The implementation and development of immersive digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Machine Learning, and 3D Configurators have drastically changed the way the world works. These technologies have proven their importance in innumerable fields and applications such as the communication and IT Service industry, Real Estate Industry, Manufacturing Industry, and many more. 

In this article, we will discuss about three of these world-changing technologies and their application in the field of real estate, so buckle up and let’s get started!

AR In Real Estate 

When you own a real estate business you already know that it is an ever-changing business. One day its ways of marketing are traditional and the next to take a 180 degrees turn to a completely modern approach. In this fast-paced industry, the use of Augmented Reality tilts more odds in your favor. Before we move any further let us first reiterate the meaning of Augmented Reality. 

Augmented Reality (AR) is the real-time integration of digital information with the user’s environment in the form of text, graphics, audio, and other virtual enhancements integrated with real-world objects. 

Although the conventional way to purchase property may be exciting, it can also be extremely tedious and time-consuming. The implementation of Augmented Reality has made this daunting process easier and less time-consuming. AR has successfully instigated realtors, builders, and real estate agents to take the leap of faith toward the digital front. With the help of this technology, they can offer better customer experience, faster purchase process, exciting tours, and boost their overall conversion rate. 

Through AR clients can explore several properties and tour these properties virtually with just a few clicks in the comfort of their homes. This magical AR teleportation significantly saves valuable resources of time, energy, and money. If none of these are reasons enough, it also makes the entire process more exciting and fun. 

Read more: Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Mixed Reality detailed with Real-Life Examples!

Top Benefits Of Augmented Reality In Real Estate

1. Time-Saving 

Augmented reality real estate applications show customers information about the building infrastructure, their effective energy rating, panes of glass used, materials used for construction, and even information about the vicinity of schools, hospitals, and community centers around the property. Although the initial installation of AR applications for real estate may cost a lot, in the bigger picture, it saves you money.  MagicPlan is one such app that focuses on generating floor plans from photos helping buyers and tenants get a better sense of how to use the space and meet their needs without wasting much time and money on multiple site visits.

2. Visualization 

Details about building construction can be boring to have to screen through but when you add the element of augmented reality, clients get to emerge themselves into the dimension of the property. This keeps them engaged and interested. Augmented reality applications let the customer view the property from different angles not just the bits that are captured from a camera.  Vera is an apt example. The application can transform buildings into digitally reconstructed buildings from the inside out through highly accurate three-dimensional visualizations

3. Enhance Customer Experience 

With all the above-mentioned benefits, customer experience is already bound to be boosted due to AR. Virtual staging enables customers to customize the interior décor and view finished goods and furniture before putting them in place. The entire experience is guaranteed to boost the client’s level of satisfaction. RealAR, an app transforming 2D floor plans and 3D models into full-blown life-size walkthroughs, gained maximum fame during the pandemic, enabling time-saving and cost-effective floor planning.

VR In Real Estate 

Just like AR even Virtual Reality has set its claws deep into the real estate industry. These two technologies generally go hand-in-hand making them a dynamic power couple. 

Virtual Reality is a computer-generated simulation of any 3D image or environment that is made to be interactive in a seemingly real or physical way by an individual using special electronic equipment, such as a VR helmet. 

VR meets real estate at the intersection called 3D walkthroughs. These walkthroughs are a brilliantly immersive experience that enables customers to interact with the virtual environment and tour the property as if they were actually on the plot. It is no doubt that VR real estate is the next big thing in this industry and almost every VR app development company offers a specific spectrum of services in the virtual reality that cater to real estate segments. VR walkthroughs became famous during the COVID pandemic and have continued to thrive ever since. 

Benefits Of VR In Real Estate 

1. Immersive Property Showing 

After visualizing the property most customers want to interact with it and try to cop a feel of the surrounding, VR comes in handy here. VR’s biggest strength is seen here with its ability to showcase property with a realistic and immersive experience, giving the client a chance to thoroughly explore the property. This sense of realism, familiar physics, and interactive nature unite together to create a truly immersive property showing. Virtual 360-degree walkthrough tours of the interior and exterior of the house without visiting the property in person is one major example of VR utilized for property visits.

2. Virtual Staging And Interior Design 

Virtual staging is essentially being able to adjust the elements in your surrounding and furnish rooms however they like while viewing the property through virtual reality. By letting the customer customize the interior décor and design of the property, VR creates a more enhanced customer experience. VR developers can create enticing features like allowing the user to change the materials in space, try different furniture settings, modify the floor plans, or check the view from innumerable angles. 

3. Collaborative Virtual Meetings And Presentations 

Collaborative Virtual meetings are a method of communication that is technologically mediated and can facilitate engagement in remote and hybrid places. This simply means that customers from all over the world can view the property and interact with the real estate agency to make a purchase through these meetings and presentations. With the assistance of VR, you don’t even have to be in the same country in order to browse for property there. 

Here’s an example of how Virtual Reality has eased campus visits for students, especially for those geographically challenged to explore the various educational options offered by universities.

3D Configuration In Real Estate 

Real estate prices across the world are skyrocketing, and people can’t afford to spend extra money on renovations after a building is raised. If purchasing the right property is challenging, constructing a building that meets all your needs is a bigger headache, but with the help of 3D Collaborative tools, this process becomes seamlessly easy.  

3D visualization tools can assist users in designing digital buildings while displaying and configuring them in real time with photorealistic detail. 

Benefits of 3D Configurations In Real Estate  

1. Customization And Personalization Of Properties

3D Configurators help clients personalize their environment to meet their specific needs and keep the agency more customer-centric. It allows customers to select from a range of customizable options such as flooring, furniture, colors, lighting, and exterior views. 3D configurations are essentially a way to let customers personalize property to their specifications. Enabling 3D views of construction sites and updated reports even before construction starts saves time and money.

2. Real-time Pricing And Cost Estimates 

Detailed 3D configuring can make justifying prices, placing quotes, and ultimately selling property much easier. The 3D configuration also provides clients with a detailed view of a property, enabling them to understand the features and aspects that drive its true value. It gives an overall understanding of special features such as underground parking, nearby schools, fancy landscapes, and more. 

3. Designing And Visualizing Floor Plans 

When you use 3D Configurators your project can be displayed in astonishing detail at any stage of construction. Customers can learn and see everything involved in the project and even take virtual tours around the property. They can visualize the floor plans, project specifications, materials, and much more. 3D visualization allows users to witness photorealistic imagery and enhance the elegance of the property on sale, including its interior and exterior views. Enabling 3D visualization models of real-estate designs helps get a clear idea of what the comp[leted project will look like.

Read more: Leveraging 3D Configurators for Customer Engagement

Integration And Synergy Of AR, VR, And 3D Configuration 

Integration is the combination of various elements to form an efficient system and synergy is formed when multiple systems work together towards a shared goal. When it comes to the above-discussed technologies, the synergy they form together is powerful and has left a strong indentation on the real estate industry. 

1. Combined Applications And Benefits Of AR, VR, And 3D Configuration: 

There are innumerable benefits of AR, VR, and 3D configurations in the real estate industry, such as – familiarity with the property, objective evaluation of the plot, high level of attention to detail, widening global opportunities, and a great marketing tool. 

2. Enhanced Customer Experience And Engagement Through Integration: 

As seen above, all three of these technologies have several strengths on their own, and when integrated, they form a mighty force. This powerful experience is the path to great customer experience and interactions, ultimately leading to increased profits.  

3. Common Challenges Faced In Implementing AR, VR, And 3D Configuration For Real Estate Businesses:

Just as any new development would, even this integrated solution has its fair share of challenges: Cost of implementation, tossing agents out of employment, and the need to educate employees about the management of new technologies. 

How Fingent Can Help

Today’s tech-savvy customers demand prompt responses, service efficiency, and enhanced experiences. To match up with the rising customer demands, Real Estate companies have no option but to adopt modern technology. AR, VR, and 3D Web Configurators are a few modern technologies enabling the Real Estate industry to create new paths of success opportunities.  Fingent’s expertise in the domain has enabled many companies in real estate to innovate for better operations. Our experts use the latest technology to develop custom software solutions that cater specifically to unique property management challenges. Connect with our experts today to learn more about how we can help transform your property management business with custom-built technology solutions. 

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    About the Author

    ...
    Tony Joseph

    Tony believes in building technology around processes, rather than building processes around technology. He specializes in custom software development, especially in analyzing processes, refining it and then building technology around it.He works with clients on a daily basis to understand and analyze their operational structure, discover (and not invent) key improvement areas and come up with technology solutions to deliver an efficient process.

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      SAP S/4HANA is a catalyst for business success, weaving its transformative power across the ERP landscape. SAP S/4HANA is more than just any software; it’s a realm of possibilities. It is like a digital fortress that integrates and orchestrates your supply chain, ensuring harmony and efficiency throughout your organization. 

      With a single source of truth, it empowers organizations to make informed decisions based on accurate, up-to-the-minute insights. It’s like having a trusted compass that illuminates the hidden paths of your operations, empowering you to confidently navigate the ever-changing terrain of the business landscape.

      Understanding SAP S/4HANA – A Visionary Leap Into The Future

      SAP S/4HANA is not your ordinary ERP solution. It harnesses the power of in-memory computing, real-time analytics, and a simplified data model to deliver a seamless and intelligent ERP experience. It is a technological marvel that blends speed, agility, and simplicity into a single transformative platform.

      The shift from traditional SAP ERP systems to SAP S/4HANA marks a significant milestone in the ERP landscape. It represents a move from a row-based data model to an in-memory, columnar-based data model, resulting in lightning-fast data processing and real-time analytics.

      With the transition to SAP S/4HANA, businesses unlock a plethora of benefits. They gain real-time insights for faster decision-making, simplified processes for improved efficiency, and intelligent technologies for enhanced automation and predictive capabilities. It’s like upgrading to a futuristic command center that propels your business into a new realm of success.

      Let’s begin by unveiling the key features and capabilities that make SAP S/4HANA shine.

      • It brings the power of real-time insights, allowing businesses to make decisions based on up-to-the-minute data. 
      • SAP S/4HANA simplifies processes, reduces data redundancies, and eliminates complexities to streamline operations. 
      • It leverages advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and predictive analytics to unlock automation, insights, and predictive capabilities.

      Read more: A Beginner’s Guide To Implementing SAP S/4HANA

      SAP S/4HANA

      Key Benefits of SAP S/4HANA

      1. Grasp The Pulse of Your Business at Any Given Moment with Real-Time Analytics.

      With its in-memory computing capabilities, SAP S/4HANA processes massive amounts of data in real-time, allowing for faster and more responsive operations. With real-time analytics, you have the power to respond swiftly to changing market dynamics, identify emerging trends, and seize opportunities before they fade away. It’s like having a nimble and swift chariot that propels your business forward, helping you stay ahead of the competition.

      2. Enthralling User Experience

      SAP S/4HANA’s intuitive interface and personalized dashboards transform ERP navigation into a delightful journey. It’s like stepping into a realm of effortless elegance, where tasks are completed with grace and efficiency, where your teams can work seamlessly, unlocking their full potential and driving productivity to new heights.

      3. Declutter Your Landscape with a Simplified Data Model

      SAP S/4HANA can help you bid farewell to the tangled webs of complexity and data redundancies. It enables you to declutter your business landscape, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—innovation and growth. With a simplified data model, your organization gains agility, flexibility, and the ability to adapt swiftly to changing business needs.

      Now that you are aware of the business benefits let’s discuss how you can prepare for SAP S/4HANA implementation.

      Prepare For SAP S/4HANA Implementation

      With the right foundations in place, organizations can embark on their SAP S/4HANA implementation with confidence, ready to unlock the full potential of this transformative platform.

      1. Assessing Business Readiness:

      Assessing the organization’s readiness for SAP S/4HANA implementation is like taking stock of your supplies before embarking on a grand expedition. Evaluating data readiness ensures that your information is accurate, complete, and compatible with the new system. Additionally, allocating resources appropriately – including skilled personnel and budget – ensures that you have the necessary support to navigate the implementation journey smoothly.

      2. Building the Implementation Team:

      On a voyage, each member has a vital role to play. Project managers steer the entire implementation process. Functional consultants bring their expertise in specific business areas, ensuring that SAP S/4HANA meets your unique requirements. Technical experts handle system configurations, integrations, and customizations. Together, this cross-functional team brings together diverse perspectives, fostering synergy and ensuring that all aspects of the implementation are addressed comprehensively.

      3. Chart your Course by Defining Implementation Goals and Scope:

      Defining clear goals and scope for the SAP S/4HANA implementation provides a clear direction and prevents aimless wandering. By identifying key business processes, you prioritize areas that will benefit most from the new system. This focused approach optimizes time and resources enabling effective project planning and increasing the likelihood of a successful SAP S/4HANA implementation.

      Six Phases of SAP S/4HANA Implementation

      Each of the following well-defined phases of the SAP S/4HANA phase brings your organization closer to harnessing its and unlocking new levels of efficiency, agility, and competitive advantage:

      Phase #1 Project Planning and Preparation:

      Planning and preparation are like laying the foundation for a solid structure. Activities in this phase include creating a detailed project plan, establishing timelines, and defining deliverables. By clearly outlining project objectives, tasks, and responsibilities, organizations ensure a structured and well-organized implementation process. 

      Effective stakeholder communication is vital during this phase, keeping everyone informed and engaged. Change management strategies are implemented to address any resistance to change, ensuring the smooth adoption of SAP S/4HANA.

      Phase #2 System Installation and Configuration:

      System installation and configuration start with assessing hardware requirements and designing the system landscape, ensuring optimal performance and scalability. The SAP S/4HANA system is then installed, configured, and integrated with other systems, creating a cohesive IT ecosystem. This phase requires careful consideration of factors like network infrastructure, security, and software installation.

      Phase #3 Data Migration and Conversion:

      Data migration and conversion are like transferring belongings to a new home. Legacy data is extracted, transformed, and loaded into the SAP S/4HANA system. This process involves data cleansing, eliminating duplicates, and ensuring data accuracy. Data validation is crucial to verify the integrity and consistency of migrated data. 

      Phase #4 Customization and Configuration:

      This phase is like arranging furniture in a new space. Configuration involves setting up master data, defining workflows, and configuring system functionalities. This phase ensures that SAP S/4HANA aligns with the organization’s unique processes, enabling efficient operations and improved user experience.

      Phase #5 Testing and Training:

      Testing and training form the backbone of a successful SAP S/4HANA implementation. Thorough testing is conducted to validate the system’s functionality, performance, and data accuracy. This includes unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing. 

      Training programs are designed to equip end-users with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively utilize SAP S/4HANA. 

      Phase #6 Go-Live and Post-Implementation Support:

      Going-live is like opening the doors to a new facility, enabling users to work with real data. Post-implementation activities include monitoring system performance, addressing user feedback, and providing ongoing support. Continuous improvement initiatives and enhancements are implemented based on user experience and evolving business needs. Regular system maintenance and updates ensure the system’s optimal performance and long-term success.

