February 2019

Digital transformation is the latest trend in creating game changing business innovations by either disrupting old methods or creating new ones. Digital technology is not only used to help enable this, but it is also an integral part of the transformation.
No one wants to go and stand in lines and do things the old fashioned way anymore. They want quick service, which they receive with just a few taps of a button, sitting in their own living room. Since the first wave of digital transformation hit the markets, it affected economics and the industries in radical ways.

Digital Transformation and Retail
Retail is all about transferring possession of physical goods between a store and a consumer. When digital transformation is mentioned in such a scenario, goods cannot be digitally transmitted to the consumer but the entire process of browsing, selecting or discarding, paying and tracking the order can all be completed online. In Canada alone, about 22. 5 million people shopped online in 2018.
Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/379437/number-of-online-shoppers-in-canada/

By 2019 it is believed that 50% of retailers will have adopted an omni-channel commerce platform. And by 2020, it is believed that technology will offer a different shopping experience with regards to floor management, interactive signage, financial services, Bluetooth device payments and even smart fitting rooms. It is clear that the Internet of Things (IoT) will play a key role in hyper personalization of the entire retail experience.
Source: https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=US42404617

​Changes in Customer Expectations
Consumers today use technology for everything from booking a ride to flight tickets, from ordering a meal to making insurance payments and even something as basic as grocery shopping.Retail is one of the most rapidly changing spaces in the world and it needs to evolve to keep up with and meet the growing demands of the evolving customer bases.

They now crave innovative experiences and expect their levels of satisfaction be met across the globe. Let us have a look at a few key reasons for their changing retail behaviour:

• Seamless experience: Customers expect a seamless, immersive and frictionless experience across all channels and also seeks experiences which are simple and fast.

 

• Innovation: Customers expect innovative shopping possibilities and the use of digital tools across each stage of the shopping journey.

 

• Rapid access to information and better customer service: The modern shopper is not very patient when it comes to waiting for information from the staff. On digital platforms information is available to staff and customers on their fingertips. Thus empowering them with the tools and knowledge needed to make the necessary sales and purchases.

 

• Self-service: Shoppers use the self-checkout, finding information kiosks, self-service and support themselves a lot more now. Most transactions happen via Mobile and self-checkout facilities offered. Going digital, self-service and information channels create more value and enable shoppers to stay up to date on all services, features and deals being offered.

 

• Mobility: Digital tools are useful and add value to the customers shopping experience at various stages of the shopping journey. Most tasks are completed while the consumer is on the go and via their mobile phones.

Retail Sector Today
“You cannot be complacent.”
– Tony Olvet, Group VP of research team at IDC Canada
Source:https://business.financialpost.com/technology/canadian-firms-at-risk-of-falling-behind-on-digital-transformation-idc-study-finds

Almost 90% of retail shoppers purchase their goods at stores. However this does not mean that the digital transformation wave has not impacted the retail sector. Pretty much every leg of a shopper’s journey is now digitized.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nikkibaird/2018/03/13/what-digital-transformation-actually-means-for-retail/#343ee49b7038

Digital transformation plays an important role to:

• Bridge the digital and physical shopping experience
• Transform the retail experience
• Personalized customer service
• Streamline back-office operations
• Respond to newer customer expectations

Retailers now need to focus on a digital value chain which collects data from all their customer interactions and uses that data to gain insight and create business models accordingly. The entire process of the goods passing from the factory to the supplier and finally to the consumer has to be a highly optimized model for the retail sector to see any benefits.
Significant obstacles are faced by retailers when they embark on a digital journey, such as technical issues, integration of the technology, consolidating data and even retiring outdated processes. They will fail to the make a digital transition if:

1. Retailers trying to avoid radical changes within their organization are stuck with outdated technology and inflexible processes. They would be stuck as they will not be able to evolve with time while the competition and rest of the market takes over their customer segment. 

2. Retailers would need a data strategy and an insight driven culture. Once they analyse the data and know what the customers really want, it would be easier to come up with more effective marketing plans which target the right audience. 

