group with 125,000 employees in 27 countries. It serves 30,000 customers daily. Samsic delivers integrated solutions through Samsic Airport, which ensures safe and comfortable travel experiences; Samsic Facility, which creates healthy and inspiring workplaces; and Samsic RH, which enhances work environments and fosters career growth. Samsic believes that satisfied users and engaged employees drive success.
Samsic, the parent company of Mobility Masters, approached us to replicate and enhance the solutions we previously built for their subsidiary. They aimed to streamline airplane cleaning operations at Lisbon Airport with a custom app tailored to their unique requirements. However, as the project progressed, it became clear that their needs were more complex than initially anticipated, requiring a significant expansion of our approach.
We started with a strategic alignment phase, guided by insights from Samsic and Mobility Masters. Based on this, we defined the app’s goals and created wireframes paired with an initial estimate. The app’s development followed, leveraging Node.js for the backend, React for the web portal, and Flutter for the on-the-field workers’ mobile app. This combination ensured robust performance and flexibility across platforms.
Our approach was centered on seamless functionality. Even with our team based in Belgium and Samsic in Lisbon, collaboration remained smooth and effective despite the geographical distance.
The project started with strategic planning sessions to ensure all requirements were clearly defined. Due to logistical challenges, we never met the Samsic team in person, but frequent virtual meetings kept the project on track. The collaboration began with a preliminary strategy phase, during which Samsic’s expectations were aligned with the app’s functional goals.
We worked closely with Samsic throughout the development process to refine the app's features. From wireframes to beta testing, we ensured the app met the specific needs of their operations. Early feedback from their team helped us identify areas for improvement, particularly around shift planning and task allocation.
The app is designed to support Samsic’s airplane cleaning operations at Lisbon Airport. It coordinates crucial tasks like:
Cleaning airplanes after arrival and before departure.
Refilling potable water and removal of toilet wastewater.
Tracking flight schedules, gate locations, and deadlines.
The app allows the team to organize their workflow efficiently, such as handling multiple flights in one airport section before moving to another.
One of the biggest challenges was backend development, particularly handling flight data. The system had to account for frequent updates, delays, and accurate task allocations.
Shift management presented another hurdle. Complex questions arose, such as how to define shifts spanning two days or how to display overlapping tasks. Our solution involved iterative adjustments and finally landed on a simpler approach that balanced flexibility with usability.
Another challenge was data import, ensuring only relevant information was retrieved and formatted correctly for the system. This required extensive testing and collaboration to achieve a seamless flow.
Working with Samsic was smooth and efficient. Despite the time zone difference with their Lisbon team, communication was clear and productive. The collaboration began with some challenges, particularly around defining technical aspects like shift logic. However, these hurdles were resolved through open discussions and iterative improvements.
Flight management: Real-time updates on flight schedules, delays, and locations.
Shift coordination: Streamlined task allocation based on airport sections and team availability.
Fieldworker app: A mobile solution for on-the-ground teams, providing task details and locations.
This app sets a foundation for expansion into other airports, showcasing its scalability and potential for broader applications.