Author: Jacquelyn LaFrance

Categories
Mobile Apps

Improving Patient Engagement and Wellness with Mobile

As healthcare spending in the U.S. continues to grow (currently nearly 18% of GDP) and as accountability in healthcare becomes a bigger and bigger issue, engaging patient audiences in their care is a bigger challenge than ever. Getting patients to integrate simple, daily habits to benefit their health is key to improving outcomes. While many companies look to foster proactive, instead of reactive healthcare – they are having trouble making these processes easy for patients. But with so many of us so deeply dependent on our smartphones, perhaps mobile technology holds some answers.
 

Private practice physician groups, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers are working to incorporate better technology into their internal processes and patient communications.

 
Beyond EHR (electronic health records) there are many ways to keep patients and families abreast of facility logistics, patient health literacy, and service or surgery preparation.
Take Dr. Partha Nandi for example: by day Dr. Nandi performs endoscopic procedures to diagnose and treat digestive health. On top of his typical practice, Dr. Nandi wanted to better communicate his holistic approach to patient health. Educating the public and his patients is an important part of his business. With an application, Dr. Nandi was able to get his content in the hands of his on-the-go consumers. This internal medicine physician is able to share e-books, educational episodes, and many other patient literacy tools to better serve his audience. A mobile application complements his health delivery model because an important part of health is the ability to make mindful health efforts anywhere, anytime.
health-and-wellness-apps
Mobile apps can also be an option for hospitals to communicate better with their consumers. A hospital Florida wanted to help its audience stay on top of ER wait times, important urgent care information, and mapping of their medical center to help patients and families get around. Knowing that much more time on mobile phones is spent within applications instead of in browsers, they understood the opportunity mobile provided.
Mobile apps are a proven way to seamlessly connect with your community! Healthcare costs and getting better outcomes is an issue for everyone, and health and wellness providers can make their patient experience a digital one. This will save resources and benefit both patients and healthcare providers! To share ideas for your institution’s healthcare app please contact us at sales@jacapps.com .

Categories
B2B Apps Mobile Apps

How Mobile Apps Are Transforming the Construction Industry

According to PwC Global construction output is estimated to grow 85% to $15.5 trillion by 2030. In order to support this increased work load many companies are turning to mobile.
Mobile technology enables the collection and distribution real-time information to benefit a wide variety of processes associated with a variety of construction projects. While the industry evolves, one thing remains constant: construction projects require an enormous amount of coordination of people, information and resources in an environment that isn’t conducive to desktop or even laptop devices.
Construction managers require great attention to detail and the ability to manage many elements of a project at once. This may include keeping track of subcontractors, progress, scheduling, quotes, invoices, schedules, union work rules and more. Historically, pen and paper has been the route many management teams take. When some or all of that information is recorded on paper or in digital systems that can’t accommodate mobile, it takes a toll on time management and productivity.
Mobile technology creates an abundance of opportunity to improve efficiency and accuracy, reduce costs, and accelerate timelines. With the ubiquitous use of smartphones, construction managers can leverage the power of apps to reduce costs and improve the bottom line.
Here are some ways companies have used mobile technology on the job:

  1. Improved communication with dispatch teams: Dispatch is an important part of many construction jobs. Materials, people, and schedules are always changing and always on the go. Mobile apps and GPS capability can help keep track of or send new jobs to the closest technician. Technicians are able to complete work orders directly from the field, reducing data entry time and avoiding costly errors.
  2. Provide real-time access to plans, quotes and orders: Apps can provide two-way access to information allowing construction companies to file electronic versions of work orders, plan clarifications, building code references, by-laws and more for quick access by teams in the field. This improves productivity and reduces the need for re-work.
  3. Improve accountability of team members: GPS locations, staff travel times, and time spent on-site can all be consistently monitored with mobile apps. This improves accountability and reduces labor costs. Companies can also reduce costs with mobile timesheets that record clock-in/clock-out times. To benefit transparency with clients and management, staff can also document their work progress with photos.
  4. Manage equipment more effectively: Equipment scheduling and maintenance can affect a construction company’s bottom line. With a mobile application it’s easier to track and manage equipment use. Users can log equipment hours and keep track of locations to and improve planning and use.
  5. Provide and track safety training: Construction safety features can include the ability to digitize safety inspection checklists, document safety meetings and incidents, and provide instruction in the event of accidents. Up to date training materials (including video) can be easily pushed out to workers on their mobile devices.

construction-mobile-apps
This list just scratches the surface, there are many different uses for mobile apps in the construction industries. At jācapps we have consulted unions, associations, as well as individual businesses on how this technology can be customized to fit organizational goals. If you’re curious about mobile and would like to have a conversation about ways it can be customized to your company’s needs, please contact us at sales@jacapps.com .
 

Categories
Mobile Apps Push Notifications

Are Push Notifications Beneficial to My App?