      These are some best practices and lessons learned from previous SAP S/4HANA implementations. They offer valuable insights that can guide your organization toward successful implementation. These can help you avoid common pitfalls and maximize the benefits of SAP S/4HANA. 

      Read more: A Simple Guide To Handling Common SAP Errors and Troubleshoots

      SAP Errors

      Strategies You Can Use to Overcome Common Challenges

      Challenges during SAP S/4HANA implementations can vary, but some common ones include data migration complexities, resistance to change, resource constraints, and technical integration issues. To overcome these challenges, organizations should:

      • Engage experienced consultants and leverage their expertise.
      • Invest in data cleansing and migration tools to streamline the process.
      • Prioritize change management activities and communicate the benefits of SAP S/4HANA.
      • Allocate sufficient resources and budget for implementation and post-implementation support.
      • Collaborate closely with SAP experts and leverage their guidance and best practices.
      • Monitor the implementation progress regularly and adapt the plan as needed.

      How Can Fingent Help?

      Fingent can provide comprehensive services to deploy SAP S/4HANA for better supply chain management. We at Fingent offer consulting services to assess your supply chain management requirements and design a customized SAP S/4HANA implementation strategy. Our advisory services provide expert guidance on how to optimize your operations and drive digital transformation.

      Are you currently using an older version of SAP ERP? If so, we can analyze your existing system, assess the impact of the conversion, and guide you through the conversion process.

      Fingent leverages SAP Leonardo’s intelligent technologies, such as machine learning, IoT, and analytics, to enhance your supply chain management processes. With our expertise in SAP S/4HANA and supply chain management, we can guide you through the entire deployment process, from strategy and implementation to ongoing support.

      Reach out to us, and let’s work magic for you. 

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        About the Author

        ...
        Ashok Kumar

        Ashok leads Fingent’s SAP Consulting practice for ANZ, SE Asia, The Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and other global clients. More specifically, he helps companies improve operational efficiency by enhancing their digital cores and improving their application integration. Ashok has amassed over 20 years of leadership and consulting experience having worked with Global giants like SAP, IBM Consulting, Capgemini, & Oracle in his previous assignments. Connect with Ashok via LinkedIn and learn how your business can excel with recent SAP trends.

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          Augmented Reality in Healthcare:
          Use Cases, Examples, and Trends

          It’s no joke or a mere sci-fi theory! We’re experiencing the impact of Augmented Reality in healthcare, right in front of us. Using an AR-enabled head-mounted device, a surgeon can review patient vitals during a medical procedure without juggling multiple devices or displays. In doing so, they are less likely to misread or misinterpret the data.
          Head-mounted displays, wearables, and mobile apps drive interactions between the physical world and virtual objects to improve the quality of healthcare delivery and patient experience. Just like how AI and data analytics improve your caregiving organization’s day-to-day operations, AR presents valuable opportunities for healthcare professionals and providers, payers, medical devices, and other players in the healthcare ecosystem. If you are looking forward to enhancing your healthcare organization’s performance, operations, user experience, and profits, you cannot bypass AR. All things considered, who wouldn’t like to augment their existing business processes instead of spending heavily on enabling new processes?
          Data Source: Statista
          According to ResearchAndMarkets, the global AR market will generate $152 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 36%, whereas the global AR healthcare market is expected to register a CAGR of 26% during the forecast period (2022-2027).

          How Is Augmented Reality Creating An Impact In Healthcare?

          Augmented Reality (AR) allows us to experience the real-life environment around us with a digital augmentation overlaid on it. AR works by integrating digital information or content into the user’s environment in real-time. In AR, the objects that reside in the real-world are enhanced using computer-generated capabilities. AR includes graphics, effects, sounds, text, and touch feedback to improve the user experience. In this technology, the user interacts with virtual objects placed in the real world.
          Three essential components of AR include:
          Due to its versatility, AR is becoming more accessible and affordable for medical imaging, medical education, dentistry, and nurses’ training.

          The Most Impactful AR Trends in Healthcare Today

          These ground-breaking AR trends in healthcare are expected to act as a magical boon that will help healthcare professionals overcome several medical limitations.
          Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) systems are gaining popularity in recent times as they improve surgical precision and dexterity, and provide better access to minimally-invasive procedures. Combining robotic-assisted surgery with AR offers an advanced interface which will enhance user perception. The ability of AR to improve situational awareness will tremendously advance the surgeon’s ability to make better decisions, in real-time. Robotic hepatic surgery, intraoperative reconstructions and tracking systems, robotic liver resections, preoperative imaging and 3D rendering, intra-operative robotic ultrasound application, etc. are some of the RAS fields which will be transformed by AR in the coming years.
          The traditional methods used to assess wound parameters are mostly inaccurate, rough, and painful for the patient. Augmented Reality enables non-invasive assessment of wound parameters by providing visual feedback on the wound healing status. An accurate 3D model of the wound integrates AR functionalities based on a miniaturized projector to demonstrate wound progression. The availability of objective patient data allows doctors to suggest the right follow-up therapies and exercises. It also enables nurses to dress the wound properly. AR-based wound healing assessment offers patients a better understanding of their ailment, so their compliance to the doctor’s advice will improve significantly.
          The healthcare industry is slowly realizing the game-changing benefits of AR in physiotherapy and behavioral treatment. Using AR in physiotherapy sessions increases patient engagement and improves physical outcomes. The data gathered from each session allows the physiotherapist to evaluate the outcomes better. AR makes way for a new, unobtrusive method of intervention in motor and cognitive rehabilitation by offering a safe environment for patients to practice movements and orient their exercises. It leads to greater patient motivation and enables caregivers to provide low-cost physiotherapy at home.
          AR technology is an efficient time-saver that allows doctors to access patient charts from the EMR system and project the details in their area of vision, while attending a patient. AR glasses and interactive AR charts free doctors and nurses from thumbing reams of papers and documentation. Cloud-based data storage ensures that patient records are never misplaced, misfiled, damaged, or lost. Physicians can simply scan a patient’s hospital wristband and view the entire patient history which is retrieved by AR from the EMR database. It leads to a more meaningful patient-doctor relationship and saves the time taken for diagnosis and decision-making.
          Multiple floors and buildings as well as insufficient maps or signage in large hospital facilities make indoor and outdoor wayfinding complex for patients, visitors, and entry-level medical trainees. Development of calibrated smartphone cameras and recent advances in computer graphics algorithms help simplify complex AR experiences in a larger environment, such as a multi-storeyed building. Using the patient’s phone camera, AR places virtual arrows on top of the images of their actual surroundings in real-time, enabling patients to navigate medical facilities with ease. Patients can effortlessly orient themselves in a hospital building and quickly reach their desired location by taking the shortest route.

          Popular Uses of AR in Healthcare Today

          Fingent’s AR team develops customized AR applications to improve the quality of your HCO’s service and care, cut costs, and address your business requirements in the most efficient way. Connect with our team to learn more.

          7 Real-Life Applications and Examples of AR in Healthcare

          From medical training to patient care, diagnosis, monitoring, and other practical uses, AR is well-equipped to transform the healthcare industry. Here are some of the top applications of AR in healthcare:

          1. Immersive and Interactive Medical Training

          The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) reports that the United States could see an estimated shortage of 124,000 physicians by 2034, including shortfalls in both primary and specialty care. AR-enabled virtualized training provides deeper insights into the nuances of body functions, enabling medical practitioners to address more critical cases in a given period of time.
          FlexAR offers medical students a tangible, AR-powered anatomy learning experience using a prototype tool. The app gives users both written and 3D visual information about anatomy without the need for traditional study materials and cadaver dissections. Ohio-based Case Western Reserve University uses Microsoft HoloLens devices to study human anatomy where an entire class can view the same life-sized 3D image at once.

          2. Training Physicians on New Therapies

          Life sciences companies can use AR to educate care providers on the latest therapies and drugs that improve treatment outcomes. Companies can create compelling illustrations depicting the impacts of a disease or a virus on the human body at different stages and virtually demonstrate how the situation can be brought under control through novel treatment procedures, therapies, and drugs.
          Application of Augmented Reality enhances the collaboration between the pharmaceutical community and doctors. The information collected by doctors using AR-based data visualization tools enable medical R&D teams to expedite the study of genetic data related to specific microbes. This paces up the discovery of drugs that can effectively combat the microbes. VisMol system, developed by Sygnature Discovery, uses Microsoft HoloLens technology to create an AR world that facilitates drug discovery collaboration.

          3. Virtualizing Surgeries

          Surgeons can leverage AR to create digital models of complicated surgeries that include multiple sub-steps and critical deviations requiring careful analysis and planning. The digital model of an entire surgery process details every step of the operation, allowing surgeons to optimize the sequence based on in-depth virtual analysis. As a result, surgeons will be better prepared to handle contingencies and lay out the course of action in advance, before entering the operating suite.
          xvision Spine System developed by Augmedics (Chicago, IL), is a cutting-edge AR surgical guidance system that allows surgeons to “see” the patient’s anatomy through skin and tissue just like how they view X-rays. The X-ray like vision allows surgeons to accurately navigate instruments and implants during spine procedures.

          4. Accurate Symptom Detection

          Several patients find it challenging to explain their current health conditions to doctors. Some patients may exaggerate their symptoms, while others share only minimal information. This could result in incorrect diagnosis and wrong therapy. AR solves this problem by offering patients a simple and handy way to check their symptoms and current health status all by themselves. Doctors can also analyze the health reports projected by AR and suggest accurate remedies and lifestyle improvement therapies to help the patient stay fit and healthy.
          EyeDecide AR app uses a camera display to simulate a patient’s eye anatomy, conditions, and solutions. The app describes each condition, annotates symptoms and findings adjacent to each medical image, and suggests treatment based on best practices. This allows the doctor to examine the symptoms precisely. The patient is also spared from any kind of communication challenge.

          5. Patient Self-care

          AR-enabled healthcare software solutions allows patients to become proactive in their own care. Physiotherapy and physical rehabilitation are two of the self-care areas where AR can be highly beneficial. By watching AR-based digital demonstrations of their bodily motions and actions, patients can refine their movements to restore physical fitness. Patients can also point their smartphone camera towards a city landscape to find information about nearby hospitals and get the direction to reach their destination.
          Know My Heart and Know My Beat are two of the leading patient self-care apps designed specifically to use AR technology. The first app enables an individual patient to self-check their pulse and detect possible AF (Atrial Fibrillation). The second app aims to educate patients who have been diagnosed with AF to be more aware of their health condition so that they adhere to the prescribed medication and seek timely medical aid, when required.

          6. Vein Visualization

          Injecting intravenous shots or collecting blood samples for medical tests is a painful and unpleasant experience for many patients, particularly if the patient’s vein is missed in the first instance. Thanks to AR handheld scanner technology and near-infrared imaging, a nurse can easily see the vein to take blood or give a jab. The handheld scanner projects veins over the skin to prevent injection failures in patients and improve the first injection success ratio.
          AccuVein’s vein finder uses AR technology to find a patient’s vein at the very first try of an IV start or a blood draw. The vein finder is a portable handheld device supported by a digital laser projection, a laser-based scanner, and a processing system. Projection-based AR allows the user to view a real-time virtual image of the underlying vasculature on top of the skin. Using AR for vein visualization has helped improve the first-time vein detection success rate by 3.5 times.

          7. Medical Imaging

          AR displays in operating rooms leverage sophisticated algorithms to convert CT imaging (Computed Tomography scan) into a dense 3D map of structures. Based on the surgical procedure’s requirements, this 3D map can be displayed on a nearby screen, through a headset, or projected onto the patient. Thus, AR technology provides surgeons an enhanced surgical field to sketch a detailed operating plan, well ahead of the first incision. Similarly, arteries and tumor structures can be superimposed into an operating field display to enable more accurate real-time viewing of underlying tissues, organ motions, and deformations.
          Immersive Touch’s image-guided AR platform provides surgeons with 3D holographic “X-Ray vision” through the skin that visualizes patient specific anatomy intra-operatively. It aims to offer detailed anatomical data of the patient at various surgical phases. The platform helps surgeons navigate their instruments accurately without losing sight of the patient.

          Practical Use Cases of AR in Healthcare

          Future of Augmented Reality in healthcare

          The increased use of smartphones and other mobile gadgets will augment AR-driven healthcare practices and service delivery in the future. Some of the most-awaited AR-led transformations in healthcare are listed here.

          1. AR in Dental Practice

          In recent times, AR is being employed in pre-clinical dental education and operative dentistry learning. From a clinical perspective, maxillofacial, orthognathic, oral, and implant surgeries will be increasingly aided by AR in the coming years. In endodontics procedures, video tools optimized using AR are being used to detect orifices for accessing root canals. AR also helps dentists to place brackets in orthodontics through 3D image-based tooth-tracking. The ability of AR to enhance spatial visual perception will go a long way in pre-clinical practices, such as designing treatment cavities for student analysis and learning.

          2. AR for Psychomotor Skills Training

          AR training tools facilitate spatial and psychomotor skills training in the medical domain. While interacting with virtual objects superimposed on physical environments, learners get real-time feedback leading to positive learning outcomes. An interactive AR hand hygiene training tool for healthcare workers developed by a team of researchers from Ireland and Scotland enabled 81% of participants in the pilot program to attain proficiency after two-minute practice sessions. In the coming years, AR will increase the scope of self-directed skills-based training, improving skill acquisition and retention.

          3. AR to Gamify Workout Sessions

          AR can lower healthcare costs considerably, save thousands of lives, and improve our standard of living drastically. Even if you are working out from home, you can livestream and workout with others digitally using AR apps like FitTech. Even a monotonous morning walk can be made more enjoyable using AR. Apps such as “Zombies, Run!” can gamify daily running tasks, motivating users to take care of their health more seriously. Medical imaging and diagnosis will be simplified, and dietitians and nutritionists can use the findings to encourage people to bring desirable changes to their lifestyles.

