Khonita Nur Fitri, Author at Upscalix

The Game-Changer: How The Role of Artificial Intelligence is Revolutionizing Business Operations

Posted on February 22, 2023March 1, 2023 by Khonita Nur Fitri

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can revolutionise how we do business. The role of artificial intelligence in business is a rapidly evolving technology that can potentially transform how we work across various industries.

It involves using algorithms and computer programs to analyze data, learn from it, and make decisions based on that learning. The concept of AI has been around for decades, but recent advancements in machine learning, natural language processing, and other areas have accelerated its development.

Artificial Intelligence plays a critical role in what has been dubbed the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is characterized by the fusion of digital, physical, and biological systems. The impact of AI on various industries has been significant, and it has the potential to revolutionise how we live and work in the coming years.

In this article, we’ll explore how AI is being used in various business domains and the challenges and opportunities it presents. Are you curious about it? Read them below right now.

What is Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the emulation of human intelligence in devices designed to think and behave like people. It can improve efficiency, speed, and accuracy in business processes, providing insights and predictive analytics to help organizations make better decisions. AI is already being used in various industries, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and retail, to name a few.

AI in Healthcare

The healthcare industry faces many challenges, including rising costs, aging populations, and a need for more qualified medical professionals. Artificial Intelligence is making significant strides in transforming the industry and improving patient outcomes.

AI is having a substantial impact on diagnosis and therapy, for example. AI-powered tools can analyze patient data, including medical records and imaging scans, to identify potential health problems and provide treatment recommendations.

For example, AI algorithms can help doctors identify signs of cancer on mammograms or analyze MRI scans to detect signs of brain tumors. This can lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

The role of Artificial Intelligence healthcare business is also being used to streamline healthcare management and administration. By automating routine tasks like appointment scheduling and medical record-keeping, healthcare providers can free up staff time and reduce the risk of errors. This can lead to better patient care and improved efficiency for healthcare organizations.

There are already several successful applications of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare. For example, IBM’s Watson for Oncology has been used to provide treatment recommendations for cancer patients, and the FDA has approved an AI-powered tool to help detect diabetic retinopathy.

However, there are concerns about the ethical implications of using AI in healthcare. For example, there are concerns about privacy and data security and the potential for bias in AI algorithms. Healthcare organizations need to take these concerns seriously and work to address them as they develop and implement AI-powered tools.

AI in Finance

The finance industry faces many challenges, including market volatility, regulatory compliance, and the need to make informed investment decisions. It is helping transform the industry by providing tools that can analyze vast amounts of data and make predictions based on that data.

One area where AI is making a significant impact is in financial analysis and decision-making. AI-powered tools can analyze market trends, news articles, and other data sources to give investors insights into market movements and potential investment opportunities.

Artificial Intelligence is also being used to detect and prevent financial fraud. By analyzing large amounts of data and identifying unusual patterns, AI can help financial institutions see fraudulent activity and prevent losses. There are already several successful applications of AI in finance. For example, JPMorgan Chase has developed an AI-powered system that can analyze legal documents and extract meaningful information, saving time and reducing the risk of errors.

However, there are concerns about the potential for AI to replace human, financial advisors. While AI can provide valuable insights and analysis, financial institutions must ensure that human advisors continue to play a critical role in providing personalized advice and support to clients.

AI in Retail

The retail industry faces many challenges, including the need to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market and meet consumers’ expectations. AI is helping transform the industry by providing tools that can analyze customer data, personalize experiences, and improve supply chain management.

One area where artificial intelligence is making a significant impact is customer service. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide personalized assistance to customers, answering questions and providing recommendations based on their preferences.

The role of Artificial Intelligence is also being used to personalize the shopping experience for customers. By analyzing customer data, AI can provide personalized recommendations for products and promotions, helping to increase customer loyalty and sales. AI also improves supply chain management by providing real-time insights into inventory levels, assisting retailers in reducing waste and optimising their supply chain.

However, there are concerns about the potential for Artificial Intelligence to exacerbate existing inequalities in the retail industry. For example, there are concerns that AI-powered systems may reinforce biases in hiring and promotions. Retailers must be mindful of these issues as they employ AI-powered solutions and take steps to overcome them.

AI in Manufacturing

The manufacturing industry faces many challenges, including reducing costs, improving efficiency, and increasing quality. AI is helping transform the industry by providing tools that can automate routine tasks, predict maintenance needs, and improve quality control.

One area where the role of artificial intelligence is making a significant impact is in the manufacturing process itself. AI-powered machines can analyze data in real-time to optimize production processes, reducing waste and improving efficiency.

Artificial Intelligence is also being used to predict maintenance needs and prevent breakdowns in manufacturing equipment. By analyzing sensor data and other indicators, AI can identify potential issues before they cause equipment failure, allowing for proactive maintenance and reducing downtime. It can lead to significant cost savings for manufacturers.

Artificial Intelligence is also improving quality control in manufacturing. AI-powered systems may identify flaws and irregularities in items using computer vision and other technologies, making it possible to offer only high-quality products to clients. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and improved brand reputation.

Nonetheless, there are worries about the possibility of job losses brought on by greater factory automation. job loss due to increased automation in manufacturing. Manufacturers need to work with employees to ensure they are equipped with the skills required to work alongside AI-powered machines and continue to play a critical role in manufacturing.

