Tag Archive for: COVID-19

On The Other Side of COVID-19

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The State of Things Post COVID-19

While the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t completely behind us, we’re certainly close to coming out the other side. It definitely hasn’t been easy, as the road forward hardly ever is, and the last year will absolutely have a lasting impact. One way in which the pandemic impacted the world was through a swift acceleration into digitalization. With stay-at-home mandates, and health risks everywhere, much of society embraced a virtual expansion. Despite the sudden onset of the pandemic, a lot of the world was already prepared for a digital age. During the last few decades, society made giant technological strides. From the birth of the internet, smartphones, mobile apps, VR, AR, and so much more. Correspondingly, this technology already prepared many businesses to allow for remote staff and a work from home environment.

As the world reopens, though, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic won’t simply just disappear. In fact, the pandemic may have changed the world forever.

Impact on the Application Market

One of the few markets that saw a boom during the majority of the pandemic was the application market. This boom resulted from the intersection of a few key variables. The first; timing. This isn’t the first pandemic that’s swept the world. However, it’s the first pandemic to sweep the world since the birth of smart-tech, loaded with capabilities. This presented opportunity. The second variable; accessibility. In recent years specifically, there has been a push of creating accessible technology. In this same push is the shift to a more technological basis for education that includes coding, script writing, and programming. Finally; free time and isolation.

With smart technology an integrated aspect of everyday life, and the push for more accessible technology all around, the last pair of variables that led to the app market boom were free time, and isolation. With the surge in unemployment, more and more people were looking for a way to spend their days. Not to mention, social interactions were kept to a bare minimum, and stay at home mandates were implemented all over the country. Enter smart, accessible technology, paired with the college of YouTube, and other free avenues through which to learn programming, and suddenly a whole new pool of programmers and developers hit the scene.

That’s only half of the coin though. On the other side of this same perfect storm is the influx of user-base, for all the same reasons the app market saw an increase in developers. New users flocked to applications all across the market, from enterprise, to gaming, to meditation. It was truly a gold-rush.

Spreading The Word

While the surge in app developers, programmers, and users isn’t going anywhere in the post-pandemic wake; applications certainly helped to encourage users to get the vaccine. Organizations in today’s economy have higher expectations to participate in the social atmosphere than they have in previous decades. Corporate America isn’t perfect, by any means, but some of the players are at least trying. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, applications specifically, helped to encourage users to get the vaccine. Many applications used advertisement slots on their own dime to inform users on where to get the vaccine for free. Even large name applications like Tinder, and others, offered vaccinated users an incentive, like a free premium trial, date-night specials, or other in-app incentives.

Beyond Spreading The Word

Applications and technology helped us through the pandemic in more than one way, though. Applications also saw a boom in usership as they worked to bring people together in dire times, unlike any technology has before. Video conference applications like Zoom saw unprecedented growth as families relied on it to commune with one another, long distance relationships only survived because of it, and businesses got by with it. Gaming applications became a way for communities to develop even while individuals dealth with physical or mental isolation.

Enterprise applications were another market segment to see an influx during the COVID-19 pandemic. As businesses and organizations of all industries had to adapt to the virtual economy; many sought the help of enterprise applications. Business oriented applications designed to facilitate communication and collaboration between remote employees.

Beyond spreading the word, and bringing communities together, the technology available even helped in the actual creation and distribution of the vaccine itself. Discovering optimal distribution channels, running algorithms, and elevating scientific processes, the technology of today is, at least partially, responsible for the availability of the vaccine across the globe.

Looking Ahead

Moving forward, there is some question as to what the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic will be. However, there are some trends that certainly seem stickier than others. For instance, it’s quite possible that the majority of the workforce remains remote, as there seems to be little-to-no evidence that professionals were less effective working remotely. On the contrary, many studies found that the individual professional was more proficient working from home than they were in the office for a variety of reasons, and largely attributed to quality of work-life balance. Additionally, the lack of a commute to and from work, proved significantly beneficial to workers mental and emotional health, which ultimately led to stronger overall performance.

