With high usage of mobile devices, mobile apps have become an integral element of digital transformation. In other words, we can also say today digital transformation is not complete without mobile devices and mobile apps.

According to the study by   Forrester research, 82% of the respondents believe mobile as the key element of digital transformation, it improves process efficiency, increases employee productivity etc.

Most of the companies have started digitization with an ERP or by digitizing a department like HR, Supply chain, etc. In the initial days of digitization,  the mobile device usage was negligible and companies more focused on digitizing the main departments.

Now, when the number of mobile devices has outnumbered the human population, we cannot have a digital strategy without mobile apps.

How can an enterprise exploit all benefits of  mobility and digitization?

An enterprise can experience the true benefit of mobility when it is integrated with the centralized IT system i.e. ERP. As a result, all  ERP  vendors have come up with new mobile apps, cloud services, apps for on-premise ERP, hybrid ERP system etc. For major ERP giants like SAP/Oracle the partners also provide customized mobile apps for specific industry or module.

Is just providing apps is enough?

Is it used by the concerned person? Are we able to achieve the expected RoI?

Though there are many benefits of mobile apps , many enterprise apps are abandoned.  According to research by Enterprise Mobility Exchange on cracking the complexities of app development (published in August 2016), the main reasons for apps failure are-

With the high adoption of mobile devices, mobile apps have become an integral element of digital transformation. In other words, we can also say today digital transformation is not complete without mobile devices and mobile apps .

According to the study by Forrester research, 82% of the respondents believe  mobile as the key element of digital transformation, it improves process efficiency, increases employee productivity etc.

Most of the companies have started digitization with an ERP or by digitizing a department like HR, Supply chain, etc. In the initial days of digitization,  the mobile device adoption is very negligible and companies more focused on digitizing the main departments.

Now, when the number of mobile devices has outnumbered the human population, we cannot have a digital strategy without mobile apps.

How can an enterprise exploit all benefits of mobility and digitization?

An enterprise can experience the true benefit of mobility when it is integrated with the centralized IT system i.e. ERP. As a result, all  ERP  vendors have come up with new mobile apps, cloud services, apps for on-premise ERP, hybrid ERP system etc. For major ERP giants like SAP/Oracle the partners also provide customized mobile apps for specific industry or module.

Is just providing apps is enough?

Is it used by the concerned person? Are we able to achieve the expected RoI?

Though there are many benefits of mobile apps, many enterprise apps are abandoned.  According to research by Enterprise Mobility Exchange on cracking the complexities of app development (published in August 2016), the main reasons for apps failure are-

1. Enterprise apps are too difficult or confusing to use
2. Apps lacks the necessary functionality
3. Back-end data has not been properly designed for mobile consumption

We must address the above challenges to make the app successful and fully exploit the mobility and digital transformation.

To tackle the challenge in a structured way, many companies like SAP and IBM have moved from engineering focused UI design to design thinking.

The design thinking process utilizes empathetic, creative, innovative and analytical skills to provide solutions to a problem.

Why to use design thinking for enterprise mobile apps?

1. Empathize with the potential user(s)– One of the main reason for enterprise app failure is it’s confusing and difficult to use.  Design thinking approach emphasizes on the users’ problem, expectation, and needs of the product or service you’re developing. Detailed primary and secondary research is done like talking to such people using appropriate interview techniques, observing them using ethnographic techniques, or taking their role for a period.
2. Business problem – Design thinking does the detailed analysis of the stated and unstated problem, business need and business requirement are taken care in the initial stage.
3. All stakeholders – It balances the expectations of all three pillars of digital transformation, i.e. Users, Technology, and business.
4. Continuous prototyping & Validation –  After solution is designed it is prototyped and validated on all the parameters, the validation and prototyping is a continuous process and it is not implemented until it passes on all the parameters.

“Design thinking is a human-centered approach to innovation that draws from the designer’s toolkit to integrate the needs of people, the possibilities of technology, and the requirements for business success.”-  Tim Brown, CEO Ideo. 

For more details, check the white paper on Design thinking.

From the above, it is quite clear design thinking should be considered whenever we are developing any enterprise mobile apps.

We at Propel Apps are developing mobile apps for various modules of Oracle EBS and SAP ERP.  Using our apps, you can experience the mobility on-premise as well as cloud ERP.

Propel Apps were developed considering the fundamentals as design thinking and organization needs. Few of our apps for the supply chain module area-

1. Smart PO Approval – Mangers can see all Purchase orders from any location at any time can also take required actions.
2. Smart AP Invoice Approval – AP Accountants/approvers can see the AP Invoices on their mobile device, can also take the required actions.

Finally, mobile apps are undoubtedly need of the hour but utmost care should be taken care while designing and development of the app. The design thinking is one of approach that can help in designing an app which can be best RoI on mobile investment.

About Propel Apps, Previously Algarytm –

Propel Apps is an award winning mobile solutions provider trusted by companies like ABB, Medtronic, Tennant Co, Kraft (Mondelez), Hallmark, and Hunter Douglas, with simple yet transformational solutions that people love to use. By combining ORACLE ERP software and mobile solutions with over 100 plus mobile app project implementation experience, Propel Apps helps organizations redefine and reinvent business processes across the wholesale, retail, manufacturing, finance, transportation and logistics industries.