How Helpful Are Apps?

[Apps4Business]

Has anybody had an app made for their business? Did it make a big difference to your business or was it useless?

I have heard a lot about how important apps are and how important they will be in the future.

Is an app necessary for every business? What features of an app make it useful and what features are not needed?

 

[OldWelshGuy]

personally I think 'app' is a term that is pretty much too vague to mean anything. many apps these days are just mobile websites, yet sold as apps as they install for example.

There are some great apps however, and I have a few as stand alone itmes (not related to my site), and will be building more in the time ahead.

Mobile use is the future, and apps are without doubt a bonus. But there are apps and there are apps. I have seen some horrendously bad apps that the poor business has paid £2000-7000 for.

 

[Apps4Business]

I know what you mean. There is a difference between a proper app and an app. Many developers are exploiting companies by putting very little effort into creating very basic and very bad apps.

There are some very good apps out there though, which provide a completely different and more accessible option compared to a mobile site.

 

[Deleted member 61074]

Is an app necessary for every business? ?

Bit of a vague question, the reply will depend on the business.

If you are a window cleaner i cant see an app helping you, but if you are ecommerce it might!

What features of an app make it useful and what features are not needed?

Again a meaningless question. Eg for an ecommerce app the ability to pay easily would be important but if its an app like auto trader then its the filter.

 

[Apps4Business]

That's why I asked if it's 'necessary' for every business. You'd be surprised at some of the business I've seen that do have apps.

It's not a meaningless question as I'm asking people which features are needed on an app and which are not. I know it depends on the type of business which is why I posted this question after the initial one. There is no such thing as a meaningless question in a discussion forum.

 

[OldWelshGuy]

I rememebr my mate getting his doctorate as a result of research that didn't work. I asked him how he could be awarded a doctorate for something that failed, and he said 'our failure will prevent others from going down this route, or will allow others to pick up where we went wrong someway along the the route. This in turn will speed up development within the field.

I had never ever thought of it like that, so as you say, there is no such thing as a meaningless question and answer on a forum

 

[fisicx]

It's not a meaningless question as I'm asking people which features are needed on an app and which are not.

It really depends on the app but all need to be usable, accessible, functional and provide value to the user. Apps are no different to anything else.

So if it an app to help me monitor orders there are one set of needs but if is used to track an asset it's a different set of needs.

I'd also add that a business app needs to be very simple in it's UI. No need for fancy imagery of effects - just show my the info I need in a clear manner and I'll be happy.

 

[garyk]

Apps are the websites of the 90s. Back then every business wanted one but didnt even know why, its was just a me too. I think the problem is many business owners 'think' an app will help their business, its vanity not sanity.

Like any other channel *if* you can add value and provide something useful then do it. Chances are your app will get lost in the vast ocean of 750,000 apps though!

Gary

 

[Apps4Business]

I agree. Apps are seen by many as a necessity without people fully understanding how an app can make a difference. Apps are meant to make things easier and make information more accessible in my view. Many businesses can benefit from well-designed apps however they can be put off by the vast amount of apps that are out there.

I alse agree with the UI point. Apps are meant to be easy to use as they provide an alternative to traditional browsing, therefore, complicated apps defeat the objective. We need better apps not more apps.

 

[fisicx]

We need better apps not more apps.

Not always. A good responsive website can be better than an app and a website. Much easier to manage as well.

Apps don't have to make things easier - apps just have to provide value. If that value is greater than that on offer from the website then it might be worth investigating.

 

[Deleted member 27344]

Problem with this thread is there's no-one in the apps business.

< cough >

 

[Apps4Business]

That is true however sometimes it is easier to just open an app rather than having to open up a browser and search through pages to find what you want. There are some modern websites though which do actually look like apps and are very easy to use so that is a good option if someone doesn't want an app.

There is a lot of competition in both fields therefore effectiveness is needed and added value by a developer as you mentioned

 

[garyk]

Problem with this thread is there's no-one in the apps business.

< cough >

I am, I'm just selective. Too many 'Ive got a great idea for an app......' Hmmm I build it for free and earn off the (alleged) profit!

 

[Apps4Business]

I am. I'm trying to get an idea on people's views on apps and what features of an app they think we'll benefit them

 

[Martin.H]

Hello,

There are different types of Apps. There depended Apps and there are independent Apps. Independent Apps are those stand alone Apps which you install in your mobile and then you do not need anything else to run them.. not even internet.. For example there are apps that helps you measure your daily diet and helps you to control your weight or games for that sake.

