When set up correctly, blockchain offers a decentralized solution that minimizes intermediaries, enhances transparency, secures data, and prevents unauthorized access. This technology can serve as an alternative to traditional backbones when designing application architectures for Android and iOS. In this article, we will explore how to develop a blockchain application, along with blockchain app examples and costs.

What are blockchain apps?

Blockchain apps, also known as decentralized applications (dApps), run on a blockchain network rather than on a centralized server. They leverage blockchain technology’s properties to provide features that are difficult to achieve with traditional centralized applications.

Mobile blockchain application functionality

Mobile blockchain applications offer a variety of functionality that makes them attractive to users and businesses:

• Data storage. Blockchain technology provides decentralized data storage, which increases security and reliability.
• Smart contracts. The ability to use smart contracts to automate and enforce transaction terms makes everything more transparent.
• Tokens. They represent various assets on the blockchain.
• Transparency. All transactions and operations are open for verification.
• Accessibility. Mobile blockchain applications are available anytime and anywhere, providing ease of use for users.
• Increased efficiency. Blockchain technology reduces transaction and transaction times, improving operational efficiency.

The scope and specifics of the work, the required functionality, and the choice of technologies determine the price of blockchain app development. After the terms of reference are drawn up, an approximate cost can be obtained.

Benefits of a mobile blockchain application

Creating a mobile blockchain app offers some advantages that make it attractive to users and businesses:

• Decentralization and security. Blockchain provides decentralized data storage and a high level of security.
• Transparency and reliability. All cryptocurrency transactions and operations are open for verification, ensuring transparency and reliability.
• Efficiency and speed. Blockchain reduces the time it takes to complete transactions and operations, which improves efficiency.
• Ease of use. Mobile blockchain applications are available anytime and anywhere, ensuring ease of use for users.
• New business opportunities. Blockchain technology offers improved transparency and streamlined processes.

Blockchain can be used to create private networks for internal corporate use and public networks for widespread use. Blockchain technology can be used in real estate, FinTech, energy and sustainability, government and the public sector, e-commerce, supply chains, medicine, and education, as well as in organizing electronic document management.

5 examples of blockchain apps

Here are 5 examples of blockchain apps:

1. Crypto wallets. Crypto wallets are applications that allow users to store, manage, and transact with their cryptocurrencies securely. They interact with blockchain networks to facilitate transactions and provide a user-friendly interface for managing digital assets. Examples include MetaMask, Trust Wallet, and Ledger Nano S.
2. Decentralized Finance (DeFi). Platforms like Uniswap, Aave, and Compound allow users to lend, borrow, and trade cryptocurrencies without intermediaries.
3. Gaming. Blockchain-based games like Axie Infinity and The SandBox allow players to own, trade, and monetize in-game assets using blockchain technology.
4. Supply chain management. Companies like IBM and Walmart use blockchain to track and verify the provenance and movement of goods in the supply chain, enhancing transparency and reducing fraud.
5. Digital identity. Blockchain apps like uPort and Civic provide decentralized identity solutions, allowing individuals to control their own identity and personal data.

Blockchain apps represent a significant shift in how applications are designed and deployed, offering numerous benefits while also posing unique challenges.

How much does it cost to build a blockchain app? 

Let’s take a look at the important points that affect the cost of developing a blockchain application:

• Selecting a blockchain platform. The development cost will depend on the chosen blockchain (e.g. Ethereum, Hyperledger, Corda, etc).
• Complexity of functionality. The more complex functionality required in the application (smart contracts, voting mechanisms, etc.), the higher the cost.
• Design and user experience (UI). Complex design and user interface can increase the cost of development.
• Connectivity with other systems. Integration with other systems can also increase the cost of development.

Here’s a rough estimate of costs based on blockchain app complexity:

• Simple blockchain app: $10,000 – $30,000
• Medium complexity app: $30,000 – $100,000
• High complexity app: $100,000 – $500,000+

Working with experienced blockchain developers like Zartrex Tech and conducting thorough planning and budgeting can help ensure a successful and cost-effective blockchain app development process.

Blockchain application development process: quick overview

Developing a mobile blockchain app requires the following steps for the successful realization of the project:

• Project planning. You must define the goals and objectives of the application based on blockchain technology, analyze user requirements, and manage business processes.
• Selecting a suitable blockchain platform. You identify a suitable blockchain (e.g. Ethereum, Hyperledger, Corda). To make a proper choice, project requirements for your future mobile blockchain app are considered.
• Writing smart contracts. They define the blockchain application logic. Then, you must test smart contracts for security and correctness.
• User interface (UI) design. You develop a user interface that interacts with the blockchain. The usability of the blockchain app must be at the highest level. We at Zartrex Tech, for example, conduct usability testing of every IT product we create.
• Testing and optimization. You must test the entire blockchain application at various development stages. Optimizing app performance and security is also important.

If you need a reliable blockchain app development partner, contact our SoloWay Tech team. We have 15+ experts well-versed in diverse blockchain apps and have many successful blockchain projects behind our shoulders.

