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How a Custom Web Application Can Transform Your Business

20 minute read
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By Dorothy Thompson
Digital Analyst

Technology has transformed the way nearly every company does business in recent years. Tools like social media, mobile connectivity, and location-based services have allowed businesses to better connect with their customers and drive growth exponentially.

However, as technology expands our capabilities to do business it also has raised the expectations of consumers, who now prefer shopping, learning, and getting customer service online.

One way to meet the rising demands of your consumers is through a custom web application designed to expand your business’ connection to its customers and provide functionality that caters to your specific business challenges and goals.

But before you jump into investing time and money into developing your own app, there are many things to consider. Here’s a look at some of the questions you should be asking yourself:

What is a web application?

So, you may be wondering what exactly is a web application? How is it different from a website?

Technically, any web application that is hosted on the internet and accessed through your browser is a website, but for most what differentiates an application from a website is interactivity.

Where a website is made to be a platform for delivering content or information — think restaurant websites, news sites, or blogs — a web application is designed to be an interactive experience.

When using a web application, users enter and retrieve information by communicating with a database to perform tasks and services for the user. Any time you use your browser to login to your social media account, submit an online payment, manage your bank account online, or check your e-mail, you’re using a web application.

What can a web application do?

The uses for web applications are wide-ranging — both on the customer-facing and internal side of your business — and with a talented development team like Archetype SC behind you, the possibilities for what you can create are endless.

In many cases, web apps are used to improve customer experience by providing a convenient tool for your customers to communicate and interact with your business.

Web applications can also be integrated with your website to extend its functionality and keep up with the ever-increasing expectations of users. Common integrations include functionality such as eCommerce, customer service requests, or accessing and searching for information stored in a knowledge base.

Web-based apps also provide powerful functionality that can be used internally, giving your business the tools to manage customer relationships, track inventory, assign tasks or work orders, and much more.

A custom web application designed and developed with your business in mind can save time, increase workflow productivity, and alleviate major pain points in your day to day business.

Some common uses for web applications include:

Automation

Automate repetitive tasks with technologies to save time and speed up innovation.

Reporting

Produce custom data visualizations that highlight customer or operational data and help you make better business decisions.

Productivity

Increase productivity with enhanced workflow processes, better task ordering and improved tracking of resources.

Communication

Directly deliver real-time data to team members or site workers remotely and promote better customer service and communication.

Training

Allow for complex courses or training processes to be executed online, at the user’s pace without staff.

Is a web application better than a mobile application?

Once you’ve decided pursuing a custom application is a good idea for your business, the next step is to determine what type of application will best fit your needs.

In today’s marketplace, that often means choosing between a web application or a native mobile application.

One important distinction is that web applications function from the internet browser, while mobile applications are developed for a specific device/platform and must be downloaded from the iTunes or Google Play app stores.

The list below points out some of the key considerations when determining the type of application that will provide the greatest benefit your business:

FEAUTRES OF A

Web Application

  • Can be used on a mobile device Web applications developed with responsive code will work on a mobile device
  • Requires Internet Connection An internet connection is required for web applications to function
  • No Install Required Because web applications run in the browser, no download or install is necessary
  • No App Store Approval Required Web applications can be deployed at the developer's discretion
  • Single codebase Web apps are considered easier to maintain due to a common code base across multiple platforms that can be made compatible with any older mobile device.
FEAUTRES OF A

Mobile Application

  • Runs natively on mobile device Because they are native to the device mobile apps can often access features of the device — like contacts, camera and location — that web apps can’t.
  • No Internet Connection Required Some functionality is available with mobile applications when they are not connected to the internet
  • Requires Download Users must download mobile apps onto their device
  • Needs app store approval Apple, Android, and Google all have specifications that developers must adhere to in order to have their application approved for download
  • Separate code for each platform Mobile applications require a different code base for different devices (iOS vs. Android) and thus can be more expensive to develop.

Where do I start in building an application?

Building out a custom application can be a big task — especially if you’re not quite sure where to begin.

At Archetype SC, our digital experience team will work closely with you to develop an in-depth understanding and analysis of your business processes, specific needs and challenges, and the goals that you hope to achieve.

With this information, we can create a detailed project plan with specific use cases and begin to sketch out how users will interact with your application.

Our designers will then create high-fidelity prototypes, to show how your web application will meet the requirements set forth. Through an iterative process, our team will work with you to review and refine your app until we’ve created a fully-functioning application to meet your business needs.

Your web application will be built using industry-leading technologies chosen specifically for the needs of the project, allowing for future enhancement, security, scalability, and an excellent user experience. Once your project is complete, all necessary testing and training are provided to ensure that when your application is deployed, it is a seamless transition that will show immediate results.

From end to end, we’ll ensure a smooth and collaborative process. Here are a few other benefits of building a web application with Archetype SC:

Custom

Our applications are fully custom, built to fit your users and your business’ unique challenges.

User-friendly

Our award-winning UX designers will ensure your application is responsive, dynamic and easy to use.

Scalable

Our apps give you peace of mind that your application will grow with your business.

Integrated

Your application can be integrated with third-party platforms or other systems you already have in place.

Efficient

We make sure your application code is clean, simple, fast and well-tested, saving you time and money.

Begin building your future today!

Ready to take the next step in your digital transformation? Archetype SC's digital experience team is ready to help with custom applications, integrations, and websites that will improve your customer experience and help you grow your business.

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