Staying ahead of the curve is essential for any engineering firm looking to maintain a competitive edge.
Perhaps one of the most effective ways to achieve this is by developing a custom app tailored to your firm’s unique needs, designed to speak to your workforce, deliver key messaging, and increase productivity.
A whopping 18% of the UK working population work in engineering – developing software to streamline operations and keep your business running at the most efficient level possible makes sense.
Below, the Zudu team has rounded up some benefits of creating a custom app for your engineering firm.
One of the biggest challenges engineering firms grapple with is complex workflows and extensive project management requirements. Developing an “internal app” could significantly streamline these processes by centralising all operational activities.
An internal app could reduce the time spent switching between different tools and platforms by integrating project management tools and features like document sharing, communication platforms, and task tracking in one place.
For example, with a custom app for your business that works across iOS, Android, and the web, your engineers could access project documents, blueprints, and specifications directly from the app, ensuring everyone is working with the most up-to-date information. This enhances efficiency and minimises the risk of errors caused by miscommunication or outdated information – everyone’s on the same page.
And the data doesn’t lie: multitasking reduces productivity by 40%. Thus, having everything in one easy-to-find application reduces the chances of procrastination and drift.
As we’ve just touched upon, good productivity is at the heart of any successful engineering firm. You’re competing against businesses big and small, and every change you make can benefit project completion times and the bottom line.
Developing a custom internal app will allow you to address specific bottlenecks and inefficiencies within your teams. Features like automated task assignments, progress tracking, and real-time notifications keep everyone aligned and informed.
See also: Six ways to introduce real-time features into your mobile app
Your engineering app could include time management tools that help engineers prioritise tasks and manage their workload more effectively. By providing a clear overview of project timelines and responsibilities, you can empower team members to stay on top of deadlines.
Effective collaboration and communication are crucial in engineering projects.
The chances are that you have multidisciplinary teams working towards a common goal.
Developing a custom, internal app could create a central hub where team members can easily communicate, share ideas, and provide feedback. Rather than cutting via email, Slack, or face-to-face, they’ll communicate efficiently and have conversations documented.
Features such as group chats, discussion forums, and collaborative workspaces facilitate seamless communication regardless of location. This is particularly beneficial for firms with remote teams or multiple offices. 36% of engineering firms outsource elements of the job, so having third parties be able to access your entire squad and collaborate could prove fruitful.
Developing an engineering app will break down communication barriers and ensure all team members are on the same page, fostering a collaborative, inclusive work environment.
Engineering firms handle a vast amount of sensitive data, including proprietary designs, client information, and technical specifications. If you let this information enter into the wrong hands, you could lose clients, damage your reputation, and face potential legal action.
Stanford University and a cyber security firm conducted a study. They found that 88% of data breaches are caused by employees clicking on hackers’ emails, thinking they came from a legitimate source. A custom piece of software could eliminate such faux pas by providing a secure platform for storing and sharing information.
Working with an app development company like Zudu will allow you to implement features like encrypted data storage, user authentication, and access controls so only authorised personnel can access sensitive information. Centralised data management can reduce the risk of data loss and ensure critical information is always backed up and easily retrievable.
Another advantage of developing a custom app is the ability to customise it to meet your firm’s specific needs. Although the principles of running an engineering firm remain the same across organisations, custom software can address your team’s unique challenges and requirements and be moulded as your company evolves.
For instance, a specialist civil engineering firm could add tools for site inspections, material tracking, and environmental impact assessments. Developing bespoke features means that your app provides maximum value and directly contributes to the success of your projects.
An internal app can also be a platform for fostering a culture of innovation within your firm. By providing tools for idea generation, project management, and feedback collection, you can encourage team members to contribute ideas and collaborate on innovative solutions.
Add analytics and reporting features to your engineering app, and you’ll be able to provide insights into project performance and areas for improvement, identify trends, optimise processes, and implement best practices. In time, this will lead to a more efficient workplace.
Engineering’s turnover rate is 11.5%, and in competitive cities across the UK, that can be higher as employees leave for larger, more established firms. Job satisfaction is critical to retaining top talent and maintaining a motivated workforce. An app could contribute to a positive work environment by providing employees with the tools they need to thrive.
Personalised dashboards, training modules, and recognition systems could enhance employee engagement and satisfaction. A well-developed engineering app could foster a sense of ownership and pride in their work, boosting satisfaction and retention rates.
Although the initial investment in developing an app may seem substantial, the long-term benefits outweigh the costs. A good app will streamline operations, enhance productivity, and improve data management, leading to significant cost savings.
The return on investment (ROI) of an engineering app for your teams can be realised through increased efficiency, reduced errors, and improved project outcomes, contributing to the firm’s bottom line.
Developing an app tailored to your firm’s unique needs is a strategic investment that can yield substantial benefits.
Contact the team at Zudu today to see how we could help.