Blockchain application development process: interaction models

When building a startup blockchain app, there are 3 main interaction and payment methods: 

• Fixed price. The composition, cost, and timing of work are estimated and fixed at the start of the collaboration. This is possible with a valid requirements specification or terms of reference. The model is most effective in projects where the task is assumed not to change during the blockchain app development.
• Time & Materials. This flexible collaboration model is relevant for projects where a specification or ToR cannot be developed initially. This can happen, for example, due to changing requirements or a lack of time for preparation. In such a case, the blockchain app development cost is calculated when the project is ready.
• Hourly payment. In this approach, you pay for the hours of work developers do during a certain period. This approach is suitable for small projects or cases when you need flexibility in defining the scope of work and deadlines.

Payment is made at the end of each paid period, which allows you to control the budget and deadlines.

How can Zartrex Tech help you develop a blockchain app?

Our Zartrex Tech team is more than just a blockchain-development partner. We’re a reliable cornerstone in the realm of blockchain solutions. Here is what we offer:

• Analysis. We thoroughly analyze and determine the requirements before starting work. We develop the application according to your organization’s goals.
• MVP. We develop MVP as soon as possible so you can start testing the business model as soon as possible.
• Quality control. QA experts eliminate bugs in production. The code is standardized and easy to scale and maintain.
• Cross-platform app. Your blockchain app will work on all popular mobile platforms.
• Scalability. We consider scalability at the early stage of system creation. Later, you can develop the product without major redesigns.
• High load resistance. Your blockchain app will withstand thousands of simultaneous user requests.

Our Zartrex Tech team creates and finalizes blockchain applications in the shortest possible time. Whether you’re a startup looking to tokenize assets or an enterprise seeking to streamline operations through blockchain implementation, we offer comprehensive blockchain-based solutions designed to propel your project forward.

The post How To Develop A Blockchain Mobile App: Examples And Development Process appeared first on Soloway.

Developers are leveraging blockchain to transform traditional game design fundamentally. They’re decentralizing in-game economies, tokenizing achievements, and returning control to the players who drive the gaming world. This shift empowers gamers, giving them a stake in the digital universes they love and play in, making every quest, battle, and achievement more meaningful and rewarding.

What is blockchain?

First, let’s discuss blockchain and its main characteristics. Blockchain is often used in a financial context as something inextricably linked to cryptocurrencies. However, it is not exclusively a financial tool, and its applications can go far beyond supporting cryptocurrencies. 

In general, blockchain is a large digital data registry that stores information about certain assets. But these assets themselves can be, as in the real world, different. They can be cryptocurrencies or digital objects. Cryptocurrencies will have only economic value and will be fully interchangeable (you can exchange one Bitcoin for another, and nothing will change). Still, it will not be possible to simply replace one object with another (for example, two different digital paintings will not be interchangeable).

Such unique digital objects recorded on the blockchain are called NFTs (non-fungible tokens). These include digital game assets (e.g., swords, shields, and cards). Strictly speaking, in theory, there are different opinions on whether fully fungible game assets (e.g., swords that exist in quantities of 100 and have no unique characteristics) should be considered NFTs, but in practice, they are referred to as such.

A blockchain registry has several features:

• Decentralized. No single person/business/entity owns or controls the data in this registry. The data can be seen and used by everyone. 
• Immutable. The data in this registry cannot be changed. For example, Alexander has 10 Bitcoins. Until he spends them or sends them to someone else, he will always have 10 Bitcoins. No one can change this data. Hence, by the way, such a characteristic as transparency/provable ownership history. 
• Provable scarcity. Assets in such a registry are limited in number and cannot exceed the amounts set by their creator. For example, there can only be 21 million Bitcoins. For digital assets, these limits can be anything else; for example, special shields have been created, and there are precisely 100 such shields. 

Since this is a registry of asset data, the characteristic records in this registry will be information about the ownership of these assets and transactions with them.

Impact of blockchain technology on the gaming industry

So, what is blockchain technology’s impact on the gaming industry beyond the immediate changes in game mechanics? 

The main change is the transformation of player ownership of assets. Game assets are no longer tied to games but to the players themselves. Thanks to blockchain’s public and decentralized nature, asset ownership is transparent and protected from hacking. In this way, players’ time and money investments become much better protected. In addition, asset ownership becomes much more valuable by allowing assets to be used in different games. 

The transformation of ownership, transparency, security, and the broad applicability of assets give rise to new economic models and patterns in the gaming industry. However, don’t assume blockchain-based gaming models have no risks or drawbacks. On the contrary, such a link to finance coupled with the explosive growth of this trend is often an attraction for unscrupulous people, and the practical application of this technology in games is often criticized. Some of the drawbacks:

• Exploitation of NFT in unscrupulous schemes. For example, one of the largest NFT marketplaces, OpenSea, reported that about 80% of NFTs created with free tools are plagiarized or spam.
• The focus is on monetization rather than developing the game experience. Most existing blockchain games are monetization projects, where both developers and players focus on making money rather than developing the game experience—story, creativity, etc.
• Environmental damage. NFT transactions are most often conducted on the Ethereum blockchain. This network consumes a lot of electricity, which the company itself has repeatedly acknowledged. It has taken steps to drastically reduce its electricity consumption.