          How Fingent Can Help You with AR Services

          Fingent is a high-end custom software development company that helps businesses -small and large- across the globe with innovative solutions. We provide a wide array of software development services from software customization to building Web, Mobile, Enterprise, and Cloud applications across various industries.
          Our team at Fingent helps you develop customized healthcare AR applications that improve the quality of your HCO’s service and care, cut costs, and address your business requirements in the most efficient way. Build your brand, increase your brand identity, promote your products and services, and gain a competitive advantage with our AR consulting, development, and implementation services.
          Fingent’s custom AR services are garnished with:

          Most Common Q&A on Augmented Reality in Healthcare

          Augmented Reality is used to simplify various clinical practices such as operating suite preparation, accurate vein visualization on the patient’s arm for drawing blood, dental learning and practice, immersive medical training, 3D medical imaging, real-time access of patient data from EMRs, precise symptom detection, collaborative surgeries, and so on.
          AR-based 3D visualizations and virtual simulations allow patients to understand their health conditions better. Increased awareness of self-health encourages patients to adhere to the medical advice given by their physicians. AR can convey clinicians the symptoms or conditions which their patients wouldn’t have revealed or struggled to explain. Using an AR-enabled head-mounted device, a surgeon can review patient vitals during a medical procedure without juggling multiple devices or displays. In doing so, they are less likely to misread or misinterpret the data.
          To keep it short, AR brings more transparency into patient care, boosts the productivity of doctors, nurses and health workers, and ultimately improves the quality of healthcare services and delivery.
          Surgeons can leverage AR to create digital models of complicated surgeries that include multiple sub-steps and critical deviations requiring careful analysis and planning. xvision Spine System, for example, is a cutting-edge AR surgical guidance system that allows surgeons to “see” the patient’s anatomy through skin and tissue just like how they view X-rays. The X-ray-like vision allows surgeons to accurately navigate instruments and implants during spine procedures.
          We help you deploy AR to improve medical training, pediatric MRI evaluation, medical imaging, venipuncture procedures, dentistry, remote surgical procedures, and more! Our team at Fingent delivers augmented reality services that can improve the quality of your HCO’s service and care, cut costs, and address your business requirements in the most efficient way.
          Augmented Diagnosis is a process in which AR is employed to diagnose patient symptoms, medical imaging, and health vitals through 3D modeling and visualization. It improves doctor-patient communication and helps accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
          Augmented Practice is being used by medical training institutions and colleges to simulate surgical encounters and real-life patient conditions for students. It improves positive learning outcomes through enhanced skill acquisition and retention.
          Augmented Surgery allows surgeons to understand their patient’s anatomy by digitally overlaying MRI data, CT scan, and health reports on top of their patient’s body. It offers surgeons an enhanced surgical field to sketch a detailed operating plan, well ahead of the first incision.
          Although AR is perceived to have great potential in many industry sectors, its utilization is yet limited. This is mostly due to the many challenges businesses often face while adopting AR. Here are a few challenges to mainstream AR adoption listed:
          • >> Users are still skeptical about the right uses and benefits of AR
          • >> Cost constraints limit access to AR headsets and hardware
          • >> Being intensely immersive, AR is often considered physically harmful
          • >> Limitations in AR content creation for businesses
          • >> Lack of regulations to govern the use of AR
          However, these prevailing challenges can be seamlessly eliminated by partnering with the right technology experts who can guide through the business capabilities one can derive with AR app development.

          More insights

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            About the Author

            ...
            Tony Joseph

            Tony believes in building technology around processes, rather than building processes around technology. He specializes in custom software development, especially in analyzing processes, refining it and then building technology around it.He works with clients on a daily basis to understand and analyze their operational structure, discover (and not invent) key improvement areas and come up with technology solutions to deliver an efficient process.

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              The world of technology keeps evolving and waits for no one, so it is our responsibility to keep up with it rather than fall behind. The healthcare industry has for a long time been using software development systems to monitor and ease work-lifestyles; now it is time to customize this software to make them function and run exactly the way you need it to. Custom software development has made life and business significantly easier for innumerable industries and is poised to revolutionize the Healthcare Industry as well. This article will tell you all you need to know about it.

              Importance Of Healthcare Software Development  

              Healthcare software systems provide innumerable benefits to hospital management, from improved productivity to reduced medication errors. It streamlines the workflow, enhances data quality, drastically reduces errors, and boosts patient experiences. Rising technological advancements also help with hospital administration and operations. 

              Benefits Of Customized Healthcare Software Development 

              The overall benefit of using customized healthcare software is overall progress and betterment. This should be reason enough to convince anyone to adopt custom healthcare software but if it is not, listed below are a few of the other benefits of this type of software development:

              • Increased security – Thanks to the inculcation of software in healthcare, hospitals are now sending, storing, and retrieving data through the web. Custom software solutions will guarantee the safety of this personal medical data. 
              • User-friendly experience – The target audience’s desired product is taken into consideration by software designers and user interface designers. Software designers can also consider specific aspects of an application to make it more alluring and interactive. 
              • Customizable features – Customization is the buzzword right now, and custom software provides it like no other. Customer feedback is prioritized, and the generated product is more streamlined and efficient. Customized software will handle specific problems, and this aspect makes it attracts and brings in more loyal customers or patients. 
              • Quality of diagnostics – Technology is well known for its brilliance in efficiency. Diagnostics run by a customized software solution have proven to have outstanding quality and accuracy because these solutions imbibe knowledge from innumerable sources and compare results faster. Hence, healthcare providers can proffer improved healthcare if they rely on custom software solutions. 

              Read more: How Can Custom-Made Software Provide Superior Customer Service In The Healthcare Industry?

              Healthcare

              Understanding Healthcare Software Development 

              Healthcare software development is the creation of any software for the healthcare sector to facilitate hospitals and improve equipment management. It also helps with administering electronic records, managing health records, providing diagnoses and treatments, improving patient care, and reducing costs. 

              Healthcare software development plays an important role in everyone’s life. For doctors – it reduces paperwork and increases collaboration with other specialists. For patients – it enhances patient outreach, improves healthcare quality, and eases access to medical data. Lastly, it improves medical business management and streamlines management processes for organizations. 

              Healthcare organizations, just like any other organization, have their own set of challenges that cripple them. Custom Software can address most of these challenges and fix them. 

              • Cyberthreats – The skyrocketing rate of cyber security attacks threatens to endanger the personal medical data of patients and, ultimately, the reputation of a healthcare center. Custom Software can fix this with its exceptional security firewalls and customized cyber security.
              • Patient Experience – When patients experience favorable care, they are more likely to heed medical advice and this is essential for better healthcare outcomes, boosting patient retention rates and lowering malpractice risk. Custom software can help here, too by enhancing the user experience and user interface by creating more interactive, customized, and enticing products. 

              Key Considerations for Healthcare Software Development

              Now that we have established the importance of custom healthcare software development, here are some key considerations:

              1. Compliance And Security – 

              Medical records are very sensitive data, and it is the responsibility of the healthcare facility to protect them carefully. Abiding by the international security laws of HIPAA, PCI, and IOS is a must, along with deft investments in specialized medical data security. Ensure that your partner conducts adequate software checkups to detect any potential vulnerability.

              2. User-Centred Design – 

              Customized healthcare software’s main target is its audience, so focusing on their comfort or ease is a top priority. Inclusivity of all kinds, from senior users to less literate users, is a crucial thing to keep in mind when designing an interface for the organization. Properly incorporated user-centered designs are vital for an intuitive and efficient workflow. Software Designers usually build a simple and easy-to-use user interface (UI) and a user experience (UX). 

              3. Interoperability and Integration – 

              Interoperability, in simple words, is the ability of a software or system to work compatibly with other products and systems. It helps facilitate organized and effective data exchange between data systems. To avoid complications with regard to personalized information or reports of customers while sharing data between systems, especially when introducing new versions of the same software to different platforms, efficient interoperability is important. 

              4. Scalability and Flexibility – 

              Scalability and flexibility are other critical considerations to remember. It is imperative to design a product capable of scaling up as your healthcare organization grows. Ensuring that your customized software developed is flexible and can change and segue according to wavering customer demands. 

              5. Data Analytics and Insights – 

              Data analytics is essentially the process of studying raw data in order to determine trends and enable enhanced decision-making.  This transformation of data done by custom software into insights can drastically leverage data to enhance decision-making, patient outcomes, and overall operational efficiency.

              Read more: AI in Healthcare – Know what’s trending and what’s upcoming!

              Steps in Custom Healthcare Software Development

              Let’s now get into the development itself. Here are some steps to ensure that the development goes smoothly and provides the best outcomes: 

              1. Requirements Gathering and Analysis – 

              It is always best to make a detailed analysis of your organization, its needs, and budgets before diving into a custom software development project. Consult well-versed software designers and healthcare professionals, jot the requirement details, and communicate with your team members to obtain an unbiased perspective.

              2. Design and Development – 

              In this step, the analysis generated is used as input and software infrastructure for implementing software development. Software developers first draw a synopsis of the details for the application, including specific aspects such as User interfaces, System interfaces, Network and Network Requirements, and Databases. 

              Following close behind the design stage is the development stage. It is the stage where coding starts and all components of the software are implemented. The use of agile methodologies and interactive interfaces to improve user satisfaction, flexibility, and feedback incorporation is crucial during this phase of development. 

              3. Quality Assurance And Testing – 

              The testing period begins at the end of the coding stage. Here the modules are circulated for testing. Although testing may not seem like a necessary step, skipping it will ultimately result in the downfall of software. The developed software should be tested thoroughly, and developers fix any vulnerability discovered. There are various tests that need to be conducted after coding of software; these include – functional, usability, and security testing. 

              4. Deployment and Training – 

              After the product has been sufficiently tested, the software is deployed into the market or organization scheme. In the case of UAT (User Acceptance Testing), a production environment is created, and the customer, along with the developers, partakes in the testing. 

              Case Studies

              Fingent has been a leader in custom software development for the healthcare sector and has created unmatched solutions for its clients. Here are a few examples:

              A Data Analytics Solution for NHS: With the wide range of hospitals under its governance, the NHS required a data visualization tool that would help them compare healthcare performances across the hospitals and showcase the best ones. Fingent helped develop a solution that was customized to the NHS’s specific needs and designed an application with interactive visuals and real-time access to insights. 

              Fingent’s portfolio includes top-notch solutions like this, including an online engagement platform for NovitaCare and a patient care solution to promote effective communication in the healthcare ecosystem. Working with clients globally, Fingent has been able to have a direct impact on simplified patient care, operational efficiency, and cost savings for healthcare providers. 

              Future Trends In Healthcare Software Development 

              The future evidently holds great plans for healthcare software. We have only skimmed over the uses and possibilities that technology has introduced to healthcare; there are so many more possibilities.  

              1. AI in Healthcare

              Artificial Intelligence is the most beneficial factor of technology for the healthcare industry. It can effortlessly mimic human cognition in analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating complex medical data. AI can perform data analysis through the healthcare system and can be widely used to predict patient admissions and improve clinical workflows. 

              2. IoT in Healthcare

              IoT (Internet of Things) has the potential to enable healthcare professionals to supervise their patients more accurately. It can equip healthcare workers and professionals with the tools to deliver excellent care and treatment to patients. Exploiting this technology and several tech-powered wearables that enable real-time tracking, end-to-end connectivity, and remote monitoring are some of the other areas that IoT will assist.

              Summary 

              Healthcare Software Development benefits institution staff, patients, and administrators. Although it might seem quite diverse and may come across as a daunting task, with the right partner on your side your journey will be successful. 

              Look for a partner in Fingent, and we will help you navigate the complexities and compliances that come with the development of healthcare software solutions.

              Reach out to us today, and let’s get talking. 

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                About the Author

                ...
                Vinod Saratchandran

                Vinod has conceptualized and delivered niche mobility products that cater to various domains including logistics, media & non-profits. He leads, mentors & coaches a team of Project Coordinators & Analysts at Fingent.

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                  Augmented Reality in Retail:
                  Use Cases & Business Benefits

                  Try Before You Buy: Creating Interactive Retail Shopping Experiences with AR
                  Imagine waking up to a record sales conversion on your eCommerce portal! Your customers are 20% more engaged and satisfied with the shopping experience. Your business gains boosted customer trust, brand value, and improved ROI!
                  Yes, it’s possible with Augmented Reality!
                  Augmented Reality in Retail is revolutionizing shopping experiences expeditiously! With AR in retail, customers can interact, customize, and engage with products better, so that they make the right purchase decisions. Nike’s Virtual View is one top example of how WebAR in Retail boosts customer engagement and trust!
                  But of course, it’s only natural to be a little skeptical before investing in any new business technology. That is why we bring you a detailed guide on what is Augmented Reality, and how your Retail and eCommerce firms can smartly deploy and benefit from augmented reality services !

                  What is Augmented Reality?

                  Simply put, Augmented Reality (AR) superimposes digital content and information onto a user’s real-life scenario to enhance their virtual experience of the existing physical environment. The improved version of the physical world is attained by leveraging the capabilities of the computer-generated display, visuals, sound, text, and graphics which augments the user’s real-world experience.
                  AR will allow you to search things visually by simply pointing out mobile cameras toward objects in real-life surroundings. The Live View feature in Google Maps is a leading example of how AR allows users to visualize their destinations in the real world. Nintendo’s Pokémon Go App and the photo filters on Facebook and Snapchat are some of the popular examples of AR today.
                  However, AR is not just a gaming or navigational application. Several industries today, including consumer products and retail, are implementing AR to improve their operational and marketing abilities. Leading ecommerce brands, as well as in-store retailers, are highly investing in AR to build and deliver top-notch brand experiences.
                  By 2024, the number of mobile AR users will reach 1.73 billion.
                  billion
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                  By 2024, the number of mobile AR users will reach 1.73 billion.

                  Why Is Augmented Reality Important In Retail and eCommerce?

                  Millennials are the core shoppers today, and they need services at their fingertips! Standing in long queues to grab that limited offer is off the trend! Now shoppers love to book it first online.
                  With Augmented Reality in Retail, online shopping experiences takes a new turn. Customers get to virtually try on items, customize and interact with the products better so that they make quick and smart purchase decisions. Getting complete satisfaction with online shopping increases brand trust immensely, giving retailers an immediate boost to expedite sales! The more reasons to implement AR in Retail!
                  0 %

                  40% of consumers say they would pay more for a product that they could customize in AR.

                  What are the Latest AR Trends in Retail?

                  Today’s customers value personalization and convenience over pricing and product. Augmented Reality allows brands to develop smart retail experiences that influence their customers’ buying decisions.
                  AR makes online selling easier and more comfortable by creating virtual simulations for users to interact with a product, just like how they try a fashion outfit in a physical store. Using AR, retail customers can virtually visit their favorite brand stores, try products, and make comparisons, without leaving the comfort of their homes.

                  Top AR Trends in Retail Today

                  AR will enable retailers to deliver impactful, well-timed, and relevant user experiences that increase customer value, both in physical stores as well as in ecommerce!

                  Enriching Customer Experiences With Smart Malls Of The Future!

                  Watch more on how your business can leverage AR for a unique and smart mall experience!

                  Why is AR a Powerful Retail Sales Channel?

                  By 2025, nearly 75% of the global population and almost all people who use social or communication apps will be frequent AR users. AR adoption will see growth in these four key areas:
                  But why use AR for retail?
                  Research shows the top reasons why customers return their products.
                  AR-integrated ecommerce websites and applications can run on any smartphone allowing customers to contextually experience every product at scale. Immersive product discovery experiences lead to better conversions as retailers can capture shoppers’ attention at the decision-making stage.
                  Brands that implement AR for Retail Sales will see:
                  AR offers shoppers innumerable options to interact with consumer products in a more personalized way. Customers aren’t anymore held back by a limited number of product images and videos. With AR, every single online session can be turned into a powerful sales channel.
                  Capture shoppers’ attention at the decision-making stage | Allow shoppers to personally interact with products |
                  Turn online browsings into powerful sales channels
                  0 %

                  32% of consumers use AR while shopping!

                  How Does AR Increase Sales in Retail?

                  AR use cases in retail are growing in leaps and bounds. Across the B2C, D2C, and B2B realms, AR will bridge the gap between online selling and the customer experience in the following ways.

