Let’s face it: Each business has its own needs which can’t be entirely solved by packaged software. This is where custom business apps come in.
While developing business apps using traditional methods was difficult and time-consuming, it’s a lot easier nowadays to build custom apps.
Low-code platforms like Microsoft PowerApps provide pre-made templates and automation tools to make it simple for anyone to build apps.
What Makes Custom Apps Easy To Build?
The availability of low-code platforms is what simplifies the process. By using drag-and-drop editors, tasks that took months to complete can now be completed in hours.
But that’s not all; low-code platforms are so efficient that they can bring your development costs down by almost 90%. There are new criteria you can integrate for increased agility, and transition speeds are now faster than before.
Here are the reasons why custom apps are easy to build:
Cross-platform availability
You don’t need to build separate apps for mobile, laptops, and desktops. Low-code development platforms now automatically compile the versions required for different devices.
Data Analytics
You can track and monitor key metrics, which helps your business make better decisions on efficient ways of doing things.
Automated processes
Instead of creating different features from scratch, you can build whole CRMs and ERPs in a matter of days from ready-made components that can be used repeatedly.
Instant testing
Compared to traditional coding, you can test your ideas immediately and have your Minimal Viable Products (MVPs) available to customers in no time.
No IT staff needed
Finding IT staff always comes with additional recruitment expenses, which also takes time. Low code platforms make it easier for employees to build business apps without coding experience.
Collaboration
With these platforms, multiple users can collaborate on one task simultaneously and in synchronization.
Easy Steps to Develop Custom Business Apps
There are three steps involved: building, testing, and deploying.
Step 1: Building
At this stage, you have access to a workspace where you define data models, workflows, and UI. Then you can start building step by step with the help of visual editors. You’re allowed to modify the code or add new code to give the app more advanced features.
There are pre-built pages to define the user interface, modules to define the type of data to be stored, and charts to visualize the data from modules. Automation is also available for tasks that need constant repetition.
Step 2: Testing
Testing is one of the most crucial steps in app development as it helps you identify and anticipate future problems. Apps are tested for functionality and performance across numerous screen resolutions to ensure they provide a seamless user experience.
Testing is conducted in many ways and includes:
- Functional testing
- Usability testing
- Stress testing
- Performance testing
- Unit testing
- Integrational testing
Step 3: Deployment
Deployment is the final step where you deliver the app to users. The most popular way is by using cloud-based deployment which is achieved through:
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
- Platform as a Service (PaaS)
How Developing Custom Apps Benefits Your Business
Custom business apps accommodate your business’ needs and simplify processes, saving employees time and energy from doing repetitive tasks.
Let’s look at the benefits you’ll enjoy:
Fewer problems
Custom apps are built with your specific business needs in mind, which means you won’t experience problems encountered when using ready-made (packaged) apps. Custom apps contain only features your business needs, making them easy to use.
Enhanced security
Unlike ready-made apps which are used by multiple businesses, custom apps are specifically built for your business and so your business processes are kept private.
Technical support
It’s easy to get technical support when issues arise because you have access to the team who built your app. And speaking of support, be sure to hire a reputable company that guarantees reliable support in the event you decide to outsource your development work.
For example, Valto is an excellent example of Power Apps Flow experts that are keen to resolve your Powerapps issues fast and professionally.
Full ownership
Building a custom app gives you full ownership. That means you can make changes and leverage them to their full potential. Also, there are no additional fees or regulations tying you down.
Integrations
Custom apps integrate with other programs. For example, when you use the low-code Microsoft PowerApps platform to build apps, you can integrate seamlessly with other Office 365 tools.
Nothing Really Should Hold You Back From Building Apps
If you thought app-building was difficult, we hope that that’s no longer the case after reading this guide. App building has transformed from a time-consuming task to a simple drag and drop process.
By following the three steps we’ve outlined here, you should have your custom app ready in no time and still continue to enjoy quality support from the technical team who built it.