As we can see, blockchain technology has not just impacted the gaming industry. It has transformed it, giving rise to a new round of development at the intersection of gaming and economics. It’s too early to be definitive about the nature of these transformations. Still, they continue to happen before our eyes, and we’re likely to see many more interesting changes shortly.

We also recommend you read our article The Future Of Blockchain Technology In Education.

5 steps you need to develop blockchain-based games

Here are 5 main steps of blockchain game development.

Select a blockchain framework

Begin by selecting a blockchain framework that suits the game’s unique demands. Ethereum is known for its reliability. However, you might also consider gaming-focused blockchains like Ronin. They are designed to support high transaction throughput and low latency, which are critical for an optimal gaming experience.

Develop smart contracts

Smart contracts form the backbone of blockchain games. Developers must ensure these contracts efficiently handle complex game logic, rapid state changes, and interactions between multiple contracts. Optimizing smart contracts for high performance is crucial to managing a large volume of transactions quickly and cost-effectively, minimizing the computational resources needed, and reducing transaction fees (gas fees).

Consider graphics and art style

While the technical aspects of blockchain games, such as the backend and the blockchain system, often take center stage, the importance of graphics and art style should not be overlooked. A game’s visual appeal plays a crucial role in engaging and retaining players:

• Aesthetics matter. Ensure the game looks visually appealing to attract and retain players. High-quality graphics and a consistent art style can significantly enhance the overall gaming experience.
• Target audience. Tailor the art style to resonate with your target audience. For example, a game aimed at younger players might use vibrant colors and cartoonish characters, while a game targeting older players might opt for more realistic or sophisticated visuals.
• Character design. Develop unique and compelling character designs that players can connect with. Memorable characters can enhance the player’s emotional investment in the game.

By carefully considering graphics and art style, developers can create blockchain games that are not only technically robust but also visually captivating.

Establish game economics

Tokenomics is crucial in defining how the native token functions within the gaming ecosystem. This can include using it for in-game purchases or as reward for player achievements and participation. To encourage mass adoption, it’s essential to finalize the token supply and distribution schedule and ensure seamless integration with the game interface and traditional economies.

Implement security measures

Security in blockchain games encompasses protecting gameplay fairness and safeguarding user data and assets. Developers must defend against Sybil attacks and other spam tactics that can disrupt the network. Anti-spam measures like rate limiting, transaction fees, or prioritizing transactions based on token holdings or account age can be effective.

Why choose Zartrex Tech as a blockchain game development company?

SoloWay Tech is a Ukrainian software development company with expertise in numerous domains, from EdTech to blockchain solutions development. Why you should choose crypto blockchain game development at Zartrex Tech:

• Expertise. We have been working in the blockchain industry since 2018 and have gathered a reliable team of over 20 specialists with extensive experience in this area.
• Relevance. We follow industry trends, communicate with leading experts, and attend thematic conferences in different countries.
• Effectiveness. We delve into the business goals of the project. We work out the task comprehensively. We select the best options to achieve the result.
• Transparency. We provide access to our system for tracking work and generate monthly reports on each plan item. Let’s discuss your project!

The post Blockchain Game Development: How to Use Blockchain Technology in Gaming Industry appeared first on Soloway.

This article discusses what a learning management system is, why a business needs LMS, and the learning management system development process.

What is a learning management system?

Learning Management System (LMS) helps put company training on autopilot, speed up the adaptation of trainees, and build a talent pool. Each employee has an account where the company assigns learning materials to him or her. They can learn from their phone, tablet, or computer. 

LMS is a tool that allows you to convert face-to-face training into an online format. For example, webinars can be held instead of training, employees’ skills can be checked through electronic tests, and training courses can be assembled from standards, presentations, and videos. 

Today, LMS is an indispensable driver of digital transformation in education. The cost of a learning management system (LMS) ranges from $10,000 to $ 200,000. LMS development cost depends on the feature set.

Why does a business need a learning management system (LMS)?

Here are five reasons why your business needs LMS:

• Quick adaptation of newcomers. When a newcomer joins the company, the system automatically assigns him or her a training program for the position. For example, LMS will offer courses on sales and company products for a salesperson. For a CNC machine operator, LMS will offer regulations and safety rules. This helps the employee to get into the company’s internal processes faster and less distract colleagues with questions. Training does not depend on the work schedule of the trainer or mentor.
• Training on autopilot. LMS will do all the routine work: remind employees about the webinar with a push message, sign them up for a master class, and check the test results. HR department saves its time. 
• Unified knowledge base. Sample documents, instructions, and standards are in the system and available around the clock. An employee can find the right regulation in time and do everything correctly.
• Qualification check. An online test can be held in LMS to see each unit’s training level. The system will check the answers and show the results of employees in reports: in which topics they understand well and where they fall short.
• Cost reduction. To pump up employee professionalism, a company has to gather them in a training center or send trainers around the branches. An LMS saves money on travel, travel expenses, hotel stays, and renting a training room. Instead, all you have to do is create an online course once, assign it to a team, and see their results on reports.