                  Warehouse Space Optimization

                  AR can improve complex warehouse operations by streamlining warehousing management activities such as order allocation and picking, inventory control, material handling, and packaging. Using an interactive 3D warehouse layout, retailers can improve their warehouse planning.
                  • Locate products and process orders faster.
                  • Quickly extract necessary information (order number, trolley number, deposit bin information, passage numbers).
                  • Expedite loading and unloading processes.
                  • Achieve zero-delay deliveries through warehouse optimization.
                  • Increases your sale orders and drives revenue.

                  Virtual Fitting Rooms

                  Virtual fitting rooms allow your customers to try on clothing items, jewelry, and other accessories even if they don’t visit your physical store. Even without touching an item, shoppers can see the size, style, and fit of apparel before they buy it. According to Shopify, an omnichannel shopping experience powered by AR nudges online shoppers to spend 10% more.
                  • Superimpose the visuals of your items on live video feeds for your customers.
                  • Create a virtual dressing room using Augmented Reality features.
                  • AR-powered virtual mirrors can save valuable retail space in your brick-and-mortar stores.
                  • Avoid the need to set up separate trial rooms.

                  Placement Previews

                  IKEA Place App’s AR feature allows customers to visualize how a new piece of furniture will fit their space. After selecting an item from IKEA’s catalog, the customer can point their mobile camera anywhere in their surroundings to see the furniture’s placement, adjust it from different angles, take photos, and share it with their friends for feedback.
                  • The highly interactive preview experience keeps users motivated throughout the buying journey.
                  • The seamless and fluid experience will encourage customers to return for more purchases.
                  • This automatically boosts customer loyalty and brand recognition.
                  • Guarantees conversion ten times more.

                  Route Optimization

                  Not just online and shopping experiences counts to customers. When products are delivered quickly and smartly, there are much more chances for a customer to build their trust in brands. With AR enabling effective navigation capabilities, routes can be optimized for seamless delivery channels.
                  • Develop AR-powered apps that enable the delivery teams to plan their travel smarter.
                  • Plan shortest route options, traffic updates, map views, and more.
                  • Support your delivery partners with additional assistance just from their smartphone cameras, leading them to the right routes.
                  • Ensure no package delivery goes missed or undelivered.

                  Interactive AR Packaging

                  AR-enabled interactive packaging offers consumers a highly engaging shopping experience that will boost ecommerce and in-store sales. Customers could scan a QR code on the retailer’s package to understand the latest offers and discounts, new product roll-outs, or read the brand’s story. Jack Daniel Distillery’s smart AR packaging allows users to take a closer look at their whiskey-making process and explore their growth story.
                  • With AR, product packages aren’t throwaway junk anymore.
                  • Encourage users to scan QR codes on food packaging to get exclusive recipes and cooking videos of top chefs.
                  • Use interactive AR techniques to encourage shoppers to recycle packages and share their product experiences with others.

                  Interactive Business Cards

                  AR takes your plain business cards to the next level by allowing you to add 3D objects, interactions, animations, and powerful virtual components on top of your physical business cards. When you point your smartphone camera toward the card, you can see an interactive display of your business profile. AR allows you to incorporate numerous features into your V-card such as videos, audio, images, 3D objects, social links, animations, and URLs, besides your contact info and designation.
                  • Stand out from your competitors and provide prospects with instant resources.
                  • Increase curiosity and prompts your clients to access more information about your business.
                  • Immersive and unique experiences in the real world improve your business’s credibility and doubles lead capturing.
                  • Interactive business cards shorten the sales cycle and increase customer appointments and engagement.

                  Complete Product Information

                  AR allows superimposing additional product information that your customers may not get easily in physical or online stores. Processing product information is the most significant aspect that influences a customer’s buying decision. Customers want to know if the products they buy will fit their purpose. Top automotive brands such as Mercedes Benz and Hyundai use AR-powered digital car manuals to explain automotive features in a highly interactive way.
                  • Digitally delivering the right information will simplify the product discovery process for the consumer, boosting sales.
                  • Customers can avoid scrolling through large user manuals.
                  • Pointing to a specific feature with mobile cameras will provide the necessary information required to impact the buyer’s decision.

                  The age of analyzing products via videos and images is gone! Customers now need more! With AR, realtors can bring their products closer to their customers, enabling them to interact with the items meanwhile establishing added brand value and customer trust!

                  - Venkatesh Alagarsamy, AR, VR, MR, Metaverse Expert, Fingent.

                  Real-World Cases Of Boosted Customer Experience with AR

                  AR Taking Cabin Manufacturing To New Heights: Use Case

                  Complex designs, large customer requests, and inaccurate floor plans often challenge and restrict the operational efficiencies of shed and cabin manufactures. Leading players of the industry are now trying to implement modern approaches at each stage of their process to streamline functions and improve performance. How can AR help in this?
                  With a customized software solution featuring 3D web configurators
                  • Customers can build and design their own sheds using AR
                  • Automate floor plans
                  • Reduced human errors
                  • Streamline planning of cabin constructions
                  • Estimate pricing accurately

                  AR Powered apps for E-Commerce: Use Case

                  Over 20% of customers deny online shopping because of the fear of wrong purchase decisions.
                  How can Fingent help?
                  • Interactive mobile apps enabling 3D preview of objects
                  • Agnostic web solution for Ecommerce
                  • No restrictions on a wide range of product displays
                  • Improved customer engagement and interaction
                  • Personalized shopping made possible from anywhere
                  0 %

                  61% of consumers say they prefer retailers with AR experiences.

                  Augmented Reality vs. Virtual Reality

                  Many people use Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality interchangeably thinking that both technological concepts are the same. Though both AR and VR help creates immersive and interactive experiences, both are different in their own niches.

                  Augmented Reality

                  • Augments the real-world experience of the user
                  • Creates virtual experience by overlaying digital content on top of what the user is already seeing
                  • Detects markers such as barcodes or QR codes to deliver AR animations to specific user locations
                  • Explored best with smartphones
                  • AR SDKs empower mobile apps to detect and capture real-time user environments
                  • Reflects true-to-life conditions and real-life scenarios

                  Virtual Reality

                  • Creates a fully-immersive virtual environment
                  • Total immersion is accomplished by shutting the user from the real-world
                  • Virtual Reality Modeling Language or VRML experiences delivered via a client-side interface to simulate virtual environments
                  • Explored best with a VR headset
                  • VR SDKs allow users to navigate pre-loaded and cloud-stored streams by using controllers and environment trackers
                  • Virtual representation of real-life conditions
                  0 %

                  Augmented Reality Boosts Online Shopping Sales Up To 200% - Forbes

                  Augmented Reality In Retail: Why Is It Picking Up Steam In Today’s Digital Age?

                  AR will boost your customers’ trust and drive their purchasing confidence.

                  Real-time product visualizations and virtual trials ensure that retailers are able to deliver products that match their customers’ expectations. AR reduces your marketing costs and increases your customer satisfaction.
                  AR retail experiences will eliminate the friction between sellers and buyers and maximize the probability of purchasing. When customers receive their orders as expected, it will decrease your product returns.
                  The rise in ecommerce demands delivering more successful online experiences. Retailers leveraging augmented reality can rest assured that they aren’t left behind in the competition.
                  Interactive virtual experiences arouse your customers’ curiosity and motivate them to explore your products. AR experiences such as virtual try-on persuade customers to come back and shop for additional products.
                  AR-enabled shopping experiences collect insightful data on customers’ shopping patterns, buying behavior, interests, and preferences. Retailers can use these insights to run targeted marketing campaigns and develop more personalized products.
                  The demand for contactless experiences triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic is here to stay. As people are more concerned about their personal hygiene and contamination risks, retailers can employ AR to connect with their customers and keep the show running.
                  Customers place emphasis on the value they get when buying from you. CX is the key brand differentiator that boosts customer loyalty today. With AR, you can optimize every customer touchpoint to deliver unmatched CX.
                  AR ecommerce apps can serve as your shop assistants and sales agents that take you through product features and benefits. You don’t have to hire expensive labor for showing the customer around, as AR does the heavy lifting.
                  0 %

                  71% of consumers say they would shop more often if they used AR.

                  Fingent’s AR-enabled Applications for Retailers

                  Be it in-store or ecommerce, Fingent top custom software development company, enables retailers to deliver seamless shopping experiences to their consumers by leveraging technology to the fullest. Our AR retail solutions effectively bridge the gap between consumers and sellers:

                  Augmented Reality Reshaping eCommerce!

                  What more on how you can smartly and seamlessly deploy AR for your eCommerce!

                  How Fingent Can Help Your Business Build Intuitive Apps With AR

                  With our expertise around ARKit for iOS Platforms, Spark AR, Lens Studio, Vuforia, Web AR Solutions, and AR Core for Android Platforms we help create powerful user experiences that fetch a competitive edge.

                  eCommerce

                  Bring the “Wow” factor to your eCommerce with virtual try-ons, preview placements, AR filters, and more!

                  Healthcare

                  We help you deploy AR to improve medical training, pediatric MRI evaluation, venipuncture procedures, dentistry, and more!

                  Equipment Maintenance

                  With AR connect faster with your machines to work smarter at reduced costs, and effective time management.

                  Most Common Q&As on AR in Retail

                  Augmented Reality streamlines retail operations to make shopping easier and convenient for both online and offline buyers. AR replaces physical fitting rooms with virtual try-on solutions and allows consumers to configure products based on their preferences. AR modernizes retail marketing through personalized content delivery and offers contactless purchasing options which will boost online sales.
                  3D product visualizations and “try-before-you-buy” digital experiences allow retailers to reduce the cost of returns that affect their ROI. Retailers can develop 3D animations and visual simulations to improve consumer awareness and influence buying decisions. AR helps retailers analyze customer behavior, test their product samples, boost brand engagement, and augment sales.
                  Full-fledged 3D experiences can improve product research and discovery which will result in more sales. Retailers selling automotive, home furniture, consumer electronics, and lifestyle products can drive traction and make unique selling pitches through AR. Studies prove that AR increases the average product (images and videos) viewing time from 30 seconds to eight minutes. Linking purchasing decisions with the shopper’s emotions will eliminate their doubts about the product and increase your sales volume.
                  According to Snapchat, 76% of consumers believe that AR will play an integral role in future shopping, with 57% of consumers planning to increase their AR usage in post-COVID times. AR improves a retail brand’s discoverability and increases a consumer’s likelihood to purchase after an immersive experience. AR experience educates and motivates customers at multiple points in the shopping journey, thereby influencing their purchasing decisions.
                  Today, every retailer needs to pursue an omnichannel retail strategy that revolves around customer-centricity. This requires retailers to personalize their offerings in the best way possible. AR can simplify your personalization efforts as it’s a highly user-centric technology that tremendously transforms the way you market and sell. Augmented retail strategy improves both your business’s bottom line and customer experience.

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                    About the Author

                    ...
                    Author

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                      Today we live in a world where machines possess an extraordinary ability to learn, reason, and make decisions, much like the human mind. This remarkable realm of technology known as Artificial Intelligence is not merely a product of science fiction or futuristic imagination. It has become an awe-inspiring reality that is transforming the landscape of countless industries.

                      But that’s just the tip of the AI iceberg.

                      In mobile development, AI can transform your customer’s device into a personal shopping assistant, a language guru, or a creative photographer all in the blink of an eye. 

                      The integration of AI in mobile app development doesn’t stop there. 

                      It unlocks a realm of possibilities for your customers, from personalized virtual assistants that organize their life, to fitness apps that act as their personal trainers, to healthcare apps that monitor their well-being.

                      But how do we understand the concept of AI in mobile apps?

                      Unraveling Artificial Intelligence in Mobile Apps

                      Simply put, AI is like the brain behind the scenes, making your apps smarter and more interactive. 

                      One of AI’s superpowers is Machine Learning (ML). It’s like a super adaptable brain that learns from data and experiences. Machine learning algorithms analyze massive amounts of information to get better at tasks. They can recognize patterns, make predictions, and even understand your preferences.

                      Another clever component is Natural Language Processing (NLP). It’s like an AI language translator that allows you can talk to your app, ask questions, and it magically understands and responds. NLP allows your AI sidekick to grasp the meaning behind your words, making conversations with your app feel more human-like. 

                      How does it help?

                      Read more: Understanding NLP: Will It Reign Supreme In Near Future?

                      NLP

                       

                      From Mundane to Marvelous – Benefits of AI In Mobile Apps

                      Weaving the powers of AI into your mobile apps can enhance user experience. How? Like a brilliant and intuitive companion, AI-powered mobile apps can provide personalized recommendations. AI algorithms analyze user behavior, learn their tastes, and curate a world of suggestions. 

                      Plus, it learns and grows with them. The more your customers use your apps, the smarter those apps become, tailoring their suggestions to your customer’s ever-changing whims and fancies and predicting their move, and effortlessly serving up what they need.

                      Read more: https://www.fingent.com/blog/is-ai-powered-mobile-app-what-you-need-for-your-business-now/

                      Key Applications of AI In Mobile Apps

                      AI brings a layer of intelligence to your apps that takes them to the next level. Here are some key applications that this has made possible: 

                      1. Voice Assistants and Natural Language Processing

                      40% of mobile users use voice search at least once a day. – Comptia.

                      Natural Language Processing (NLP) enables the integration of voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa into mobile apps. No matter how they phrase it, NLP enables your app to decipher the meaning and context of their spoken words. 

                      It is capable of unraveling the intricacies of slang, deciphering accents, and even understanding complex sentences with multiple layers of meaning. It’s like having a language expert at your beck and call. But it doesn’t end there. NLP allows voice assistants to learn from every interaction, becoming more intelligent over time.

                      2. Personalized Recommendations

                      AI algorithms can analyze user data to provide personalized recommendations in mobile apps by utilizing machine learning techniques:

                      • Data Collection: Mobile apps collect user data through various means, such as user registrations, app usage tracking, explicit ratings, and implicit signals like clicks, views, and interactions.
                      • User Profiling: Such data is used to create user profiles that capture individual preferences, interests, and behaviors. 
                      • Pattern Recognition: AI algorithms can identify similarities based on factors like item attributes, past behavior, and user demographics.
                      • Recommendation Generation: Based on the identified patterns, the algorithms generate personalized recommendations. For example, in a music app, the algorithm might suggest songs or artists similar to the user’s previous listening habits or recommend popular tracks among users with similar tastes.

                      The benefits of personalized recommendations for user engagement and satisfaction are significant:

                      • Enhanced User Experience: Users are more likely to discover new content they enjoy and spend more time using the app.
                      • Improved Discovery: Personalized recommendations help users explore new music genres, discover new movies or shows, or find products that suit their tastes, leading to greater satisfaction.
                      • Time and Effort Saving: With personalized recommendations, users can find relevant content more quickly and easily.
                      • Increased User Retention: When users receive preferred recommendations, they are more likely to remain engaged with the app. 
                      • Business Benefits: Personalized recommendations result in improved conversion rates and increased customer loyalty.

