Mobile applications are pocket-sized helpers that can make running a business easier and increase its targets. Each company can get its software product, which will contribute to the solution of its goals and objectives.

The development of a mobile app for business is a project that requires a professional approach. It consists of many stages, and the quality of its implementation affects the usability and efficiency of the final result. You should pay special attention to the formulation of tasks and requirements. To do this, first, you need to decide what kind of app you need.

Types of mobile application

There are two important systems for classifying mobile applications. The first is by the user, the second by task.

 The app can be intended for customers or employees. In the first case, it acts as a kind of personal account, through which your customer can keep track of the fulfillment of his order, the movement of goods, and more. Applications for employees give them access to internal business processes regardless of their location.

 Mobile software can be used to increase profits. In this case, it allows us to solve the tasks of cost optimization, increasing sales, keeping track of stock balances, etc. The application can also be used to accelerate internal business processes: organize a closed corporate communication system, analytical services, and more.

Stages of mobile app development

As mentioned above, creating business applications is a process consisting of many stages. Even though a significant part of the work here is performed by the contractor, the participation of the customer is still necessary. It is he who coordinates and makes decisions, as well as formulates his requirements for the software to be developed.

Developing TOR

In the first stage, the customer defines the tasks to be solved by the software product and expresses his wishes about its functionality and design. On the part of the contractor, he is assisted by a project manager. Together they also agree on the timing and cost of the work, because these factors are determined by the complexity of the software product.

The area of responsibility of the project manager is also the formation of a complete and understandable for designers, developers, and test engineers list of requirements. To do this, he can ask the client questions and request any additional information.

Engineering

The project team begins by creating a prototype of the application. It includes a set of basic screens, a scheme of transition between them, and the implementation of basic functionality. Interface buttons are developed, the arrangement of elements on screens of different sizes is thought through, and they are automatically scaled. This is especially important if the application is designed for phones and tablets at the same time.

When the design work is completed, depending on the terms of the contract, the result is either agreed upon with the customer or immediately proceed to the rendering of the design.

Creating a design concept

This stage also begins with the analysis of the documentation. However, the goal of this procedure this time is to choose visual solutions that are suitable for the company. They must match the goals and objectives of the application, as well as the corporate identity of the company.

Experienced designers always focus on the usability of the interface rather than the richness of the visual presentation. This helps to make the process of using the application intuitive, which increases the efficiency of implementing and using the software product.

Once the design concepts are completed, one or more variants are shown to the customer. This shows the appearance of different screens, which gives a more complete picture and helps in making the right choice.

Next, all that remains is to “pull” the selected design over the application “skeleton” created during the design phase.

Testing

For small and medium-sized businesses, application stability is just as important as for large enterprises. Therefore, the search for errors and inconsistencies between the result and the specification is an important stage that should not be skipped.

To do so, a testing plan is created, which covers all the functionality of the application, its interface, stability of operation on different devices, as well as testing of typical use cases.

Based on the results of this stage, a list of errors and inconsistencies is compiled. From this, a list of tasks is generated for specialists who need to eliminate them.

Debugging

There is no better way to test a custom application than to try it out. This is a rather complicated and time-consuming process, which can reveal mistakes made at the TOR and requirements development stage. It often turns out that many functions can be implemented much more conveniently and simply than was originally planned.
If such nuances are detected and their correction is agreed to by the customer, the required changes are made to the program code and design.

Launch on the App Store and Google Play

Not all companies offer services for publishing the results of their work on specialized platforms. However, in most cases, this is necessary to conveniently and quickly distribute applications between employees and customers.

Moreover, before publication, employees of Apple and Google check the application once again. If any shortcomings were missed, the developers will be informed about them and asked to correct them, otherwise, placement on a particular website will be refused.

Supporting the application at all stages

The application must evolve with the company. It can grow in volume of revenue, several employees, and lines of business. Support is necessary so that the application is regularly updated and contributes to solving the tasks that its owner is facing at the moment. Suggestions and wishes from real users are also collected to improve the software product and make it much more convenient to use.