January 2019

We live in a digital age, where our phones serve a higher purpose than only making calls. Nowadays, everything is done via the click of a button on a smartphone. Complicated and sometimes guileless processes are accomplished within seconds with the help of various apps like banking, investments, payments, booking services, travel planning, ordering food and even reading a newspaper.
The number of smartphone users in 2018 was 2.58 billion, worldwide. This number is going to increase and by 2022, Canada alone will have approximately 30 million smartphone users.
Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/467190/forecast-of-smartphone-users-in-canada/

Today, there are various platforms on which smartphones run and the largest competitors in this market are the iPhone and Android phone. Each smartphone has a different operating system. For example:

• iPhone – iOS
• Android- Google Inc.
• Nokia – Symbian OS

​Building of mobile apps has become a lucrative business and a top priority for many companies. By the year 2020, the mobile app market would be worth approximately $189 billion US dollars.
Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/269025/worldwide-mobile-app-revenue-forecast/
There are various types of apps which can be created for use on smartphones like native, hybrid and web. It is often difficult to choose a development approach as the lines between various options are starting to blur. ​

What is a Native App?
An application, written for a particular device or platform is a native mobile app. These apps are developed keeping in mind and, at the same time, taking advantage of the device operating systems features and its software.
For example,

• iPhone apps are written in Obj-C or Swift
• Android apps are written in Java or Kotlin

Since native apps are developed for particular operating systems, users can access them from the dedicated app stores like Google play for Android and App Store for iPhone. Some platforms provide app developers their own developmental tools and interface elements to create the necessary native apps.
Why Choose Native Apps?
Native app development gives the app developers more control over providing their users with the ultimate experience. If a business intends to use the app for interacting with customers it will need to provide a satisfactory user experience, leading to the continued use of the app. Hence using a native app is beneficial as it does not sacrifice the design elements and is still unique to each platform.
As mobile software is becoming a necessity for companies, it is imperious they are aware about the pros and cons of a particular developmental approach.  Most companies invest in native mobile app development because of the significant benefits which come with it. Let us have a look at some key benefits of native mobile app development:

Optimum Speed and Performance
Patience is waning thin in today’s mobile users, where they expect everything instantly. Their expectation from the apps they use is no different.A smartphone allows a native app to leverage a devices processing speed, leading to a quicker load time since the content and visual elements are already on the phone.
Since a native app is created and customised for a specific platform, it shows a high level of performance and efficiency. These apps can directly access the device hardware and are created using the core programming language and API, thus providing a faster execution and fewer hic-ups.

Higher Security
Being developed with the high end language of a specific platform, native apps offer users higher levels of security. Non-native apps are said to have more security issues as they depend on browsers, other core technologies and are subject to their non-standard behaviour.
For example, web apps are said to rely on underlying technologies like JavaScript, CSS and HTML5, which have non-standard nature and hence will lead to more security and performance issues. On the other hand, native apps have the added benefit of remote access and data can be erased remotely if necessary.
This is why developing a native app is a great way to ensure reliable users data protection as they receive more proactive security and upgrades of the platform itself.

More Interactive and Intuitive Apps
Native apps run a lot smoother where users get to experience a seamless operation with the additional benefit of the operating systems interfaces. Since these apps are made for a particular system, a user gets the feel that the app is part of the device.
While web apps are made to look like native apps, they do not perform like them. The flow of the native app is more natural as it has specific UI standards, which allowing the user to interact with the app using gestures and actions they are familiar with, eliminating the learning curve.

Complete Access to All the Features of the App
Native apps allow the developers to get access to all the features of the operating system. Hence, the developer can take full advantage of the platforms software. The apps can also access the hardware of the device like:

• GPS facility
• Camera
• Microphone
• Push notifications

Accessing these functions could be challenging from non-native apps, but native apps have full access and the functions are carried out just as they would on the platform. This helps in executing the app faster and ultimately leads to an enhanced user experience. Non-native apps often have to access the hardware through a bridge leading to slow development and a frustrating user experience.

Fewer Bugs During Development
Native apps make it possible to have fewer discrepancies, limiting the chances of bugs and the developer is not relying on a cross-platform tool like Xamarin or Cordova. Developers would find it challenging to manage two different applications in one codebase in comparison to managing the same in two codebases. This is where native app wins the battle.