                      3. Image and Video Recognition Tasks

                      AI plays a crucial role in mobile apps across industries, including e-commerce, social media, entertainment, gaming, and more. For example:

                      • Facial Recognition: This technology is widely used in mobile apps for various purposes, such as authentication, photo tagging, and personalization.
                      • Object Detection: With AI algorithms, mobile apps leverage object detection for a range of purposes, such as visual search and safety features.
                      • Augmented Reality (AR) Experiences: AI algorithms are employed in mobile apps to enable applications like virtual try-on for shopping, gaming, and navigation.

                      Read Case Study: How Fingent helped build a unique mixed reality application for a leading university that enables users to identify people using facial recognition!

                      Facial Recognition

                      4. Intelligent Chatbots

                      The integration of AI-powered chatbots in mobile apps revolutionizes customer support and interaction by enabling efficient and automated communication with users. Using AI algorithms, chatbots recognize the intent behind user queries and quickly search and retrieve relevant information to address user queries effectively.

                      Success Stories

                      Mobile apps have been able to enhance user satisfaction, drive revenue growth, and achieve operational efficiency, resulting in their success in the mobile app market. Here are some examples:

                      1. Instagram

                      Instagram, one of the “big three” social media platforms, utilizes AI algorithms to provide personalized content recommendations in the Explore tab. This greatly improves user engagement by helping users discover relevant posts and accounts. AI is also used for content moderation, and identifying and filtering out inappropriate or spammy content, thus creating a safer user environment.

                      Impact: AI integration in Instagram has contributed to increased user engagement by facilitating content discovery and improving user safety by detecting and removing harmful content. Today it is 4th most used social media platform and 5th most visited website.

                      2. Uber

                      Uber, a ride-hailing platform, employs AI algorithms to optimize its dynamic pricing system. Machine learning models analyze supply and demand patterns, traffic conditions, and historical data to determine surge pricing, ensuring efficient allocation of drivers and meeting high-demand periods.

                      Impact: AI integration in Uber enables efficient pricing strategies, ensuring the availability of drivers during peak demand and generating increased revenue for the company.

                      In 2022, Uber experienced substantial growth with a revenue of $31.8 billion, marking an 82% increase from the previous year. Furthermore, the number of completed trips also saw an increase, with Uber drivers recording 7.6 billion trips, exceeding the previous peak of 6.9 billion trips in 2019. 

                      3. Amazon

                      Amazon, a leading e-commerce platform, extensively uses AI across its mobile app for personalized product recommendations, dynamic pricing, inventory management, and fraud detection.

                      Impact: AI integration in the Amazon app has led to increased user engagement by providing relevant product suggestions, improved customer satisfaction through personalized experiences, optimized pricing strategies, and enhanced operational efficiency.

                      In Amazon, it was observed that there is a 42% likelihood of a customer proceeding to a prospective product purchase. On the other hand, Walmart and Etsy have recorded figures of 16% and 13% respectively.

                      Amazon’s Alexa has taken over the world’s smart speaker industry, by securing an impressive 26.4% market share.

                      Emerging Trends in AI For Mobile Apps

                      Emerging trends in AI for mobile apps are shaping the future of mobile app development. Here are two key trends:

                      1. Edge Computing: Edge computing involves processing data locally on the device or in nearby edge servers, reducing the reliance on cloud computing. This trend enables AI-powered mobile apps to perform complex tasks and analysis directly on the device, leading to faster response times, enhanced privacy, and reduced dependency on internet connectivity.

                      Implications: The increasing adoption of edge computing enables apps to respond quickly to user inputs, process sensor data in real-time, and provide immediate feedback, leading to faster and more seamless experiences.

                      2. Federated Learning: Federated learning allows AI models to be trained collaboratively on decentralized data from multiple devices without transferring sensitive user data to the cloud. Each device performs local model training, and only model updates are exchanged, ensuring privacy and data security.

                      Implications: Future advancements will likely include greater transparency, explainability, and fairness in AI algorithms to ensure user trust and mitigate potential biases or discriminatory outcomes.

                      Personalize, Engage, and Future Proof with AI

                      In this era of technological revolution, artificial intelligence stands as a beacon of innovation and possibility. AI integration in mobile apps offers compelling benefits such as personalized experiences, improved user engagement, increased efficiency, advanced functionalities, data-driven decision-making, competitive advantage, and future-proofing. 

                      These reasons make AI integration a strategic choice for app developers looking to deliver exceptional user experiences and drive the success of their mobile app projects.

                      By partnering with Fingent, you can leverage our expertise in AI and mobile app development to unlock the transformative potential of AI in your app projects. From custom travel apps to apps using AI enabled chatbots and virtual assistants, Fingent has created unique solutions for clients across the globe. Our commitment to delivering tailored solutions, adherence to data privacy, and end-to-end services make us an ideal choice for AI mobile app development.

                      Contact us, the leading custom software development company, and let’s explore the possibilities together.

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                        About the Author

                        ...
                        Tony Joseph

                        Tony believes in building technology around processes, rather than building processes around technology. He specializes in custom software development, especially in analyzing processes, refining it and then building technology around it.He works with clients on a daily basis to understand and analyze their operational structure, discover (and not invent) key improvement areas and come up with technology solutions to deliver an efficient process.

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                          “A simple rule: always give people more than they expect.”    –  Nelson Boswell 

                          The cycle of business starts and ends with customers. Keeping them satisfied and happy is the number one rule of any business that dreams of being successful. Customer needs and expectations never cease, so businesses should always be prepared to meet and exceed their needs. Artificial Intelligence has been a substantial help in this area since the late 19th century, and it consistently finds new innovative ways to amplify its presence in modern businesses.

                          Meeting Customer Needs and Exceeding Expectations

                          Recent research reported that a good number of executives have already planned to invest more in rising technology to gain a competitive advantage. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, almost all businesses were forced to move to an online platform to survive, further underscoring the need to adopt AI technology.

                          It is extremely imperative to recognize and address the needs, desires, and emotions of people which change from moment to moment. Businesses have to provide their customers and clients with care beyond purchases and respond to the intricacies in their lives. In a world that moves forward so fast, it’s best not to fall behind.

                          Read more: Realizing Self- Service in Modern Customer Experiences

                          self-service

                          What Is Artificial Intelligence and How Does It Impact Customer Experience?

                          The textbook definition of Artificial Intelligence is – a semblance of human-like intelligence processed by machines, especially computer systems. AI is used by developers to:

                          • efficiently perform mundane tasks that humans otherwise do.
                          • connect with customers.
                          • recognize patterns.
                          • solve problems.

                          AI Customer experience is when artificial intelligence tools are used to learn about customers and improve their business experience. The AI technologies that are famously emerging include machine learning, natural language processing, automation, chatbots, virtual assistants, and even enhanced customer experience platforms.

                          There are three major ways in which AI impacts Customer Experience –

                          1. Better Understanding Of Customer

                          Artificial Intelligence combined with machine learning enhances the gathering and analyzing of social and factual data of customers, which then facilitates businesses to gain an accurate understanding of their customers. AI is known for continuously learning and improving from the data it surveys. This enables it to predict customer behavior perfectly.

                          2. Real-time Decision Making

                          Making decisions in real-time is the ability of AI to collect fresh data from current interaction with a customer and make a decision with near-zero delay. It is a very effective marketing strategy and often leads to predictive analysis, which is the process of analyzing statistics, data mining, and modeling to make accurate predictions.

                          3. Hyper-Personalization

                          Artificial Intelligence, along with all its advanced technologies, proffers content that is specifically relevant to the customer. This eradicates the need to search for services the customer requires manually and adds a layer of comfort to the business and its customization techniques.

                          Top Ways Businesses Use AI To Tweak Customer Experience

                          Following are the top 8 utilities that Artificial Intelligence provides to boost customer experience –

                          1. Personalization

                          Businesses can easily gain a clear picture of their customer preferences and requirements by using AI and ML technologies which acquire and analyzes social, factual, and behavioral data. AI is built to predict client behavior by regularly surveying and improving the data it collects. This facilitates companies to analyze customer demographics and personal preferences. This, in turn, highlights the relevant products and resources during the browsing process.

                          2. Chatbots

                          A chatbot is a conversational AI using machine learning and natural language processing. It is automated and programmed to pretend to be human and carry out programming tasks based on specific triggers. Its unique ability is to conveniently and efficiently generate conversations between two people.

                          The most commonly found type of chatbot is a “question-answer bot” —this form of chatbot refrains from using advanced artificial intelligence but instead accesses a smaller knowledge base and utilizes pattern recognition.

                          Artificial Intelligence powered Chatbots make a business’s presence accomplished by allowing customers to find what they are looking for while simultaneously delivering a seamless experience.

                          Did You Know: 35% of customers want to see chatbots being used more often to improve communication and offer a better experience overall.

                          The best examples of Chatbots are – Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, and Google Assistant.

                          Using simple rules and past interactions, bots provide insightful replies to any query, making their responses accurate, short, and creative.

                          3. Predictive Analysis

                          Predictive analytics, by definition, is to use data collected to predict a business’s future. It utilizes statistical algorithms blended with internal and external data to foresee future trends, ultimately enabling businesses to optimize inventory, enhance delivery times, boost sales, and reduce operational costs. A more accurate and punctual prediction occurs when Artificial Intelligence is added to the mix. Predictive analytics can be used by advanced analytics tools and machine learning models across any industry or business function.

                          4. Voice Recognition

                          The voice recognition model functions purely with the aid of AI to

                          • analyze the user’s voice and language,
                          • learn the words spoken,
                          • and then bring forth outputs with transcription accuracy as text data on a screen or model content.

                          With the help of this technology, devices can interact and respond to human questions in uncannily natural language.

                          With the ability to understand and converse with human language, Voice AI has opened up great opportunities for businesses to serve their customers better. It efficiently speeds up processes, increases productivity, and scales operations.

                          Approximately 55% of virtual assistant users prefer speech recognition apps be they proffer a complete hands-off operation of devices.

                          Examples of businesses that integrated AI for voice recognition and have successfully replaced touch-screen devices are – Amazon Echo, Siri, Google Assistant, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and a few others.

                          5. Sentiment Analysis

                          A sentiment analysis system collects specific customer feedback and uses it to improve company products and services. When AI technologies are fused with this system, it can identify objects or situations that customers feel any negative emotions towards as expressed in text. AI understands the undertone of a statement rather than simply noting a negative or positive connotation.

                          Sentiment Analysis is majorly utilized by marketers to better understand their consumers’ sentiments, beliefs, and motives perfectly to make advertising to specific groups effective. It has a wide array of benefits ranging from patient insights and online reputation management to competitor analysis and product development.

                          Almost all social media platforms use Sentiment Analytics powered by AI. This way brands and companies can keep track of the content being shared and censor or filter content that could evoke negative emotions and cause problems.

                          6. Customer Journey Mapping

                          A customer journey map as the name suggests, is essentially the visual representation of the customer’s journey from brand discovery to purchase and post-purchase. It enables businesses to retrace a customer’s footsteps and see where their services might need any improvements or upgrades.

                          All through this journey, AI and Machine Learning play a vital role in ensuring a headache-free shopping experience. There are three essential stages to customer shopping: the Pre-Purchase, purchase, and post-purchase. With the assistance of AI and ML, customers thread these maps and help brands analyze and prioritize activities that impact customers, boosting internal collaboration and coordination.

                          The benefits of creating a customer journey map are that it helps:

                          • streamline the customer experience,
                          • optimize customer service costs,
                          • accelerate proactive sales solutions to customer problems, and lastly, boost customer retention rate.

                          Examples of businesses using customer journey mapping are – Home Depot, JPMorgan Chase, Starbucks, and Nike.

                          7. Fraud Detection

                          Fraud detection is another surprising area that AI has a distinguished hold over. AI can work with internal security to help organizations improve and protect corporate activities. Businesses can use AI to examine large quantities of exchanges and unravel misrepresentation patterns.

                          In the case of online fraud detection and prevention, machine learning consists of a collection of AI algorithms that are specially trained with the company’s data to suggest risk rules. The business owner can then enforce the rules to block or allow certain user actions, such as suspicious logins, identity theft, or sketchy transactions.

                          When fraud detection is handed over to AI and Machine Learning, businesses reap great benefits like – faster and more effective detection, reduced manual review time, faster predictions with bigger databases, and cost-effective solutions.

                          8. Personal Data Protection

                          AI and Data Protection are like two sides of the same coin; both are very important, and one cannot progress without the other. We all see and know that AI technology is advancing rapidly; it raises important questions about the use of personal data and the protection and storage of said data in AI systems.

                          AI is frequently used to minimize the risk of privacy breaches by encrypting personal data and detecting potential cybercrime incidents. It is, therefore, pivotal for businesses to maintain a balance between technological advancements and artificial intelligence with respect for data protection rules and guidelines.

                          The main benefit of Data Protection Artificial Intelligence is the elimination of human errors and its keen sense for spotting new trends and patterns.

                          Amazon, Apple, Facebook, IBM, Microsoft, and many other grandiose organizations have implemented this system, and many more are predicted to follow.

                          Read more: How AI and ML are reshaping customer experience.

                          AI and ML

                          AI In Action – Use Cases

                          AI has been implemented in virtually every facet of our lives and in every industry imaginable. Here are 3 Use Cases that will give you a gist of how they can be applied successfully.

                          1. Chatbots Creating Engaging Learning Experiences

                          Learning experiences become unique and personalized when the right assistance is provided at each stage of learning. That’s where leading educational institutions are now deploying Automated Intelligence-driven ecosystems to facilitate students to interact with AI-enabled Teaching Assistants (AiTA). The system, when tightly integrated with other Teaching Assistant Bots, enables improved interaction, easy instructor-led training, and enhnaces student-instructor relationship.

                          2. Simplifying Claims Management for Legal Firms

                          A typical compensation claims processing takes up to three years for case settlement costing an average of $85000. It’s often challenging for legal firms to balance time, money, and the cases in hand. That’s why they are now implementing AI and machine learning to improve performance efficiency. Utilizing AI and machine learning to settle claims can help legal firms reduce costs up to 57%.

                          3. Netflix Gets You!

                          Netflix is the largest streaming platform, with more than 200 million customers globally. It gained a majority of its popularity due to its personalization feature. This streaming service uses AI to create a personalized home screen interface for individual subscribers and accounts. When viewers create a new account, they are directed to pick a few of their favorite TV series and movies. The AI at the crux of Netflix analyzes the data fed to it and provides recommendations similar to the favorites picked by the user. It continues to customize the suggestions displayed based on what the user watches.

                          4. Rolls-Royce Rolls Out Smart, Responsible Manufacturing

                          To exemplify the impact of AI on Predictive Analytics, we can look at Rolls-Royce, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of aircraft engines. It deployed predictive analytics to help drastically reduce the amount of carbon produced in its engine’s product while simultaneously optimizing maintenance to assist clients and keep their planes flying longer.