AI in Business Operations

Artificial intelligence is used to optimize supply chain management, inventory control, and logistics, among other operational tasks, through custom software. For example, Amazon and Walmart use AI algorithms to forecast demand, optimize inventory, and reduce shipping times. AI is also being used to improve quality control in manufacturing and automate routine tasks in administrative processes.

AI in Customer Service

AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants improve customer service by providing 24/7 support and faster response times through mobile or web apps. For instance, companies like H&M and Sephora use AI-powered chatbots to help customers find products, answer frequently asked questions, and purchase. These chatbots can also provide personalized recommendations based on customers’ browsing history and preferences.

AI in Marketing and Sales

Artificial Intelligence is being used for targeted advertising, personalized recommendations, and predictive analytics, among other marketing and sales tasks. For example, platforms Netflix and Spotify use AI to recommend movies and music to their users based on their viewing and listening habits.

AI algorithms can also analyse customer data to identify patterns and trends, allowing businesses to make decisions on data-driven product development, pricing, and promotions.

AI in Product Development

The role of artificial intelligence in this industry is being used to accelerate product development and improve design, among other product development tasks. For example, companies like Nike and Ford use AI to design and test new products more quickly and efficiently. AI algorithms can also analyze customer feedback to identify areas for improvement and inform future product development.

Challenges and Concerns

While artificial intelligence presents many opportunities for businesses, there are also challenges and concerns to consider. One of the biggest concerns is job displacement, as AI algorithms can automate many tasks humans previously performed. Another concern is the ethical implications of AI, such as the potential for bias and discrimination in algorithms.

Businesses must use AI responsibly and ethically to address these issues and train and assist any employees who may be impacted by automation.

Future Outlook

The future of AI in business is promising, with many new applications and opportunities on the horizon. For example, AI is being used to develop new drugs and treatments in healthcare and improve cybersecurity in finance and other industries.

As AI continues to evolve and mature, businesses that embrace it will be well-positioned to stay ahead of the competition and provide better products and services to their customers.

Takeaways

The role of artificial intelligence has the potential to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer outcomes. As technology continues to evolve, industries need to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and work to address any concerns or issues that arise. The future is bright for AI, and it has the potential to revolutionize the way we live and work in the coming years.

However, businesses must also be aware of AI’s challenges and concerns and work to address them responsibly and ethically. With the right approach, companies can harness the power of AI to drive growth, innovation, and success.

If you need personal assistance to help you choose what Artificial Intelligence is for your business, Upscalix can help. We are a Melbourne-based digital solution company that has helped many businesses leverage their value through AI.

You don’t have to be tech-savvy since we will provide full assistance from beginning to end. Drop us a call right now and gain more profit!

Why You’ll Love Using a Software House Instead of In-house Developers

Posted on February 13, 2023 by Khonita Nur Fitri

In today’s digital age, software development is essential for businesses to remain competitive. While many companies opt for in-house development, there’s an increasing trend toward outsourcing software development to a specialised team known as a “software house.”

To stay competitive, companies must have robust software systems that can help them streamline processes, improve efficiency, and provide a better customer experience. However, only some businesses have the resources or expertise to develop software in-house. That’s where a software house comes in.

In this article, we’ll explore the advantages of using this kind of service and why it makes sense for many businesses to outsource their software development needs. If you’re curious too, keep reading this article is a wise thing to do.

What is a Software House?

It is a company that specialises in developing software for other businesses. Unlike in-house developers, a software house provides a wide range of services, including software design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance.

They have a team of skilled professionals who can work on multiple projects simultaneously, providing cost-effective solutions to their clients. Moreover, It can offer its clients access to cutting-edge technologies and technical expertise that may be out of reach for in-house teams.

In-house Development: The Traditional Model

The traditional software development model involves hiring a team of developers and other IT professionals to work in-house. There have been many businesses using this concept for many years.

However, this model has several limitations and challenges that can hinder a company’s growth and competitiveness. One of the significant drawbacks of in-house development is the cost. Hiring developers and maintaining an IT infrastructure can be costly, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.

Moreover, the in-house model can also be limiting in terms of the talent pool. Hiring a skilled developer with the right experience and knowledge can be challenging, especially in areas with high competition for talent.

This model can also be challenging for businesses that need to scale quickly or have fluctuating software development needs. Finally, in-house development can also be risky, as it requires companies to independently manage the risks associated with data privacy and cybersecurity.

Benefits of Using a Software House

By outsourcing software development to a software house, businesses can enjoy many benefits beyond cost savings. Here are some advantages of working with it.

Cost Savings

Using a software house can be more cost-effective than in-house development. It is usually located in countries with lower labor costs, providing businesses with access to high-quality software development services at a fraction of the cost of in-house teams.

Access to a Larger Pool of Qualified Professionals

They have a team of skilled developers and other IT professionals who have experience working on multiple projects across different industries. Businesses can access a more extensive talent pool to bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to their projects.

Quality Assurance

They have quality assurance processes and procedures to ensure that the software they develop is high quality, reliable, and meets their client’s needs. Businesses can be confident that the software they receive is thoroughly tested, optimised, and free of bugs or errors.

Flexibility and Scalability

They are equipped to handle projects of varying sizes and complexity. This means that businesses can scale their software development needs up or down based on their current needs without the constraints of managing an in-house team.

Security and Data Protection

They have dedicated security teams and procedures to ensure their client’s data is secure and protected. Businesses can trust them to manage their data securely without investing in additional security infrastructure.

When Should You Consider Using a Software House?