3. Technology needs to be seen as an enabler and all channels must be synced and give the customer an omni-channel feel. A fractured view of data and lack of insight will lead to dissatisfied consumers who will not show loyalty to the brand in this day and age.

Wrapping Up

 “Change is the only constant in life.” Digital transformation is here to stay and the retail business cannot be only about products as the customer’s satisfaction is equally important. As mentioned earlier, in retail the focus is on the goods being sold, i.e. it is product-centric.In order to get their customers to stay loyal and meet their expectations they need to become more customer-centric and flexible in their business processes.
Competition increases the pressure to lower costs and with digital processes it will be possible to decrease costs all along the supply chain. Personalized experience being offered to shoppers will help ensure they have a heightened and immersive shopping experience. Focusing on digitally enhancing the brand also allows the retailers to convert web traffic into actual sales.
Ecommerce is said to be the fastest growing sales channel and it outpaces the growth of brick-and mortar retail by a factor of five.
Source: https://www.generixgroup-northamerica.com/blog/digital-transformation-and-the-north-american-auto-aftermarket

​It does not matter if the company is a start-up or has been around, it will either need to come up with an agile process and retain it or transform it as needed. To capture today’s consumers, retailers need the best insight, customer friendly design and a good mix of technology and people.
If you would like to further discuss your digital transformation in retail, you can contact App Scoop mobile app developers on: https://app-scoop.com/contact-us.html.  

Many years ago, people had to call to take a doctor’s appointment only to go to the clinic and wait for hours. Any tests done would require the wait for a few more days to get the results. And finally, the wait at the doctor’s office again to discuss the results. 
Luckily, now the waiting period has been cut down, making people’s lives easier and better. The quality of life matters and healthcare professionals need to focus on giving judicious and precise care to their patients. Relying on technology helps make the healthcare process smoother, faster and more efficient.

Technology can save lives and the scope of technology and its benefits in healthcare are increasing daily. The need for a more satisfactory customer experience, in healthcare, has caused a surge and allowed digital transformation to take place rapidly in this industry.
For example, electronic medical records (EMR) were barely used sometime back and now there is a significant increase. In Canada, EMR usage by the primary care physicians alone has increased from 16% in 2004 to almost 85% in 2018.
Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/788509/primary-care-physicians-usage-of-emr-in-canada/

What does Digital Transformation signify for the Healthcare Industry?
The wave of digital transformation has swept through the healthcare industry and various forms of technology are being used to help patients lead a better life. The focal point is the need of the patient and how to improve their quality of life.
Digital transformation is not only about how data can be used and technology can be applied, but it is also about redefining a customer’s experience. To establish a company as the leading platform for healthcare, an organization would need to help patients find the following:

Doctors and Hospitals
Finding and connecting with the right healthcare provider is a life-and-death matter. Calculated evaluations which help patients make healthcare decisions are still based on word of mouth recommendations and now can be done via data analysis. Information from all over the industry can be made available to patients so they can make an informed decision about their physicians.
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• Accessibility: Everyone relies on their mobile phone to get things done and the healthcare industry can use this to drive innovation so more patients can access the physicians using their phones. Apart from finding the right physician, a patient would also need to find the right physician in their area. The process of finding a physician or a clinic, setting an appointment or a house call should be as frictionless as possible.
• Financial transparency:Technology shares more healthcare expenses and the related information with patients at few clicks of a button. The lack of consistency in treatment, if a procedure is required or no, discrepancies in cost and the differences in cost at different clinics are concerns which can be addressed before treatment commences. Patients no longer have to wait till the end of treatment to know how much the cost would be.
• Electronic charts and reminders: Not many people are regular with their check-ups and follow-ups. Patients are rarely engaged and doctors know the patient by a few routine questions. With the use of digital technologies, physicians can get more information from their patients and accordingly share relevant treatments or preventive ideas. 