                          5. Ask Julie!

                          Ask Julie” is Amtrak’s virtual assistant. Amtrak, the national passenger railroad company of the United States has implemented this chatbot to the best advantage. Ask Julie has successfully helped provide Amtrak provide a seamless customer experience to “over 375,000 customers on their website each day and over 30 million passengers on over 300 trains each year.” The result – an 8X return on investment, more effective customer services. and reduced email costs.

                          Finding The Right AI Partner – A Few Tips

                          Digitalizing a business can be very daunting, especially when you want to integrate Artificial Intelligence into its core. Finding a partner who understands you and can communicate well with you is quite hard to find, but you must not give up hope! Keep looking because it is better to spend a little more at the start and have a quality setup rather than spend less and have a wobbly foundation that could jeopardize your whole AI implementation. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while looking for a capable AI partner –

                          1. Priorities

                          When looking for your potential AI partners, choose someone who can help the business and its employees prioritize and manage workloads.

                          2. Comprehend The Difference Between Machine Learning And Artificial Intelligence

                          Although the two may sound like they perform the same functions, do not be fooled. They each have their own region of expertise so look for someone who acknowledges that.

                          3. Invest In The Right Tools

                          In the current economy, businesses can not afford to splurge money on luxuries. Pick a partner who understands your company’s budget and can plan a perfect setup for you.

                          How Fingent Can Help Seamlessly Leverage AI For Customer Experience 

                          Artificial Intelligence is a wide ocean of opportunities, if you have the right swimming gear, you can glide on its surface. Making the right decisions and trusting the right people with your projects should not be taken lightly. Fingent is committed to providing impactful software solutions to meet business goals seamlessly. Our certified experts focus on client-centered transparency and offer complete services with a wide range of Artificial Intelligence capabilities. Our team can boost your business to be more efficient and robust through intelligent technology. We have nearly two decades of experience and completely understand our client’s needs and requirements. Give us a call and let us know how we can help you.

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                            About the Author

                            ...
                            Tony Joseph

                            Tony believes in building technology around processes, rather than building processes around technology. He specializes in custom software development, especially in analyzing processes, refining it and then building technology around it.He works with clients on a daily basis to understand and analyze their operational structure, discover (and not invent) key improvement areas and come up with technology solutions to deliver an efficient process.

                            Talk To Our Experts

                              SAP is widely known for its brilliant abilities and functionalities, the foremost being Data Analysis. The newest version of SAP ERP is the SAP Data and Analytics Solution. It has been making great strides in helping businesses make sense of their data and make intelligent decisions.

                              But before we dive into that, let us briefly understand what SAP is.

                              What is SAP ERP?

                              SAP, or Systems Applications and Products in data processing, is a powerful tool revolutionizing data handling. Its extraordinary data integration capabilities have helped businesses streamline data flow while storing common information securely and efficiently.

                              As SAP has evolved, it has become an ERP software compiled of many fully integrated modules that have found vital applications in human capital management, data analysis, production planning, plant maintenance, quality management, and more.

                              Read more: SAP S/4HANA: The Definitive Guide!

                              SAP S/4HANA

                              Understanding SAP Data and Analytics Solution

                              Now that we clearly understand what SAP is and what it does let us look into SAP Data and Analytics Solution. SAP has taken the same approach as any reliable technology that would find room to grow and improve itself. SAP Data and Analytics Solution titled SAP Datasphere was launched on March 8th, 2023.

                              SAP Analytics for cloud, also called SAP Datasphere, is a cloud-based Business Intelligence (BI) tool designed by SAP Company to provide all the vital functionalities of an analytic tool to business users.

                              Carefully engineered by SAP, this tool provides analytics compatibility from data received from various databases. This tool essentially converts the raw data collected from the transactional system into comprehendible insight to assist business owners in making better decisions.

                              The SAP Analytics feature solely depends on data algorithms, programming, and operations research to get data insight and to find meaningful information from data cumulated from multiple data sources. This data insight and information ultimately leads to better business planning and forecasting.

                              Key features provided by SAP Datasphere are – Business Intelligence, Augmented Analytics, Planning, Modelling, and Smart Transformation. Some benefits that business owners can reap from this solution include – high market profitability, more accuracy in the decision-making process, reduced downtime and performance obstructions. This is a reliable solution for many challenges faced by businesses.

                              How SAP Data and Analytics Solution Helps Businesses Maximize Data Value

                              SAP solutions are famously known for making the collection, storage, management, and analysis of Big Data from multiple sources easy and seamless. It takes out the complexity of data management with its suite of products and enables businesses to handle greater chunks of structured and unstructured data. SAP uses powerful AI-driven analytics, and this is an added benefit to organizations that want to enhance operational efficiency and customer engagement.

                              SAP’s new platform, in addition to all its predecessor’s capabilities, also allows businesses to gain meaningful insights into customer trends and likings in order to navigate smarter decision-making across the organization.

                              With SAP Data and Analytics Solution, a business can get greater value from their data in three notched forms:

                              1. Database

                              It effortlessly streamlines and upraises your landscape with advanced database technology that provides flexibility, multi-cloud support, and mixed workload processing to deliver impressive results.

                              2. Data Management

                              It caters to a set of technologically advanced tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning and The Internet of Things (IoT) to identify, compile, analyze, and draw out the most context-relevant data throughout the business enterprise.

                              3. Analytics And Planning

                              Finally, it freely gives people the power and freedom to discover, plan, and act on real-time on-site insights with technologically advanced tools to assist with planning and analytics. All this is combined with a trusted semantic layer.

                              Watch more: How ERPs like SAP help CFOs make crucial decisions simpler!

                              Overview Of SAP’s Analytics Tools

                              Among SAP’s many nifty and beneficial tools are three major analytics tools – SAP Lumira, SAP Business Objects, and Analytics Cloud. We will now look at the basic functionality of these tools and what they bring to the table.

                              1. SAP Lumira

                              SAP Lumira, earlier known as SAP Visual Intelligence, possesses many unique features allowing it to visualize and analyze data from many different sources. In a short period after IT had prepared a robust data model and exposed it to a Presentation Layer tool, business users flocked to create impactful visualizations with numbers, charts, filters, and rankings.

                              2. SAP Business Objects

                              This tool is a more centralized data reporting, visualization, and sharing suite. It transforms chunks of data into meaningful insights and is available anywhere at any time. Using a flexible architecture, the SAP Analytics platform simplifies, personalizes, and creates dynamic information consumption.

                              3. Analytics Cloud

                              SAP Analytics Solution with Analytics Cloud combines analytics and planning with a unique integration, allowing seamless access to multiple data sources. This tool facilitates trusted insights and integrated planning processes throughout the enterprise to help business owners make quick, informed decisions.

                              How To Identify the Right Tools for Your Business Needs

                              Selecting the right SAP Analytics Cloud tool for your business can be a daunting job, but it can be made easy by keeping these pointers in mind:

                              • It is imperative first to analyze your business needs. Gather your organization’s tech team, its investors, and all the people you need to make this decision.
                              • Once you have sorted out what aspects of your business could use a little push or improvement, scout out a suitable partner to team up with.
                              • Next, do a thorough background check on your new potential business partner and ensure that you contact referrals before you trust your business’ future in their hands.
                              • Lastly, take any advice your SAP service provider may offer and keep communication clear.

                              How Fingent Can Help in Leveraging the Best SAP Data and Analytics Solution

                              Fingent’s certified experts focus on client-centered transparency and offer complete services with a wide range of SAP products.

                              Selecting the perfect SAP product fortifies the success of your business. A few extra benefits you receive by partnering with Fingent are – improved security, efficiency in task completion right to the deadline, automation of the data collection process, and an overall 55% gain in productivity. Want to know more?

                              Give us a call, and let us help you.

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                                About the Author

                                ...
                                Ashok Kumar

                                Ashok leads Fingent’s SAP Consulting practice for ANZ, SE Asia, The Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and other global clients. More specifically, he helps companies improve operational efficiency by enhancing their digital cores and improving their application integration. Ashok has amassed over 20 years of leadership and consulting experience having worked with Global giants like SAP, IBM Consulting, Capgemini, & Oracle in his previous assignments. Connect with Ashok via LinkedIn and learn how your business can excel with recent SAP trends.

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                                  Custom Accounting Software Development: Understand The Steps, Costs, and Benefits

                                  What is Custom Accounting Software? Why is It Essential?

                                  Custom accounting software is a tailor-made software program designed to address your business-specific accounting needs, such as cash flow tracking, tax calculation, internal auditing, financial transactions, invoicing, reconciliation, business analysis, reporting, and more.
                                  Streamlined accounting is the lifeblood of your business. It boosts your profitability and productivity. However, most accountants end up spending their precious time on countless spreadsheets and mind-numbing reconciliation jobs. Custom accounting software saves your accounting department’s time and improves their efficiency by automating several repetitive tasks and adapting to the needs of your business.

                                  Streamlined accounting is the lifeblood of your business. It boosts your profitability and productivity.

                                  Custom Accounting Software Allows You To:

                                  billion
                                  $ 0
                                  According to Reportlinker, the global accounting software market size is expected to reach $45.3 billion by 2028, rising at a market growth of 19.6% CAGR during the forecast period 2022 to 2028. The growing requirement to modernize financial operations is fueling the adoption of custom accounting software.

                                  Custom Accounting Software vs. Off-the-shelf Accounting Systems

                                  Every business is unique in terms of their nature, way of operation, and size. So are the problems faced by each business. Standard accounting system software is not sufficient to handle the unique challenges affecting each business. For example, some companies want an application to streamline their inventory and asset management, while some require a solution for invoice processing or payroll management.
                                  Traditional accounting software solutions offer a one-size-fits-all approach that fails to address specific business cases. They provide a set of standard features which can’t be customized to handle your unique needs. This is where custom accounting software comes into play.
                                  Here’s a quick comparison of custom accounting software vs. off-the-shelf accounting solutions that will help you choose the right option:
                                  Evaluation Criteria Custom Accounting Software Commercial Accounting Systems
                                  Features and Functionalities Exclusive feature list customized to your specific needs Standard set of features built for the mass market
                                  Development Time Long development process, but a guaranteed investment for a profitable future Faster to implement with the vendor’s support
                                  Development Cost Requires significant upfront investment, but the costs will pay off in the long run Moderately priced, but forces the user to pay for unwanted software features
                                  Support and Maintenance Software is fully supported and maintained by your developer Risk of unplanned downtimes, support will be based on the vendor’s terms and conditions
                                  Compliance to Business Built to comply with your organization’s ecosystem and standards Requires a high level of customization and extra components to function
                                  Third-party Integration Enables seamless integration with compatible external apps Inherently inflexible, doesn’t support deep customizations or integrations
                                  Scalability Highly scalable and adaptable to your future business requirements Time-consuming and costly customizations needed to address the rising needs
                                  Data Security Highly resistant to cyber infiltrations, tested thoroughly at each stage of development Vulnerable to cyber attacks and software glitches

                                  Benefits of Custom Accounting Software

                                  Custom accounting software provides your business with a powerful tool to manage volumes of financial information, significantly reduces your cost of operation, and improves your business efficiency. Tailored accounting software offers several benefits, including the following ones.

                                  1 Improves Operational Efficiency

                                  Financial accounting software tailored to your business has the ability to process large volumes of data and give accurate results in minimal time. Process automation doubles the efficiency of your internal accounting, so you can complete tasks more accurately and faster. Leaving the time-consuming, automatable financial and accounting tasks with custom software helps you focus on business areas that need more attention.

                                  2 Saves Time and Costs

                                  Custom accounting software allows you to perform more demanding tasks like data entry in less time, so your team can focus on business growth and expansion. Through process automation, the accounting software does all the heavy lifting which helps in bringing down your staff hiring and maintenance costs.

                                  3 Reduces Human Errors

                                  Every business needs an accounting system software regardless of their size or nature of operation. Managing all the financial and accounting functions by hand is a daunting task which will increase the chance of human errors. Custom accounting software helps perform all the functions with unmatched technical accuracy and efficiency, thereby reducing the chance for manual errors.

                                  4 Better Financial Reporting and Monitoring

                                  Manual methods used to reconcile data and prepare financial reports could take your valuable time forever. You can automate this mundane task with the help of custom accounting software. Automated report generation helps you get instantaneous reports in a few clicks, so you can monitor your company’s financial performance in real-time. This helps you identify and solve problems beforehand and make life-saving decisions based on accurate insights.

                                  5 Higher Return on Investment

                                  Implementing custom accounting software requires significant upfront investment, but it will end up paying off. When you buy a canned software, you will have to purchase additional hardware and pay extra for software integrations to make it function the way you expect. Custom accounting software is designed to suit every specific need of your business. You are free to choose the features that you require and fit within your budget. Moreover, the custom software developer provides you with dedicated support and maintenance without charging extra dollars.

                                  Deliver Top-Notch Banking Experiences to Your Customers!

                                  Custom Features To Consider in Custom Accounting Software Development

                                  As the name suggests, custom accounting software is designed to serve your business’s specific accounting needs. Based on our experience with custom software development projects, we’ve listed some of the top features that will make your financial accounting software more valuable.
                                  Custom accounting software enables your accountants to generate, receive, dispatch, track, and print invoices right from the software. Your accounting department can track the invoice status in real-time, follow up with overdues, set reminders for recurring invoices, and ensure that your income doesn’t fall through the cracks due to oversight. Customizable invoice templates in the accounting software allow you to quickly create invoices, so you can process them in the order you need.
                                  You can create custom formulas to calculate employee salaries, bonuses, overtime allowances, commissions, deductions, time-offs, and more using the custom accounting software. This allows your accountants to easily track and record payroll amounts and create customizable employee payment schedules for each month or for a specific time period.
                                  Accurate financial reporting helps understand how your company is getting along through the highs and lows. Configurable dashboards displaying real-time updates on cash inflows and outflows, stock performance, department-wise performances, general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, current asset value, and other important financial aspects help you make better forecasting and budgeting decisions. Automation, along with highly customizable reporting templates help create reports more quickly and accurately. For instance, reports like balance sheet, profit and loss statement, tax summary, equity changes, revenue recognition, customer statement, and more are made accessible at your fingertips through the custom accounting software.
                                  Tax calculation based on user-defined parameters and region specific tax rates and regulations has always been an accountant’s nightmare. Custom accounting software makes the whole process easier by automating tax calculation based on custom formulas. Let it be VAT, sales, income, withholding, or any other form of tax, rule-based and region-specific tax filing can be done on time with the help of custom accounting software. You can also set up periodic tax payment schedules to avoid huge penalties and compliance risks that could affect your business.
                                  Streamlined inventory goes a long way in reducing your expenses and adhering to your budgets. Real-time tracking of raw materials, goods in-production, finished products, and goods moving in and out of your warehouses located in multiple regions is an important feature that any accounting software should offer. Inventory records based on purchase orders and returns will also help you understand which of your products are doing well in the market and which ones aren’t. Automated and optimized inventory workflow enables you to avoid stock-outs and react quickly to customer needs.
                                  Integrating your account software with important business management systems, such as CRM, ERP, e-commerce application, HRM, asset and inventory management system, bank accounts, and electronic payment applications will simplify your accountant’s job. The best part of using custom accounting software is that it’s designed to comply with all the other platforms that you would require for accurate asset calculation and faster bank reconciliation.