New Features
​

Things are constantly evolving in this digital age. With the advent of new trends, features and technology, native apps can add the same with ease and are set up to use all available functionality of the platform. Other apps would require time and effort to access the native APIs which might not come.
This problem is more prominent when new versions of the platform are released. Native app developers have easy access to the new software developmental kits (SDK) to build or modify their apps with the latest features which is beneficial to the app and the clients business. Non-native approaches however would need to wait till the latest version is updated before gaining access to the platforms new features.

Working Offline
​Web apps only work when they are connected to the internet, which can pose a problem if the user is on the go or at a remote location. Native apps on the other hand can function independently without the internet. This is a major advantage and the app can even function in the offline mode if needed.

It is safe to say the main aim of any business is ensuring customer satisfaction and increased user engagement. There are a number of apps which flood the market every day and these apps push the bar of what users are accustomed to.
People may debate that the cost of native apps is higher than that of hybrid and web apps. Yes, initial costs may be higher but this is a one-time investment which will benefit the business in the long run. Whichever approach is chosen by the business, the app must be quick, receptive and dependable.
Users are demanding more from their mobile experiences and in order to meet their expectations, hence it is imperative to deliver a high performance product. By offering a vital and more personalized user experience, better performance and benefits of the device features, the native mobile app will result in higher customer retention and boost customer loyalty.
If you would like to know more about mobile app development, you can contact the App Scoop mobile app development team: https://app-scoop.com/contact-us.html.  

The mobile application market is growing at an exponential rate. Thousands of new applications are added to the market every single day. The apps downloaded today entertain the user, help them connect and socialize with people in the vicinity and also share details about their lives and photos online.

These applications allow us to do everything from mobile banking, shopping to controlling automated home technology. In 2018, nearly 200 billion apps were downloaded worldwide. By 2020, it is said the apps industry alone will generate about $190 billion, if not more.
Source: https://www.statista.com/topics/1002/mobile-app-usage/
​
Everything is done online and unfortunately this technological upgrade means a lot of personal user activity and information is vulnerable. Data like a user’s address, contact number and sometimes even location apart from banking information and credit card details are within the apps.
A single lapse in security and all this information is available to the cybercriminals and hackers. Ensuring this data’s security is key and the responsibility of the same must be taken by the app development company. ​

Why is App Security Important?
Data exploitation is a serious concern with the growing use of mobile apps. Businesses today have realized that they need to protect their user’s data and safeguard it against associated risks in order to ensure continued business productivity.
App security is a bare necessity and must not be treated like a bonus feature offered to the users. Users want safe environments as they are more aware of the threats and risks that come with using these apps. Hence it is safe to say the success of the app depends on the security it has.
One breach could end up losing the company money, but more importantly their users trust. This is why security must be a priority from the moment the developer starts writing the code.

How to Build a Secure App?
As apps are being used is a variety of ways, developers need to come up with equally different ways to defend the same. Keeping in mind the nature and sensitivity of user information, everything that can be done, must be done to help protect the clients. Given below are a few ways developers can build security into their apps:

Write a Secure Code
If the code has bugs and vulnerabilities, attackers can break into any application at the starting point itself. Research has shown that malicious code affects over 11.6 million mobile devices at any given time.
(Source: https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/mobile-malware-infects-millions-lte-spurs-growth/)
The developer needs to reinforce the code from day one so it cannot be reverse engineered. Repeated tests must be carried out and the code must be easy to update and patch. An agile code makes it possible to update rectifications at a user’s end, post a breach.

Code Obfuscation
Obfuscation is the act of deliberately creating a code which is difficult for hackers to understand and hence cannot be reverse engineered. A developer can use this to hide the codes purpose, logic and values rooted in it. This can be done manually by the developer or by a machine.
Some examples of code obfuscation include:

• Renaming obfuscation: Altering the names of the methods and makes the source harder for a hacker to find or understand. Name obfuscation is a transformation used by most like .NET, iOS, Java and Android obfuscators.
• Control flow obfuscation: This yields non-deterministic semantic results when decompiled as it synthesizes conditional, branching and iterative constructs which produce an executable logic.
• Instruction pattern transformation: The constructs become less obvious as common instructions are converted by this technique.
• Dummy code insertion:A code which does not affect the logic of the program, is inserted, to make the reverse engineered code more difficult to analyse.
• Unused code and metadata removal: Removing debugging information and used code from the application makes them smaller and also reduces the information available to a hacker.
• Binary linking or merging: Combining multiple libraries and executables into one or more output binaries makes the application smaller and simplifies deployment scenarios.
• Opaque predicate insertion: potentially incorrect code or conditional branches are added which evaluate to known results which cannot be determined via static analysis.
• Anti–tamper: A self-protection application can be injected into the source code which helps verify if the application has been tampered with in anyway. In case tampering is detected, the app can shut itself down or even limit functionality.