The application market as a whole, is also likely to remain in a ‘boom’ period. While a large percentage of amateur programmers and developers might begin to drop off from the scene, there are bound to be a few who fell in love and stick around. Not to mention, the influx in the userbase is likely going to see a much softer dropoff. Therefore, there will ultimately be a higher user-to-developer ratio in the application markets than we even saw during the height of the pandemic.

The Virtual Economy

In addition to the trends that are likely to stick around, the virtual economy is likely here to stay. Permanently. Businesses and organizations of all shapes and sizes faced a sobering reality during the pandemic. Supply chains all over the globe disintegrated into thin air, as a tragic number of smaller businesses closed their doors. The organizations that successfully pivoted from in-person operations to remote or virtual operations are the survivors. Larger organizations that took a financial hit also had to make the pivot from brick and mortar to remote operations. This is a lesson that won’t be soon forgotten. In fact, current and future businesses are more likely to offer remote services and virtual operations now, and moving forward, than any type of in-person services. If it’s possible to be digitized, it will be.

Of course, the entire world won’t stay virtual forever, with live-performances opening back up, and bars and restaurants inviting customers back indoors, a portion of society will always be personable.

A Brighter Future Beyond COVID-19

The last year+ of the COVID-19 pandemic really flipped the script in more way than one. Between the massive influx into the application market, and the push for a more digital economy; some of these soceital changes and trends are going to remain long after the last case of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information on the application market as it stands, or help planning out your next mobile app venture, keep browsing NS804. NS804 is the proud developer of the everyday appreneur.

4 Valuable Business Lessons To Take From COVID

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One lesson that 2020 has taught us is that remote teams have never been more vital for enterprises. With the emergence of the COVID pandemic, many business leaders had to embrace strategies they hadn’t considered before. It was time to make rapid and radical changes to respond to the “new normal.” Worldwide lockdowns combined with a volatile political climate and civil disorder have defined the year. Inevitably, these events have transformed the world and the business environment forever.

Many organizations expanded their remote teams by moving their existing office staff into remote work positions. And while there’s always the possibility that staff will slack off when working from home, technology alleviates this problem. By implementing a work from home mobile app, it’s easy to keep track of assigned tasks that staff members must complete. Below, we share several business lessons that should prove valuable moving forward.

1. Remote Teams Can Be Just As Efficient

 

Traditional organizations with rigid top-down hierarchies aren’t usually enthusiastic about remote work initiatives. Unfortunately, they believe that their staff can’t be productive if they don’t come into the office. But with the emergence of agile environments and flat organizational structures, remote teams have become indispensable.

And these teams can be just as efficient as office workers with the right strategies. By clearly defining guidelines regarding etiquette and work processes, reducing the duration of online meetings, and utilizing the right applications for specific team functions, it’s possible to empower remote teams so that they surpass expectations.

2. Use Mobile Apps To Stay In Contact With Customers

 

Most of your customers own smartphones, which opens up many communication and outreach opportunities. And these customers are accustomed to downloading mobile apps from their favorite companies. They enjoy purchasing goods and services, receiving customized deals, and giving feedback through these apps. However, consider the latest trends in mobile app design to keep customers engaged. It’s important to give them the control they crave to increase user retention.

3. Businesses Need A Work From Home Mobile App

 

Remote workers need the right infrastructure to perform at their best. They require applications, such as cloud storage services, project management systems, team collaboration tools, time management trackers, and video conferencing apps, to name a few. However, consider developing a work from home mobile app that delivers unique functionality unavailable in existing solutions. However, don’t skimp on the User Interface & User Experience (UI/UX), as these increase user retention and satisfaction.

4. Prepare Flexible Business Models For All Scenarios

 

It’s no secret that 2020 has been incredibly tough on businesses throughout the world. But the smartest organizations have prepared flexible business models to deal with an unpredictable business climate.

Consider the Parisian restaurateur that feels like the walls are closing in on his business. The constant lockdowns have made him question his future prospects. Does he continue to stay open, shut down, or go on a temporal holiday? Or does he repurpose his restaurant for takeaways while marketing through digital channels? The latter option may save his business and make it even more prosperous than before. But he wouldn’t have been able to consider this option without deliberating all possible scenarios. 