​How does Digital Transformation modernise the Healthcare Industry?
The relationship between patient and their needs are being redefined so that the components of healthcare are redesigned. Digital technology has helped healthcare facilities enter an era where data is generated at scale. New data points emerge, providing the industry with an unparalleled opportunity to prevent illness and offer treatments with more precision.
Let us have a look at the ways in which digital transformation is revolutionizing the healthcare industry:

Telemedicine
Technology has made the world a smaller place and it is no longer necessary to have to physically travel to discuss or get treatment from a specialist. Telemedicine has made it possible for specialists to discuss treatment options with local doctors to help save lives. Patients in the remotest villages can still get the highest standards of care.
Success of this form of medicine lies entirely in technology and the various web applications, alerts and notifications needed to monitor and save people’s lives. Availability of a patient’s medical records at the click of a button also ensures doctors have all the information needed, no matter where they are being treated.

Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
Artificial intelligence has reduced the waiting time for test results, where full body scans can be completed 100 times faster. Acute neurological events can be detected in split seconds. AI also helps speed up trials as it has all the data needed to break down the compositions and medications involved. This data also helps physicians look at alternate approaches to the treatment. It is believed that by 2020, the average spending on AI projects, in healthcare alone, would be $54 million.
Augmented and virtual reality programmes help doctors hone their medical skills without actually having to cut into people.

Gene Mapping and Genetic Engineering
The advances in technology have made sequencing the DNA, to help identify disease markers, a reality. Understanding the genetic profile of a person helps administer treatments which can be customised or tweaked for better outcomes. Genetic engineering also helps when modified viruses are used to help fight off diseases.
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Wearables and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)
Wearables have been around for some time now to help monitor vitals, send alerts and notifications and this trend is growing. The healthcare industry is using the data collected for preventive medicine.

The new revolution with IoMT, which is a combination of telehealth technologies, telemedicine and Internet of Things, is also using wearable devices for ECG and EKG monitoring. Common vitals, calorie counting, heart rate are a few reasons why wearable devices have gained popularity with the millennial crowd.
Now the patient becomes an active participant in their own health plan and are more alert to their physical ailments thus taking necessary precautions against chronic illnesses and more responsibility of their own health.

Robotic Surgery, 3D printing and Chatbots
Most surgeries are completed via key-hole procedures and some are done completely by laboratory models. Robotic prosthesis are also being used to aid people with sensory, cognitive and motor impairments.
3D bio-printing technology allows the doctor to get a full, undistorted view of the organs they need to see. It eliminates the guesswork and assumptions needed from 2D images. The also helps doctors prepare better for surgeries before even entering the OR.
Chatbots technology is used to help deal with routine medical queries and AI backed messaging. These chatbots learn from patient interactions and assist physicians by keeping a track of contacts, managing appointments and providing prescriptions when needed.

Big Data Analytics
Data is necessary to provide seamless healthcare services. Big data when applied to this industry can be used to help prevent epidemics, cure diseases and even reduce costs. These programmes are also useful to help identify theft and medical frauds. In order to accommodate the growing population, big data will assume a more significant role in improving healthcare and patient satisfaction by reducing friction in the workflow.

In Conclusion
The set-up of the healthcare industry has not changed must in a century. It still consists of doctors, medical professionals and a clinic or a location with waiting areas for patients. Now there is the added use of computers for filling and storing patient data as opposed to old forms and appointment books.
We are in a post-digital era, where despite the healthcare sector being a cautious adopter of digital technology, we can certainly expect significant changes over the next few years. These new changes and technology will push the digital transformation agenda and engage the people they need to please.
If you are interested in implementing digital transformations in your healthcare organization, you can contact App Scoop mobile app developers on: https://app-scoop.com/contact-us.html.  

Imagine sitting and waiting for an order to arrive. An order placed weeks ago. Still there is no available information when the same can be expected. The details mentioned simply state “delivery in 6 to 8 weeks”. Thankfully this is no longer the case.
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Today we live in a time where digital business is a reality. Digital technologies have changed and disrupted most sectors and logistics companies are no exception. The old rules of logistics still apply but the stakes are higher now more than ever.
The digital wave sweeping the world has made it possible to transform businesses, their organizational processes, activities, systems and models to fully leverage the change and opportunities of a mix of digital technologies and their impact across society. 