At Zartrex Tech, we have significant experience in developing LMS. For example, we have developed LMS for Glory Advertising. The main challenge was to make education accessible. And we have successfully coped with this challenge.

Requirements of LMS development

The learning management system is a technically complex product. The development team must be experienced to design it properly. It must understand what architecture the LMS should have, what functions will be needed, how they should work, and what programming language to use.

It is difficult to estimate the cost of creating a learning management system. It all depends on the number of users and the company’s objectives. The work will take from 6 months to a year.

Development team

You’ll need UI/UX designers, programmers, testers, QA engineers, and DevOps specialists to build a Learning Management System. Everything will have to be invented from scratch: from the architecture and backend to visual and UX design.

Infrastructure

The system has to be installed somewhere to store information: courses, videos, standards, regulations, user data, and learning analytics. It needs a server, a domain, hosting, and an SSL certificate for encrypted communication and data protection. 

The fault tolerance of the LMS depends on the server’s capacity. The more people you train, the better the hardware should be. For example, servers with Windows 2003 Server or Linux Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, 16 GB RAM, 4 Intel Xeon processors, and 500 GB SSD are necessary to create a virtual database for 500 employees and load training materials. If the load is more than that, the system won’t be able to handle it. 

To keep LMS working stable, you need at least 5 virtual machines with a clock speed of 2200 MHz or more.

At the start, it is important to build in the ability to quickly increase the memory on virtual machines so that you can train more employees in the future. For example, if the company opens new branches and the number of newcomers grows. If you don’t consider this at the start, your IT infrastructure will have to be redesigned, or you’ll always be restricted on the number of users you can train online.

In addition to the main server, it is important to set up emergency servers that will pick up the work during force majeure. For example, if the power went out or the equipment flooded with water. Setting up an air-conditioning system, providing backup power, and running high-speed Internet will also be necessary. In fact, you will have to build a small data center for the LMS operation.

Administration

You will need a staff of engineers who will provide technical support to users, monitor the system’s performance, and fix bugs if necessary.

Someone has to maintain the system. This person must add users, delete old accounts, and upload courses and reports. You need to hire a system administrator to do this.

Learning management system development process

Here is how the LMS development process occurs.

Step 1: Discovery Phase

At Zartrex Tech, we start LMS development with a discovery phase. This helps us to avoid unprofitable investments and design a workable product.

First, it is crucial to understand why you need a learning management system and what tasks it solves. For example, it can be required for the adaptation of trainees, training of sales managers, personnel reserve, and automation of certification in the company. This will help to focus on the main scenario and not to design unnecessary features. 

The functionality of the LMS depends on the tasks and requests of the business.

Competitor analysis

There are more than 950 LMS in the world. To avoid reinventing the wheel, we thoroughly study the competitors’ capabilities. We investigate how the system architecture is built, what technologies it uses, and how each tool is designed. Successful LMS solutions can be modified to suit your tasks. This speeds up development and reduces the cost of the project.

Target audience research

To make the tool useful for employees, it is worth learning more about them. We must understand their age, position, working conditions, whether they have a computer or a cell phone, their difficulties, how they are used to learning, etc.

The target audience influences how the product will work and look, how long it will take to develop, and where money can be saved. For example, when training sales reps, you may not want to make a PC version and opt for a mobile version only. This is because a tablet or smartphone is the main tool in the work of such employees.

The interface and courses must comply with WCAG 2.0 if the company has visually impaired people. It is an international set of rules that helps to create programs and applications for the visually impaired.

Step 2: Designing system functionality

The set of tools depends on the objectives of the business and the employees to be trained. At the same time, there is an obligatory set of functions without which it will be impossible to launch online training in a company. Here is the list of functionality your LMS should have: 

• Training programs. The tool helps to unite standards, regulations, and videos into a single training program. LMS should provide access to new material only after completing the previous one.
• Testing. It puts the assessment of knowledge in the company on autopilot. When you need to check employees’ qualifications, you create a test and assign it to a team. The system checks the answers and shows the employees’ results. 
• Knowledge base. It helps you systematize materials. Standards, instructions, and regulations are stored in one place. Employees have 24/7 access to them. What you need is always at your fingertips.
• Training calendar. Each employee has a personal calendar that shows by what date they have to complete the course and when the webinar starts.
• Email newsletters and push notifications. The system should send invitations to the course, remind people about the deadlines, and send test results.
• User management. LMS must allow you to set up different access rights for users. For example, employees can only take courses. Trainers can only create training programs and delete users. Department managers can only see reports on the team’s progress.
• Analytics. LMS must help monitor the level of training in each division, department, and branch. The system will show how much time employees spend on training, what courses they have taken, and what mistakes they have made in tests.