In Conclusion

 

The COVID pandemic has transformed our world and made us question the way we do business. Organizations, large and small, have had to embrace rapid digitalization to weather the storm. Contact us today to learn how NS804 can implement the latest trends in mobile app design for your upcoming application.

Building a Team of Remote Workers

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Managing New Normals – Remote Workers

The year 2020 is going to go down in history. Firstly, there’s the worldwide pandemic that’s still raging on today. Secondly, on a more domestic front, 2020 was home to likely the most unorthodox election in the history of the United States. Therefore, it’s been a pretty hectic year all-in-all. However, it hasn’t been all bad. One result from this crazy and chaotic year was the rapid acceleration toward digital transformation and remote workers.

The wave of digital transformation has been forming for years. Over the last decade at least, more and more technology emerged in the business world. As these advancements came, they led the companies that operate ahead of the curve to already begin preparations for a digital age and the virtual customer. In 2020, however, this push into a digital era saw a massive acceleration – up to almost 6x the previous rate.

Virtual customers, however, aren’t the only result of the digital age. In addition to the large majority of consumers staying at home. Remote workers and remote staff have already become the new normal. Therefore, companies need to learn how to recruit, utilize, and best serve their remote workers.

Communication is Key

Communication is an integral aspect of every relationship. No matter the context. This is true across life partners, friends, and really any personal or professional relationship. Maintaining open lines of communication in business will lead you and your team to accomplishing tasks on time, on budget, and on scope.

Transitioning to a team of remote workers, doesn’t dampen the importance of clear and open communication between team members and team leaders alike. Luckily, there are countless communication solutions that your firm can employ in order to sustain the level of interaction necessary. There are enterprise level applications ranging from the likes of Slack to Monday.com; and even more traditional project management softwares like Basecamp or Asana. c

No matter which solution you choose to empower your remote workers; it’s integral that the remote workers are somewhat centralized still. For example, connecting a remote team through the same software so that everyone can stay updated and in communication on the project status.

Team Building with Remote Workers

Just because they’re remote workers, doesn’t mean that team-building goes out the window. In fact, with remote workers, and remote teams, it’s just as important to keep the general morale high. Finding ways to motivate your remote workers can be a little challenging. However, there are plenty of ways to keep your remote workers in high spirits, and even bring them slightly closer together.

With the vast majority of physical-event-spaces being shut down, companies might be out of ideas for ways to bring their remote staff together. However, a lot of the enterprise level software on the market includes some sort of incentive-system. This is a great way for you and your management team to continue rewarding strong performance throughout your staff. These incentive systems are also normally colleague-based, meaning that your cohort can also reward and recognize your strong performances.

Finally, if you’re searching for a team-building activity that everyone can join in on remotely; Dungeons and Dragons, believe it or not, is a great way to get your remote team together outside of working hours for a little team-bonding.

For more information on remote working, or navigating these troubling times, visit NS804 today, and get in touch with an expert mobile app developer ready to bring your dreams into reality.

Mobile App Usage During COVID-19: Mobile Apps Seeing a Surge in User Base

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COVID-19 And The Surge In Mobile App Usage

In March of 2020 the world began a period of rapid change. The COVID-19 pandemic swept over the globe, and society all over the world felt its impact. Not only that, but shortly after the onset of the pandemic, domestic turmoil erupted as well. With COVID-19 running rampant through cities and states all over the country, things shut down quickly. Additionally, unemployment rates began to skyrocket as businesses shut their doors to customers. Others still would transition to a fully-remote work environment. With businesses shut down, and the majority of people stuck inside, mobile app usage saw a massive surge.

The huge surge in work-from-home positions was just one of the significant shifts that the pandemic began. As companies realized it was no longer safe for employees to come into the office, those same businesses had to make adjustments to stay afloat in our new society. In order to keep operations running, many businesses got creative and found ways to serve their customers remotely.

Mobile App Usage Stats

In fact, in the second quarter of 2020 business app usage saw a massive increase of 220% compared to quarter four of 2019 in the United States. India, however, saw an even greater increase of 450% over the same time period. The significant increase in businesses app usage points toward a general trend in the way that businesses will be operating for the foreseeable future.