​Data Encryption
All data exchanged via the app must be encrypted to ensure, even if it is stolen, the criminals cannot read it. An algorithm is used to turn text into jumbled code thus ensuring the apps security. I.e. it is a jumble of non-coherent alphabets to anyone who tries to read it without the necessary key.
For example,

• HTTP is unencrypted and verifiable communication and can be read by any hackerand even be modified.
• HTTPS guarantees a secure version of HTTP. This protocol was designed for secure communication over the internet and it is encrypted by Transport Layer Security (TLS). These cryptographic protocols ensure privacy, data integrity, validate a server’s identity, ensure messages are not modified and verify the authenticity of communication. 

Key management is crucial to ensure encryption efforts pay off. The key must be secured in a container which is not on the same device. Encryption protects sensitive data at all times and can be used to protect data on servers, databases, communication channels and emails as well.

Awareness and Precautions Against Possible Threats
There are different types of attacks which can be expected in this world of cybercrime. Some attackers hack systems, while some might use the phishing form of social engineering. In this type of attack, a hacker learns the user information, login credentials and passwords by pretending to be a reputable entity via email or other communication channels and installs malware through a link or attachment.
Man-in-the-middle or MITM attack intercepts communication between two parties and allows the attacker to eavesdrop and even manipulate the communications. For example, the communication between a mobile app and the database which stores the information can be tampered with.
Extra precaution needs to be taken when using third party libraries and the codes must be thoroughly tested before being used in the app. For example, iOS systems use closed libraries, unlike android, hence hackers find it close to impossible to get source code from iOS libraries. If a libraries source code is public, then necessary precautions would need to be taken like code obfuscation to protect the data.

Cache
The cache exists to preserve temporary data and must be emptied periodically to free up space and avoid problems due to corrupt cache data. A devices cache stored elements of apps so they can load quickly. This includes sensitive user information and login details.
Invalid and outdated information can be stored in cache causing some apps to show errors and hence it is important to clear an apps cache during the testing phase to avoid bugs. Android systems manage cache effectively and there is no longer a need to manually clear the cache.

Data Storage
A device stores its data like media files and settings files locally until the settings are manually changed by the user. For example, Whatsapp stores photos and files sent by or received by users.
Steps need to be taken to secure the stored data to prevent unauthorized access, corruption or destruction. If the data is not protected it can be easily hacked and any stored data will be vulnerable. Following steps can be taken to ensure stored data is protected:

• Locally stored data is encrypted by means of a key
• Keys are stored on the server side and not client side
• Secret keys can be stored within the app if there is no server
• Sensitive data must not be stored on devices
• Secret keys are necessary to identify that someone is an authorized user

High-Level Authentication
Authentication refers to passwords and other personal identifiers which act as a barrier to entry. As a developer it is possible to encourage users to create more case sensitive passwords for authentication. For example,

• Alphanumeric passwords
• Multi-factor authentication
• One time password (OTP)
• Biometric authentication

​

Modern users are acutely aware of the threats surrounding them virtually and are rightfully concerned about the security of the apps they use. Smartphones are being used now more than ever and any breaches and access to data not correctly secured by the app can have a detrimental effect on the future of the organization.
​
App owners and developers need to accept that it does not matter which platform, Android or iOS, the app is being developed for, the workload for security testing must not be taken lightly. Even an iOS platform is not completely secure and hackers will continue trying to get through its code.
All the above mentioned techniques enable a successful app development with the necessary mobile application security practices to help safeguard the app and the data within. For more details you can contact the App Scoop mobile app developers: https://app-scoop.com/contact-us.html

The internet has played a colossal role in this era, whether it’s related to personal lives or business lives. We are existing in a digital world where digital services are part of our daily lives from ordering food, booking transport, trading stocks and even banking.

“Mobile devices, high-speed data communication, and online commerce are creating expectations that convenient, secure, real-time payment and banking capabilities should be available whenever and wherever they are needed.” – Jerome Powell (Chair of the Federal Reserve, USA)

Banking services are being digitized for identification of customers, providing customized services, automate minor tasks as well as prevent fraud and theft. In order to do so, digital banking has used pins, passwords and has now turned to biometric technology, which has become an integral part of online and mobile banking.