What other functions to implement depends on the business objectives. If there are problems with employee motivation, gamification and a gift store where you can exchange accumulated points for corporate souvenirs will be useful.

Step 3: Selecting a technology stack

A tech stack is a set of technologies based on which services and programs are developed. It determines how stable the LMS will work and how much load it can withstand. 

The tech stack includes programming languages, development environments (frameworks), database management systems, and compilers that translate the programming language into a set of machine code. The stack depends on the project architecture, feature set, and system requirements.

An example of a technology stack for LMS development:

• Ubuntu Server
• Apache
• MySQL
• C++
• PHP
• Django

If you need a reliable development partner, we at SoloWay Tech are here to help! We work with different technologies and can create easily scaling LMS for you.

Step 4: Designing an architecture

The choice of architecture determines how fast and stable the LMS will work. At Zartrex Tech, we recommend service-oriented architecture, which divides functions into isolated modules.

Service-oriented architecture simplifies the integration of the system with third-party services. The project can be scaled quickly. If requirements change, some integrations can be replaced by others.

What modules will be in your LMS depends on the company’s tasks. Courses builder, data collection, reports and dashboards, user management, and training calendar are mandatory.

Stage 5: Designing UI and developing LMS

It is crucial to work out the interface and design, from navigation to branding in the corporate style, to make LMS convenient for administrators and users.

Companies that develop LMS make the same mistake. First, they make the interface convenient for administrators who manage the system. They save time on the design of the student’s account. As a result, problems begin after the project is launched.

There are more end users of the system than administrators. Some companies plan to remotely train 4,000 employees. So, the priority is to make a user-friendly interface for them.

The learning management system is a complex technical product that can take years to develop. To get results faster, we at Zartrex Tech break the work into iterations and first release an MVP. Feedback from users helps us understand how conveniently everything works, whether the system solves the set tasks, and what errors there are. 

After the MVP, it is clear what is important to correct, how much time it will take, what features are still missing, and what should not be added to the system. The product can be improved gradually while the basic version is still working.

Conclusion

LMS is just another digital transformation example. As we conclude our exploration of LMS implementation and development, it’s evident that the demand for flexible, feature-rich, and scalable platforms to support learning initiatives is stronger than ever.

Here is a brief overview of what you need to create a learning management system (LMS).

The post What Is an LMS (Learning Management System)? appeared first on Soloway.

This article discusses what CRM for financial advisors is, must-have features for CRM systems for financial advisors, and a list of CRM Systems with Open APIs.

What is CRM for financial advisors?

For financial advisors, the ability to enhance their client roster and foster enduring, more lucrative connections is paramount. Achieving this involves the adept utilization of a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. 

By harnessing the power of CRM systems, advisors can efficiently expand their outreach, allocate resources wisely, and pinpoint fresh avenues for growth. These data-centric tools ensure advisors have essential information readily accessible, streamlining the process of nurturing relationships with clients and prospects while efficiently advancing them through the sales pipeline.

Why do financial advisors need CRM?

Financial advisors need a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system for five reasons.

Lead nurturing and building client relationships

In financial advisory, the focus is on generating leads and fostering enduring client connections. This is where CRM software steps in as the indispensable tool for tracking your networking endeavors. A reliable CRM doesn’t just help you gather data; it empowers you to nurture relationships. 

It aids in maintaining a detailed engagement history and allows personalized notes to remember the specifics of your initial connections. It keeps you in sync with your client’s evolving needs and objectives and guides gently moving leads through your sales pipeline. CRM is a steadfast companion for effective long-term client management.

Insightful data for achieving success

The cream of the crop among CRM solutions for financial advisors often comes equipped with robust business analytics. Your network of client relationships forms a rich tapestry of data. 

Financial services CRM doesn’t merely keep tabs on your in-house network; it opens doors to a wealth of broader financial data. This community-sourced information and intelligence provide actionable insights that benefit not only your existing clients but also pique the interest of potential ones.

Boosting revenue 

As an experienced financial advisor, you understand your success is intrinsically tied to your clients’ financial well-being. Your core objective is to enhance your clients’ financial portfolios. This is where CRM solutions tailored for advisory firms truly shine. 

They streamline task management, freeing up time previously spent on mundane activities. This time-saving enables you to focus on in-depth financial research and the pivotal task of cultivating those crucial client relationships. Essentially, they serve as your organizational wizards, ensuring you’re always at the top of your game and never miss out on promising opportunities.

Harmonizing sales and marketing

Running a successful financial practice involves managing various moving parts, with sales and marketing at the forefront. Elevating your brand necessitates strategic initiatives like email marketing and engaging with clients on social media. When your marketing strategies bear fruit, your sales team must be ready to engage with incoming prospects. CRMs are pivotal in unifying these facets, ensuring your sales teams are well-prepared and informed.

Putting customer experience first

The relationship between a financial advisor and a client transcends one-time transactions; it’s a long-lasting connection. Follow-ups are pivotal, and a high-quality CRM for financial advisors ensures clients have easy access to responsive customer support, whether in times of prosperity or adversity. 