Using a software house makes sense for many businesses. However, not every company is the right fit for this model. Here are some situations where it makes sense to use this kind of software agency.

Limited IT Resources

Small businesses that lack the necessary resources to develop software in-house can benefit from outsourcing to a software house. This enables them to draw on the knowledge of a specialist software development team while concentrating on their core capabilities.

Fluctuating Software Development Needs

Businesses with fluctuating software development needs can benefit from using a software house. This allows them to scale up or down their software development needs as required without incurring the fixed costs associated with an in-house team.

Need for Specific Technical Expertise

Some businesses may have a specific software development need that requires specialized technical expertise. It allows you to access that expertise without hiring a full-time employee with those skills.

Tight Deadlines

Businesses with tight deadlines for software development projects may benefit from using a software house. It has experience working on multiple projects simultaneously, which allows them to complete tasks quickly and efficiently.

Choosing the Right Software House

When assessing possible software provider, consider the following inquiries:

What are their experience and expertise? Look for the one with experience working on similar projects or within your industry.
What is their development process? Ask about their development process to ensure that it aligns with your project requirements.
What are their communication and collaboration processes? Effective communication is crucial when working with a software house, so ensuring that their communication and collaboration processes align with your business needs is essential.
What is their pricing model? Consider the pricing model to ensure that it aligns with your budget and project needs.

Conclusion

In today’s digital age, software development is essential for businesses to remain competitive. While in-house development has been the traditional model, using a software house can provide many benefits to businesses, including cost savings, access to a larger pool of skilled professionals, quality assurance, flexibility and scalability, and security and data protection.

When considering to choose one, it’s essential to evaluate their experience, development process, communication and collaboration processes, and pricing model to ensure they are the right fit for your business needs.

Upscalix, a Melbourne-based digital solution company, will give you the best suggestion if you need professional advice. We have helped people from various backgrounds, business categories, and scales elevate their company value through digital solutions for many years.

No matter whether web development, mobile app development, or custom business software, we’re ready to deliver our best. Don’t you believe it? Reach us now, prove our words, and be prepared to experience the best digitalization journey with us!

What You Need to Know About Software Houses and Software Companies

Posted on February 9, 2023March 1, 2023 by Khonita Nur Fitri

Are you a business owner looking to invest in software but don’t know whether to go with a software house or an individual company?

It can be tricky, especially if it’s your first time venturing into this area. But fear not – there are some key points you should consider when choosing between going with a software house or investing in an individual company.

This article aims to provide a clear understanding of the differences between a software house and a software company and to help you determine which type of company is the right fit for your project needs.

Software House

A software house, on the other hand, is a company that primarily focuses on developing custom software for clients. These companies have a team of highly skilled developers who have a deep understanding of programming languages and technologies.

It’s best suited for clients who have a clear idea of what they want to build and require a technical solution. These companies can provide a more cost-effective solution than digital product agencies, as they typically do not offer design or strategy services.

The Characteristic

Software houses often have a smaller team of developers focused on delivering custom software solutions. They also typically have a more flexible and agile approach to software development and can quickly adapt to changes in project requirements.

The Advantages of Working with a Software House

Tailored solutions: A software house can create a customised solution that meets your needs.

Flexibility: Software houses are often more flexible and able to adapt quickly to changes in project requirements.

Close collaboration: With a minor team, it is easier to collaborate and build a close working relationship with your software house.

The Disadvantages

1. Dependence on external resources

Working with a software house means that your project is dependent on the expertise and availability of external resources. This can lead to delays and higher costs if the software house is not able to meet your timeline and budget requirements.

2. Lack of control

When working with a software house, you may not have as much control over the development process as you would if you were working with in-house resources. This can result in a less personalized approach and a lack of understanding of your specific business needs.

3. Different working styles

There may be a difference in the way that your team works and the way that the software house works. This can result in a lack of communication and collaboration between the two parties, leading to a subpar end product.

Software Company

A software company, on the other hand, can produce software not only for the needs of its customers but also for its use with product sales structures. This type of company can begin as a startup focused on cutting-edge software.

As the product nears the end of its life cycle, it is natural to develop a new version or another program based on previous experience. Example of software company is like Microsoft, AWS, and Panorama.

Choosing the right fit between a software house or a software company is critical to the success of your project, whether it’s a mobile app or a web-based app. The right match will ensure that your project is completed on time, on budget, and according to your specifications.

The Characteristic

Software companies often have a larger team of developers and a broader range of products and services. They may also have more resources and a more structured approach to software development.

The Advantages of Working with a Software Company

Range of products and services: A software company may offer a broader range of products and services, which can be beneficial if you need more than just custom software development.

Larger team: With a larger group, a software company may be better equipped to handle larger and more complex projects.

More resources: With more resources, a software company can complete your project more quickly and efficiently.

The Disadvantages

Limited Customization Options

Off-the-shelf software is designed to meet the needs of a broad range of users, but it may not have the flexibility to meet all of your specific needs. This can result in a lack of customization options, making it difficult to tailor the software to your unique business processes.

Upgrades and Compatibility Issues

Off-the-shelf software is frequently updated to fix bugs and add new features, but these upgrades may not always be compatible with your existing systems. This can result in significant downtime, disruption to your workflow, and potential data loss.

High Upfront Costs

Purchasing off-the-shelf software can be expensive, especially if you need to purchase licenses for multiple users. In addition, many off-the-shelf software packages require additional costs for support, maintenance, and upgrades, which can quickly add up over time. If your business requires a large number of licenses, this cost can become prohibitively expensive.