Digital transformation is not necessarily about digital technology, but about the fact that this technology allows people to solve traditional problems digitally. Whether it is a distributor, customer, firms, retailer and even a middle man in the supply chain, everyone is waiting for something.
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Can Cargo Logistics Go Digital?
Globalization has made it possible for parties all around the world to connect and get items manufactured and delivered anywhere worldwide. Usually the longer the waiting time, the more resources, money and even reputation gets affected when the provider is delayed.

​Products and shipments need to be faster, more interconnected and have a more integrated processes while receiving data from several sources. Businesses need to speed up delivery to please the end customer, intermediaries, and lower costs while staying ahead of the competition.
Most companies now focus on speed while trying to take control of the supply chain or reduce the mediators to hasten the process. Digital technology enables companies to realize and integrate aspects of optimization and efficiency with speed for success and to offer a competitive advantage.

Benefits of Digital Transformation in Cargo Logistics
According to Oliver Wyman, a transport and logistics analyst, transport and logistics companies have increased revenues yet reduced profits and in order to turn this around they need to use technology to standardize and streamline their processes while developing innovative solutions.
Cargo logistics is a broad field and there are several areas which can benefit from digitization. Given below are a few key benefits of using digital technology in cargo logistics:

Increase Profitability and Improve Operations
Digital technology allows companies to boost profitability by improving daily operations. This is done by using digitization to create customer-specific products with more precision. A higher level of automation is used which includes database automation.
For example, automated load building and optimization of the inbound and outbound cargo movement reduces waste and speeds up the process and leads to improved fleet management.
The volatile and competitive environment seen today leaves little room for error and usually profit margins are slim. In such a scenario, removing supply chain inefficiencies and providing a seamless connection between stakeholders throughout the supply chain would be an added bonus.
For example, when we look at the wealth of data logistic companies have, with regards to the movement of goods, patterns related to customer trends, market prediction and insights helps give them a competitive advantage.
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Heightened Security and Asset Tracking
Digitally monitoring equipment helps predictive maintenance and technology also helps to fortify the supply chain in many ways. Digital locks like biometrics and multiple authentications help make the inventory secure apart from physical security.
New digitally enabled business models focus on creation of solutions and value added services. For example, real-time tracking of cargo movement through mobile apps also enables rerouting of cargo by avoiding congestion points or any trouble locations, thus minimizing risks and disruptions.
Digitization also reduces paper work, which usually slows down the process. Locating and checking the status of deliveries becomes easier when paper-based proof of delivery is now digitized. 
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Asset tracking is one of the applications where the internet of things have been present for a while, as part of end-to-end inventory and asset management solutions. Combining sensors, connected devices, big data analytics and cloud technologies has added the possibility of tracking the cargo.
For example, apart from simply tracking the cargo, fleet, crates and shipment, information can be gathered regarding the condition of any item including the vehicles to take necessary decisions regarding maintenance as needed.

Customer Satisfaction
A digital front provides the customer a one-stop-shop experience and improves internal operational visibility by automating previously manual processes. Offering end-to-end services, real-time updates and augmented reality can further elevate operational efficiencies and increase customer satisfaction.
Clients expect everything instantly. Nobody waits for weeks anymore for any product delivery. Customers want speed and have increased expectations and the transport industry is being challenged to meet these real-time demands. For example, Amazon Prime offers same day delivery for any products.
Companies which proactively transform their core operations improve their operational efficiency and have greater control over their cargo which enables the delivery with faster cycle times’ and decrease the response time to customer queries, thus enhancing customer gratification.
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Competitive Advantage
Efficiency and time have always been important factors in cargo logistics. Real-time economy evolution, if used correctly by companies, will give an added competitive advantage. Speed and timing is a customer expectation, which has risen exponentially with the changing times and now it is an important driver to give the company a competitive advantage. For example, Amazon Prime Air is using drones to make deliveries in less than 30 minutes.
Apart from the latest technology, data and analytics are key aspects to speed up the process, offer visibility, digitize value chains and develop new business models. The information gained from the data analysis can help companies predict trends and give them an edge over competitors. Essentially, the company needs to be digitally ready in order to successfully transform.  