Businesses aren’t the only ones to see a huge increase in mobile app usage, however. In the last three months, July, August, and September, mobile app users spent 180 million hours on apps. The huge surge in mobile app usage is universal. In other words, it isn’t just businesses, or customers in a certain demographic that are spending more time on mobile apps.

Rather, it seems that the entirety of the mobile app market is experiencing one of the greatest volume-increases in history. Certainly, while some trends are just that, a trending phase or fad, the increase in the mobile app market seems like it’s going to be more sustainable than other phases.

This is because of two main reasons. The first is that the affects of the COVID-19 pandemic are going to stretch far into the future. The second is simply the versatility of the market. From enterprise level apps that businesses use to conduct operations, to educational apps that are powering remote learning, and of course, even the silly mobile-app games that provide people with a sense of community in these dismal times.

Capitalize On The Surge

While the onset of the mobile-app surge has already come and gone, the massive uptick in mobile app usage is here to stay. Now is a better time than ever to start taking your ideas for a mobile app from concept to reality.

NS804 is the mobile app developer of the ever day person. As such, we’re dedicated to making mobile app development services more accessible than ever before. Visit NS804 today and get in touch with the mobile app developer of tomorrow.

Why More App Companies Will Transition to Work From Home

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The Work From Home Wave is Far From Over

Working from home is swiftly becoming the new normal. Since COVID-19, employees and companies alike are adjusting to these new circumstances. One major adjustment, has been the overall shift to a work from home environment. Working from home helps prevent the spread of the pandemic, and many professionals can accomplish most if not all of their normal duties.

In the wake of COVID-19, it became apparent that some companies were experience an increase in individual performance and efficiency. Upon this realization, the choice to permit working from home was easy. In addition to the new circumstances, many employees had already begun on this path.

Since the technology was already available, the transition to working from home has been relatively smooth. There are many benefits to working from home. Plus, with the increase in individual performance, mobile app companies are happy to move forward.

Benefits to Working From Home

The benefits mobile app developers see implementing work from home policies are wide and varied. While some of the benefits are financial, others are operational.

One of the financial benefits to working from home is a reduced overhead. With employees working from home, there’s no need for an office space. Once the office space is removed from the budget, additional capital will become free. Then, that additional capital is available for use elsewhere.

Taking a look at the bigger picture, industry leaders are making large strides regarding working from home. Industry giants like Microsoft and Zillow are making working from a priority. Since industry leaders are taking such large bounds in this direction, it’s only logical the pack will follow.

Another reason companies, and mobile app developers, are pursuing work from home environments, is for the environment. Working from home is proving to have a smaller footprint ecologically than not.

Diving even deeper into the work from home wave, individuals receive a wide spectrum of benefits from the option as well.

The Employee Benefits to Working From Home

Without a commute involved, employees immediately see time back into their day. Additionally, this leads to improved moods. The lack of a commute means less stress.

Speaking of less stress, employees that are able to work from home have a better chance of achieving a healthy work-life balance. Happier, less stressed employees that are more connected to their families lead to powerful business results. Some of these results include a reduction in error rate, better customer service, and higher rates of customer satisfaction.

Not only that, but employees are reporting higher rates of job satisfaction as well. All-in-all, the work from home environment is proving very beneficial. One surprising result from the work from home wave is actually an increase in diversity.

Now is the opportune time to start working on your mobile app development project. With the help of NS804 experts, and mobile apps seeing higher user-rates than ever before, your mobile app could be ready to launch in no time. Visit NS804 and get in touch today to start working on your future.

Why Communication is the Main Priority in Enterprise Apps

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Understanding Enterprise Apps

Enterprise apps are focused on providing solutions to the business world. Assisting with workflow, streamlining processes, and providing a myriad of other functions. These apps are designed with companies and organizations in mind that are executing large-scale, or even micro operations. With so many implementation possibilities, enterprise apps must have an integrated communication platform.

Built for Communication, Internally and Externally

Communication is essential for businesses both big and small. Strong communication channels are arguably one of the most valuable aspects of an organization – and with the implementation of technology, comes a necessary element of communication. Yes processes can be automated, and systems can be optimized; but if the staff running those apps have no reliable communication channels native to the systems the benefits of integrating technology may be completely nulled.