Factors to Consider

Choosing between working with software house or software company can be less difficult if you consider these factors, such as:

Project Requirements

The specific requirements of your project will play a significant role in determining which type of company is the right fit. A software house may be the better choice if your project requires a customised solution.

However, a software company may be a better fit if your project requires a broader range of products and services.

Company Culture

The company culture of the software house or software company is also an essential factor to consider. You want to work with a company that aligns with your values and has a culture you feel comfortable with.

Budget and Resources

Your budget and resources will also play a role in determining which type of company is the right fit. Software houses are more cost-effective but may have fewer resources to complete your project. Software companies may be more expensive but may have more resources to complete your project.

Location and Time Zone

The location and time zone of the software house or company are also essential, especially if you need to work closely with them regularly. You want to work with a company that is easily accessible and has a compatible time zone to ensure smooth and efficient communication.

Conclusion

When deciding between a software house and a software company, you must consider your project requirements, company culture, budget and resources, location and time zone, and the pros and cons of each type of company.

Take the time to research and carefully evaluate each option before deciding to ensure that you choose the right fit for your project. It could include articles, blogs, and case studies that provide more in-depth information on that topic.

If you have no time for that and want to ask the expert, we’re happy to accommodate your needs with professional advice. Upscalix, a Melbourne-based digital solution company, provides you with a group of experts in designing, developing, and testing websites, mobile apps, and custom and business software.

Drop us a line whenever you’re ready to discuss or start your journey to create your custom software. We’ll reach you back ASAP

Everything You Need to Know About Artificial Intelligence: Types, Characteristic, and What Future It Holds

Posted on February 3, 2023February 3, 2023 by Khonita Nur Fitri

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the computer science branches concerned with creating intelligent machines capable of tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, and language translation. AI research aims to develop systems that can function autonomously and learn from their experiences.

In this article, we’ll talk more about what is artificial intelligence, type, character, advancement, the benefit and what future it holds. Let’s check them out!

The History of Artificial Intelligence

The concept of AI dates back to ancient Greek mythology, where tales of automatons, or self-operating machines, can be found. However, the modern field of AI research was founded in 1956 at a conference at Dartmouth College, where the term “Artificial Intelligence” was coined.

At first, AI researchers attempted to create machines that could perform simple tasks like chess. These early AI systems were based on rule-based systems, where an expert system would apply rules to reach a conclusion. However, these systems could not learn from their experiences and adapt to new situations.

Types of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence can be classified into four types:

Reactive Machines

Reactive machines are AI systems that can only react to the present without considering past experiences or future consequences. These AI systems can recognize patterns in data and make decisions based on that information. Reactive machines are used in simple AI applications, such as playing chess or self-driving cars.

Limited Memory

Limited memory Artificial Intelligence systems have some ability to remember past experiences and use that information to inform future decisions. This type of AI is used in recommendation systems and fraud detection applications.

Theory of Mind

AI systems are designed to understand and simulate human thoughts and emotions. This type of AI is still in the research stage and has yet to be widely used in practical applications.

Self-Aware

Self-aware AI systems have a sense of self-awareness and consciousness. This type of AI is still purely theoretical and has yet to be achieved.

It’s important to note that AI is rapidly evolving, and classifying AI systems into these four types are not fixed. As the capabilities of AI systems continue to improve, new kinds of AI will emerge, and the boundaries between the existing categories will become blurred.

Characteristics of artificial intelligence

The characteristics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be broadly categorized into the following:

Intelligence

The most fundamental characteristic of AI is the ability to exhibit intelligent behavior. This means that AI systems can perform tasks that usually require human intelligence, such as pattern recognition, making, and solving problems.

Autonomy

AI systems can operate independently without human intervention. This allows them to perform tasks 24/7 without getting tired or needing breaks.

Adaptability

AI systems can learn from experience and adjust their behavior accordingly. This means they can adapt to new situations and improve their performance.

Interactivity

AI systems can interact with humans and other techniques through natural language processing or other forms of communication.

Real-time processing

intelligent retrievalsystems can process and analyse large amounts of data in real-time, making decisions quickly and responding to changing situations.

Scalability

AI systems can be scaled to perform tasks on a large scale, making them well-suited for complex and data-intensive tasks.

Generalisation

Artificial Intelligence systems can generalise their learning to new situations, allowing them to perform well on tasks they have not encountered before.

Applications of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence has numerous applications in a variety of industries, including:

Healthcare: AI is used to diagnose diseases, develop personalised treatment plans, and analyze medical images.
Finance: AI is used for fraud detection, investment management, and risk management.
Retail: AI is used for customer service, product recommendations, and inventory management.
Transportation: AI is used for self-driving cars, traffic prediction, and optimisation of shipping routes.
Manufacturing: AI is used for predictive maintenance, process optimisation, and quality control.

The Benefits and Risks of Artificial Intelligence

AI has numerous benefits, including increased efficiency, accuracy, and automation of tasks. AI also has the potential to solve complex problems and improve decision-making.

However, the widespread use of AI also raises concerns about its potential to displace jobs, make decisions that harm people, and perpetuate existing biases. Additionally, the development of AI raises ethical questions about accountability and control.