In a Nutshell
In order to benefit from the transformation, businesses would need to develop new models, digitize core operations and build a new digital foundation. As the new business models gain traction over the long term,it is believed that digital capabilities will open up tremendous opportunities to win in the market place.

Source: https://www.bcg.com/en-in/publications/2018/digital-imperative-freight-forwarding.aspx

Digital capabilities and information are excellent keys, for companies, to help close the existing gaps while transforming the core operations for better customer engagement and new business prospects which help increasing profits and dealing with problems facing the industry.
Digitization is still considered a big challenge in the transport and logistics industry and yet there is ample room to make the most of the processes, capture the necessary information and speed up the process to enhance transparency while increasing agility as well.
If you would like to know more about how digital transformation can benefit a cargo logistics business, you can contact the App Scoop mobile app developers: https://app-scoop.com/contact-us.html.  

​Digital transformation is a process which organizations undergo to bring about change in the use of digital technology and its impact on the lives of people, work and society. It is more than just providing online and mobile functionality and is now considered one of the primary elements for survival of businesses in every industry in the world. 

The digital movement has affected organizations’ traditional methods of conducting business and has raised the customer expectations regarding the end product and services offered. Today’s consumers compare their experiences with competitors and it is imperative to meetthese new customer demands and expectations to attract and retain clients.
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Digital Transformation in Banking
The financial sector is not free from the repercussions felt by the global digital wave. The first digital value add was SMS banking in 1999. After nearly two decades, the following services are now offered:

• SMS Alerts
• Account information
• Loan applications
• Payments
• Investments
• Customer support

Consumers expect their banks to act and provide solutions like top technology brands in the market. Now more than ever it is important for banks to provide a customised and tailored experience to draw in customers and retain old ones.
Digital disruption is occurring at every level in the banking industry, from new technology to heightened customer expectations leaving incumbent banks vulnerable and hence these financial institutions need to find a way to deliver novelty in their customer experience.

Advantages of Digital Transformation in Banking
Most consumers are now ready for a higher level of digital engagement from their banks as they interact with the digital channels regularly. Globally, branches and ATMs are being used more infrequently by all demographics. This should be considered as an opportunity for banks to improve their digital offerings and increase customer engagement.

New Customer Segment
Millennials today are the largest segment of smartphone users. Approximately 92% of them use smartphones. This allows them to appreciate the ease and efficiency of mobile apps, when it comes to daily tasks. Apart from the older client base, the new generation from 18-35 years would be an ideal target audience for a mobile wallet or a digital bank.
Source:http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/05/02/millennials-stand-out-for-their-technology-use-but-older-generations-also-embrace-digital-life/

Customer Engagement and Enhanced Customer Experience
Digital transformation allows banks to offer customised and tailored alerts to clients based on their spending and usage. It is a more proactive approach to ensure client satisfaction and engagement.

Troubleshooting
Addressing queries and troubleshooting problems has never been easier with the digital revolution. Customers get their issues handled on priority via an app whenever and wherever they may be.

Increased Security
In case of any fraudulent or suspicious behaviour, technology today has made it possible for any transaction to be frozen or verified via the mobile. Using tools like biometric passwords and PINs offers a higher level of security for online transactions. 

While the banking industry is usually known for conservative approaches to change, the customer demands are evolving faster and hence the speed for innovation also needs to hasten. Many companies are tackling this problem head on and banks need to do the same or risk becoming a mere back-office utility.
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Accelerating Digital Transformation
The number of people using mobile phones, in Canada alone, is said to increase to 28.6 million by the year 2021. Based on this, it is safe to say the number of online banking users will also increase and hence banks need to implement a digital agenda which enables them to be relevant at all times and consistent in fulfilling of customer experiences.
Source: https://www.statista.com/topics/3529/mobile-usage-in-canada/

​While many banks are falling behind, those leading the way are accelerating the transformation by leveraging platform technologies to rapidly add a layer of agility to systems, empower employees and enhance the customer experience.
There is a need for change in the interactions between a customer and their bank. Keeping in mind some of the advantages of using the banks apps, many customers expect this kind of connect with their bank as one of their trusted confidants.
The banking and financial markets need to change to fit the evolving society and the demands of its customers. Traditional banking providers will need to combine digital speed and convenience with human interactions to provide innovation and thoughtful caring at crucial moments in the customer’s journey. 

