The global mobile device market is twice as big as the population of Earth. This means that these devices will play an increasingly important role in all industries, from banking and entertainment to education and healthcare.
This article will explain why enterprise mobile app development services are so important for all businesses. You will also find useful information about the benefits of a mobile application for your business goals, including how to create one, what features it should contain, and how to do so.
Different decision-makers from different industries are focusing on mobile experience as part of their company's workflow, sensing the digitalization trend. Mobile enterprise application development is a major investment by businesses. It accounts for about a third of the app market and is the second most downloaded app type on the Apple App Store.
What Is Enterprise Application Development?
Enterprise app development is the custom engineering of a mobile app that will be used to support a specific business objective. Similar to other industries, employees at enterprises use mobile apps to help them solve their work-related problems. Enterprise mobility will likely be more prevalent today than it was seven years ago.
In the past year, the proportion of such workers grew to 60%. Bring Your Device (BYOD) was promoted by many businesses as a way to boost productivity and efficiency. Nonetheless, there is a significant risk to their safety when using personal devices to store and handle company data and providing them a solution for risk. CEOs that are concerned about security and the future favor business application development. They commission seasoned IT companies to create bespoke apps for their business. This software can be cloud-based to allow integration with multiple platforms and networks in project management and resource management.
A custom enterprise mobile app development company offers a significant advantage: total control over many aspects of the business workflow. All communications and shop floor activities are automated, and the company is protected against unauthorized intrusions with tight security measures.
What Enterprise Mobile Apps Can You Use To Help Your Business Succeed?
You may not need an enterprise app if your company is performing well. If you are looking to stay on top of all the latest technologies and not be left behind by your competition, digitalization is the only option. An enterprise app of high quality will prove invaluable in the following tasks:
Monitoring Personnel Activities
The app allows you to track the status of your employees, regardless of what they do. The app allows employees to report on their assignments and complete them via the app. Additionally, it displaces the workplace from physical structures and enables staff members to carry it wherever they go (in a transport company or development for an insurance company).
Reduce Paperwork
Today, most data is digital. So avoiding bulky folders or unwieldy spreadsheets will only make your daily routines more difficult. A company app can drastically reduce the amount of paper documents that circulate within your company by custom mobile application for applications for cloud software.
Boosting Data Management
Apps can be a tremendous help in ensuring that all data is in a computer-friendly format. This will increase the efficiency of your company.
Automating Repetitive And Minor Tasks
Employees who spend too much time on repetitive, time-consuming tasks are wasting their human potential. The app will do the work while employees can concentrate on more complex or creative tasks.
Employee Certification Automated
Apps can automate small tasks and more complicated tasks like certification procedures. Enterprise software will also handle the information.
Employee Onboarding Is Quicker
The work of HR departments can be greatly simplified by mobile enterprise applications.
Payments And Transactions Control
Retail businesses that use enterprise mobility solutions to receive reminders about payment due dates and other events can use this functionality. Also automation for payment processing, automation for cash transactions by mobile banking app development in particular project duration.
Optimizing The Supply Chain
The app is specifically designed for this purpose. By having all information regarding planning, delivery, and transportation management at your fingertips, you may have total control over the supply chain.
Customer Support - Enhancing
Client inquiries can be directed through the app to facilitate and improve their handling. The software handles the most basic issues, while humans handle more complicated tasks. Overall, the introduction of an enterprise mobile app to an organization's workflow can increase flexibility, boost business efficiency, improve employee engagement, reduce customer churn, and provide valuable insight into areas that need improvement.
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How To Develop An Enterprise App: A Guideline
Cyber Infrastructure, a mobile application development company for enterprises, has a simple yet efficient strategy that consists of ten steps.
Step 1. Preliminary research is essential to establish the foundations for the product. The first step is for CEOs and managers to determine the problem that they wish to solve using the app. These meetings clarify the business's objectives, project scope, as well as key functionalities. Next, potential users of the app will be surveyed to learn their stories and understand the needs of employees at the enterprise who will use the app in their daily work according to customer satisfaction.
It is essential to assess the solution and see the contents to determine if it can be improved according to customer satisfaction. This phase concludes with a competition analysis of products that have similar project goals. This is used to identify the best practices and shortcomings of similar products that can be borrowed.