Not only does the staff need to be able to communicate; but the systems and technology need to be able to communicate with one another as well. This is key to identifying certain aspects of enterprise apps. For example, an app that is used to automate business to consumer communications might need a feature that identifies where the specific consumer is in their customer journey with that company. This information is then used to generate the right version of copy from a library, and deliver it to the user through their preferred channel.

This is a powerful example of an enterprise app that can completely alter the communications process, supplement customer support, and totally automate certain communication aspects of the consumer journey, like check-ins, status updates, and other pertinent information.

Communication During COVID-19

On top of the practical benefits seen from implementing strong communication channels into the design of enterprise apps, there are social and emotional impacts to consider as well. During COVID-19, feelings of isolation in individuals have started to climb. The lack of human-connection is palpable throughout society, and there is a real need for human-to-human connection.

Enterprise apps built and designed with systematic and personnel communication in mind can streamline operations and build efficiency into the culture of an organization. On top of that, it promotes a higher quality of company culture, and employee satisfaction.

In these hard times – being able to talk and share with members of an organization is vital for our societies success, as well as our individual mental health.

Enterprise apps are designed to be versatile, flexible, and user-friendly. This makes them marketable to businesses and organizations across industries and market sectors. Providing solutions for business owners all over the country that are looking to streamline processes and optimize their operations. Including a strong network of communication channels improves the efficiency and utility of an enterprise app and yields additional benefits to the company.

NS804 has experience in app development across the board, from AR to enterprise apps and beyond. Now, NS804 is changing the game and making app development and design services available to anyone with a great idea. Get in touch with NS804 to get the conversation about your app development project started today.

Enabling Work From Home Incentives

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Building and Offering Work From Home Incentives

Employee engagement and company culture are two of the most important metrics for companies to emphasize in 2020. There is no shortage of benefits from prioritizing these initiatives. In fact, bringing these aspects of a company to their forefront play a big role in attracting top talent. Additionally, implementing channels for employee recognition and incentive-payouts is extremely important to keeping employees both motivated and engaged. While performance-based-incentives are nothing new, there are new ways to implement effective means of employee recognition and employee incentives. Work from home incentives, in turn, drive employee engagement, employee performance, and overall company culture.

In the age of COVID-19 and beyond, there is going to be a big push for remote operations and work-from-home accommodations. Especially in the tech and mobile app markets, where in-person work was already beginning to phase out. With working-from-home gaining more traction as a mainstream business practice, there are a whole slew of new challenges for companies to address. One of these challenges is how management and team-leadership can continue to push employees to perform at the top of their ability, even when working from home. However, with the lack of in-person work that’s occurring it can be difficult to monitor, and accurately accolate the appropriate employee recognition and employee incentives that are so vital to the fibers of a company’s existence. This is where mobile apps can come into play. Offering business owners, management professionals, and team leaders the tools they need to effectively and accurately praise their employees for performing well, pay out incentives, and motivate team members to strive for greater levels of success, mobile apps have bridged the incentive differential between working from home, and working in the office.

Mobile App Incentive Tools

When enabling work from home incentives to offer remote employees, it’s important to look into the options available, and choose the app that will be best serve your specific company and environment.

iAppreciate: iAppreciate is a great mobile app for delivering accurate and timely praise, while also rewarding employees based on their performance. Not only that, but iAppreciate also enables peer-to-peer recognition, and employees can share their praise on social media outlets. This is great to encourage collaboration, friendly competition, and incentivize employees with tangible rewards.

Achievers: Achievers works on a point-accrual system that should be familiar to anyone who’s created an incentive program before. These points can be applied toward merchandise, gift-cards, and even travel. Not only that – but the socially conscious employee can instead use their Achievers points to contribute to charity, which is a nice feature not every incentive-based mobile app will offer.

TapMyBack: TapMyBack has a few features that are unique and appealing. One of which is that it seamlessly integrates with Slack. Therefore, companies already using Slack as one of their main communication channels for remote operations – can increase their employee engagement and company culture ratings through an add-on to the software they’re already using. Plus Managers receive real-time reports on employee performance, and can define the tasks/achievements that result in rewards.