Many of our clients are looking to increase consumer engagement and loyalty with mobile because of its robust, in-their-pocket connection with consumers. Your best consumers have downloaded your mobile app, but now you want to be able to reach out to them with messages to keep them coming back. Push notifications are a hugely popular way to gain attention and engagement from your consumers. jācapps now offers this capability within our apps at a surprisingly affordable price.

What are push notifications?

Push messages are notifications sent through your application directly to a mobile user’s ”notification tray.” They arrive alongside other important messages from other apps right on the user’s device, without them having to actually open your app. These messages are similar to texts – and have over a 90% open rate. This is why clients in various industries see increased engagement with their app when using push notifications. Why do companies use them?

  • To alert users to news and other timely messages.
  • When sharing deals and promotions.
  • To remind users about important brand messages.
  • And to increase visibility and app usage.

Companies can strengthen their marketing and sales strategy by adding push notifications to their mobile app. With the amount of time consumers spend in mobile apps, and the almost instantaneous delivery of notifications, the possibilities are endless.

The advantages of push notifications include:

  • Wide reach across users

Most of mobile usage is within apps – notifications can reach 9 out of 10 users on average, higher than email and social. Push messages are automatically prioritized with the user’s latest news and updates.

  • Conversion rates

Notifications are converting as high as 40% and are considered a phenomenal marketing tool that can significantly increase sales.

  • Real-time communication

Push notifications offer instant communication with consumers and are great for breaking news alerts, limited-time offers, and event notices when you want to reach your consumers instantly.
 
Now jācapps can include push notifications in applications! For more information on push notifications implementation and pricing contact your sales representative.

Categories
B2B Apps

EVENT – Mobility: Three Important Trends for 2018

Tuesday, July 31st, 2018

Please join us for a networking and informational event where our executives will give brief updates on 2018’s mobile trends. Arrive at 3:00 p.m. for networking. Presentations begin at 3:30 p.m.

jācapps Presentations
Media Consumption Trends – Paul Jacobs, President
What are Apps for Business? – Bob Kernen, COO
Smart Speaker Update – Sari Zalesin, Director of Business Development

Limited Seating – Advance registration required

Cost: Free

Light Refreshments provided, along with summer brew samples from Farmington Brewing Company!

Attendees can enter for a chance to win a smart speaker!!

EVENT FLYER

If you have any questions about this event please email Christopher Dinnan or call (248) 858-1922

For more information about Tech248, visit their website.
Tech248 Mobility in Brief Header

Categories
Mobile Apps Mobile Web

What Does GDPR Mean For My Applications

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) padlock on european union flag

Have you been inundated with notices from organizations addressing GDPR?

We have. Therefore, we wanted to make sure that you are aware of some new regulations around user data privacy, implemented in the European Union, that could affect your app. Our goal is to make sure our clients are abreast on anything that may directly affect their applications.

GDPR: What is it?

European General Data Protection Regulation  – AKA GDPR. On May 25th, 2018, a government update established a new set of laws dictating how companies in the EU collect and use data and handle consumer privacy. It also gives those consumers greater control over their data on the internet.

Fingerprint and personal information inside

This law change, years in the making, sets a new standard for data collection, storage, and usage among all companies that operate in Europe. Currently, GDPR represents one of the most robust data privacy laws in the world.
Many of the ideas outlined in GDPR came from the earlier regulation, and an even older set of principles, which covers the ways consumer information should be used. Those practices have shaped policies in the United States. The United States has historically regulated privacy with piecemeal laws for the privacy of healthcare records, financial documents, and federal communications.

But this is the US – How are we affected?

Does this mean GDPR only affects you, if your consumers live in Europe? Yes and no. On the forefront, GDPR only affects the European Union, meaning the rights outlined within it don’t translate to other countries.
But… you should update your privacy policy and terms of service, in the case that any of your app users may be in the European Union. We encourage you to check with your attorney for specific actions you should take in order to be in compliance with these new regulations.
We have already had clients update their documentation to specifically exemplify EU-located users from their apps with the inclusion of language such as: “This app is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.”
This should be a simple addition to the document hosted on your website.
Additionally, if you are asking users to register for your app or website, consider adding language (on those screens) to the effect of: “By registering (or clicking “Save”), you agree that you are not located within the European Economic Area.” If this functionality is within your app, and not via a web page, please contact us at info@jacapps.com and we can add the language there.
If you do not want to exclude European consumers, your attorney can also help you with that language.
Both routes begin with a call to your attorney and end with a client notice.
Again, the most prudent step is to review this with your attorney and we can then make adjustments to your app based on that advice.
 