Step 2. To determine what product the customer can afford, they must first calculate how much money they have. At this point, all you will have is an approximate estimate that can be changed (sometimes quite significantly). The exact project cost must be addressed with the vendor when the composition of the technical and development teams has been decided for the target audience.
Step 3. This is the core problem in app development. If you are unsure of how to use the no-code platform strategy, you should choose the platform on which your corporate software will run. Typically, it is either Android or iOS. This choice will have an impact on the tools and languages that are used, as well as the specialists that are hired. Cross-platform development could be an alternative to iOS and Android app development. It would work on all types of gadgets.
A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a cheaper alternative to native apps. Although it lacks native security and features, this website is more flexible and performant than native apps. It also has more offline functionality potential. The technical details of the next stage will depend on the platform chosen.
Step 4. The architecture of the system and the enterprise app's engineering charter are decided in this section. API documentation, third-party services, dependencies and environments, frameworks, frameworks, and so forth are examples of additional technical needs. There is also a thorough plan for feature development that includes due dates and deliverables. This will help solution architects and tech stack software engineers to implement the project plan.
Step 5. To construct an enterprise application for employees, the smallest team members are a project manager, a software designer, a UI/UX specialist, and a QA engineer. This crew may need to be expanded if the project's scope is larger. If you need to implement features that require specific expertise, the same applies.
Step 6. This serves as the final product's prototype. It will assist you in confirming your course of action. It displays UI components, topography, color schemes, element sizes, and spacings.
Step 7. This is where the enterprise app's visual design comes into being. Every element is tested for its user-friendliness and general appeal. UX is crucial for an app's success.
Step 8. This crucial phase of enterprise app development is the most difficult. This stage is where all functionalities are created and integrated, as well as dependencies are taken into consideration.
Step 9. After you have the finished product on your computer, make sure it works as intended. QA specialists conduct various tests: unit, user acceptance, systems integration, etc. Each one of these tests can be performed in both manual and automatic mode.
Step 10. A first-rate software vendor will not stop working until the app works perfectly. Cyber Infrastructure stays with customers long after the app has been released. We collect feedback from users, fix bugs, and offer post-launch maintenance to ensure a comfortable user experience. Be aware of possible pitfalls that could hinder the implementation of your enterprise app.
Mobile App Development For Businesses: Challenges
There are some pitfalls in building enterprise applications that you should avoid.
Challenge 1. Changes In Business Requirements
Modern business environments are highly volatile. Technology trends that were once the most important in the past are quickly obsolete and replaced by new developments that rapidly advance their technology. While we cannot predict the future, we can plan for technological changes and make allowances when designing the enterprise app. Enterprise app developers must be prepared for industry changes and prioritize flexibility and scalability.
Challenge 2. Ensuring ROI
While business owners want to see the best return on their investment when "mobilizing" their company, they may not get it in the time frame that they expect. You must identify your key KPIs, which should be in line with your business goals. These are the benchmark metrics that will help you gauge the effectiveness of the enterprise app that you are going to create.
Challenge 3. Engaging Employees
Your enterprise app may be a top-quality product, but it will not work if it is not used daily by your employees. These are important considerations, but you need to remember that your mobile app should not be viewed solely from a technological or business perspective.
Which workflow tasks can you delegate to the app too? What benefits will it bring to employees? How will the app affect their work routine? Which workers will see the most change? You must answer these queries to choose your app implementation plan (by resource planning tool). After that, introduce the business app to the staff. This daring venture can only be made a success by their genuine engagement. After you have resolved these issues, it is time to focus on the technical aspects of your future enterprise mobile app project.
Read More: 7 Tips For Effective Mobile App Development
Enterprise App: Features And Technologies
Cyber Infrastructure has been providing customized mobile application development service and design custom software development service to businesses for more than a decade. With a multitude of successful software products in our portfolio, we know what features and characteristics an enterprise-level mobile app needs and how to leverage that knowledge.
Multiple Platform Availability
Your enterprise application should run smoothly on any device that runs an operating system. Although absolute universality may not be possible, it is reasonable to include at least the major platforms for mobile development (such as iOS, Windows, and Linux).