Advancements in Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been driven by improvements in computer hardware, software, algorithms, and data availability. Some of the critical advancements in AI include:

Machine Learning

It’s a subfield of AI focusing on creating algorithms that allow machines to learn from data. The development of machine learning algorithms, such as decision trees, random forests, and neural networks, has enabled devices to make predictions and perform tasks with high accuracy.

Deep Learning

It’s a subset of machine learning that uses artificial neural networks to simulate intricate connections between inputs and outputs. Deep learning algorithms have been used to achieve breakthroughs in tasks such as speech recognition, image recognition, and natural language processing.

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

NLP is an area of AI that studies computer and human communication using natural language. Advancements in NLP have enabled machines to understand and generate human language, allowing for more human-like interactions with AI systems.

Computer Vision

Computer vision is an AI field that deals with computers’ ability to interpret and comprehend visual data from their surroundings. Advancements in computer vision have enabled machines to perform tasks such as object recognition and image analysis.

Robotics

Robotics integrates AI, computer science, and mechanical engineering to create robots that can perform tasks autonomously. Advancements in robotics have enabled the development of robots that can perform tasks such as assembling products, exploring hazardous environments, and assisting in surgeries.

Expert Systems

Expert systems are AI systems that can perform tasks that require human expertise. Advancements in expert systems have enabled the development of AI systems that can diagnose diseases, make financial predictions, and provide legal advice.

These advancements in AI have opened up new opportunities for automation and have significantly impacted a wide range of industries, including healthcare, retail, finance, and transportation. However, the development of AI has also raised ethical and societal questions, which must be carefully considered to ensure that its benefits are maximised, and its risks are minimised.

The Future of Artificial Intelligence

Although many experts are skeptical about the future of AI, they do think It has the potential to fundamentally alter the way we work and live. AI is expected to become increasingly integrated into our daily lives with the development of more sophisticated and intuitive AI systems.

HowIt has the potential to fundamentally alter the way we live and work. The responsible development of AI is crucial to ensure that its benefits are maximised, and its risks are minimised. The story of AI must be guided by ethical and human values, and its impact on society must be carefully considered.

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence is a rapidly developing field that has the potential to transform the way we live and work. However, responsible AI development is critical to ensuring that its benefits are maximised while risks are minimised. The future of AI will depend on the ethical and human values that guide its development and the careful consideration of its impact on society.

Fascinating Benefits of Mobile Apps for Business that Can Help Your Business Grow

Posted on January 24, 2023January 31, 2023 by Khonita Nur Fitri

Rapid technological advancements in recent years have resulted in dramatic changes in today’s mobile phone technology. Since people are more glued to mobile phones nowadays, It offers an incredible opportunity for businesses to reach their target audience through mobile apps. So, what are the benefits of mobile apps for business?

With the increasing number of smartphone users, custom software in the form of mobile apps have become a powerful tool for businesses to connect with their customers, improve communication, and increase sales.

According to Statista, the user of mobile phone in Australia are constantly on the rise. In 2017, 17.19 million people used their mobile phone to access the internet. In 2022, the users of mobile phone rose to 19.27 million people. Can you imagine how big the impacts that mobile app gives to your company are?

If it’s still blurred for you to figure out how mobile apps can leverage your business, we will make you feel relieved. This article will discuss the benefits of mobile apps for businesses, including how they can increase customer engagement, improve customer service, and boost sales.

Benefits of Mobile Apps for Business

Why do you need to consider creating a mobile app for your business? Because it can give you some good things, such as:

Increasing Customer Engagement

One of the significant benefits of mobile apps for businesses is that they can increase customer engagement. Mobile apps provide an easy and convenient way for customers to interact with your business.

By using push notifications, businesses can send targeted messages to customers, reminding them of deals and promotions and encouraging them to purchase.

Additionally, mobile apps provide customers with easy access to your business’s products or services, making it more likely that they will make a purchase.

Improving Customer Service

Next, we’re talking about one of the benefits of mobile apps for the customer: they can improve customer service. Mobile apps give customers easy access to your business’s customer service team, making it more likely that they will reach out for help when needed.

Responsiveness is the ultimate key in customer-oriented service such as e-commerce. The faster you can reach your customers, the more satisfied they will be.

Furthermore, you can integrate mobile apps with chatbots that will leverage your customer’s level of satisfaction. It will provide customers with quick and efficient help without waiting for a customer service representative.

Those things will be difficult to achieve if you rely on an e-commerce website only for your business.

Increasing Brand Awareness

Mobile apps can also increase brand awareness for your business. A mobile app will make your business visible on the customer’s home screen, reminding them of your brand and products every time they use their phone.

Additionally, mobile apps can be integrated with social media, making it easy for customers to share your business with their friends and family.

Boosting Sales

Mobile apps can also boost sales for your business. Mobile apps provide customers with easy access to your business’s products or services, making it more likely that they will make a purchase.

Moreover, mobile apps can be interesting with features such as loyalty programs and coupons, encouraging customers to make repeat purchases.

Enhancing Data Collection

Mobile apps allow businesses to collect customer behavior, preferences, and demographic data. This information can improve marketing strategies, product development, and customer service. By collecting data through mobile apps, businesses can better understand their target audience and tailor their efforts to serve them better.

Cost-effective Marketing

Mobile apps also provide a cost-effective way to market your business. By creating a mobile app, businesses can reach their target audience at a fraction of the cost of traditional marketing methods. Additionally, mobile apps can be integrated with features such as push notifications and in-app purchases, allowing businesses to reach their customers in a more targeted and effective way.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mobile apps offer a wide range of benefits for businesses of all sizes, from small businesses to enterprises. They can increase customer engagement, improve customer service, boost sales, increase brand awareness, enhance data collection, and provide cost-effective marketing.

