We’re now in a DIY era. From DIY house renovations to computers, there are a whole range of things we can now create on our own. But one of the more interesting DIY projects we can now play around with, is building custom apps.
While custom apps were once only in reach of big enterprises and highly technical IT professionals, new platforms are making it easier for anyone to create custom apps. Which is great news for businesses, especially SMBs who once could not afford custom app development.
Custom apps provide a lot of advantages for business. Not only can it be less expensive to build a custom app from scratch than to buy and try to customise an off-the-shelf app, by designing the app yourself, you’re sure to get the features that you want at the budget that you set.
How should you go about custom apps?
While creating your own custom business app might not be for everyone, if you are considering it, here are four steps to ensure a successful implementation:
1. Plan
The first step when it comes to implementing custom apps is to evaluate the goals of the solution you’re setting out to create. Define the needs of team members to ensure that the app will address their pain points. Think about what users need the app to do and consider the strengths and weaknesses of current processes and the requirements of different teams.
Next, think about how and where users will access the app. Will users always be able to connect to the server? What devices will be used to access the app? How will the custom app need to interact with current systems? Think about when people will use the collected information, and also think about when you need your custom app. And then, think about your requirements.
Once that’s done, it’s then time to define them. Include an overall description of how your custom app will work and a detailed list of features and functions.
2. Integrate, secure, and deploy
The access you have to a data source is a major factor in determining the complexity of your custom app. If you own and control your data sources, it does make it easier to build and deploy. But if you need an administrator or other system to provide access your data, the complexity increases.
Security is a critical consideration for any custom app. Carefully think about whether you will be storing company sensitive information or customer or employees’ personal details before building your app. Will you be storing other sensitive material, such as trade secrets, future product plans, or credit card information? What, if any, regulations are you required to comply with?
By creating user accounts and passwords using app software, you can manage security authentication internally. Alternatively, you could use external authentication using outside systems, but this may add complexity. If you need to encrypt your data, that may also add complexity. If your team has IT support, find out what options might be available.
3. Refine
With a thorough understanding of what users need and want, it’s time to design your custom app. Start with a prototype or draft. By showing a prototype to your users, you can test functionality and usability early in the development process. This will ensure that your team understands the direction you are taking and can consider whether it will meet their needs.
Before spending too much time in development, validate your design with the intended users. Keep revising and refining your design, while getting feedback from users about each revision.
4. Set yourself up for success
Whether you decide to develop the apps on your own or seek help from a developer, there are online communities, forums and tutorials to guide you along the process. Initially evaluating your own level of technical understanding will help you determine the best way to proceed.
While this is not a definitive list of elements to consider when implementing custom apps for your business, these are key factors to consider – even before the creation or deployment processes begin.
New platform offerings are making it easier than ever to create a customised app without breaking the bank or needing an engineering degree. Investing a bit of planning time can yield greater productivity and efficiency sooner than you’d think — so, what are you waiting for!
Andrew LeCates is the Director, Americas Sales, FileMaker, Inc.