Amazing User Experience
Employees of various ages and qualifications will use the enterprise application, so it must be as foolproof as possible. It is essential to have a simple, intuitive, and responsive UI that works on all screens. This simplicity will also reduce the time it takes to learn how to use it.
Rapid Updates
Any improvements made to the original app version should be downloaded automatically, immediately, and simultaneously on every gadget where it is installed without annoying users or making updating difficult.
Potential For Wide Integration
Every company that has big aspirations in the 21st Century will have an IT environment (typically ERP or CRM) that can handle mundane tasks. Future apps' API should be flexible enough for integration with third-party resources, such as social networks or other software and tools that management may decide to add later.
Analytics And Data Management In Real-Time
The app's employees must be able to access critical workflow parameters and use analytic tools. These insights will allow for more informed decision-making and provide valuable insight into both routine operations' efficiency and customer behavior patterns.
Push Notifications
It is a great way to keep in touch with your staff and to inform them of any developments.
Mode Offline
This is vital for companies whose branches are located far from the Internet. These extreme conditions are not acceptable in our computerized age. They should not be a hindrance to the company's ability to run smoothly. It is essential that the company has access to bread-and-butter shop floor activities via offline mode in order to keep it moving no matter what.
Wide Automation Capabilities
Automating what can be automated should be done. Machines were created to perform simple or boring tasks that do not require human intervention.
Cloud Storage Jobs
As most forward-thinking companies move to the cloud, legacy databases on-premises are obsolete. A cutting-edge enterprise app must use cloud-based data that is available 24 hours a day to all stakeholders, wherever they may be. App developers must remember to choose the best deployment model.
Top-notch Security
The security-first approach should be the main one in mobile app development for enterprises, particularly since these apps have many touchpoints through the system that cybercriminals could attempt to penetrate. These threats can be overlooked or underestimated, leading to the loss of sensitive data or theft. This could also cause significant financial and reputational damage that will require a lot of time and effort. App developers must ensure that their product meets all security requirements. It should also guarantee secure log-ins and block jailbroken devices.
Support And App Management That Is Robust
Authorized enterprise app users should have the ability to grant access to on-boarded employees and track the app's performance. Support staff should contact a support channel if there is an issue with the software or if they have questions that need to be answered immediately.
AI and ML
Machine learning and artificial intelligence are big in IT today. It can increase the functionality of the enterprise app (particularly automation tools and security mechanisms like face and voice recognition/authorization) as well as the software's operational sophistication, enabling chatbots and other cutting-edge novelties.
IoT Involvement
The Internet of Things is another cutting-edge technology that is having a big impact on a lot of different businesses. An enterprise app will be able to connect with other devices in the IoT ecosystem and exchange data, eliminating the need for human intervention. You can see that there is a long range of features and technologies that can be included in an enterprise mobile app. The app's capabilities have a big impact on its prominence.
Examining The Different Types Of Enterprise Mobile Apps
According to the user audience, there are three types of mobile enterprise applications.
- Employee-Level Apps- These apps are simple and have a limited number of features. These software solutions are often limited in their functionality. For example, messaging can be used to facilitate communication between team leaders and members and keep them informed about the status of work.
- The Department-Level Apps- support all business processes and serve the entire department. They are generally more feature-rich than previous types and can be tailored to the workflow of employees involved in specific work.
- Company-Level Applications- These apps establish an internal network by bringing together employees and supervisors from various departments. This type of app should include many functions that enable document handling, data analysis, and communication support.
Read More: Mobile App Development: What to Expect in 2023 and Beyond?
The Top B2B Apps For Business That Are The Best
These apps are very popular in modern business.
- Flipboard- This product is essential for business owners in B2B who have difficulty keeping up with the latest developments in their industry. Flipboard scans blogs, e-papers, and social networks to present them to the user in a magazine-like format. Only the pertinent topics must be subscribed to by the user. In this world filled with knowledge, they will not miss a thing.
- Dropbox- This is a free service that bridges the gap between your smartphone and your desktop. B2B business owners who are constantly on the go can access their spreadsheets, papers, and presentations at any time.