Performance-based employee incentives are a proven way to increase employee engagement, work ethic, and company culture. These are powerful metrics that can bring your company to the next level. Speaking of the next level, NS804 is dedicated to making mobile app design services more accessible than ever before; get in touch with a design expert today and see your mobile app idea bloom into fruition!

How COVID-19 is Forever Changing the Business Landscape

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COVID-19 Redefines the Business Landscape

Historic events often result in major shifts in the way businesses conduct their operations. The industrial revolution brought with it the production assembly line, mass production, and automated processes. The information era brought technology a step further, with internet, smart-tech, and other major advances. COVID-19 is only the latest event in history that’s going to impact businesses and business operations for the foreseeable future. The effects of COVID-19 on the business landscape have been nearly instantaneous, universal, and extend from the highest levels of companies, all the way down to the front line. From business communications, to supply chains, and even marketing strategies – businesses have been forced to adapt to the environment of COVID-19 in record times.

The adjustments that businesses are making in light of COVID-19 and the global pandemic, are a testament to the resilience and determination that courses through our society. While there is no denying the tragedy of COVID-19, and it’s long-lasting implications, the rapid adjustments made by businesses and communities alike provide a glimmer of hope, and represent the ultimate truth that humanity will prevail.

Business Operations During and Post COVID-19

There are many adjustments that businesses are making in order to maintain productivity during the world-wide pandemic. These adjustments are reflected in the way companies communicate internally and externally, how they continue to provide ‘normal’ services to their customers, and how they are implementing new processes and procedures to supplement cash-flow and maintain a standard of efficiency.

Communications: Communication is key. This is true in relationships, marriages, and certainly in business. COVID-19 poses businesses with a unique set of challenges regarding communication. These challenges include how team-members will effectively communicate with one another while working remotely, how companies will provide customer-service support, and how traditional conference calls and team meetings will be held when no-one is in the building. With Zoom, Slack, and other mobile-app and desktop communication channels, however, businesses are still able to conduct much of their internal communication, file-sharing, and other necessary internal transactions instantaneously and without missing a beat.

Alternative Operations: The onset of COVID-19 has forced businesses to get creative with new product-lines, crossover into new industries and markets that would previously never have been considered, and approach service in a whole new way. Uber Eats and delivery services are excellent examples of how service-based-businesses are shifting in response to COVID-19. Rather than handing food off and exchanging small pleasantries – delivery drivers drop off food at the front door, ring the bell, and then swiftly retreat to their cars prior to the customer making it out the door. Emphasizing the importance of social-distancing, and making it a routine part of their delivery process.

COVID-19 has proven to be one of the most historical events of the century, and has already completely reshaped the business landscape, as well as our communities. While in the face of this universal adversity, communities are coming together like never before in order to maintain business operations, promote peace and understanding, and prioritize the health and wellness of every employee. Regardless of position or rank. Find out how NS804 can help design your mobile app to market during COVID-19.

Mobile App Connection Through COVID-19

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How COVID-19 Enhanced Mobile App Connection

COVID-19 brought havoc and chaos to the world almost instantaneously. All around the globe societies and economies alike have had to make major shifts in order to adjust to the new way of life COVID-19 has forced upon us. With unemployment rates reaching all-time highs, and companies struggling to adapt to the challenges COVID-19 has presented, mobile apps have remained relatively unscathed by the historic pandemic through which we’re living. In such trying times, and with social-distancing becoming a norm, the need for alternative methods of communication and personal connection has grown significantly. As such, mobile app connection offers users a multitude of channels and avenues through which to connect with friends, families, co-workers, and anyone in between.

There are many ways to connect via mobile apps and that’s perhaps one of the reasons the mobile app market has proven so resilient even through one of the hardest economic periods to date. The versatility offered in mobile app connection is both far-reaching, deeply personal, and extremely accessible.

Different Connection Channels Mobile Apps Offer

There is quite an array of options when it comes to mobile app connection. From traditional means of communication like messaging platforms, to more modern versions like video-chatting/conferencing, and even to post-modern connection channels such as gaming and social-networking, mobile apps provide connection solutions for everyone and anyone.

