THE ROLE OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS IN DIFFERENT GLOBAL INDUSTRIES

5

May 2021

In the present business environment businesses are bombarded with consumerism, competition and multiple economic and market oriented hurdles. In order to survive such fierce business conditions, businesses are constantly pursuing new strategies to separate themselves from the rest and put their brand forward.

One way to gain that competitive advantage was to incorporate the latest technology to make complex business operations more efficient and quick. The proliferation of mobile technology in the business world lifted the mobile application development industry to new heights.

The use of mobile applications have become the new trend in the business world, to fulfil business objectives from a whole new level. From reaching out to global audiences, to just staying more connected and a host of other benefits.

There are quite a handful of industries that need mobile apps but the majority of them are using mobile applications for good use in fact. The topic of our discussion will also focus on these industries and how they are implementing mobile applications to better their respective operations.

So, let’s get started!

The Mobile Application Development Industry – An Overview

If we go back a few years or even ten, the entire mobile app scene was never really that developed nor ever considered to be as important as it is today. In fact, the mobile application by itself was never considered to become a much needed strategic tool for businesses growth.

The growth of mobile apps would not have been possible if simultaneous advancements in hardware and software technologies were not being made. The widespread use of mobile devices and smartphones in particular unlocked a new playground of opportunities for businesses to dive into.

In a little over a decade, the global internet user base surpassed well over 4 billion, out of which 90% is from mobile devices. With so much untapped potential, it was obvious businesses needed to do something about it and so developing mobile applications was the route chosen. That is when the mobile application development industry really took off.

Businesses started developing mobile applications to connect with more online customers and bring themselves into the digital world as well. Generally, businesses that delivered some form of digital services or had a mobile application were received well by online users.

Additional research also showed organizational and industrial spending on IT to be increasing, with a significant portion allocated for mobile related technologies. With so much demand and endless chances of innovation and growth, the industry considered mobile technology the ideal medium to penetrate into existing and new markets. Whether small, medium or large, businesses today of all sizes are using mobile applications to promote their business to existing customers. Increasing visibility to the new ones while completely changing how a customer and service provider interact.

How Mobile Applications Benefit Businesses In General

  • Mobile applications provide greater connectivity and engagement between consumer and business. 
  • They are a means to market products and services to customers directly. 
  • Mobile apps allow businesses to cover large areas and reach out to new customers.
  • Increased visibility in minds of customers for psychological brand building. 
  • Ability to provide value addition to customers with loyalty and reward programs. 
  • Businesses gain insights into customer preferences through app data and analytics.

Here’s How Mobile Applications are adding Value to Different Industries

Healthcare

Since the advancements in mobile healthcare in general, the use of mobile applications have revolutionized the delivery of medical services and hospital operations.

Specific mobile applications have made communication between healthcare practitioners and patients more easier and convenient. Allowing them to securely share medical documentation and seek virtual consultations. 

The appointment booking process has been streamlined and the accessibility of medical services to remote areas has become a reality. Unnecessary travel times have been reduced and patients of older age, who due to their medical conditions could not drive or commute can now seek regular medical treatment for their health.

Retail

The retail sector has been one of the greatest beneficiaries of mobile applications. Mobile apps have allowed online retail stores to increase their sales by reaching out to a large number of people. 

By incorporating geolocation services, online retailers are providing customized services in line with the requirements of the local people. Through captivating and mesmerizing UI and UX components, the shopping experience has become even more immersive and 3-D like for online users. Combine that with the growing VR trend and you have a whole new user experience in the development. 

By integrating payment gateways into retail mobile applications, the process to pay online has become even more smooth. Allowing more users to shop even with limited cash at hand.  

These mobile applications have provided businesses with valuable data regarding customer preferences, and other crucial metrics. Which are then later analyzed to provide recommendations for future marketing and business strategies.

Travel

If mobile applications did not become so popular, travel and tourism couldn’t have become so accessible for new and young travelers. 

Instead of the traditional and expensive travel agent approach, modern travelers seek the flexibility of creating and planning out trips on their own. By using specialized travel apps that provide a multitude of options, bargain accommodation and travel options can be explored and found. Indirectly fueling the growth of the ‘Sharing Economy’. 

With the introduction of mobile apps in the airline industry, airline companies are able to provide value deals, automated check in’s and even priority bookings. 

In combination with geo locations services, travel apps have become the ultimate tour guide on their own. Providing a list of restaurants, places to stay, travel options, and things to do, all from a single touch of a button.

Education 

Mobile technology has enabled education to become cheaper and more accessible to people, who traditionally could not attend schools and universities.

Mobile applications used in e-learning enhances the interest of students in the learning process. By introducing visuals and sounds to young learners, the learning experience is greatly enhanced. Making the subject easier and faster to understand

Mobile apps are being used from the nursery all the way to colleges and universities in improving the overall operational processes within educational institutions. Specific education apps are being used to provide personalized education services to students and young learners with special needs.

Banking and Finance

Mobile applications provide unparalleled advantages to the banking and financial institutions. Banks introduced mobile banking that leverage mobile applications to provide greater convenience to customers. Providing them the facility to perform basic and advanced banking functions which could normally be done only by visiting a branch. 

Mobile applications provide banks the peace of mind through high-end security that come with the app, safeguarding both customer and financial data. 

In addition to banking services, banks also provide a host of different services or VAS which are possible from the respective mobile app of the bank. Which include payment of utility bills, QR-payments, and the use and management of loyalty points.

Wrapping Up

Since the use of mobile technology and mobile applications gained worldwide importance, the mobile application development industry has truly lifted off. Every business and industry has been revolutionized in one form or another. Mobile applications have become one of the default means of interacting with customers, without which conducting business seems almost unimaginable today. Vital delivery of services and growing sharing economies have been made possible because of these mobile applications. Mobile applications have penetrated so deeply into the economic systems that functioning without them would collapse the entire digital mobile ecommerce system. In order to enhance business productivity and profitability, businesses are pursuing mobile application to make it happen.

author

Fahad Ali, Author

Fahad is PM at ARFASOFTECH but has a knack for writing. He enjoys writing about the latest technologies and evolving trends. Most of his writings revolve around trending technologies and their integration into operations.

Comments (0)

Leave a comment