Mobile app — which companies can use it to grow in the times of crisis

Not every company needs a mobile app, but in the right circumstances, such a solution can provide valuable advantages from both a business and customer perspective. But is it a tool worth investing in during uncertain times of global crisis when many organizations are planning budget cuts instead of additional expenses? Despite the challenging market situation, a well-thought-out and tailored app can paradoxically support a company’s growth. And who will benefit the most from such a transformation? Here’s an overview of selected industries based on the possibilities offered by modern technology and backed by over a decade of experience in creating mobile solutions for businesses.

Healthcare

Mobile applications have sparked a true revolution in the healthcare industry. They have allowed for patient-oriented features, streamlined internal communication among healthcare professionals, and provided real-time access to essential documentation. Booking appointments with a few taps on a smartphone, obtaining quick answers to health-related questions, or conducting virtual consultations are services that private healthcare facilities are increasingly investing in, thereby enhancing the quality of patient care and expediting diagnoses.

However, mobile apps offer much more than that. By connecting with specialized medical devices, they assist in monitoring heart rate, blood pressure, mental health, sleep quality, and transmit the results to healthcare providers. According to Accenture, the adoption rate of such tools is continuously increasing, with 74% of satisfied patients regularly using them. Ignoring this trend would be a missed opportunity, as patients who have become accustomed to convenient solutions will seek providers that can guarantee them.

Education

E-learning is a trend that has nested a solid space in today’s education services market. Initially fueled by the pandemic, it has become a convenient and often more affordable alternative to traditional learning, generating interest among students and teachers alike. The mobility of education has reduced the limitations associated with distance, allowing for greater flexibility and customization of teaching methods to suit each student’s needs.

Mobile applications are now used as the primary method of learning or as a support tool for tutors. The utilization of artificial intelligence and advanced analytical tools enables continuous improvement of educational programs and personalization based on specific needs and outcomes.

In an era of solutions like Duolingo or Busuu, which empower learners to become self-sufficient, language schools must go a step further and offer their clients not only high-quality services but also a coherent digital experience.

Tourism

Tourism has made a strong entrance in the 21st century as well. In 2019, mobile devices were used for 31% of travel bookings, which increased to 37% the following year, and reached 41% in 2021 (Salecycle). The benefits of such solutions include contactless payments, flexible order cancellations, self-service check-ins, in-app boarding passes, and real-time travel alerts. Additionally, 76% of respondents believe that searching for information on smartphones is the best way to find essential knowledge and plan their trips (AdColony).

We expect our turnover to increase by 30–35% in 2023, reaching 4 billion Polish zlotys, which would not be possible without timely investments in both mobile and web channels.Arkadiusz Olchawa, IT Director, CIO at Nowa Itaka Sp. z o.o.

So, should the tourism industry go silent during times of crisis? On the contrary! It is the perfect time to meet the expectations of increasingly demanding customers.

eCommerce and eGrocery

eCommerce was one of the first industries to harness the power of mobile channels, reaping measurable benefits by attracting new customers and engaging existing ones. It’s the industry that capitalizes on personalized mobile applications, providing users with the best shopping experiences and increasing their engagement, thus driving conversions.

It may still be too early for traditional brick-and-mortar stores to fade into oblivion, but the trend of shopping “on the go” and at any time of the day has led to online stores capturing the majority of orders in various sectors of sales. Even for regular grocery shopping, more and more customers turn to solutions like InPost Fresh or Glovo.

Expanding our services to include the mCommerce platform in the e-grocery sector allowed us to enter a new business market and reach an entirely new group of customers.Agnieszka Wojtaszek, Product Owner at InPost Fresh

According to the App Radar platform, the growth applies also to mobile solutions that tackle the problem of food waste, gaining 75 million new users in the past 12 months, representing a 36% increase compared to the previous year. Such applications became popular during the pandemic, highlighting consumers’ demand for more sustainable grocery shopping.

In Poland, apps like Too Good To Go and Foodsi have experienced significant growth, receiving positive user reviews and continuously generating new downloads. However, the market is still hungry for more, and these types of applications could be an excellent option for chain restaurants aiming to establish an environmentally friendly reputation.

Finance

The finance sector, being one of the largest and most influential in the world, has undergone significant transformation over the past decade, relying increasingly on technology. Companies in the industry had to adapt to this new reality and invest in the development of mobile applications used more frequently for consumer data management, transaction processing, risk assessment, and customer-centric solutions. All of this has resulted in increased productivity, reduced costs, and improved customer service.

Financial institutions that didn’t react in a timely manner may now find themselves significantly behind the competition. However, the market is flexible enough to embrace new mobile solutions, especially the ones that are well-designed in terms of user experience and cater to consumer needs.

The largest banks in Poland, such as Santander, ING, and mBank, have already met the needs of their customers, as have foreign platforms used for financial management and transactions, such as Revolut and PayPal.

Manufacturing

The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) with industrial applications is supporting companies in automating tasks and increasing workforce productivity. By introducing resource monitoring and operations management options, the production process becomes more flexible, cost-effective, and employee-centric.

Furthermore, when combined with emerging technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), mobile applications can assist in conducting remote training sessions, providing step-by-step instructions to employees on how to perform specific tasks. An interactive guide available at their fingertips can be updated in real-time, positively impacting employee productivity and effectively reducing the occurrence of errors.

Final thoughts

Although not every business is able to harness the potential of mobile applications, it’s important to know that the market is constantly evolving, and well-developed solutions will certainly find their way. However, simply having an idea and hastily written software is no longer enough. Modern consumers require customized solutions that are visually appealing, useful, and meet all their needs. This creates opportunities for growth, but also a potential trap that can lead to unnecessary costs and failure. Therefore, we always recommend our clients to thoroughly analyze their ideas during workshops, which will define the functionality of the product and its position in the target market.