In the coming years, bank branches, ATMs, online portals and mobile apps would probably have different aspects and different functions. Some channels of interaction would gain more popularity over others. For example, customers use the mobile app to solve their queries and problems, thus reducing the need for a call centre.
Human interactions of course are important for milestone decisions and for more intricate problems. However, digital alteration makes it possible for personalizing a customers’ day-to-day interactions, thus building an emotional connect with the bank.
Globally banks are realizing that investment in digital technologies benefits customer acquisition and satisfaction. People no longer want to wait in lines and actually go to a bank for any work or queries. Banks now receive more deposits from mobile channels than from the physical branches.
Banks are no longer competing with others in the financial sector alone. They are also competing with other tech companies which offer digital services.
For example:

• Apple
• Amazon
• Google

Customers connect with these brands and invariably have higher expectations from their banks as a result. In order to keep up, banks need to engineer a digital experience which ultimately could translate into more clientele.

Wrapping It Up
The main aim of any business is ensuring customer satisfaction. With the intention of gaining their trust and ensuring they stay loyal, banks will certainly need to accelerate their digital transformation to serve their customers efficiently. This is one of the only ways to retain customers, strengthen their emotional ties with the bank and also reduce any friction they might have faced earlier.
In order to drive a holistic digital engagement and integration, banks will have to restructure their systems around the customers’ interactions at various stages. Banks would also need to expand their focus beyond increasing digital service offerings to ensure they convert into a truly effective digital organization.
New technology trends are disrupting the traditional banking systems and many organizations are in danger of being crushed if they do not embrace the digital transformation quickly. Most financial institutions believe that digital will fundamentally change banking and completely transform the industry’s competitive landscape.
If you would like to further discuss your digital banking transformation, you can contact App Scoop mobile app development team on: https://app-scoop.com/contact-us.html.  
 

​In contemporary society, it is safe to say people use their mobile phones “all the time”. Smartphone usage in the past decade has seen an exponential boom. Everything is now available on a user’s finger tips and that is mainly thanks to the wave of digitization sweeping the world.

​Practically 25.5 million people, 70% of the population, in Canada is currently using a Smartphone and this number is said to increase to 32.5 million by the year 2020. 
Source: http://mediaincanada.com/2018/01/23/canadas-prolific-smartphone-market-skews-to-ios-study/
Around 1995, when websites were just gaining popularity, it was a common question to ask if your company needed a website or not. Now it seems silly to even question if a brand needs web presence. 20 years ago a brand did not need the internet like they do today. It is a norm now and back then they were only ideas. And this is where we stand today with mobile apps.

Growing Popularity of Apps
Smartphone users spend about 90% of their time on various apps, making payments, shopping, socializing, making bookings and even surfing for the latest updates. Mobile friendly websites are helpful, but they do not offer the same user experience. Also limitations from the mobile browser could even lead to a negative brand impression. 

​The increased use of mobile phones has made it possible for companies to target their customers and offerhyper-personalised services and immediate solutions. It is possible for brands to interact with their clients anytime and from any place thus increasing customer satisfaction and retaining customers. Considering the amount of time spent on mobile phones, it is safe to say that mobile experiences play a huge role in how a brand is perceived by customers. 

An app is not only important as a distribution medium, but if used effectively, it is a communication channel for brands to adapt to what their customers want at the same time as meeting their own business objectives. Last year, following were the number of apps available on popular app stores:

• 2.1 million – Google Play
• 2 million – Apple’s App Store

By 2020, it is believed there will be an estimated 194 billion global app downloads. Keeping in mind these numbers, it is safe to say apps are starting to become a necessity to succeed in todays’ economy.
Source: www.statistica.com

Benefits of Apps for Businesses
Websites have been around for a while now leading businesses to feel they are sufficient and there is no need to have an app as well. For example, the website will not be able to notify customers regarding products available nearby, thanks to geo-location, which is possible on the app. Let us have a look at a few key benefits for businesses which have an app:

Increase Brand Visibility
When a user unlocks and goes through their device, the brand app being noticed would be a benefit for the brand. The design of the app, image or name registers in the subconscious and brand awareness gets triggered. Thus providing the brand with an additional marketing avenue.