An array of issues may arise, spanning technical support to evolving client needs, and your CRM equips you to make informed decisions. Despite unexpected challenges, clients can always rely on their financial advisors for exceptional support.

Must-have features of the CRM system for financial advisors

Below is a list of must-have features for CRM systems for financial advisors:

• Storage of customer information. CRM for financial advisors should be able to store complete customer information, including contact details, interaction history, and financial status.
• Maintaining interaction history. CRM should allow you to record all customer interactions, such as phone calls, emails, and face-to-face meetings.
• Task and calendar management. CRM for financial advisors should provide the ability to schedule appointments, events, tasks, and reminders of their deadlines.
• Financial needs analysis. CRM systems for financial advisors should help analyze clients’ financial situation, including income, expenses, investments, and retirement plans.
• Data protection and security. CRM for financial advisors should provide high protection for confidential customer information and comply with data protection requirements.
• Report generation and analytics. CRM for financial advisors should allow you to generate financial reports and analyze data for decision-making and strategy planning.
• Integration with other financial instruments. CRM should be able to integrate with other financial applications and tools, such as accounting systems and investment platforms.

These features help financial advisors store and analyze client information, plan and execute tasks, provide a high level of service, and facilitate the efficient management of clients’ financial assets.

List of CRM systems with Open APIs: your path to customization

Access to open APIs can be a game-changer for customization and integration with other tools. Here’s a list of CRM systems known for their open APIs:

• Salesforce
• HubSpot
• Zoho CRM
• Microsoft Dynamics 365
• SugarCRM
• Pipedrive
• Monday
• Insightly
• Capsule CRM
• Nutshell
• Agile CRM

These CRM systems with open APIs empower you to create a tailored CRM experience, integrate with your existing software stack, and streamline your business processes for improved efficiency and productivity.

How can Zartrex Tech help you improve customer service with a CRM that fits your business?

Our SoloWay Tech team consists of renowned software developers from Ukraine with experience in over 10 industries. We worked with projects in the following industries: financial services, eCommerce, manufacturing, eLearning, real estate, hospitality, and more. Here are 5 basic ways we can be helpful to you:

• Custom CRM development. Our team at Zartrex Tech can create a CRM system completely tailored to your business requirements. This ensures that the CRM is designed to align seamlessly with your specific customer service processes and needs.
• Integration. We can integrate the CRM with your existing systems and software, ensuring a smooth transition without disrupting your current operations. This integration can help streamline data sharing and accessibility, making it easier to deliver excellent customer service.
• Scalability. As your financial business grows, our Zartrex Tech team can expand and adapt the CRM system to accommodate your evolving demands. This scalability ensures that the CRM remains an effective tool over time.
• Data security. As a software development company, we can implement robust data security measures within the CRM, safeguarding customer information and maintaining compliance with data protection regulations.
• Upgrades and maintenance. Our team can provide ongoing support, including regular updates and maintenance, to keep the CRM running smoothly and securely.

Feel free to leverage our expertise as a development company! This way, you can ensure that your CRM system is not just a standard off-the-shelf solution but a tailored, powerful tool for enhancing your operations.

Conclusion

Customer relationship management (CRM) is an indispensable tool for financial advisors looking to thrive in an increasingly competitive and regulated industry. By adopting a robust CRM system, financial advisors can effectively manage client relationships, enhance client retention, streamline operational processes, and gain valuable insights into their business.

The post CRM Development for Financial Advisors appeared first on Soloway.

This article will discuss how the barcode inventory management system works, the pros and cons of custom and ready-made inventory management tools, and the steps for implementing inventory management software.

What is a barcode?

Barcode is a machine-readable representation of data in the form of a series of lines or bars of varying widths and spacing. Barcodes commonly store and retrieve information about products, packages, and other items in various industries, including retail, manufacturing, and healthcare. 

The information contained in a barcode can be scanned by a barcode reader or scanner, which converts the pattern of bars and spaces into readable text that can be used for inventory control, tracking, and other purposes.

Barcoding technology is quite versatile. It can be used in small and large warehouses. Barcodes are especially relevant in warehouses with a large assortment of products when storing visually similar goods and goods requiring strict control of expiration dates, batches, and serial numbers.

Types of barcodes

There are many types of barcodes, each with a unique format and encoding scheme. The most common types of barcodes:

1. UPC (Universal Product Code). It is used primarily in North America. UPC barcodes are commonly found on retail products and contain 12 digits.
2. EAN (European Article Numbering). It is similar to UPC.  EAN barcodes are used in Europe and other regions and contain 13 digits.
3. Code 39. It is a popular alphanumeric barcode used for inventory and asset tracking. Code 39 can encode uppercase letters, digits, and some special characters.
4. QR Code (Quick Response Code). It is a 2D barcode that can store much more information than traditional linear barcodes. QR codes are commonly used in advertising, marketing, and mobile payments.
5. Data Matrix. It is another 2D barcode that can store large amounts of data in a small space. Data Matrix barcodes are commonly used in manufacturing and logistics to track products and inventory.

