Does my organisation need an app?

I guarantee that you and your teams are using apps already - a lot of them, and the likelihood is some are fantastic and others may be mediocre but very few work seamlessly together. If you're very lucky, you won't notice. As you scale however, small disjoints between systems scale up too and before you know it, you're trying to deliver programmes using a patchwork of unconnected systems, your data is prone to errors and mis-matches, you're probably missing out on revenue and you having to allocated time of staff members just to keep on top it. But is doesn't have to be like this.

What is an app?

App, short for application is a software program designed to perform specific tasks on one or more devices like smartphones, tablets and computers. They can range from simple calculator apps to complex systems like social media platforms. There are different app types but all essentially seek to allow users to access services and information by automating tasks, connecting systems and providing insight.

Types of app

1. Mobile apps: Designed specifically for smartphones and tablets, mobile apps are the most prevalent type. They include social media, games, productivity tools and more.

2. Web apps: Accessible through web browsers, web apps do not require installation and can be viewed on any device with internet connection and a web browser. Examples include online banking platforms, CRM/CMS systems and email services.

3. Desktop apps: These are installed on to computers, desktops app are used for tasks such as word processing, graphic design and software development.

4. Hybrid apps: Combining elements of both mobile and web apps, hybrid apps offer the flexibility of web apps with the functionality of mobile apps.

What am I using already?

You will have (in addition to your operating system applications) the following types of apps to support the delivery of your services:

• A database: perhaps given a fancy name like CRM or CMS, but it will be a place were data on the services you deliver is recorded.

• A communication provider: you may have a separate provider that allows you to send emails and text messages in bulk and with some luck this will be integrate into your database.

• A mobile app: For more advanced organisations you may have a mobile app as a we to engage and communicate with your service users. If you're very lucky this will be connected directly to your database. If it isn't, you're either having to duplicate data or your teams don't always have the information they need when they need it.

• Spreadsheets: For most organisations, a good indication of systems letting them down, is the existence of spreadsheets, data is taken out of a secure database environment and manipulated in spreadsheets, this is insecure, unreliable, often time consuming and only masks underlying issues.

How do I know if I have an issue with my systems?

This is a great question and there are a couple of ways to approach this.

1. Ask your frontline teams what time consuming activity stops them from doing the most important elements of their job like delivery services. If they say nothing, you don't have a problem. The likelihood is there will be a lot of administrative tasks, time consuming, unfulfilling and error prone. Once you've identified this unproductive activities, ask your finance team how much you spend per month on systems that result in this activity being necessary. Then come to us to solve this for you and most likely save you money.

2. Do you employ people in administrative roles? If yes, the likelihood is this is because your systems aren't meeting the needs of your organisation and service. By investing into bespoke software, you can free up the resources used in administration and redeploy them to where they make a difference - frontline services.

3. Does data analysis take time? For example is it a long-winded process to get basic data upon which your team can act confidently? Does preparing reports for commissioners take more than a few minutes to create? If yes, then you can be assured that for a good proportion of the time, decision are made without the data to back them up, management time is being spent reporting on data rather than driving the activity that the data is based upon.

No issues, but looking for more?

Congratulations - you're confident you don't have a problem with your existing systems, but you're interested in what software can do for your organisations, service and ultimately the people you serve. Here are some common deployment use cases:

• Communication: this is a big one, if you're looking to create a way for people, communities and services to communicate better, a custom app is a good option. From notifications, emails, blogs and messaging.

• Productivity: Support people to be more productive both staff and service users with tailored steps, timely advice and guidance, check lists, video guides, notes and activities.

• Confidentiality: Want to be able to provide advice and guidance confidentially and at scale? Many custom apps are focussed on exactly this, with services users able to access services in a place that is safe for them, in a language they understand and at a time that works for them.

What next?

If you're fortunate that there are no issues with your current tech stack, congratulations. If you're aware of issues, but don't believe they are big - a word of caution - they will scale up as your organisation grows, they will hinder sustained growth and they will drain time, money and your staff's good will.

Cloudplex offers free advice Fridays - every Friday at 11am (while space lasts) you can book here. If you'd prefer a confidential conversation all our discovery sessions are free and there's absolutely no obligation to further. We're here to support mission-driven organisations to deliver outstanding public services so feel free to book in some time with us here