Traditional Messaging Apps: Instant messaging has been around for a long time. While not necessarily being new-to-the-scene, there are still powerful and popular mobile apps that provide instant messaging services world-wide. Messaging apps like WhatsApp allow users to connect across the globe instantly. With widely applied international travel-bans, having access to the global-community during such uncertain times is vital to many. Especially those with loved ones and family abroad.

Modern Communication: Similar to messaging apps, there are plenty of video-conferencing apps that provide another avenue of mobile app connection. Apps like FaceTime, Zoom, and Skype all offer users a wide range of abilities in regards to connecting ‘face-to-face’. This type of mobile app connection has proven extremely beneficial to businesses who have transitioned to remote-operations. Utilizing these avenues to ensure workers are able to communicate amongst their teams, departments, and with upper management has sort of acted as the backbone to companies continuing to operate through the pandemic.

Post Modern Communication: Video-conferencing and instant messaging aside, mobile apps offer a whole slew of alternative, ‘post-modern’ communication methods. Between mobile app gaming, and social media apps, individuals are able to create, engage with, and participate in broad and diverse communities. Keeping engaged with different communities offers a sense of personal-connection and belonging that is extremely important to our mental health as human beings.

No matter how you prefer to communicate, mobile app connection is versatile, accessible, and powerful. Capable of connecting individuals far and wide, without any regard to time zones or geography. NS804 is dedicated to bringing mobile app design services to the average person with a great idea. For more information on how to integrate communication into your mobile app, or any design help – get in touch with NS804 today!

How COVID-19 is Improving Efficiency

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COVID-19 is Improving Efficiency, Surprisingly

As COVID-19 completely changed the working landscape, many businesses and industries were forced to scale back their operations in 2020. Slowing down operations and scaling back can actually be beneficial for business executives and upper management in gaining a better understanding of their systems and procedures in place. This can highlight inefficiencies in processes and procedures set in place within organizations. Even with many company’s feeling a strong negative impact from the pandemic, COVID-19 is improving efficiency in surprising ways.

Understanding where these inefficiencies exist grants better insight which can then be leveraged to optimize these processes and procedures and eliminate organizational waste. Staffing has always been a crucial organizational function. Getting the right people in the right roles is integral for the mainstream transition to work-from-home practices, remote operations, and remote work environments in general.

Business productivity and overall operations may have slowed since the onset of COVID-19, however individuals within organizations have seen an increase in production and individual efficiency. This is important to note because it marks an encouraging trend for businesses looking to ramp up operations in the near future, while maintaining a remote environment for employees.

The Uptick in Individual Performance

The increase in individual performance is the result many COVID-19 related factors. The general shift to the work-from-home environment has freed up employee time by eliminating certain aspects of the daily routine like the commute to and from work. This shift also inspired many businesses to integrate more technology into their operations in order to streamline processes and procedures that were common.

One mobile-app that’s making waves in the sense of streamlining internal operations is an app that scans documents into pdfs. This has traditionally been accomplished with a large, expensive, and complicated piece of machinery. Transitioning from this outdated practice to a more modern approach, with the use of a mobile-app is just one example of how remote professionals are managing to keep up with in-office practices and increase their individual production on a variety of tasks.

In 42 surveyed businesses, over 60% reported an increase in individual efficiency and production since the onset of COVID-19, and the integration of remote business environments. Simultaneously, only 10% of companies reported that COVID-19 didn’t impact individual productivity at all. This shows one of the ways that COVID-19 is improving efficiency on a granular scale, while overall company production may still present a downturn.

As businesses rebound from COVID-19, and more companies transition to a full time work-from-home basis, building efficiency into an organization is vital to staying competitive in 2020. Efficiency goes hand-in-hand with developing a culture of continual-improvement which drives important business metrics like employee and customer satisfaction. These are important elements to building a valuable book of business full of repeat customers.

NS804 is dedicated to making expert-level mobile-app development and design services available to anyone and everyone with a great, and innovative idea. Through years of experience across a wide variety of mobile-app market segments, NS804 provides clients comprehensive mobile-app design services from start to finish. Get in touch with NS804 today to start the conversation about developing your mobile app.