Depended Apps are those who need a back end to run or an action to invoke them.. Like spam filters on mobile or calendar events. Some people just build Apps to bring their site functionality on mobile.. recently JustDial did the same thing.. they have a website where you can search hell lot of things now they prepared an App so that you can so the same thing from your mobile.. some people built Apps to increase their business and give facility to their customers to buy products even from bathroom..

There are millions of Apps available today.. If I was you, I would have developed an App that helps people to connect socially.. Everyone is busy with their work and whenever they get time, they want to connect with their family and friends.. It is not that there aren't any such Apps available today however if you develop it well and market it in the right place it can do wonders.

Cheers
Martin

 

[Trust Malcolm]

I've seen some apps which were no more than a skin in company colours with links to Google Maps to show the business location and a button to phone. You have to ask yourself if your customers will see the app as added value to the business and as opening another channel of communication to you. Are you going to get increased referrals? Will the app improve end user experience of your business? Does your app contain compelling content which users can share? Ease of use and installation cross platform compatibility.

Just a few things to think about

 

[fisicx]

That is true however sometimes it is easier to just open an app rather than having to open up a browser and search through pages to find what you want.

You have to find and install the app first.

Why is searching an app for info any different to searching a website for the same info?

I've got an app on my browser that auto fills forms for me. Except it's called an extension. Apps have been around for years - nothing has really changed except for the devices we use to access them.

 

[Apps4Business]

If you go to a company website and they have a link to download the app then it's easy. Also, once you have downloaded an app, it could be easier to just open it up and navigate from there rather than having to use a browser all the time to find specific things that an app can give you a shortcut to.

That is why I believe that an app has a purpose to make things easier and more accessible in addition to being something which provides 'added value'

You have to find and install the app first.

Why is searching an app for info any different to searching a website for the same info?

 

[fisicx]

Also, once you have downloaded an app, it could be easier to just open it up and navigate from there rather than having to use a browser all the time to find specific things that an app can give you a shortcut to.

Can you provide an example of this?

Website can have shortcuts so I still can't see why an app is better than a responsive website.

I can see the point of a very specific app - an app that has the company telephone directory could be useful but an app that repeats an intranet news feed less so.

 

[davek17]

We write software here. We do Windows mobile, IOS (Apple) and Android.

An "App" in my world is a native application that runs only on a certain mobile device. So you write "Angry birds" for IOS but you then generally have to rewrite the whole thing again for Android etc.

A "Web App" is like a website for mobile phones. Remember the days when we used to install an application to our desktops? Now all we do is use websites? Well a Web app is roughly that. It just means that you can attempt to write 1 app that will run on any device as it's essentially using the web browser to run, just like on your PC.

There are places for each type of app. A Native app will allow fine control of the hardware, a web app is quick to write and deploy but even simple things like moving data from the device to the server can be difficult.

 

[Apps4Business]

Can you provide an example of this?

Website can have shortcuts so I still can't see why an app is better than a responsive website.

I can see the point of a very specific app - an app that has the company telephone directory could be useful but an app that repeats an intranet news feed less so.

An app I use is the Sky Sports News App on my iPod.

I find it easier than going to the website because of the layout. It does cover most of what the website offers. This is an example of an app which is easy to use and navigate through.

 

[Apps4Business]

I am interested mostly in mobile apps for smartphones as opposed to web apps. I don't think web apps are as innovative as mobile apps for smartphones and tablets. Mobile apps exist as a more accessible platform than a website as they don't require the user to use an internet browser whereas a Web app does.

 

[davek17]

Well an app has many benefits. Here's some things you can't do with a "web App":

1. Access the barcode scanner or camera etc of a device.
2. Sync data easily form the device to a central server.
3. Web apps are optimised for "Always connected", apps are optimised for "Occassionally connected" solutions. No matter what you might think a mobile device in the UK is still only considered occassionally connected.

However 1 thing I forgot to mention about a WebApp is that they do not need to be registered in the App stores of Apple and Google. You can literally create a shortcut on your device.

HTML 5 and certain people like Adobe are trying to bridge the gap between the webapp and native app. These are called Hybrid Apps just to confuse everyone!!

 

[Apps4Business]

Haven't heard of Hybrid Apps! Will definitely check that out.

 

[garyk]

Hybrid apps are ones you build using HTML5, CSS and typically a Javascript framework like JQuery Mobile. You can then package using a tool such as phonegap which then *does* give you access to things like GPS, local storage etc.

Gary

 

[Nappro]

I agree with the poster above in that I think we are reaching a stage where businesses are saying 'we need an smartphone app' simply because 'everybody seems to have one these days'.

