Many companies come to us with a specific idea:
“We need an app.”
But this is precisely where the development process should not yet begin.
After all, an app is, first and foremost, merely a tool. True innovation does not stem from the technology itself, but from the ability to solve an existing problem better, faster or more efficiently.
Perhaps processes are still carried out manually today. Perhaps important information is scattered across different systems. Perhaps customers have to go through several steps just to complete a simple task.
In situations like these, a digital solution can create significant added value.
The key question, therefore, is not which app should be developed, but which problem needs to be solved.
“Innovation does not come about through technology. Innovation arises when technology provides a better solution to a real problem.”
“We need an app” is not a strategy in itself
An app can make many things possible. It can automate processes, serve customers better, centralise data or support new business models.
But an app on its own does not solve any problems.
Before development begins, the following should therefore be clarified:
- What specific problem exists today?
- Who is affected by it?
- How is this problem currently being solved?
- What costs or time losses does this result in?
- What specifically should the digital solution improve?
These questions form the basis for a sound digital strategy.
The real problem often lies in the process
In many companies, the problem is not that there is no digital application.
The problem lies in the process behind it.
An example:
An employee receives a customer enquiry by email, manually enters the information into an internal system, informs another department and then prepares a reply.
An app could digitise this process.
However, it would be even better to analyse the entire process and work out which steps are actually necessary.
Perhaps an app is needed.
Perhaps a web application would suffice.
Perhaps a PWA could handle the process.
Or perhaps automation running in the background is the better solution.
Technology should be tailored to the problem, rather than the problem being adapted to suit the technology.
Not every digital solution has to be a native app
One of the most important decisions in a digital project is choosing the right technology.
Depending on the requirements, different solutions may be appropriate.
Native app
A native app is suitable, for example, when maximum performance, extensive device functionality or a particularly deeply integrated mobile experience are required.
Web app
A web app can be a good choice when users need to access an application across different devices and platforms without having to install a traditional app.
Progressive Web App (PWA)
A PWA combines various advantages of websites and apps and can be particularly appealing when a flexible, cross-platform solution is required.
MVP
When it comes to new business models or ideas that have not yet been validated, an MVP can be the most sensible first step.
Rather than developing a comprehensive application straight away, the most important feature is implemented first and tested with real users.
This helps to reduce risks and ensure that investment is targeted more effectively.
A good digital solution starts with the business case
Technical feasibility is only one aspect of the project.
The economic perspective is just as important.
A digital solution should create demonstrable added value.
This can be achieved, for example, through:
- lower process costs
- less manual work
- faster processes
- better customer loyalty
- additional revenue
- fewer errors
- better data quality
- new digital business models
Not every benefit needs to be immediately measurable in terms of revenue.
Savings in working time, improved scalability or higher customer satisfaction can also represent significant economic value.
User experience determines how the product is actually used
A technically outstanding application is worthless if nobody enjoys using it.
That is why the user experience must be taken into account right from the design stage.
Today’s users expect:
- intuitive operation
- fast response times
- clear navigation
- easy-to-understand processes
- consistent design
- as few unnecessary steps as possible
A good digital solution should not confront the user with technology.
It should make the process easier.
The best app is often the one where users don’t even have to think about how it works.
Integration is key to long-term benefits
A digital application should rarely be viewed in isolation.
In a modern business, various systems and data sources already exist.
CRM, ERP, websites, customer portals, accounting systems, marketing systems and AI applications can all be interconnected.
A new app must therefore fit into the existing digital architecture.
The key questions are:
Which systems need to communicate with one another?
What data is required?
Where is information stored?
Which processes should be automated?
How can the solution be expanded in the future?
Good architecture prevents a new innovation from becoming yet another siloed solution in the long term.
Innovation also means not building too much
A common mistake in digital projects is over-engineering.
Companies try to include as many features as possible in the very first version.
This increases costs, development time and complexity.
A better approach may be to first identify the most important use case and focus on solving that consistently.
This is precisely where an MVP can be useful.
Early feedback allows assumptions to be tested, user behaviour to be understood and future features to be prioritised more effectively.
Innovation therefore does not necessarily mean developing more.
Innovation means developing the right thing.
The approach of AM Consulting & Management
At AM Consulting & Management, we do not view app development as merely an IT project.
We combine business strategy, user experience, technology and long-term scalability.
Together, we analyse:
- Business model and business case
- User needs
- Existing processes
- Technical requirements
- Existing systems
- Potential automation opportunities
- Suitable technologies
Only then do we decide whether a native app, web app, PWA, MVP or another digital solution actually makes sense.
This ensures that we do not create technology for technology’s sake, but rather a digital solution with a clear business purpose.
Summary
An app is not automatically an innovation.
An app only becomes valuable when it solves a relevant problem better than the existing solution.
That is why app development should not start with technology, but with questions.
What is the problem?
Who is facing this problem?
What added value should be created?
What solution is truly necessary to address it?
Perhaps the answer is an app.
Perhaps a web app, a PWA, an MVP or a completely different digital solution.
At AM Consulting & Management, we help companies turn an idea into a well-thought-out, economically viable and technically future-proof digital solution.
Do you have an idea for an app or would you like to digitise an existing process? Arrange a no-obligation initial consultation with our team.