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Building Enterprise Apps that Employees Will Actually Use

Even if companies / businesses are bringing their computing operations on mobile platforms, most of apps for these purposes aren’t appealing to employees. It seems that mobile app developers behind these apps are missing something important. This post takes note on the most important things required in building compelling apps for internal operations of a business. Here we go – There is difference between creating apps for enterprise and creating enterprise apps that employees will actually use. A report of Gartner says that the demand of mobile app development is expected to increase five times faster than what software developers and IT departments can fulfill. It clears that businesses need to stay aware of the rising demand of enterprise apps. It means if you also want to implement mobility at your business, make sure it is worth engaging employees.

Understand your brand

What happens when it comes to creating apps for consumers? The very first step you take is - consider the audience. Same applies on creating apps for enterprises too. Until you know your users, you will not be able to create a good app. Often time enterprise apps are built by in-house developers who do not properly research on the need of employees.

The mobile apps development team behind the project needs to look at the requirements of users. The fundamental thing is that they directly talk to employees and understand the work culture of departments. There is requirement of in-depth research on the whole work-process and operations to be executed through the app.

A part of creating successful app is thinking about how truly the app can engage employees who already have enough pressure of finishing daily operations on time.

Aesthetics are required even for in-house apps.

Even if it is an internal app, missing at aesthetic portion may defuse the attention of users. Developers need to look at every nook and corner of the app’s cleanness, simplicity and user-friendliness.

Consider the platform

When building apps for employees, first concentration on the most common devices being used. I guess Android is found in smartphones of more than 8 users out of ten. Then it comes to types of devices. Gartner recently reported that in modern workplace, employees are using an average of three devices daily. The report also mentions of wearable devices and the Internet of things. Stretching an app to these new forms of devices may also help employees contribute to work even when they aren’t actually working. According to Gartner, an average employee may use 5 to 6 difference devices daily and in this way, the app for employees should support them all.

Involve IT department of your company in the development.

If you are getting the app developed from outsiders, do not forget to involve your IT team in the project. Do not let them feel that you are replacing their jobs by getting the app developed from third-party developers. Why don’t you deploy an IT employee of your company at the main point person position and keep him/her in the entire loop of communication with third-party developers?

Friendly competition

Once you have a complete app, the biggest challenge you will face is to encourage employees using it. It can be done by fostering some healthy competition between different departments / employees of the company. Announce some rewards for employees who will activity use the mobile app.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mobilmindz .