If your business still needs to get a mobile app, it may be worth considering developing one to take advantage of these benefits and stay competitive in today’s digital landscape. Never worry about its price tag since it has various mobile apps that you can choose based on your budget, such as native, hybrid, or progressive web apps.

If you need help deciding what to choose, Upscalix can help you to pick the best one. Upscalix is a Melbourne-based digital company with years of experience in mobile app development.

We have a bunch of experts from UI/UX designers, developers, QA, and other supported divisions that can help you from the start to the end. Ring us up now and make your business more awesome!

Beginner’s Guide of Custom Software Development: Find Out What is It, Benefit, How it Works, and Its Types

Posted on January 17, 2023February 1, 2023 by Khonita Nur Fitri

In the era of fast technology and connection, creating software or application that meets the needs of your business is essential to survive among the business competition. Hence, this is a time for custom software to shine. So, what is custom software development?

In this article, we’ll dig deeper into the custom software development definition and examples, the difference between packed software, its benefit for business, and its types.

So, if you are interested in leveling up your business with this kind of technology or just broadening your knowledge, keeping on reading this article is a wise thing to do.

What is Custom Software Development?

Customised software, also known as custom software development, is the process of creating software that is tailored to the specific needs of a particular business or organisation.

Examples of custom-made software are automated invoicing, e-commerce software solutions, content management systems (C.M.S.), customer relationship management systems (CRM), etc.

In other words, custom software development focuses on creating solutions designed to meet a particular client’s unique requirements rather than developing software intended for general use, A.K.A. off-the-shelf software.

Custom Software Development and Off-the-shelf Software?

The main difference between custom software can be seen in their name. Custom software is tailored only for you and ready to level up your business. While off-the-shelf is made for millions of people who serve similar businesses.

Their definition will also impact the pricing, implementation time, and flexibility. The custom-made solution is more expensive, a longer time to implement, but it has high flexibility.

In other words, the ready-made solution is cheaper and faster to implement but has no room for improvement, so it feels less flexible.

Why is Custom Software Development Important?

Custom software development is essential for several reasons. First and foremost, it allows businesses and organisations to create software tailored to their specific needs. In which, it can help them improve their overall efficiency and productivity.

By creating software specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of a particular business, custom made solution can help company streamline their operations.

Also, it can automate specific tasks and ultimately saving you time and money.

Another critical benefit of custom software development is that it allows your company to create unique and distinct software from their competitors.

It can be especially beneficial for businesses that operate in highly competitive industries, as it can help them stand out from the crowd and gain a competitive advantage.

How Does Custom Software Development Work?

A custom software development company typically begins with gathering requirements and understanding the client’s specific needs. Typically, it involves conducting research, interviews, and workshops with key stakeholders and end users to understand their needs and pain points.

Once the requirements have been gathered, the development team will begin designing and developing the software. It typically involves creating wireframes and mockups of the software, writing code, and testing the software to ensure that it is functional and meets the client’s requirements.

Throughout the development process, the development team will work closely with the client to ensure that the software meets their needs and that any issues or concerns are addressed promptly. Once the software is complete, it will typically go through a process of testing and quality assurance to ensure that it is free of bugs and meets the client’s requirements.

Types of Custom Software Development

Custom software development can take on many forms, depending on the client’s needs and the project’s goals. Some common types of custom solution development include:

Web Application Development

It’s a software creating process that is designed to run on the web. It can include various applications, from simple websites to complex web-based systems such as online stores, content management systems, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems, etc.

Mobile Application Development

Mobile application development is a process of creating software that is designed to run on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. It can include various applications, from simple games to complex enterprise-level systems.

Desktop Application Development

Desktop application development is the process of creating software that is designed to run on a desktop or laptop computer. It includes various applications, such as Windows File Explorer, Adobe Photoshop, Skype, Discord, etc.

Embedded Systems Development

Embedded systems development is creating software designed to run on a specific type of hardware, such as a microcontroller or embedded system. It can include various applications, from simple sensor networks to industrial control systems.

Takeaways

Creating custom software development can help you build, manage and maintain your business effectively. It can highlight your unique selling points (U.S.P.), boost productivity, and accommodate your outstanding services.

List what you need and its outcome first before calling someone to build your custom software. Because you don’t want to throw your money in vain by having unnecessary software, aren’t you?. When you feel too much to think, Upscalix is ready to help you.

Upscalix, a Melbourne-based software company, has expertise in developing, and maintaining custom software from various business scales and categories. We help our clients from scratch until they feel its benefit.

If you’re interested in what we do, call us immediately, and we’ll reach you ASAP!

Best E-Commerce Platforms for Small Business and Why They are So Hot!

Posted on January 10, 2023February 21, 2023 by Khonita Nur Fitri

As a small business owner, you are aware that every decision you make has the potential to make a big impact on your brand. Choosing the best e-commerce platforms for small businesses is no exception.

Choosing which platform is best for your business from the many alternatives available can take time and effort. In this article, we’ll outline the top contenders and provide helpful tips for making your decision.

One of the most widely used digital store platforms for small businesses is Shopify. With a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features, it’s easy to see why.

Best E-Commerce Platforms for Small Businesses

Here is some best e-commerce web builder that you can choose to grow your brand. We also add the reasons why you should choose them over another. Get curious? Check them out!