The question that a business needs to answer is what value the app will bring to the mobile app user. What can I do with this app that I couldn't do before? How is this app on my phone making my life easier? The smartphone app user could be a customer or an employee.

For small businesses I would say do not look at getting an app developed unless you have thoroughly gone through what you want from the app, who the users will be, and how it will benefit them. An simple marketing app with branding and info and some email facility may satisfy the 'we need an app' desire but it will not add value to your business. In some cases it may well detract from your business.

Developing and maintaining a liked and useful app costs money. Your will need an iPhone app and an Android app at the very least. It's likely you will also need a third app for Microsoft phones. Each of these is an separate development of software.

The hybrid approach is interesting in that your apps become shell's or windows onto your web application/website. It centralises your core software business logic in one place (always good) and should make the cost of development of your apps much less. However it does not provide quite the same quality of user experience as an app implemented entirely on the mobile device.

 

[Anastasiya]

Actually, it depends on your business field, target audience, location and end goal, but in general every business needs to have a mobile-friendly website or native app to increase customers on the go. More and more people are using smartphones and tablets for browsing. Your duty is to provide them with comfortable conditions while viewing your website. But if you need not just a mobile website version, and want to add some features and interesting solutions, you'd better consider creating a mobile app. Here are some good examples of mobile apps for business https://itunes.apple.com/app/the-vail-app/id529902113?ign-mpt=uo=6&mt=8 , https://itunes.apple.com/app/id485133676?mt=8,
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/my-shout/id512913298?mt=8

 

[Aweinerws]

As you know in this modern era, almost every company is trying to excel at online marketing. This means that majority of them their own mobile websites. It is generally seen that if you have a mobile compatible website, sometimes it may take time to load up. This is why people say and it is also proved that using apps instead of opening a company's website on your mobile phone is a better idea.

Apps help to save you some time in checking out online products you wish to purchase and it will also help you get the type of information from the internet without wasting much of your time. There are several businesses which have benefited by coming up with their own apps to be used buy their customers.

Hope my reply will help to solve your doubts about mobile apps.

 

[alextonkikh]

It is questions to marketing department or CEO. They should make survey and discover how could be app useful for business. If you have only few customers with smartphone there is no needs to spend money for app. Other side if you have thousand customers using smartphones to make purchase or to order things. You should do all to provide full service and make purchasing process comfortable for mobile users.

 

[garyk]

It is questions to marketing department or CEO. They should make survey and discover how could be app useful for business. If you have only few customers with smartphone there is no needs to spend money for app. Other side if you have thousand customers using smartphones to make purchase or to order things. You should do all to provide full service and make purchasing process comfortable for mobile users.

Yeah thanks for that

 

[Chris Ashdown]

We all used Apps in the seventies using Excell to run pre planed calculations. Nothing really new

 

[garyk]

you used excel in the 70s????? Wow one of the privileged few

 

[alextonkikh]

We all used Apps in the seventies using Excell to run pre planed calculations. Nothing really new

apps now can do much more then excel in "seventies"

 

[Chris Ashdown]

you used excel in the 70s????? Wow one of the privileged few

Actually the first one i think was super calc, then lotus 123, running on HP9845 computers in about 1975-6 if memory serves me right

 

[garyk]

Did this for my own curiosity as much as anything else, a trawl of wiki shows

excel first surfaced in 1982.
lotus 1-2-3 appeared in 1983
supercalc appeared in 1980

the first implementation of a kind of spreadsheet actually dates back to 1962 though!!!

 

[campaignshield12]

There are many useful apps for the Iphone and some of them are aimed at doctors and medical professionals.
I recently came across this Iphone App that can record medical transcriptions and send them to the medical transcription service provider. It’s called Orra. I found it very useful. If you intend to find out more, then visit their website. Here’s the lin.

 

[Frans VH]

The focus in this thread is on apps for marketing towards customers and prospects. I believe there is a lot of value to use apps internally in the organization. That is were ambitious organizations will get the real benefits. Remote teams get action lists, delivery details, audit checklists and so on. The teams report back on job status, request new work, and send back reports with pictures and all. We build apps like that and can't keep up with these kind of requests we get from customers.

 

[LCowles]

Can we consider the spade and the phillips head screwdriver. Each one is a stand-alone tool, most people in the developed world have one or the other...

An app is no different to the spade or philips head, there will be good and there will be bad, There will be used well and well intentioned, after all you wouldn't use either to break a rock. What does this mean for apps well it is a tool, if you plan its use well and have a use for it, then of course it can only be a good thing, but if you simply get one because all the other boys have one, then you are likely to become very very disappointed!