When you think about an app, what comes to mind? For many, it’s a mobile app – the kind that you buy in the App or Google Play store and stay up way too late scrolling through.
However, phone apps aren’t the only variety of app that people use frequently. App is short for application, and we use application software in a lot of ways, and in a lot of places.
In fact, whether you’re working retail, delivering packages, caring for patients, or managing real estate projects across the nation, it’s very likely that you’re using several different examples of application software in the course of your day-to-day job.
Many companies turn to application development to create computer software that performs and automates many of the processes or tasks required for the business to function. The way they do this depends on the type of business, the clients they serve, and the good and/or services provided.
Whether opting for mobile development, web development, cloud services, or desktop application software, companies take advantage of various types of application software to increase productivity and improve efficiency in their workplace.
Types of Application Software Development
Application software development sounds great, but you’re probably unsure as to whether it’s worth the effort. In what ways can it benefit you and your specific business? Trust us–we’ve heard that before. If you’re like many businesses, you may be asking yourself:
- What do similar companies use it for?
- What benefits can I expect to see and when?
- What types of application software are available for me?
To get started, you should know more about the most popular types of application software for businesses.
Enterprise Resource Planning
Enterprise Resource Planning, which is often called Enterprise Software or Business Application Software, is large-scale software that handles critical day-to-day tasks and processes for a business.
Often times, companies design custom enterprise software to integrate multiple departments, roles, or processes into one central system, making it a powerhouse for efficiency and productivity. With an integrated enterprise software application, you can also eliminate unnecessary data duplication by making information available to anyone from anywhere, as long as they have access to your system.
In short, enterprise software can be any software that handles most tasks for a business or solves various problems across an organization’s enterprise, whether in accounting, risk management, supply chain operations, or more.
Want to read about a real-life example? Check out how we helped a global consulting and investment firm integrate their existing practices into a new, all-in-one software system that improved reporting and data flexibility.
Customer Relationship Management
Every company, whether they’re B2B or B2C, deals with customers in some way. To manage a consistent stream of transactions and services, many professionals turn to customer relationship management software. This type of application software can help businesses keep track of their customers, referrals, prospective clients, vendors, or other companies they may work with.
There are many packaged customer relationship management software systems available on the market, such as Salesforce and Hubspot CRM, but you may find they don’t satisfy your business needs. If that’s the case, you can always opt for custom application software, which you can design to fit the exact specifications, goals, and needs of your business.
Find out how we made tails wag by designing and implementing a customer relationship management system for a small business specializing in pet care.
Project Management
How do your employees keep their tasks and timelines organized? Are teammates holding themselves and each other accountable? Would you say that your business plans effectively for projects? Project management software, which is an example of productivity application software, is a comprehensive solution to all these questions.
Companies use project management software for planning, scheduling, and resource management. It allows for communication and collaboration across the team and provides visibility for everyone involved in the project.
You may have heard of some popular packaged project management applications, such as Trello and Asana, but some companies invest in their own custom project management software that fits the unique needs of their day-to-day schedules and yearly business goals.
Read about how a lack of project management can stall progress and discover how our team helped one client turn a struggling project into a successful one.
Database Management System
If a company has a large, complex database, they may invest in database management system software. Database management system software allows users to access and manipulate data within their database without high-level technical knowledge or expertise. It also provides database security, backups, data recovery, and more.
With database management system software, users can have a top-down view of their organization’s users, groups, locations, products, and more in one location. Some examples of popular packaged database management system software include Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server.
Here’s how we helped our insurance client serve their customers with a custom data processing solution.
Ecommerce
Many companies sell products or provide services online, so having an application that allows them to do so is essential. Ecommerce software can make it easy on the business while providing a positive experience to customers.
Some packaged software options exist for ecommerce, such as Shopify. But many large-scale companies, especially in the retail industry, find they need to invest in a custom application powerful and flexible enough for their business processes.
Ecommerce software allows users to search for products or services, add or manage those items in a cart, and receive or submit payments. Depending on the product or service, ecommerce software can work in conjunction with solutions that track and manage inventory, provide customer service, and more.
See how our team set the standard for a growing CBD market with custom ecommerce solutions.
Other Examples of Application System Software Development
These five areas of application software are commonly used in the business world and may prove to be useful for your company. However, there are many more examples of application software development you’re most likely already using on your operating systems every day, such as:
- Word Processing Software: Microsoft Word, Google Docs
- Spreadsheets: Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets
- Multimedia: Windows Media Player, VLC Media Player, Spotify
- Presentations: Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides
- Web Browsers: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari
- Graphics: Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Paint
Application software development is all around you if you know where to look. But does your business need a custom solution to get where you want to be?
Take Advantage of Custom Applications for Your Business
The easiest way to make that decision is by connecting with a software development partner. That partner can use industry knowledge, business experience, and technical expertise to point you in the right direction.
Custom software developers can program software products that no one else has. Investing in a custom solution sets you up to compete with others in your industry in a time when digital transformation is key in staying relevant.
At Geneca, our development teams are used to working with businesses that are new to software development. Let us guide you step by step to create an application that can help your business level up.
If you want to learn more, contact us today to set up a free consultation with leadership.