Shopify: A Proven Leader in E-Commerce

Shopify is a cloud-based platform that allows you to create an online store to sell your products. It’s one of many best e-commerce platforms that offers a variety of customisable templates, a secure checkout process, and integrations with popular payment gateways such as PayPal and Stripe.

One of the biggest benefits of using Shopify is the extensive app store, which allows you to add additional functionality to your store, such as email marketing, product reviews, and abandoned cart recovery. It means you can tailor your store to meet the specific needs of your business.

Shopify also offers a range of plans to suit different budgets and needs. The basic plan starts at just $29 per month, while the advanced plan includes features such as advanced report building and abandoned cart recovery for $299 per month.

Pros and Cons

Despite these benefits, it’s important to note that Shopify does have some downsides. One potential drawback is the transaction fees for certain plans. While the basic plan has no transaction fees, the more advanced plans charge a fee for each sale. You need to consider it if you have a high volume of sales. Additionally, Shopify offers less control over server-side features than other platforms.

Shopify is a solid choice for small businesses and is the best e-commerce platform for drop shipping. It’s user-friendly, customisable, and offers many features and integrations. Successful businesses using Shopify include Kylie Cosmetics, ColourPop Cosmetics, Pura Vida, and Allbirds.

WooCommerce: The Best Choice for WordPress Users

If you already have a WordPress website, WooCommerce is a great e-commerce platform to consider. It’s a plugin allowing you to easily add an online store to your existing WordPress site.

WooCommerce is free to use and offers many features, including managing multiple products and categories, tracking inventory, processing payments, and tracking orders. It also integrates seamlessly with popular WordPress plugins such as Yoast SEO and Gravity Forms.

Pros and Cons

One of the biggest advantages of using WooCommerce is the large user community, which means you can easily find support and resources online. Additionally, because it’s a plugin, you have more control over the server-side features of your store.

However, it’s important to note that WooCommerce requires self-hosting, so you’ll need to purchase a domain and hosting plan to use the platform. It may be more expensive upfront compared to some other e-commerce platforms. Additionally, you may need to purchase additional plugins to add certain features to your store.

Overall, WooCommerce is one of the best e-commerce platforms for small businesses with a WordPress website and is comfortable with a bit of technical setup. Successful businesses using WooCommerce include Busted Tees and Know Your Company.

Magento: The Best Option for Large-Scale Enterprises

For larger businesses, Magento is a powerful e-commerce platform to consider. It’s built in PHP, and it was released in 2008. Besides, it smoothly incorporates well-known websites such as Google, Etsy, eBay, and Amazon; Magento is one of the best e-commerce platforms for small businesses because it has many benefits you’ll love as a business owner.

Pros and Cons

It’s an open-source platform, which means you have complete control over the code and can customise it to meet the specific needs of your business. You’re free to choose the hosting service. It supports a responsive mobile design, multi-platform integration multi-platform integration, SEO friendly, and speedy website loading.

Another thing that makes Magento so awesome for building an online store is that it supports omnichannel or hybrid marketing, which is the future of marketing. Its features are analytics and reporting, payment and shipping, order management, marketing and promotional tools, catalogue management, product browsing, etc.

Those features make Magento one of the best e-commerce platforms for clothing and apparel. Big e-commerce shops, such as Ford, Landrover, Samsung, Nike, etc., use it for their digital store.

Unfortunately, everything has a flaw, and so does Magento. Since it can support omnichannel, it has a complex system to build, which leads to a high cost of development. You need to hire a strong, skillful team of developers and testers to build it. Magento is a great option for creating a big store that provides a seamless customer experience through multiple channels.

BigCommerce: An All-in-One Solution for Growing Brands

Taken from Bigcommerce.com

If you plan to have a business with complex products or needs, BigCommerce is the best choice since it provides an all-in-one e-commerce solution: web hosting, database, tool for designing, shipping &tax calculation, etc.

What is BigCommerce? It’s a Saas (Software as a Service) that uses cloud hosting and allows users to use it without buying or downloading anything. Its monthly price ranges from AUD 44 for the standard plan, AUD102 for the standard plan, and 426 for the Pro plan, and it creates a quote for the Enterprise plan.

Pros and Cons

What’s good about BigCommerce? Aside from how well it integrates with Paypal, Amazon, eBay, Google Shopping, Walmart, etc., it has many good things for your e-commerce.

First, it offers many features as its standard than other e-commerce platforms so that you can save more money for your business. Next, adding your products to the web is as easy as snapping your hand. Also, it supports SEO, provides reporting tools, and has no transactional fee.

The No-no thing is the annual sales threshold applied, which means if you exceed your plan limit, your plan will automatically be upgraded. The next disadvantage is that it has limited themes; it doesn’t support multilingual options, subscription features, and marketing tools, so you need to pay third-party app if you want to use it.

In conclusion, Bigcommerce is a one of the best e-commerce platforms that provides powerful e-commerce platform rich in features. However, it’s a big no-no if you want to use drop shipping or sell your products in multiple languages.

Other Platforms to Consider

Besides those mentioned above, other platforms can be good options for small businesses as well, and they are:

Squarespace

Many users love Squarespace’s user-friendly template, interface, and interactive and intuitive sleek design. It’s a perfect choice for you who focus on the website’s visuals or want to work on SEO. However, the bad side is it needs more customisation choices.