                                  Go-to Integrations for Custom Accounting Software

                                  We work with our clients to build them a holistic custom accounting software integrated with their corporate financial planning systems and multiple transaction sources, so they benefit from error-free accounting as well as time and cost savings.

                                  1. CRM Integration

                                  Accounting software-CRM integration will allow your accounting department to track all the sales orders, quotes, invoices, customer data, payment terms, quantity and price of goods ordered. Your team doesn’t have to manually dig out the entire data from your CRM as the integration helps auto-populate the same data into your accounting software.

                                  2. Inventory Management Integration

                                  Integrating inventory makes your accounting software capable of generating stock position reports in real-time. You can track how your inventory is being purchased and utilized, which of your products are fast-selling or slow-moving, how you can avoid embarrassing out-of-stock situations, and maintain more accurate records on inventory values.

                                  3. Asset Management Integration

                                  It’s important for your business to know the levels of utilization, maintenance, and depreciating value of fixed assets. By integrating custom accounting software with your asset management system, you can track the position and value of your assets.

                                  4. Procurement System Integration

                                  Procurement management, also known as the source-to-settle process, can function effectively only when it’s integrated with sourcing, supplier management, contract management, risk management, requisitioning, purchasing, invoice processing, and accounts payable. The integration works best when you choose to develop a custom accounting software.

                                  5. Cash Management System Integration

                                  Integrating your account software with your cash management system ensures that all the journal entries in your general ledger and sub ledgers are up-to-date with real-time data on financial transactions across operating, investment, and financing activities of your organization.

                                  6. Financial Planning and Analysis System Integration

                                  With a single source of true financial performance data, you can make accurate and insightful decisions related to financial planning, forecasting, and budgeting. By integrating your custom accounting software with analytics and reporting, you don’t have to switch between multiple tabs and applications to gather the right data.

                                  7. HRM and Payroll Integration

                                  Integration with HRM software helps automate your payroll management, making it easier for your accounting department to calculate salaries, commissions, bonuses, incentives, allowances, tax deductions, and more in a matter of minutes.

                                  8. Bank Accounts Integration

                                  Linking your bank accounts to the custom accounting software allows your team to handle funds quickly without process delays and service interruptions. It makes your bank account reconciliation seamless and faster and also helps in monitoring credit and managing checks.

                                  9. Electronic Payment Gateway Integration

                                  In-app payment options that allow users to make payments without leaving the customer portal is a must-have feature of e-commerce apps and web stores today. Custom accounting software integrated with bank accounts and payment systems allows your customers to pay directly from the application using their cards, credits, payment processing apps, or through their bank account. This enables you to keep a record of payment history and receipts.

                                  Significance of Small Business Accounting Software

                                  Custom accounting software helps automate several mind-numbing and repetitive to-dos, so you get more time to focus on the key areas of your operation. Effective monitoring of financial situations through accurate reporting enables you to plan, identify potential problems, solve challenges, and improve business viability. Tailored accounting software is highly beneficial for small business owners in many ways.
                                  Unlike the traditional manual ledgers and spreadsheets, custom accounting software helps organize your financial data, which makes your turnaround time faster. Data is structured and recorded in a way that makes it easy to find. The software also simplifies data exports and imports and increases the speed of data processing. For example, just by clicking a customer or vendor ID, you can track the bills paid or overdue, transaction history, or any other details pertaining to the user, all in one spot.
                                  With a custom accounting software by your side, you don’t have to juggle multiple applications to track your inventory levels, payrolls, financial statements, employee data, assets, procurements, sale orders, invoices, and more. Personalized account software centralizes the key areas of your financial administration, so you don’t have to implement and maintain separate tools for managing each operation. Centralized financial management helps in saving your time and money.
                                  Personalized accounting system software offers customizable journal entry templates that help you create, evaluate, update, and approve journal entries in the general ledger (GL) as well as subledgers without breaking a sweat. Using the software, you can maintain accurate and real-time records of internal and external financial transactions, multi-currency exchanges, GL balances across multiple branches or business entities, and more. Staying updated with your accounts in real-time helps you detect potential cash flow problems at an early stage and identify customers who could cause a credit problem for your small business.
                                  Custom-built software offers you the freedom to define who could access your data. For instance, you can share access with team members who need to send invoices to clients or who are responsible for paying company bills. Similarly, you can share the software access with your accounting department and professional tax practitioners to save your time and money.
                                  Financial statements like balance sheets, profit and loss statements, credit reports, bank account statements, and cash flow statements come handy especially while asking for a loan or predicting your company’s taxes. With all your business accounting data in one system, report generation becomes much easier. The analytics capabilities of the custom accounting software lets you create complex reports quickly and helps you with proper financial planning.
                                  Cloud-based custom accounting software allows you to manage your bookkeeping ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, invoices, and costs all in one place, and access the required details from anywhere, at any time, using any computing device. You can simply create, send, track, and record invoices or generate expense reports in a few clicks to analyze your company’s financial position using the accounting software.

                                  Types of Accounting Software

                                  Accounting software helps you monitor the financial health of your business and understand your company’s strengths and weaknesses. The software gives complete visibility on your income and expenses as well as sales and profits. If you are planning to choose an accounting software package for your business, it’s important to understand the different types of accounting software and in what circumstances each one should be used.

                                  Spreadsheets

                                  When it comes to managing your day-to-day financial data, Microsoft Excel could be the first tool that would come into your mind. Tools like Google Sheets and OpenOffice also help you with bookkeeping. However, businesses with only basic or minimal financial operations can rely on spreadsheets to manage their accounts. If you have more complex requirements or need to handle complicated accounting procedures, it’s better to build a custom accounting software that can handle all your requirements effectively. Moreover, there is a high risk of data loss, data manipulation, entry duplication, and oversight errors when using spreadsheets. Custom-made software helps avoid such errors through in-built automation and logical workflows.

                                  Commercial Accounting Software

                                  Most of the small and medium businesses worldwide use commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) accounting software. However, most of the COTS software are designed for the mass market and are, therefore, moderately configurable to your business’s specific needs. COTS accounting software can be installed with the help of a consultant and often requires a lengthy installation process. On-site collaboration is required to manage bug fixes, patch updates, and version upgrades. Commercially available software may offer numerous features which aren’t meant for your industry, so you end up paying more on several unused features.

                                  Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software

                                  ERP software is a suite of applications built to manage and integrate your day-to-day business activities. These activities may include procurement, production, project, human resource, finances, inventory, and so on. ERP applications are designed to eliminate the problem of data silos across different teams and departments of a business. However, ERP implementation is required only if you are a large organization managing complex business functions and multiple departments. ERP application is an example of accounting software that provides stakeholders with accurate and real-time data to make informed decisions.

                                  Custom Accounting Software

                                  Custom accounting software development is the right option to go for when your entity’s needs are so specific that they cannot be met by an off-the-shelf solution or a commercial ERP software. The software complies highly with your business’s ecosystem and is scalable to your future requirements.
                                  Custom accounting software supports integrations with complementing software apps, which makes it capable of addressing more unique business scenarios. Instead of spending heavily on third-party licenses and subscriptions, you just have to pay for its development, which means that all rights on the custom accounting software are reserved to its payer.

                                  Is your off-the-shelf (pre-packaged) solution meeting only 60% of your operational business needs?

                                  Cloud-based Accounting Software

                                  Also known as online or web-based accounting software, this type of accounting software operates through a cloud application service provider, leveraging internet connectivity. Businesses using cloud-based accounting software don’t have to make any large-scale hardware investments. You can access the accounting software using your login credentials and make use of the features available in your software subscription package. This type of accounting software is highly beneficial for remote teams and businesses with multiple branches. An example would be Software as a Service (SaaS) based accounting applications that require only minimal upfront investments. The Pay-as-you-go model allows you to start with a small capital and expand later when you anticipate better business growth and profitability. SaaS application deployment takes less time and money when compared to a traditional on-premise system setup.

                                  Steps To Build Custom Accounting Software

                                  To develop and integrate custom accounting software into your business, you must lay out a software development roadmap and deploy a team of experienced software professionals. To learn valuable insights on how to hire the right software development outsourcing partner, read our recent guide on points to consider before choosing the best software development company. To get started with the development process, follow these steps.

                                  Step #1Define Your Idea

                                  Got an excellent idea for your small business accounting software? It’s the first step to start your development project. Expand your idea into an actionable strategy. Motivate your team to take the initiative, brainstorm ideas, perform analysis, and identify the practical functions and features that would be needed in the accounting system software.

                                  Step #2Design The UX/UI of Your Software

                                  After assessing the project idea, the next step is to work on the prototypes and design mockups. The cost of software development is often based on the number of features the solution requires. As a business owner, you can ask your custom software development partner to design mockups or prototypes of the accounting software according to your business needs. Working prototypes allow you to decide the required and essential software features during the project’s initial phase itself. This helps avoid time-consuming reworks and redesigns. Once the software’s framework and future design are accepted, you can determine the accounting software’s functionality.

                                  Step #3Prepare a List of Features and Functionalities

                                  Prepare a list of features and functionalities and share it with your custom software developer. Here are some of the important features that you could include while building a custom accounting software for your business:

                                  Step #4Develop The Software

                                  Laying out a proper design for your custom accounting software is a complex and time-consuming process. However, using a questionnaire-based development approach, you can simplify the design and development process.
                                  Custom software development companies like Fingent ask their team of designers and QA engineers to compose test cases covering diverse user scenarios before beginning the actual development process. This helps avoid software bugs and makes your application more stable and functional. At Fingent, our developers look out for the latest UI/ UX design trends and develop applications using configuration management techniques to ensure that proper software development methodology is being followed throughout the project.

                                  Step #5Deploy and Maintain The Software

                                  Post development, the custom accounting software is implemented and integrated into your environment. The software is made ready-to-use after several rounds of testing and quality checks to ensure the best user experience. Right after implementation, the software may need close monitoring and improvements for a few days to increase its relevance and stability. Most custom software development companies provide you with dedicated application support and maintenance as long as you use the application. The team helps you in resolving issues related to your software’s usability, bugs, and other technical glitches.

                                  Cost of Custom Accounting Software Development

                                  Custom accounting software development cost depends on the software’s features and functionalities, frameworks and toolkits used for development, and various other factors including the ones listed below.
                                  Offshore providers across different countries charge different rates based on their region’s outsourcing regulations. Based on Fingent’s experience, developing a custom accounting software of average complexity costs around $200,000 – $400,000, while personalized financial accounting software development for a large enterprise may require $500,000+ in investments.
                                  0 %
                                  Custom accounting software saves more than 50% of your business’s expenses and efforts.

                                  When Custom Accounting Software Is Your Best Choice

                                  How will you know if your business needs custom-made accounting software? Here is a checklist to help you with the analysis. If you tick any of these boxes, it might just be time to get that ball rolling on a custom software solution.
                                  Ensure compliance
                                  You need a business accounting software that provides 100% compliance with the local regulations in the regions where your business operates.
                                  Data security
                                  If your business handles highly sensitive financial and business data, you need a custom-built software that provides advanced data security features.
                                  Integration with other systems
                                  Your accounting application requires smooth and effective integration with legacy systems or other platforms that you’ve been using for a while.
                                  Intelligent forecasting
                                  You need to make smart and accurate general ledger predictions by account and make timely financial decisions based on real-time data and insights.
                                  Transaction processing
                                  If you want to apply user-specified events into your transaction processing workflow, custom software development is the right choice.
                                  Streamline payroll
                                  Implementing custom rules for payroll scheduling, tax calculations and employee reimbursements is much easier when you have a custom accounting software.
                                  Scalability
                                  Business expansion also means technological growth. It’s not practical to change your software every time a component of your business grows. With custom accounting software, you can easily upgrade the application and add more features as you scale.
                                  Want to enhance your existing software with custom features?

                                  Custom Software Development: Choosing The Right Partner

                                  Choosing the right custom software development company from hundreds of capable contenders is easier said than done. Most of the firms have years of experience, industry knowledge, and technical expertise required to stay relevant in a highly competitive and volatile market. It’s indeed a very tricky job to pick out the right one, but we have tried to make this simple for you with our checklist given below.
                                  Make a precise list of your requirements. Write down what you expect the custom accounting software to do. Talk to your employees and stakeholders to evaluate the problems and analyze the solution. Create an outline of the solution based on your objectives.
                                  Research and list all potential custom software development partners who can deliver the required services. Also, find out from others to see if they have any recommendations. Learn more about each prospective contender, so you get a fair idea of their technical skills, knowledge of their team members, domain experience, project portfolios, awareness of the latest technologies, and work experience in domains similar to yours. This allows you to filter the list and narrow down your research to 4-5 companies.
                                  Assess the software development company’s flexibility to adapt to changing environments. Look up their client base and client relationship history. Ask for customer references who can provide you with genuine feedback. Check out their ratings and reviews on B2B rating platforms like Clutch, GoodFirms, and others. Take a look at their social media content. When interacting with their previous or current customers, try to understand more about their vendor’s communication effectiveness, scheduling and service quality, costs, development methodology, engagement model, and so on. This will help you identify if the potential custom software company’s way of operation and objectives align with your requirements.
                                  How long would it take to develop the custom accounting software? This is a critical question that needs to be discussed before choosing the right partner. For certain circumstances, you will have a deadline that you need to fulfill. Avoid haste and plan all company commitments accordingly and ensure that the software’s quality is not affected to comply with strict timelines. It is recommended that you often reserve additional time for checking and debugging applications before they are approved for widespread usage.
                                  The legal implications of hiring a custom software development partner shouldn’t be overlooked. Ensure this gets done properly during the technical and strategic vetting of the selected company. Keep in mind that the development partner would invariably be getting access to your company’s confidential data, such as intellectual property, business strategy, or trade secrets. Perform extensive background checks to ensure the integrity and reliability of the partner.
                                  Verify the software developer’s security policies, certifications, and accreditation. Before signing a contractual agreement with the firm, understand their terms and conditions properly. Custom software development allows you to own the product entirely unless you decide otherwise. Ensure that all rights on the custom software are reserved to its payer.
                                  It’s important to match your project requirements with the right-sized organization. Not all companies undertake any size of custom software development projects. Find out if the custom software development company’s experience is sufficient to handle your project requirements. Read up their case studies, take a look at their website or visit their online profiles to understand more about them.
                                  Custom accounting software is meant to handle confidential company data. It’s important to understand your software development partner’s physical and cyber data security policies. Find out how they will be handling your data and assets. Review their integrated security and/or IP protection program. It’s good to undertake an intellectual property due diligence enquiry before finalizing the software development vendor to safeguard your enterprise’s IP, and determine which functions need to be kept in-house or outsourced.
                                  Determine if the cost of the project fits your budget. Be sure of the guaranteed ROI, so you won’t go bankrupt after purchasing a high-priced software that automates parts of your business. That said, you don’t have to compromise on the AR quality of the software for low costs either. Certain companies overprice their solutions just to portray themselves as a bigger and better company. Always look for hidden or additional costs in the contractual agreement, such as additional payment for document management, annual setup/ maintenance in addition to monthly support charges, in-person training, etc.
                                  Even the most perfect solutions guarantee only 99.9999% up-time. Unfortunately, there are no 100% perfect solutions. There is always a 0.1% chance of things going wrong after delivery, especially in the case of software. So make sure your vendor company provides direct access to the technical team and offers good support, periodic maintenance, cloud-based updates, software upgrades, and troubleshooting services for a fair period of time after sales.
                                  Most software development companies are willing to provide their customers a free trial to understand the quality of the features, benefits, and usability of the software. This is usually done through prototypes and mockup projects featuring a particular aspect of the envisioned software. Running a pilot project allows you to find out if the software development company is capable of meeting your expectations. Ask the vendor as many questions as possible during the trial phase.