- DocuSign- This free app makes signing receipts or contracts from anywhere you are a breeze. Upload a scan of the document to your smartphone and sign it digitally.
- Salesforce Mobile. CRMs are widely known to be desktop applications. The free software enables B2B personnel to use their smartphones to access the system without sacrificing any functionality.
- WebEx- Meetings play an important role in B2B business nitty-gritty. Missing one can cause damage to your reputation and decrease revenues. WebEx makes it easy to host meetings and organize online events. This app is free and streamlines video conferencing. It also allows file sharing.
You can copy the success of innovative apps for business if you have original ideas.
Trends In Enterprise Mobile App Development To Be Watched In 2023
The pace of technological progress is so fast that even recent IT innovations are likely to have a significant impact on enterprise mobile app development in the third millennium.
- Blockchain- This technology allows data to be stored in different units and connected using cryptographic methods. It is an excellent tool for security enhancements. Why? The characteristics of blockchain make cross-platform, decentralized mobile applications possible.
- 5G- Making this standard a globally accepted standard will make all mobile solutions more efficient and faster. App developers can use 5G to propel their state-of-the-art technologies (AI, ML, and cloud computing), which will give them a new boost and open up new possibilities for mobile app development.
- Beacon- Although this technology is not new, it could be a great addition to retail business enterprise applications. It allows brands to personalize mobile apps to follow consumers through their shopping trips. A Beacon-powered mobile app for businesses will direct customers through the store and offer data on customer behavior that can be used to support targeted marketing.
How To Calculate The Cost Of A Mobile Enterprise App
You may be surprised to discover that the pricing of any software product is determined by the customer and not the vendor. The pricing may increase or decrease depending on the customer's preferences. You will be let down if your expectation is to see the precise amount you would have to pay for enterprise software. Price calculation, in any case, is unique and takes into consideration many factors.
First, you will need to decide whether to commission an app from your IT department (if you have one) or outsource it. If the latter, you will not pay a penny for this solution. Instead of continuing to pay salaries to the many men who will do their jobs, you will continue to pay them. Many small and medium-sized businesses cannot afford to keep a team of 12 specialists on permanent payroll. For startups, which are often operating on a limited budget, this overhead is not feasible. Outsourcing is the only option. To estimate the cost for an enterprise app that has been outsourced, you should take into account the following factors.
Models Of Outsourcing
Fixed Prices, Time, and Materials are the most popular types of engagement. Each model has its merits and detractors and is better suited for certain types of projects and cooperation models. Before you make a decision, consider which model is best for you.
Scope Of The Project
An employee-level app with basic functionality will cost more than a company-level application that has many features and third-party integrations.
Team Composition
You can save a lot of money if you have half a dozen IT specialists on your team than you would pay for large teams. However, a reduction in the number of developers can mean that you will wait longer for a final product. If the project is large in scope, the lean development team will take longer to complete. In this regard, it is wise to make a tradeoff.
The Duration Of The Project
The more you wait to get the final product, the higher the price. Long-term projects are more costly than shorter ones. Be sure to set a realistic project length so that the development team is not overworked but also does not try to make more money by working harder than they need.
Hourly Rates For Outsourcing
These parameters are dependent on where the outsourcer is located. The highest fees (between $150 and $250 per hour) are charged by IT companies based in North America or Western Europe. South American outsourcing services are less expensive (around $50). The best possibilities are in Africa and South Asia, where prices range from $15 to $20.The execution quality is poor. This option might be a good choice, but it may not work out as well as you think.
It is worth looking at Eastern Europe for the best solutions to your selection headaches. With their vast talent and expertise, IT companies in Ukraine, Poland, and Romania can provide high-quality products for as low as $25-50 per hour. A simple enterprise application will likely cost between $20,000 and $30,000. However, a more prominent business solution may be ten times as expensive or even exceed $500,000.
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Summarizing It All
Our understanding of how mobile enterprise app development processes operate is evolving along with our world. Future mobile app development will drastically change to incorporate emerging technologies. Organizations must improve their IT strategies as a result of this transformation, but only for the better. Your company cannot enter the top league of business without creating an enterprise app by a dedicated team. This will streamline your routine workflow and increase your organization's efficiency.