One of the main concerns of digitization is the security threat which comes with it. Malicious software, spyware and viruses are said to have increased by 54% which threaten not just laptops but mobile phones as well.
Source:https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-emerging-threats-10-facts-about-todays-cybersecurity-landscape-that-you-should-know.html

Unfortunately in today’s world, a strong and almost infallible authentication tool is a must especially in a sector like banking where finances are involved and daily transactions are in the trillions, if not more. With the increase in fraud, most financial institutions have had to take stricter measures to prevent security breaches and biometrics technology has helped the banking industry by doing so and gaining them the customers trust.
​
What is Biometric Technology?
Biometrics is an authentication tool and a cutting edge technology, which earlier was seen only in science fiction movies but is now used to unlock a smart phone as well. This technology is a form of identification and verification of physical characteristics or traits which are unique for every individual.

Mobile phones and apps use this technology through their in-built sensors and most banks around the globe are already taking advantage of the same. Let us take a look at some biometric identification methods being used today:
​

• Finger print scan:

This is currently the most popular method and is available on almost all devices worldwide.

• Facial recognition:

This identification method is said to be slightly less effective as it depends on the user’s environment like lighting, angle and position of the users face. In the case of financial transactions, this would require a back-up verification process as well.

• Iris scan:

This process has been seen in popular movies where hi-tech security is needed and biometric experts actually believe this to be the most reliable way of verification.

• Voice recognition:

Similar to facial recognition, this works best when paired with other authentication tools as it would depend on the user’s environment.

• Vein pattern authentication:

This method identifies the person using the pattern on veins on the palm and fingers of the individual. These patterns are said to be as unique as fingerprints and harder to replicate.

Why is Biometric Authentication Needed?
Since time immemorial, it is safe to say that money and all things related to money need security. Banking systems have changed forever with the introduction of mobile banking and billions of people are now using the digital platform for their banking needs.
Unfortunately digitization in banking systems has also lead to an increase in cybercrime and this increase in fraud has led to the rise in restructuring mobile security, which has directed to the growth of biometric authentication for mobile apps.
Financial institutions are aware that security questions, passwords and pins are no longer the safest measures against theft.This has led to a rise in the concept of biometric authenticationas banking institutions are accepting the demand for additional security, in the recent years, and adopting the same.

How is Biometric Authentication the Future of Security for Mobile Banking?
Banks can enjoy several benefits if they look at biometric security as an investment and not an added expense. This technology provides the highest method of authentication ensuring unauthorised personnel cannot access the sensitive banking information of its users while protecting the identity of its users.
This technology also makes it possible for the bank to monitor and track their customer activities allowing them to provide secure, accurate and efficient customer services. Given below are a few benefits and reasons of why biometric authentication is anticipated to reach nearly 2.6 billion users, if not more, in the next few years:

• Passwords and PINs become obsolete:

Biometric technology is slowly replacing passwords and pin based access for financial transactions. According to most analysts the PIN number will soon be obsolete and banks will need to adopt additional methods of security, namely biometric authentication.
 
Some analysts argue that PINs cannot be done away with completely and banks will need to adopt multifactor authentication where the customer would need a PIN as well as a biometric modality to proceed with transactions.

• Devices with biometric technical capabilities:

The number of mobile users with biometric integrations is rapidly growing and nearly 70% of mobile users, had smart phones with finger print authentication capabilities in 2018. Companies such as Microsoft and Intel have also recognized the need for next level security and have built biometric authentication systems in their products.
 
Apple and Samsung smartphones have fingerprint recognition software which has made it possible for banks to adopt Touch ID for their mobile app authentication. Thus providing an added layer of security beyond just a password.
 
Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/522058/global-smartphone-fingerprint-penetration/

• Convenience for customers:

One of the main reasons why customers prefer biometric modalities is because there is no need to remember passwords or pins. This also means there is no chance the account will be frozen in case of wrong entries, enhancing the customers experience and interaction with the banks mobile platform.
 
Banks are using these facilities to improve the services offered and ensure better security and protection of the clients and their assets. It can be used in a variety of banking scenarios including withdrawing or depositing cash at the ATM. Since it reduces the possibility of fraud, customers have less to worry about and with the new technology users are left with an enriched user experience with greater security and convenience.
Apart from these reasons, the banking industry needs to provide secure and convenient banking to its customers to ensure they are loyal and continue to trust the bank. Biometric technology allows the bank to incorporate an incomparable security system, which benefits the bank as well as the client. 