Categories
Mobile Apps

jācapps on FOX 2 Detroit

Paul-Jacobs-jacapps-fox-2-detroit

A few weeks ago, Derek Kevra from FOX 2 Detroit visited the jācapps offices and needless to say, our team was excited! The final piece, which aired April 10th on Fox2’s 6PM news, gave Fox’s viewers a taste of what jācapps is all about.
Derek interviewed Paul Jacobs, Bob Kernen, Ben Levy, and Kate Coyle-Levy about where we came from, what we’ve done so far, and where we see both jācapps and the tech industry going in the future.
Paul Jacobs described jācapps as the world’s oldest start-up, but the piece made it clear how far our “started in a storage closet” company has come.. jācapps has built over 1,100 apps – every single one right here in Detroit.
With mobile technology booming we are here to help our clients get to the next level. As Bob Kernen would say, Detroit is where builders and doers are born – we know how to make things, and we know how to make them well. California might be the tech hub of the US, but our “Detroit vs. Everybody” mentality extends to our tech companies.. With or without an Amazon location. 😉
We may have started as a radio app development company but we’ve produced logistics apps to help construction and trucking companies communicate with clients, apps for health and wellness leaders such as Dr. Nandi and ACCESS Community Health, and apps for travel companies.
Now, we’ve got our sights set on App Everywhere® – especially with the boom of Amazon Echo (Alexa) and Connected Car capabilities. These technologies create yet another sensor in which businesses can communicate with their employees and consumers.
We had a blast meeting with some of the FOX 2 team. Check out the official video below, or the FOX2 direct link here.

If you’re interested in us, the apps we’ve built, or a product of your own, contact us at sales@jacapps.com or (248) 353-9030.

Categories
Podcasting Radio

Partner Update: Podcast Movement Relationship Expansion

Podcast Movement 2018

jācapps sister company, Jacobs Media, and the organizers of the Podcast Movement conference announced an expansion of their relationship.  For the 2018 convention this July in Philadelphia, Jacobs Media will be developing 9 sessions over two days targeted at members of the radio industry, doubling the agenda from the 2017 event, which drew close to 200 attendees.
“Broadcasters Meet Podcasters” Comes To Philadelphia In July
Jacobs-Media-Logo“’Broadcasters Meet Podcasters’ debuted last year with a one-day slot, but the interest was so strong from the radio industry, we wanted to take it up a level,” company President Fred Jacobs announced.  “Podcasting represents a tremendous opportunity for the radio industry to expand its content delivery and brands, and Podcast Movement is the best forum to learn about the space and where it’s going.”
Podcast Movement’s Co-Founder/Organizer, Dan Franks, recognizes the important relationship between broadcasting and podcasting, remarking, “We expect the turnout to this year’s event to be the largest yet, due in part to the increased presence of the broadcast professionals.  We can’t wait to see even more new faces in 2018.” Last year, broadcast execs representing Hubbard, Beasley, Cox, Entercom, Emmis, Bonneville, and other key radio groups were in attendance.
The 2018 Podcast Movement will take place in Philadelphia, July 23-26, at the Downtown Philadelphia Marriott.  For more information, and a discount code for the conference, contact Paul Jacobs at Paul@JacobsMedia.com or click here.
Podcast Movement 2018 Logo
If you need a refresher on Podcast listeners and how they intertwine with radio listeners, check out this infographic and the results from last years’ TechSurvey results.
About jācapps: Mobile apps provide versatile solutions for businesses and consumers alike. jācapps has developed over 1000 apps throughout 10 years in the industry. The company’s work goes far beyond smartphones to deliver your message through connected cars, tablets, smart speakers, smart TVs, streaming devices, wearables, through web applications and whatever comes next. jācapps’ App Everywhere® suite allows clients to utilize apps in unique ways, as mobile is put to work for businesses and consumers throughout the technology sphere.
For more information please contact Jacquelyn LaFrance at jacky@jacapps.com
 

Categories
Amazon Echo Google Home Mobile UX Voice Commands

The Importance of UX Without the Screen

UX

In today’s world, brands must increase user engagement, among other priorities, to stay relevant and meet their goals. These goals can be met with a mobile app, but it goes beyond just having an app for your business.

A good User Experience (UX) can mean the difference between success and failure

Many times, when we think of UX we think of wireframes and pretty colors. We consider whether a button color change would increase the purchase rate. But UX isn’t always on a screen. UX goes beyond the screen with audio products.
Designing for the suite of voice apps (Alexa, Google Home, and the HomePod) moves us away from visual representations and takes us to one single sense – sound.
As with all applications, user testing is critical. There are a few common red flags that come up when testing audio. One must make sure the audio demands make sense to the user. They should feel spontaneous and free of fluff. You must consider all the different accents and how they may be mispronounced. There also needs to be solid evidence that people would use the skill.
Done well, the audio platform takes your company and your product, off the screen and into the home.
At jācapps, we understand the end user and how they use mobile in a variety of settings – at home, at work, in the car, etc. We can help you build a UX strategy that works both on the screen and off the screen to reach your audience and keep them engaged wherever they may be.
Reach out to us today by clicking here. You can also give us a call at 248-353-9030 or email sales@jacapps.com.