Build Brand Recognition
The mobile app acts as a billboard sign, which can be designed as the brand desires. Apps can be created with features specifically targeting the core audience which not only attracts more customers but also makes them come back for more. The more often customers visit the app, the more products and services they will be likely to purchase.
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Boost Customer Engagement and Revenue
No matter what services or products are being offered, a brand needs to provide a pathway for customer-brand relationship. An app is one of the first steps in this process, since it makes it possible for customers to reach out when they face issues or have queries. It also makes troubleshooting a quick and less time consuming experience.
Special in-app promotions will ensure users return for more deals and increase conversions. Strengthening the customer-brand relationship also leads to a positive and memorable brand reputation. Helping a customer engage takes minimal effort if the app is designed keeping the users’ needs in mind. 

Enhance Experience and Cultivate Loyalty
Main goal for a business is to enhance the overall user experience and cultivate customer loyalty. The immense advertising around impacts the clientele and the only way to ensure the client returns is by making a sincere connection with them.
Customers need to be a loyal lover of the products and services being offered and this is possible by just a few clicks on the apps.

Competitive Edge
Developing an app makes it possible for a brand to stand out amongst its competition as customers recognize evolving brands and appreciate their aim to provide a smooth customer experience.

Signs your Brand Needs an App
Does your brand need an app? This is a vital question regardless of the niche or vertical of business the brand offers. Most functions are possible via a mobile site however they will not be as seamless and feasible.
An app which gains traction with customers is a significant way to boost business and a solid number of active users helps determine the value add an app has to the overall business. Given below are a few markers which indicate that a website is no longer sufficient and the business would benefit from an app:

Website Traffic
If a brand website is receiving a lot of mobile traffic, it is certainly time to consider mobile app development. Brands can identify where customers are digitally interacting and if it is on the mobile website, the brand can assist customers by developing apps which offer personalized mobile experiences.

Customer Demographic
Millennials’ use their phones and apps for everything from grocery shopping to bank transactions. If the brand caters to a younger demographic, an app would be ideal and beneficial. Anyone from 18 years to 35 years would be looking for a satisfactory mobile experience and they would judge the brand based on this interaction.

E-commerce Based Company
E-commerce websites and portals might generate satisfactory sales and yet it would be time to consider mobile shoppers. Mobile apps would help boost profitability with special discounts and push notifications. Customer loyalty programs can be initiated, offering the loyal customers richer shopping experiences.

Physical Store
If the brand has a physical store, it will no longer need to depend heavily on marketing to showcase new products or offers. An app allows the business to reach all its target audience which is more effective. More clients will also show up at the store to avail of special in-store discounts and the brand gets to drive up in store sales.

Does the Competitor Have an App?
Digitization of a company’s business process and functionality helps it get an advantage over its competition. If the competition already has an app, it is certainly time to develop one. In this way it is also possible to create an app which is unique by creating an app which offers more or a different experience than the competition.
Customers nowadays demand convenience and mobile apps offer quick services and solutions as required. They are always looking for an extra step or a wow-factor in any brand they endorse. Customers expect their experiences to be personalized and relevant.
Finally, it is important to note that simply developing an app is not enough. The business and developer would need to focus on delivering tangible benefits to the customers while generating revenue. A mobile app is a standard component of any future business and making the choice to develop an app today sets the foundation for the brands future.
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Websites offer countless benefits for a customer experience, but undoubtedly, it would not be sufficient in 2019 to strengthen a brands hold on the market. If you would like assistance on making a decision regarding developing an app, you can contact the App Scoop mobile app development team: https://app-scoop.com/contact-us.html.