While biometrics is still in the developmental stages and has some shortcomings which need to be ironed out, financial institutions have the opportunity to optimize this technology. Incorporating this technology into the mobile banking strategy will help provide the users with a value added experience of lesser unfortunate security breaches, improved user experience and a more sophisticated interaction with less friction.
If you wish to know more about biometric scanning and security, you can contact the App Scoop mobile app development team: https://app-scoop.com/contact-us.html.  

Why Digital Transformation?

Today’s customer is digital-savvy and likes to be served on the device of their choice, from anywhere expecting round the clock responses. To meet the needs of these new age customers, companies are transforming their ways of doing business. Like any other revolution, digital revolution is comes with many challenges and tremendous opportunities. Are you ready to win or even survive in this new digital age?

No company is immune to this change as we have seen diverse industries being disrupted at an unprecedented pace by companies like Tesla, Airbnb and Amazon. Today every company needs to embrace digital transformation to become a tech company. Digital revolution is unstoppable. The only questions remaining are:

• What stage of maturity are you at with digital transformation?
• What is your digital transformation roadmap?

 
“More than 90% people start with online search before they make a buying decision…Going digital provides you an opportunity to get in front of these people who are planning to buy something that you may be selling”
Source: https://www.insightssuccess.in/why-businesses-need-to-go-digital/
 
“89% of enterprises have plans to adopt or have already adopted a digital-first business strategy with Services (95%), Financial Services (93%) and Healthcare (92%) leading all industries. Education, high-tech, manufacturing, retail, and government are also quickly adopting digital-first strategies to improve process efficiencies and meet and exceed customer expectations.” 
Source:https://www.forbes.com/sites/louiscolumbus/2018/04/22/the-state-of-digital-business-transformation-2018/#3ec3c9cd5883 

What is Digital Transformation?

Digital Transformation has many definitions. App-scoop defines it as a process of making a giant leap in business effectiveness by incorporating today’s cutting edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Smart devices, Internet of Things, Augmented Reality, Blockchain and so on.  
​

​Banking is the one industry known for their limited hours of operation. This would be wearisome as formerly, it would be necessary to go to the bank for something as simple as checking the account balance. The unending lines, long wait for information and sometimes being given the run-around by staff.
In today’s world, with all the digital advancement, customers do not need to physically go to a bank to complete transactions anymore. This is a boon as it saves time and transactions can be completed, bank statements checked, money transferred and more, all with the click of buttons. 

The world of banking has gone mobile and most people complete all transactions using their banking apps on mobile devices. This trend has been on the rise and the banking industry needs to adapt and advance to deliver a smooth and satisfactory experience to the customers they no longer interact with.

​Nearly 68% of Canadians use mobile banking on a weekly basis and only 16% are said to actually visit banks. The Canadian banking industry would needs to take appropriate steps to ensure customer needs and demands are met. They would need to adopt digital transformation programs, focusing on mobile app enhancement and development to provide a seamless banking experience.
Source: https://www.greedyrates.ca/blog/need-know-online-banking-canada/

​The primary focus of most banks was to create a mobile app of their own just to enter the digital fray and not loose clients. However some banking apps still only allow people to check their balance statements, transaction history and paid bills. For any further transactions, people would need to call the bank and speak to a representative.
This approach may have worked initially, but now the clients demand more from their apps. Banks need to recognize this user saturation as a reality and turn their attention to enhancing the mobile banking experience in order to engage and retain clients.
Given below are a few points on how the app can be enriched for the banks benefit:

Customer Driven App
Mobile and digital services offer banks the opportunity to reduce operational costs but they must be designed and developed keeping in mind the customer’s needs. One of the main reasons people today use banking apps is because it is speedy, efficient and hassle-free. To ensure this, the app needs to be bug free and should have minimum downtime especially while transactions are in process.
The app is mainly being used by a tech-savvy millennial but there are a lot of clients who are 55-years and above, who can benefit from an easy-to-use app. This also attracts new customers who do not wish to deal with complex apps, prefer natural language commands and transparent offerings.
If the mobile app does not simplify the lives of its customers, it would be difficult to survive in the market. For example, a customer does not need to scroll through the entire transaction history, they can simply enter the date or name of the transaction and identify the specific transaction.
Banks needs to realise that they will need to proactively use their apps digital platform, to interact with and engage customers. In order to do so, they will need to know their demographic and accordingly create a mobile banking app which aligns the business goals and customer needs.

