A mobile application is defined as software designed to run on devices like mobile phones and tablets. Mobile applications have been in existence for almost a decade and have become an inseparable part of our everyday lives. Apps are now available for every conceivable requirement- entertainment, personal finance, banking, education, gaming, etc. Business corporations have also turned to mobile app development services to create custom-made apps to represent their business online.

The Significance of Mobile App Development:

The creation of mobile apps has been fundamental in keeping up with the ever-changing dynamic business environment since the last decade or so. In the times of big data, analytics and artificial intelligence (AI); mobile apps are one of the major contributors to the revenue streams of business corporations. Whether it is for generating new leads, building brand image and credibility, creating consumer value or tracking after-sales services- mobile apps have helped business houses in each of these areas.

Mobile apps act as a safe gateway for consumer-to-business interaction. Online payments, order tracking and browsing for products through app listings are easier with the aid of custom built mobile apps. Business houses across industrial domains have utilized mobile app development services to improve customer experience and convenience. For example- groceries, apparel, cosmetics, home decor items, furniture, etc. are now easily available online through mobile apps of independent sellers of these items. A strong mobile app experience builds a customer for life. Customer retention is much easier as most customers judge the brand and business itself, based on how well their app functions and response to their requests online.

Advantages to Business Corporations from Custom Mobile App Development:

A mobile app development company creates customized apps for businesses; which helps them to cater to a specific target audience; thus narrowing down the effort and energy to convert to sales and revenues. Customer segmentation is necessary for business corporations, to create a targeted revenue projection and realization plan. Customising mobile apps ensures that the business corporation stands out from the competition in terms of app design, operations and final product/ service delivery. Below are some of the key advantages that business houses can leverage with the aid of mobile app development:

• Higher Efficiency:
  A custom-built mobile app negates the need for multiple websites, software or apps for customer and supplier interaction. A single portal is available to answer all the queries raised by customers regarding order status, shipping status, delivery schedule, etc. Employee efficiency is also improved as a single point app needs to be referred for all work. As the mobile app is designed keeping in mind the specific needs of the business, productivity goes up for both the management and employees.

• Better Scalability:
  General apps designed for businesses are not wired to handle larger loads of data requests. Customized apps; on the other hand, are developed considering the possibility of larger loads and higher data traffic from the targeted audiences. Mobile apps are considerably scalable when built on a customized basis by business corporations. Handling higher volumes of data becomes easier when the app is built on a scalable model.

• Security of App Data:
  Mobile apps launched by businesses need to have strong security systems in place to build customer confidence and brand image. Each business mobile app has payment portals linked to banking channels to facilitate online payments. Customized mobile apps have strong security software installed, to enable the security of customer data which is mandatory to have repeat sales and positive public relations.

• Software Integration:
  Business software used at the workplace is integrated with custom mobile apps, to ensure seamless integration of data both ways. Mobile app development companies are entrusted with the task of creating this integration to enable the seamless transfer of data. Integrating software that was previously incompatible places a significant strain on any corporation's time, money and resources. Customised mobile apps are built to be compatible with the systems at the office, thus solving the problems associated with cross-platform software incompatibility.

• Easier Maintenance:
  An in-house mobile app is significantly easier to maintain than an app produced by an outsourced app developer. General apps are dependent on app developers for fixing minor bugs, routine checkups and app maintenance on a timely basis. Customized apps are under maintenance processes at all times; and are thus easier to manage for corporates.

• Customer Relationship Management:
  Target customers can easily access mobile apps designed for your business for information regarding orders, shipping updates or other communication with the company. The mobile app becomes a one stop destination for customers and builds a strong sense of brand loyalty and customer relationship. After-sales service can be easily tracked by both the business and the customers via mobile apps. Sending feedback to the business is also more convenient through online forums on the app.

• New Client Data Retrieval:
  Mobile apps are arguably one of the best ways for new lead generation for business houses. In this case, gathering data regarding new and potential customers is now possible through surveys on mobile apps. Analyzing data trends of buying and search behavior on the mobile apps also brings clarity for the business in identifying and focusing on top-selling or searched items.

• Access to Real Time Projects:
  Custom mobile apps have the required interface to merge all work related programs, software and documents for employees. In this way, real time access for work in progress assignments becomes easier; and work becomes more mobile and independent. Employees can access the relevant files from anywhere and work in real time. Cross device linking is also possible with mobile apps.

• Project Management:
  Mobile apps bring the entire sale transaction online. Each step from order receipt from the customer, inventory management, invoicing, receiving payments, product dispatch and delivery and obtaining customer feedback can be worked into a single custom designed mobile app by the seller business. Real time project management has become streamlined and uncomplicated with online app controls by the business.

• Easier Compliance with Digital Data:
  An online trail of each transaction and sale with customers helps businesses in compliance with statutory regulations related to taxation. Digital data accumulation helps to create a reserve of all past transactions. Business owners can also include work ideation and new product development drafting online on mobile apps, which employees and other associated staff can access for additional work.

Conclusion:

As discussed in the above points, business owners can benefit largely when they invest in quality mobile apps. These apps are a great tool to connect with targeted customers. Employees can also work more effectively when the app is tuned to the software and systems at the workplace. Software integration between the workplace systems and the mobile app helps to coordinate all efforts and build an effective and productive ecosystem where all the stakeholders work in tandem towards a common goal (achieving higher sales and profit margins). Corporates can bring more value for every penny spent on app development in the form of higher sales, better brand image, customer retention and loyalty and repeat purchases from clients.