These are just a few examples of barcode types in use today.

How does a barcode inventory system work?

How the barcode inventory management system works:

• An individual identifier (barcode) is applied to the goods. Each code may contain typical information about the product (name, manufacturer, place of production) and detailed information about its characteristics: shelf life, serial number, on which equipment and to what specification it was produced, what batch of raw materials went to its production, etc.
• Any movement of goods with barcodes in the warehouse involves reading a barcode using a scanner or data collection terminal.
• Received data is transmitted to the warehouse information system for registration and processing.

It is possible to barcode not only the goods but also other objects involved in the work of the warehouse, for example:

• Storage locations. This makes planning product placement, order picking, and optimizing warehouse operations management possible.
• Warehouse equipment. It helps to control its movements and manage loading operations. It simplifies the delivery of tasks to employees: by scanning the barcode of a certain piece of equipment (forklift, transport pallet, stacker), the operator assigns it to himself and receives only those tasks which are executable with its help.
• Bill of lading, delivery orders, and other warehouse documents. This reduces the time for registration, searching, and sending documents, and eliminates errors in entering document data into the system.
• Staff badges. This makes it possible to control the time employees are on the warehouse premises and their movements and account for operations for piece-rate pay (sorting or marking of goods, assistance in loading and unloading, cleaning of rooms, etc.).

Barcode-based inventory management allows you to optimize many tasks and speed up their implementation.

Custom automated inventory management tool vs. ready-made system

A custom automated inventory management tool is designed specifically for the unique needs of a business, providing a highly tailored solution that can offer greater functionality and flexibility than a ready-made system. A custom solution can be built to integrate seamlessly with existing systems and can be customized to meet specific reporting, tracking, and workflow needs.

On the other hand, a ready-made system can offer a cost-effective and faster solution, as it is already designed and developed for general inventory management needs. Ready-made systems often have many features and integrations already built-in, allowing businesses to implement a solution without extensive customization quickly. However, ready-made systems may not offer the specific functionality a business requires and may require additional investment in integrations or add-ons.

Businesses with unique or complex inventory management needs may benefit from a custom automated inventory management tool. In contrast, those with more standard needs may find that a ready-made system offers a cost-effective solution. Ultimately, the decision to use a custom or ready-made system should be based on a thorough analysis of the specific needs and requirements of the business.

Inventory management software implementation steps

To automate a warehouse using barcoding technology, specialized equipment (label printers, barcode scanners, or data collection terminals) and an information system that will record and process the information coming from the devices are needed. In addition, it will be necessary to develop regulations and train staff.

First step: assess the needs of the warehouse

You should analyze the following:

• How many items are in stock?
• How visually similar are the nomenclature items?
• How much product is received and released from the warehouse daily?
• Are expiration dates, serial numbers, and product lots strictly controlled?
• What storage system is used?
• Do all or part of the products have the vendor’s markings?
• Are goods subject to mandatory labeling?
• Which stages of the goods movement are essential to record?
• Which areas of the warehouse are more convenient to use for labeling?
• Is there a need to use barcodes to identify personnel and warehouse equipment?
• Has warehouse automation been implemented? 
• What level of costs is acceptable for the introduction of barcoding technology?
• What other business-specific nuances need to be taken into account?

Answers to these questions will help you formulate hardware, software, and work organization requirements when automating the warehouse using barcode technology.

Second step: select hardware and software

At Zartrex Tech, we can help you create a barcode-based warehouse management system (WMS) from scratch or implement a ready-made solution.

Barcode generation and printing

You need specialized graphic programs to implement the barcoding of goods in the warehouse. Usually, they come with a printer and are also included in the functionality of information systems for warehouse automation.

The choice of printing equipment depends on the number of barcodes to be printed daily:

• For printing 10 or fewer barcodes, a regular laser printer is sufficient
• For printing from 10 to 10 000 barcodes, a label printer is needed
• If the number of barcodes exceeds 10 000 per day, it is advisable to cooperate with the printing shop

Label printers are of two types: stationary and mobile. Stationary label printers are used for large quantities of barcodes. Mobile label printers are convenient for quick marking of goods in the place of storage.

When choosing a device, you should be sure that its functionality meets your needs: printing speed, availability of additional interfaces, label dispenser, label cutter, embedded fonts, etc.

Reading barcodes

Barcode scanners or data capture terminals are used to read barcodes.

Barcode scanner:

• It is the simplest stationary data entry and transmission device that reads a barcode and broadcasts the information to a warehouse automation system
• It does not memorize information, does not display it on the screen, and does not process it
• It is most useful in small warehouses with 1-2 picking and shipping locations

Data capture terminal:

• It reads and transmits data as well as serves as a mini-computer with its own interface and means of communication with the accounting system
• It displays information about the goods on the screen when scanning the barcode and stores and processes the data

Data capture terminals can work online (radio terminals) or offline (batch terminals).

