Enterprise Apps for the Service Industry

Why does the service industry need apps?

Service contractors and providers across multiple industries are still grappling with outdated, inefficient pen-and-paper operational methods. Often, these methods are also complex, multi-dimensional, and sophisticated, which makes them difficult to revise and update. Still, with the right approach, any workflow, process, and method can be helped by making it more efficient, more streamlined, and more integrated.

The best way to achieve this is by going paperless – which, in most cases, involves the development of a custom, purpose-built, well thought-out business application for the service industry. Such a robust app will not only help your business streamline its service operations, but it can also boost your customer success and relationships, provide better value, and boost your brand equity.

 

Cloud-based and mobile service industry enterprise apps

The scope of service industry applications can be as narrow or as wide as needed. The final decision on the that is often a function of the desired completion time, budget, and complexity to build in, and is an important one to get right from the beginning.

All in all, service apps can purposefully feature as many or as few functionalities as needed, including but not limited to the list below:

• Automate workflows
• Streamline operations
• Manage field staff
• Provide resources to field staff
• Manage field sales and marketing
• Provide customer support
• Manage service and maintenance scheduling
• Manage business operations remotely
• Manage loyalty programs
• Manage customer relationships

 

Types of service industry enterprise applications

Below are some of the most commonly found business applications for the service industry:

• Field service management (FSM): the management of a company’s resources
• Customer relationship management (CRM): the management of a company’s clients and customers
• Customer service management (CSM): the management of the service provided to a company’s clients and customers
• Sales apps: often integrated within ERP apps, these can also exist as stand-alone applications for the management of one’s field sales and marketing
• Partner and supplier management

 

Criteria for the success of your service industry app

For many service-oriented companies, developing their first service management business app is a foray into digitally transforming their business. Because the success of your digital transformation may depend on how well your first service industry app is received and adopted, it’s important to make it right from the start. You can achieve this by working with an experienced business app developer, who can help you think through all processes, operations, and tasks that may need to be digitized and/or automated. It’s crucial to devise a plan on how to best achieve this with minimal disruptions to your business and stakeholders, as well.

When it comes to making business applications for the service industry successful, the universal app criteria apply, in addition to some industry-specific factors:

• The app should look and feel great
• The app should be easy to use
• The app should enhance communication and collaboration
• The app should work on any device
• The app should integrate with other industry apps as needed
• The app should be easy to maintain and upgrade

 

 

Who should build your first or next service industry app?

The idea behind an app for your service business management is as important as its execution. For that, it’s best to rely on tried and tested service application development companies, such as Verhaert Digital. An app builder that works across the Benelux and Europe, Verhaert Digital has vast experience with developing business applications, which differ greatly from consumer apps. An understanding of your industry and its intricacies is paramount when designing and developing service-oriented applications that meet and surpass industry standards, in addition to integrating with relevant third-party applications and services.

 

Copywriter inadanova.com