Security
Mobile banking is growing rapidly as are the security threats which come with online transactions. Sensitive information is being handled along with a customer’s finances and it is imperative that the data be protected.
Customers rely on the organization and trust their electronic information is safe. In order to do so, documents need to be password protected and data encrypted. Biometric logins, activation and deactivation of credit and debit cards if lost are also a plus point in terms of security.
​
Personalized and AI Driven Banking
Banking driven by artificial intelligence improves how users experience new streamlined features launched by the bank. Mobile apps offer banks customer specific data and usage patterns, which helps the bank with predictive analysis of the customer’s needs, for instance, bill payment reminders.
Giving personalized offers to customers is crucial as the needs of a college student and that of a retired profession would be different. This information can be leveraged, knowing the customers financial history and what offers would be best suited for them.
Thanks to AI there is now a bigger chance to cater to the individual. This kind of banking also reduces the need for clients to speak to bank representatives as they can self-manage their accounts and carry out actions themselves, which earlier needed bank employee’s assistance. However, the personalized experiences offered also ensure the highest level of customer engagement and satisfaction.

Invest in your Delivery Model
Keeping pace with the changing times and needs of the client is as important as delivering the innovative products to the client in a timely fashion. Innovation would be a slow process in a large organization and changes would take time to go through the necessary approval stages.
Implementing an agile development process would be beneficial in competitive markets where competitors try to poach clients. A continuous delivery model may be difficult to scale but the use of agile coaches and customized approaches have led to successful implementations.
Change is inevitable and adapting to the change while focusing on the customer experience is necessary to ensure they are satisfied and help give the company a competitive advantage.

What Does the Customer Want?
Earlier communications were only via phone conversations or face-to-face exchanges and now the customer’s interaction is with the organizations technology not staff. This means the app needs to be able to deliver and be what the customer needs at any given point.
The world of mobile banking might make the face to face interactions obsolete, but customers still demand assistance, which will help plan their retirement, secure their financial futures and manage money. Providing the clients with tools via the mobile app to actually carry out these functions shows they are looked after as individuals not just statistics.
Apart from the continued focus on adapting and innovating, to offer the clients the best product and services, the app also needs to ensure ease of user experience. Even a millennial would jump ship if they has to deal with extremely complex systems. Around one-third of the leading mobile apps are phasing out the older versions and functions despite new add-ins, in a bid to streamline user experience.
Source: https://www.maparesearch.com/
​
In conclusion, we can see that the days when banking apps could do as little as show account balances and transactions are over. Over the last decade mobile banking has proved itself to be a vital part of customer-focused banking and research shows that these apps enable customer loyalty while reducing operational costs. Today,  a financial marketer’s approach must be centred on consumers and quite simply the mobile banking app must provide a personalized experiences. If you need any further information on improving the mobile app banking experience, you can contact the App Scoop mobile app developers: https://app-scoop.com/contact-us.html
 

Imagine having to take time out during a busy day, to go stand in line to buy tickets to an event. Now imagine that after standing in line for nearly an hour just when it is your turn the tickets are sold out. All that time and energy wasted plus the added disappointment of a failed attempt to book tickets.

Advent of the digital age has seen a revolutionary change in the trend of making bookings. Now, there is no need for people to stand in line and wait for their turn to book any kind of tickets or services. The advancement of technology has made it possible to book, cancel and reschedule things with just a few simple clicks of the button.

Revenue generated from event tickets alone will see an increase of 9.3%, which amounts to north of $100,000 million by 2023. The reason for this tremendous increase is the simplicity of the task right from finding the desired event to making the booking and payment.

Source: www.statistica.com

The demand for ticket distribution systems will keep rising as the number of users keeps increasing as well. Given below are a few platforms which help event promoters optimize and sell tickets globally:

• Ticketfly: Said to have sold over $200 million worth of tickets in one year 
• Eventbrite: Powered over 3 million events in one year
• Ticketmaster: Estimated annual revenue of $7.2 billion

Source: www.statistica.com

​As any business entity, the aim of a ticket distribution platform, is lucrative viability. In order to do this, they need to provide simple and easy-to-use tools to event creators, which ensures smooth dealings, between the event goer and event creator.

