Does my Company Need a Custom Business App?
Businesses today are using custom business apps more than ever. Specialized software has transformed the way organizations operate in an increasingly complex business world, and having the right tools can have significant benefits over traditional programs. Many businesses, especially in the world of insurance, may not even be aware of the different kinds of business applications available and their potential impact on efficiency.
Types of Business Apps
Different businesses will need different apps, each aimed at optimizing a specific task or process. Retail businesses often use programs that keep track of inventory and sales, while manufacturing companies can benefit from apps that help them manage production schedules and inventory. Insurance is no different, with various unique processes that can benefit from having the right software programs at your disposal. Unlike consumer apps, which have the primary function of appealing to a wide range of potential customers, business applications exist with the sole purpose of improving company productivity and minimizing friction.
Some of the most common types of business applications include Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Business Intelligence (BI), and Accounting and Finance apps. In addition to general organization and productivity applications like these, industry-specific programs, like Populus Technology’s TotalCheckr system, are designed to alleviate common issues in each industry.
Benefits of Custom Business Apps
There are many reasons why custom business apps can help your company. Fundamentally, the purpose of any app is to make work easier and more efficient. Through business-centered apps, work can be made easier in several ways. This includes automating specific tasks to save time, collecting and organizing data in a single location, or improving communication and collaboration amongst members of different teams.
While many off-the-shelf applications are available for general business use, specialized industries like insurtech often require unique programs. Some applications, like those for data integration and IT vendor management, can be adapted from more common offerings to serve the needs of insurance companies. In other cases, a truly customized solution is required. A custom business application tailor-made to your organization’s unique needs can transform your workflow. In addition to bringing the benefits of general productivity software, custom business apps can be developed from the ground up to match your organization’s goals precisely.
Compatibility is another area where customization can significantly benefit when looking for software for your organization. Most productivity applications are designed to work with various platforms and operating systems, but checking ahead of time can save time, money, and frustration by avoiding incompatibilities down the road. Working with a developer from the beginning to create an app can ensure that the program works seamlessly with your other systems.
Other Considerations
Other factors must also be considered before deciding whether your company needs a custom-developed business application, one of which is the specificity of your business. While the appeal of a fully customized program is universal, it’s important to investigate whether or not you can gain the benefits you’re looking for with a pre-existing program. Many industry-specific tools already available can be more cost-effective, assuming they can fulfill your organization’s needs.
When considering new software or custom business apps, it can be challenging to weigh each pro and con to make the right decision for your company. Speaking directly to a consultant can be the best way to assess which options are best suited to your business objectively. Not only can they help you choose the best programs, but developers can sit down with you to help you understand what your needs are. This allows you to determine opportunities to streamline and future-proof your business.
It’s also important to remember that not all software developers are created equal. Choosing the right partner is vital. While you may be interested in working with a company based on their high-profile customer-facing apps, a company specializing in your industry is often the best choice. When choosing a partner, a comprehensive understanding of your business and needs is more important than brand cachet.
Finding the Right Partner
When it comes to creating optimized processes, success often comes down to having the right partners. Keeping all work and systems internal may seem cost-effective initially, but relying on outdated legacy systems and inefficient processes can drain a company’s resources — mitigating profits and slowing progress.
The right development partner can help you determine the best steps to grow your business, optimize your strategy, streamline workflows, and improve customer interactions. Whether you’re trying to decide which kinds of automation can work best for your organization or looking for a partner to develop a custom business app, Populus can help.
Populus offers a range of technology-based solutions that can dramatically improve your day-to-day operations. We have helped insurance providers optimize their processes and automate their financial and operational business processes for years. As leaders in the industry increasingly turn to technology to improve their business processes, it may be time for you to reevaluate if you’re maximizing your resources.
Populus Technology has years of experience providing technology solutions to our partners. We help support their growth by developing custom solutions that meet the unique needs of our partners.
To learn more and find out how Populus can help your company, contact our team today to learn more!