WIX

Another choice of one of the best e-commerce platforms for small businesses is Wix. It’s enriched with many super-friendly templates that many website beginners will love. The downside is the features could be more extensive. No analytic or reporting tools, many hidden fees, and some say it needs better customer support.

Takeaway

Those are some best of e-commerce platforms that you can choose to grow your brand. One thing that you must remember is nothing is perfect. Every platform has pros and cons, so you better have a clear image of what you want to achieve.

Researching and testing before committing is the wisest way to do it. You can come to us if you need help figuring out where to head. We, Upscalix, a Melbourne-based digital company, help you to find out what matters the most.

We know business and technology, so we can determine what e-commerce platforms suit your needs. Besides building e-commerce, we’re also great in design, testing, development, and maintenance, whether for custom software, website, or mobile development.

Reach us right now to start the journey to create your e-commerce. Or if you want to do some research by reading. We have many articles about e-commerce, mobile development, website, and other technology that will enlighten your mind. Also, remember to subscribe to get our updates.

What is Hybrid Mobile App Development : Find Out More about The Advantage and Disadvantage!

Posted on December 24, 2022 by Khonita Nur Fitri

Choosing a mobile app type is confusing since wide varieties are available with their plus and minus values. If your goal is to conquer both Android and iOS, the hybrid mobile app is the answer. What is a hybrid mobile app?

If you are curious and want to dive deeper into this cross-platform, keep scrolling through this article is the right thing to do. Because here, we are discussing what it is, how it works, and what the plus and minus things are that you can get by having this app.

What is a Hybrid Mobile App?

We can call the hybrid mobile app a two mixtures: it has elements of native and web solutions, and it shares a single code that can be run on multiple platforms. What does it mean? Okay, let’s break it down here.

A hybrid mobile app, often it’s called cross-platform, is an app that is written in web technologies (using CSS, HTML5, and Javascript). However, it doesn’t run in the user’s browser. It’s run on its own embedded browser with its native that we call webview. It’s like a mini version of chrome that allows you to open the link within the app, so you don’t have to leave the app to open the link. In Android, we call it Android system webview, and in iOS, it’s called WKWebView

Since it’s a blend of native and web apps, the hybrid type has several unique features. It can be integrated with web-based services and mobile device file systems, has an embedded browser that can increase online experience, and can be used in different platforms using a single code base only.

How Does it Work?

After finding out what a hybrid mobile app is, now it’s time for you to figure out how it works. Basically, hybrid apps work like web apps in a native package. Unlike web apps that can be accessed through a browser, this cross-platform app can only be downloaded in each platform’s respective app store. It’s deployed in a native container that uses a mobile webview object.

With the help of web technologies (HTML5, CSS, and Javascript), it can show the content once the app is opened. Since it has a native app element, a cross-platform app can access a device hardware feature such as a camera, accelerometer, maps, etc.

Advantages of Hybrid Mobile App

After knowing the answer to what is a hybrid mobile app, it’s time to learn the advantages of this cross-platform app.

Lesser Time

Since it uses only a single codebase that can be used for various platforms, you can save much time on developing, testing, making app submissions, and updating. You can cut almost half of it since handling it takes a faster time. So, if you want to bring your product to life, cross-platform is a better decision.

Lower Cost

Lesser time means lower cost. Compared to a native, a hybrid mobile app is 30% cheaper because you don’t have to pay for many things to customise your app.

Bigger Market Reach

Broader market reach which is what a hybrid mobile app can be proud of. Just by making one effort, you can target users from different targets at the same time. We can say, it’s a good marketing strategy.

Easier Fix and Maintenance

You only need to fix something once and do the same thing to other platforms when something goes wrong.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Mobile App

Here are some disadvantages of the hybrid mobile app that you may find while using this cross-platform app.

Limited Function

Even though the cross-platform app can access a mobile device’s hardware, some limitations emerge based on the hybrid mobile framework you choose. For example, the Xamarin framework is not ideal for game development.

Uncomfortable User Experience

Sometimes, cross-platform apps cannot accommodate a high-functionality user interface just like native apps, and that will decrease user experience.

New Features Delay

When Google release a new feature for iOs and Android, hybrid app developers have to wait a while to add it to a hybrid mobile app. It is because Google releases a software development kit or SDK for native faster than for cross-platform.

Hybrid Frameworks

What is a hybrid mobile app framework? It is a software creation platform consisting of tools, programming interfaces, compilers, software, debugging tools, and many other things to support the app. There are several frameworks of hybrid frameworks that you can choose from, such as:

React Native
Apache Cordova
Ionic
Xamarin
PhoneGap

Examples of Hybrid Apps

Here are some Hybrid apps examples that might you might have used it before you knew there were hybrid, such as:

Gmail
Twitter
Uber
Instagram

Takaways

Now you know a hybrid mobile’s advantages, disadvantages, frameworks, and examples. If you are looking for something that can reach broader audiences in various mobile operating systems, is budget-friendly, and is time-saving, a hybrid mobile app is the best choice.

Explore your needs and business more to ensure that you choose the best one. We’re ready to show you the best path if you need somewhere to start.

Upscalix is a Melbourne-based digital solution that can help anyone, including you, to create their dream app or software and bring it to life at its best. We have expert designers, developers, and QA teams that can make the best hybrid app based on your needs.

Besides the hybrid app, we also have expertise in other custom software such as business automation, website and app development, and IT-related things.

If you are interested in other services that we can provide, feel free to contact us right now!