Mobile apps are a key part of modern business; but while many companies think about applications for their customers, they neglect similar tools for employees and partners. True, a B2B app usually has fewer users, but it can save a lot of money.
Quick orientation for introduction
There are basically two types of B2B mobile applications, differing according to their user base and (non)restricted access.
B2B limited-access applications that are specifically designed for employees.
B2B applications freely available in an app store. Business clients, employees and other people associated with the company have access to the user interface.
Today, we take a closer look at those apps that help employees fulfil tasks and increase productivity at work.
4 Reasons to Consider a B2B Application
1 — An office everywhere
Not all employees have the possibility to do all their work on a computer or laptop. — and sometimes it doesn't even make sense. For example, employees that spend a lot of time in the field often have hand-recorded information they must later enter into a computer (either by themselves or with someone else). This takes a lot of time, and time is money. But the solution is simple - an app tailored for the rhythm and style of the specific fieldwork.
2 — More work tools
A good app should take full advantage of the possibilities offered by mobile phones and tablets. At Futured, we utilise the fact that the phone is something you carry, allowing you to be online, record your location, take pictures and scans, make use of its various sensors like acceleration or zoom, and connect with other devices via Bluetooth.
3 — All in real-time
Applications help collect, organise, and process data to provide useful information to companies about partners, clients, and employees. The data obtained can be linked to existing databases and systems, such as the ERP system, providing a fully up-to-date overview of deliveries, inventories and transactions. A good app will also facilitate communication and real-time notifications.
4 — Process streamlining and optimisation
You can upgrade and accelerate operations without the need for intensive training. Employees know how to use apps for their own personal productivity and communication, so training costs for similar B2B platforms are generally small and one-time expenditures. Employees are much happier at the same time — they work faster and more comfortably and can take on more creative tasks. We often hear that they enjoy using modern technology (There's a bit of a child in all of us).
An example of when a few dozen people use the app, and their employer save millions — Grason
For gastro start-up Grason, we developed both B2C and B2B features for a mobile app in which the restaurant manager can easily schedule shifts without being bound to a computer or paper. They don't waste time calling and finding out who has availability; the app collects and provides that information for them and alerts the manager to the most important changes through notifications. At the same time, the app prepares an overview for wages or other manager-specified statistics, which it easily downloads to a computer.
"The data shows that a manager using our B2B app can manage five times as many shifts. This allows employees to move from routine administrative tasks to actions that develop the company, such as improving customer service. This is where we see the tremendous added value - lots of tasks can be automated through the application and the time saved can be focused on more creative areas - which happens to increase employee motivation," says Karel Mařík of Grason, adding: "The application has also reduced sales costs for us, as we have successfully moved people from the field into the online environment. Typically, they can now handle three times as many appointments. We focused on a smooth process, with the human dimension resolved by a welcome call."
Examples of Applications We Developed
Companies and their employees have different needs. For example, while warehouses can use a given app to manage inventory, delivery men and merchants can use it to search for delivery addresses and change delivery status while on the road. Below are just some examples of applications we've developed for our [B2B] clients.
Decathlon — Faster clearance of orders, lower error rate
For many large retailers, sales are moving online, increasing the demand for the fast and precise handling of orders. We created an app for the world's largest sporting equipment retailer that simplified its procedure. The app takes complete care of the entire ordering process, including the payment for goods. We added new extensions, and streamlined the cancellation process. The application reduced error rates and minimised routine tasks. We finished our work before the pandemic: When Covid came, Decathlon stores were “ahead of the game” and became dispensaries ready for the onslaught thanks to the application.
TGC Group — Office on the Road
For the TGC group, a corporation active in home development and services, we developed an app used by consultants in the field. They input all the information directly into the application’s system, thus eliminating paperwork, and minimising the error rate of the input data. Tens of gigs of data flow through the application each month. What’s more, the app works fully offline; it won't betray users, even in the remotest village where the internet connection isn't 100%.
Škoda Auto — All documentation handled directly in the garage
The Portable Check-In (PCI) tablet app streamlines the reception of cars to authorised mechanics, where the technicians can easily enter all the data into the application. The service technician examines the car directly with the customer and records everything (e.g. a picture of paint damage) in a tablet application. At the same time, the app helps fill in the needed paperwork — so the customer doesn't have to visit an office after the service check; the paperwork is completed in the garage itself. We are also responsible for the Service Digital Tool (SDT) application containing manuals and tests for training service technicians.
LeoExpress — Maximum overview of passengers and their wishes
For this train company, many years ago, we developed an iOS app for stewards through which they could sell and check tickets and survey seat occupancy. The app also made it possible to order (and pay for) refreshments directly from the train car.
Let's finish by visualising how much time/money a good app can save you. We asked the TGC Group.
"More than 50 colleagues use mobile apps in our TGC group every day. Previously, each of them had to take care to process the received material after field meetings, scan it into a computer and then enter it into internal systems. They spent up to an hour a day doing this. With a mobile app that they can use anytime and anywhere, they can do it in just 20 minutes spread out over the day; data can be processed at meetings with clients, during the consultation of their needs. And after work, they can go straight home to their families, there's no need to visit the office for clients' data processing," says David Otoupalík; he continues, "Each of our business consultants saves an average of 5 hours a week and 20 hours a month, respectively. In the case of our entire company, it's more than 1,000 hours a month that our colleagues can devote to clients or something else."
Let's make something great together!
Contact Lukas, Futured CEO: [email protected] & +420 605 312 459