Creation of a Web/Mobile Platform for Ticket Distribution
To develop a web/mobile platform which promotes, markets and sells tickets, a collaboration with an event creator would be imperative. This way the platform has to focus solely on the flexibility of the app or website for customer interaction. It would be the event creators responsibility to plan and market events.
The tools offered by ticket platforms helps promote upcoming events, reducing the need for hiring event managers, saving event creators funds. Saving resources allows for more funds to be investedin the show and artist or even to reduce ticket costs to increase audience numbers.

What Makes a Ticket Distribution Platform Successful?
Not all business models are successful. Some do well in certain areas but not in others. This is true for all businesses and organizations. In such an unpredictable market, how can does one ensure their ticket distribution platform will be popular? Given below are some critical features, which can help give the platform an edge and an added advantage over its competitors. 

Time Saver
One of the primary reasons clients choose to make bookings online is because of the time and energy saved with the easy steps involved. It is imperative that registration and managing accounts should be easy for event creators as well as audiences.
This also means that the website and servers need to be speedy with minimum downtime. Bugs need to be fixed and addressed on priority to avoid loss of potential clients.

Easy Payment Solutions
Online payments have steadily been increasing since 2014. Online wallets are now being used to make insurance payments, mobile recharges, grocery purchases and even for public transport. The platform must have the necessary features to process payments immediately or to deny requests as needed.
Confirming a payment once booking process has started needs to be a timed affair. This helps ensure there are no double or over bookings. For example, a customer needs to confirm the booking by completing the formalities within a stipulated amount of time, say 15 minutes.
All the rules and regulations that need to be followed must be clearly outlined and accepted by the users prior to completing purchase to avoid complications at a later date.
In the event a refund needs to be processed or denied, the platform must have the necessary tools to make it a smooth process with minimum to no follow-up needed by the client.
​
Transparency with Regards to Detail
Availability of tickets, which slots are filled, vacancies and rate at which the seats are selling can be shown clearly on ticket platforms. This aides customers in knowing how long they have to complete the booking or finalize their plans.
Offering various discounts, like on bulk bookings or limited time offers, make the platform popular as most customers prefer good deals. A wait-list system ensures there are no discrepancies and if tickets are returned or refunds are issued, people still get to attend the show as per the numbers.
Seat mapping feature allows people to choose and know which zone they are booking seats for. This feature also helps event organizers plan zones more efficiently.

Customer Engagement and Marketing
Clienteles need to know more about upcoming events, deals and have a place where they can address their queries or grievances. An open channel of communication offering real-time replies would make this possible and increase traffic to the platform.
Descriptions of upcoming events, along with audio-visual marketing tools would help entice more customers. Branded tickets with unique QR codes make the check-in and entry process suave.
The platform must also offer features which allow audiences to get routed, from other event pages and external links, to book tickets on the app or online. For example, a Facebook events page routed to another site for ticket purchasing.
Similar to using social media and other external pages to increase sales, various marketing tools like e-mailers, newsletters and social media advertisements will also ensure a good turnout for the event.For the ticket distribution platform, to also sell branded apparel, accessories and posters would be a value-added service for the event creators as well as the customers.
One of the most important factor in a successful platform is knowing your customer and ensuring they are repeat customers. This is only possible if they have the necessary tools to create a proper database and all interactions are tracked and monitored.
A sales analysis is an imperative tool for building reports, showing projections and creating strategy. This data would be crucial for an accurate assessment and report for the platform as well as event creator. For example, maximum type of tickets sold, period of maximum sales and so on. This would help future planning of events and necessary tweaks can be made to maximize profits.

Event Cancellation
Worst case scenarios are an eventuality which are not in organizers control and must always be prepared for. There needs to be a fail-safe plan where users can be instantly notified in such an event.
​
Fraud Reports
The organization would need a strategy to deal with fraudulent event companies, to protect themselves as well as their customers. Users need to be allowed to report events for reasons like infringement, copyright, cancellation and so on, which can be looked into on priority to avoid mishaps later. Ideally a risk management team would be required to assist in handling any and all issues related to fraud. 

On the whole, online booking of tickets has great potential as it is helping simplify the lives of people and increasing their lifestyle standards. By opening a whole new world of possibilities for customers all on one platform it improves user experience and also streamlines the process.
If you need any further information on how to create a web/mobile app platform for ticket distribution, you can contact the App Scoop mobile app developers:  https://app-scoop.com/contact-us.html