                                  How Fingent Helps

                                  Fingent’s end-to-end custom software development process is tailored to meet our clients’ business needs, challenges, and goals. We understand your requirements and turn your ideas into tangible deliverables with maximum business proficiency. Let it be anything – custom software development, web and mobile app development, cloud migration, enterprise software applications, modernization of legacy software, or SaaS development – we offer innovative and reliable software solutions that will delight your customers, simplify your team’s job, and help your business scale.
                                  Our custom software development experience spans across multiple industries and advanced tech, including data analytics, augmented and virtual reality applications, artificial intelligence, robotic process automation, internet of things, and more. We follow an impeccable workflow and a set of best practices to foster structured software development and reduce the cost of your business operations.
                                  “We don’t simply initiate your project. We step into your shoes and understand your business landscape to give you the most purposeful solution.”
                                  Dileep Jacob
                                  SVP-Operations, Fingent

                                  Frequently Asked Questions on Custom Accounting Software

                                  Custom accounting software is designed exclusively to address your business’s specific accounting needs. The top advantages of customized accounting solutions are:
                                  • Business efficiency improvements
                                  • Reduction in human errors
                                  • Time and cost savings
                                  • Better financial monitoring and reporting
                                  • Faster and accurate data processing
                                  • Seamless integration with other business software
                                  • Anytime, anywhere accessibility
                                  • Improve compliance with tax and legal processes
                                  • Streamlined payroll management
                                  • Better traceability of invoices
                                  There are different types of accounting software designed to meet various small business accounting needs. Some of the leading examples of accounting software are:
                                  • Spreadsheets
                                  • Pre-packaged accounting systems
                                  • Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software
                                  • Online accounting software
                                  • Custom-made accounting software
                                  • Cloud, hybrid, or on-premise accounting software
                                  When choosing to build your own accounting software, you need to keep in mind your business’s long-term growth plans. Make sure that the software you’re going to build encompasses all the features and functionalities that you will require to drive your business in the right direction. For instance, the number of application users may grow from 10 to 100 in no time or you may open new branches of your business. Make sure the custom accounting software is scalable to meet such scenarios. Also, check if the custom software development vendor provides you with an option to add new features or upgrade the software in future.
                                  You can access your accounting software through mobile, if it’s a mobile-enabled application. Most of the custom software developers develop mobile applications if you have a specific requirement for the same. Be it iOS or Android, you can easily access your custom accounting software through mobile. Mobile access allows you to generate invoices, record expenses, manage clients, monitor cash inflow and outflow, and do a lot more even when you are away from your desk.
                                  Yes, you can. Custom accounting software can be integrated with your key business applications, including, ERP, CRM, HRM, inventory, payroll, and so on. Through data flow customizations enabled via APIs and integration plugins, you can easily import or export data to and from your custom accounting software. Discuss your requirement with your custom software development partner to enable seamless data transfer between applications.

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                                    About the Author

                                    ...
                                    Vinod Saratchandran

                                    Vinod has conceptualized and delivered niche mobility products that cater to various domains including logistics, media & non-profits. He leads, mentors & coaches a team of Project Coordinators & Analysts at Fingent.

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                                      For more than a decade, businesses in all industries have undergone a digital metamorphosis. This evolution is marked by a transition from on-premises software solutions to cloud-based computing technology.

                                      By leveraging cloud-computing resources, businesses can gain access to scalable assets, increase organizational performance, and optimize digital agility.

                                      It’s a mistake to think about cloud solutions primarily as software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications. While these technologies are a valuable component of business modernization, they’re only the tip of the iceberg.

                                      Businesses that create their own cloud-native applications can truly harness the power of discrete cloud technologies to deliver long-lasting competive advantages. As their name implies, cloud-native applications are “native” to the cloud computing environment. In other words, cloud-native software development involves creating applications in components optimized for deployment in the cloud instead of a physical computing environment.

                                      What Is Cloud-Native Development?

                                      In simple terms, cloud-native software development is the process of creating applications using core cloud-computing principles and resources. The architecture of cloud-native applications is highly scalable, responsive, and dynamic.

                                      Cloud-native applications are designed to be deployed and run in cloud computing environments, and as such, they offer a number of benefits to developers. Some of the advantages of developing cloud-native applications include:

                                      • Scalability: Cloud-native applications can easily (and often automatically) scale up or down to meet changing demand with consistent performance levels, making them well-suited for applications with fluctuating usage patterns.
                                      • High availability: Cloud-native applications can be designed to be highly available, meaning they can withstand failures and continue to function even in the event of a hardware or software failure.
                                      • Elasticity and Agile development: Using independent microservices isolates the effects of changes, making it easier for developers to iterate on their products and respond to customer needs.
                                      • Cost efficiency: By leveraging the economies of scale offered by cloud providers, businesses can reduce their infrastructure costs and invest in building and improving their applications.
                                      • Integration with cloud services: Cloud-native applications can easily integrate with other cloud-based services, such as databases, messaging systems, and analytics tools, which can simplify development and improve the functionality of the application.

                                      Overall, the main advantage of cloud-native applications is that they are designed to take full advantage of the capabilities of cloud computing environments, which can help developers build and deploy applications more quickly, efficiently, and at lower costs.

                                      Additionally, many cloud-native applications are “cloud-agnostic,” meaning they can be run on a range of cloud providers (hyperscalers) or function in multi-cloud environments. Much of the appeal of cloud-native software development lies in the ability to yield adaptable and versatile applications. Sometimes applications can benefit from services that are only available from certain cloud providers, which risks “vendor lockin,” so it pays to consider the trade-offs carefully.

                                      Read more: Can Moving to Cloud Native Improve Business Agility?

                                      cloud native

                                      Why Modern Businesses Need Cloud-Native Development

                                      Like on-premises computing resources, software created with traditional application-development practices are bound by the limits of that technology. As such, they can’t provide the quality of experience that modern audiences expect.

                                      Additionally, applications developed in an old-school environment often need re-factoring to try to match the performance of cloud-native alternatives when the former is introduced to a cloud environment.

                                      By leveraging cloud-native development services, modern businesses can facilitate their digital transformation on a faster time horizon. Cloud-native processes enable businesses to serve their customers better and deliver a frictionless user experience.

                                      Top businesses in virtually all industries leverage cloud-native development. Those that neglect to do so will fall further behind these trailblazers and find it challenging to maintain a foothold within their respective markets.

                                      Adopting cloud-native processes is no longer an optional step—it’s become necessary for businesses that want to thrive in the digital marketplace.

                                      Top Benefits of Cloud-Native Software Development

                                      Your business can tap into the multiple benefits of investing in cloud-native software development. Specifically, your organization can:

                                      1. Streamline the User Experience (UX)

                                      When the goal of cloud native is to develop applications that can serve your business while adjusting to the speed of changing technology, the end user is always the priority.

                                      Because of the improved speed of development and the ability to make changes during the development process, cloud native puts UX first. While there are many ways to enhance the UX, investing in cloud-native development is one of the most effective approaches.

                                      2. Improves Development Strategy

                                      Cloud-native applications enable developers to leverage two essential UX-centric methodologies: continuous integration (CI) and continuous delivery (CD).

                                      Continuous integration is the process of merging code changes using automation. Multiple developers can merge code changes into a centralized project to streamline app development and generate a cohesive, fully functional product.

                                      Continuous delivery addresses post-release application software updates. Instead of occasionally pushing out massive updates, CD involves delivering smaller updates more frequently. This short-cycle approach improves software delivery and performance while yielding a super UX.

                                      Moreover, microservices can be easier to implement with quality assurance automation, which elevates achievable levels of code quality.

                                      3. Protect Business Continuity

                                      Making dynamic, user-friendly applications a central part of your business model can give you a competitive edge in the modern marketplace. However, if your application goes down, customer frustrations will mount, and your brand could experience lasting reputational damage as a result.

                                      Since cloud-native apps can tap into stand-alone, scalable cloud resources, these products are far less likely to experience extended outages due to spiking utilization. Developers can more rapidly isolate and remedy the issue, as well as rapidly test changes when a cloud-native app experiences downtime, thereby protecting business continuity.

                                      4. Meet Evolving Demands for Services

                                      In the digitized marketplace, it seems as if customers’ expectations and demands are in a constant state of flux. Unfortunately, it can be difficult — if not impossible — to pivot rapidly using legacy application development processes.

                                      Cloud-native architectures can give your organization the agility it needs to respond to sudden shifts in customer expectations. For instance, you could add a new feature that enables customers to communicate easily with your brand. You could also frequently update your app’s capabilities to improve overall performance and stay relevant in the digital marketplace.

                                      Read more: Cloud-Native Application Development: How It’s Powering App Delivery

                                      cloud native application

                                      When Should Businesses Shift to Cloud-Native?

                                      The short answer is “yesterday.”

                                      In the long run, cloud-native software development outperforms traditional application development practices at every turn. Cloud-native development reduces risk, has broader scalability, and allows developers to make changes more quickly. Most notably, the speed of delivery is far and above one of the most compelling advantages of shifting to a cloud-native approach.

                                      Your organization is undoubtedly using cloud-based computing resources in at least some capacity. You can complete the transition by modernizing your cloud-native development processes, too. Doing so will empower your business to regain a competitive edge within your respective industry.

                                      At the same time, one should consider the downsides of cloud applications. Some cloud-native applications can be more complex than traditional applications, due to the need to integrate with multiple cloud-based services and manage distributed systems. This can create more opportunities for something to fail.

                                      While cloud native applications can be cost-effective they can also be more expensive than traditional applications in certain situations, particularly if they require a large number of resources or if they have high usage patterns.

                                      The Nexus Between Cloud-Native Development and Business Modernization

                                      Today’s customers want the freedom to interact with brands across multiple touchpoints. This holds true whether your target audience consists of individual consumers or business-to-business (B2B) clients.

                                      Modern businesses live up to this customer expectation by providing their clients access to user-friendly, intuitive, and dynamic applications. These organizations can expand their reach in the digital marketplace, connect with a broader audience, eliminate friction from purchasing processes, and generate more revenue, all by transitioning to cloud-native development.

                                      Conventional, monolithic application development practices often present a significant hurdle to large-scale integrations, digital transformation and business modernization efforts. Your business can’t achieve its digital transformation goals without fully embracing the cloud-computing environment and its many resources.

                                      Examining the Business Impact of Cloud-Native

                                      The notion that cloud-native software development is the new gold standard isn’t just pure conjecture. This fact is supported by numerous case studies and research projects, including a recent business impact brief by 451 Research.

                                      In the brief, the organization’s team reported that:

                                      • 64% of companies develop at least half of their applications using cloud-native technology
                                      • 49% of companies have partially or fully adopted Kubernetes
                                      • 55% of companies have partially or completely adopted containers

                                      451 Research analysts concluded that cloud-native software development has gone beyond the development process and evolved into a full-fledged methodology. As such, it should continue gaining momentum among brands passionate about actualizing digital transformation.

                                      And that’s just the barest overview. Managers can review 451 Research’s business impact brief by downloading the report.

                                      451

                                      Why Choose Fingent for Cloud-Native Development?

                                      Fingent’s suite of cloud-native software development services is designed to deliver maximum value to our clients. When leveraging Fingent’s cloud-native development services, your organization will experience:

                                      • Consistent, High-Quality Results: As a client-oriented cloud-native development firm, Fingent focuses on providing high-quality, consistent results that exceed expectations. Our robust, agile teams and dynamic quality assurance practices ensure that our deliverables expressly meet your needs and address your most significant organizational pain points.
                                      • Best-of-Breed Solutions: Fingent’s unique approach enables us to provide world-class cloud-native software development services that produce best-of-breed solutions. These cost-effective solutions will align with your budget and delivery timetable. With Fingent, you won’t have any last-minute surprises like budgeting issues or missed deadlines.
                                      • Prebuilt Services: Fingent’s talented team can build truly custom solutions for your organization. However, we can also expedite development by leveraging prebuilt frameworks, applications, and microservices for common functions that are a staple of virtually all industries. Some of these prebuilt services include cognitive AI, shipment, and payment service functions.
                                      • Pay-as-You-Go Models: With Fingent, you can transition away from speculative technology spending — that is, purchasing new machines and acquiring more infrastructure in anticipation that you will succeed. While it’s important to believe in your business and plan for its success, tying up resources on unneeded equipment for months or years will only harm your bottom line. But Fingent enables you to break the cycle of speculative spending and rely more on operational expenses (OPEX). Instead of letting new hardware gather dust in the data center until its eventual use, you can access additional servers on-demand via a cloud-native infrastructure.
                                      • Scalability: As your business grows, you must have the flexibility to support additional users at a moment’s notice. However, scaling IT capabilities can too time-consuming, and costly if you are limited by monolithic software architectures.Take advantage of Fingent’s expertise to create your cloud-native capabilities that are able to support more users in more locations, all while accommodating a dynamic array of devices.
                                      • Speed of Delivery: Fingent can help you stay on top by providing an expedited speed of delivery via cloud-native solutions. Skip the need to field a development team with the right mix of skills but assigning your project to Fingent. We facilitate an accelerated speed of delivery by shifting away from a “big bang” approach to project management when practical and instead focusing on achieving meaningful milestones across the project’s development life. We have the deep bench of personnel needed to keep projects moving ahead at the optimal speed.
                                      • Transparent Project Management: At Fingent, we always keep our clients in the loop. We’ll routinely provide you with updates regarding the status of your cloud-native development project. We pride ourselves on setting firm deadlines and adhering to them.

                                      If you’re ready to achieve business modernization and make your organization a standout player in your industry, take advantage of Fingent’s cloud-native services. Contact us to discuss your latest project.

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                                        About the Author

                                        ...
                                        Dileep Jacob

                                        Dileep Jacob is a Management & IT professional with an entrepreneurial flair. Currently, he is associated with Fingent as the Senior Vice President - Global Operations. With over 22 years of experience, Dileep has been progressively serving the Technology service industry in the roles of Software Engineer, Business Analyst, Manager - Business Development, Senior Manager - Service Delivery, and VP - Operations. Dileep believes implementing the right technologies most effectively can bring transformative and remarkable business results.

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