In their private capacity, most individuals are well aware of the benefits and game-changing nature of mobile phones and tablets, as well as the associated application software (apps) available for these devices. The manner in which individuals interact and network has been transformed by social media apps, free time can be consumed playing mobile games, commentary, news and weather are at our fingertips and banking can be done via an app, to mention a few benefits. Yet, many businesses – especially in the industrial, mining and professional sectors – do not readily grasp the potential of custom-built apps to significantly improve efficiencies and cut costs.

Mentioning cost savings, time benefits, improved process efficiencies, enhanced data integrity and real-time management information will get an executive’s attention, and all of the above and more can be the result of a strategically conceived and developed app. This, says Johannesburg-based Floop, a mobile app development company.
“Our main focus with the apps we offer is on better deployment and management of a company’s staff, providing them with tools that will enable them to perform their work more effectively in a mobile environment,” highlights Robyn Moon, a director of the company.

“Businesses cannot ignore digital innovations and simultaneously hope to remain competitive. Competitors are increasingly adopting digital-based commerce, which includes mobile apps and customers are becoming expectant in terms of how they conduct business,” believes Moon. 

“There is a widely held misconception that business apps are only suitable for large corporates, when in fact an app can benefit any type and size of business,” says Moon. “Our technical and business skills-sets enable us to advise a client on areas in their business that could benefit from using a mobile app solution,” she elaborates.

The possibilities for applying apps in business is vast, yet there are target areas that could benefit from introducing an app.

For instance, a company’s mobile sales team could be empowered by adopting an app. “The salesperson in the field has direct access via his or her mobile device to technical, product and pricing information, as well as the customer’s requirements and history,” explains Craig Maclachlan, Floop’s Technical Director. “The fulfilment of an order can be done via the mobile device, saving time, eliminating paper trails and offering up-to-date sales information to managers. Managers can also access information on the whereabouts of the sales force, and exchange information directly via the app,” states Maclachlan.

The transport and logistics industry can also readily deploy mobile apps with great effect. “Not only can the vehicle’s location be tracked by the logistics manager, but the driver can receive directions and the receipt of goods and deliveries can be signed-off via the mobile device,” Maclachlan enthuses.

“Similarly, inventory and stock management functions can be shifted from paper-based systems to an app that updates the company’s information system immediately,” he states. 

Further, the volume of data generated by mining companies is extensive. “Timely capture and analysis of this data is vital and mobile technologies can greatly improve efficiencies in this regard. For example, iBeacon positioning technology could be explored to track the movements of miners underground in a cost effective way,” affirms Maclachlan.

“The advantages that are gained by deploying a customised business app in place of the traditional methods are vastly improved efficiencies, resulting in better service to the customer and the elimination of time-consuming and costly administrative procedures associated with traditional business practice,” Maclachlan states.

“The examples detailed here are just some of the more typical applications for which we are called upon to develop apps, but the number of potential uses of apps is limitless,” he adds.

Floop determines the potential app requirements of any company during the initial engagement. “Many companies in numerous industries are aware in general terms of the likely benefits of app-based systems but often aren’t sure how they may be usefully applied in their own case,” Maclachlan concludes.