Batch terminals accumulate scan results and then transmit them in batch mode to the warehouse management system. Batch terminals are advantageous for the barcoding introduction in warehouses:

• With a small area without addressable storage
• With low intensity and frequency of operations
• With goods that do not require control of expiration dates, serial numbers, batches, and other parameters
• With a properly organized storage principle (division into zones and areas) and a stable staff that knows exactly where everything is

Radio terminals provide full online control of the goods’ movement. They read barcodes and transmit data to the warehouse system continuously via Wi-Fi. Radio terminals are divided into portable and stationary. Radio terminals are ideal in warehouses:

• Of any area with an addressable storage system
• With the high frequency and intensity of warehouse operations
• With goods that have parameters that affect the assembly sequence: expiration date, serial number, batch, etc
• With a new or frequently renewed team, in which employees do not know the products and their location

We can consult you on the best option for your business.

Processing of information received from scanners and terminals

Information processing requires an information system that interacts with readers, forms, stores a barcode database, controls their uniqueness, and reacts to possible deviations.

Modern WMS systems have functionality that allows using barcoding to solve important business tasks. But if you need to develop a custom barcode-based inventory management software, it should:

• Optimize the management of logistics flows and warehouse space
• Plan and monitor the work of staff and warehouse equipment
• Generate detailed reports for the analysis of assortment, sales, profitability, and margins
• Plan product requirements and manage purchases
• Automatically transfer data into the accounting system for reflection in the regulated accounting

Soloway Tech team can develop for you a custom barcode-based inventory management system from scratch.

Third step: train employees and test the barcode-based inventory management system in operation

It is desirable not only to train personnel but also to develop regulations of work with the barcode-based inventory management system so that new employees can quickly master the barcoding system.

Testing the WMS and barcode system in a real environment will help identify bottlenecks and adjust business processes promptly.

How Zartrex Tech can help you implement a barcode-based warehouse management system?

SoloWay Tech is a technology company specializing in implementing barcode-based warehouse management systems for businesses of all sizes. We can:

1. Consult you. We can comprehensively analyze your warehouse operations to determine your business’s best barcode-based inventory system solution.
2. Customize your system. We can customize and configure the inventory management software to meet the specific needs of your business, including features such as order processing, inventory control, and shipping management.
3. Develop custom solutions. Our experience in this field allows us to create a custom barcode-based warehouse management system that will meet your specific requirements.

Overall, we can provide a complete solution for implementing a barcode-based system, from initial consultation and analysis to ongoing support and maintenance.

Conclusion

If you need advice, help with equipment selection, or a reliable partner for barcode inventory management software development, contact Zartrex Tech. We have over 14 years of experience in developing and implementing inventory management systems and solving efficiency problems.

The post Streamline Your Inventory Management: How to Create a Barcode-Based Warehouse Management System appeared first on Soloway.

This article discusses Google Chrome extension types, file structure and architecture of a Chrome extension, and how to create a Chrome extension.

What is a Chrome extension?

A Chrome extension is a small software that runs inside the browser and helps enhance sites. The power of the Chrome extension is that it can run directly from the browser menu and is independent of security policies. Examples of what the Chrome extension can do:

• Save your passwords and other personal data
• Extract hidden data from a page (e.g., a link to download music)
• Change something on a page, e.g., disable ads, translate text, delete unnecessary stuff
• Collect statistics about your browsing activity
• Connect to other services (mail, chats, file exchangers) and interact with them from the browser

Now let`s discuss Google Chrome extension types along with real-world examples.

Google Chrome extension types

Page extensions

Page extensions modify or enhance the functionality of a specific web page or a set of web pages. These extensions typically interact with the content and elements of the page. Examples of page extensions include Adblock Plus, Honey, and Web Scraper.

Browser action extensions

Browser action extensions add a button to the Chrome toolbar, and when clicked, they can perform specific actions or open a popup window. These extensions provide quick access to their features. Examples of browser action extensions include Evernote Web Clipper, Save to Pocket, and Grammarly.

Background scripts extensions

Background script extensions run in the background and can perform tasks or provide functionality without requiring any visible user interface. They can monitor events, interact with web requests, and perform periodic tasks. Examples of background script extensions include password managers like LastPass, VPN extensions like ZenMate, and download managers like DownThemAll.

Context menu extensions

Context menu extensions add options to the right-click context menu in the Chrome browser. They allow users to perform specific actions on selected content or links. Examples of context menu extensions include Google Translate, Shareaholic, and Bitly.

Sidebar extensions

Sidebar extensions add a persistent sidebar to the Chrome browser, which is typically visible alongside the web page content. They can provide additional information, tools, or functionality related to the current page or the user’s browsing experience. Examples of sidebar extensions include note-taking apps like Google Keep, Weather extension, and Todoist.

File structure and architecture of a Chrome extension

A Chrome extension’s file structure and architecture typically follow a specific format. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

• Manifest.json. It is the main file in the Chrome extension because it contains information about the accesses needed, the files to be connected, security settings, and much more. For example, it includes Manifest_version, Name, Description, Version, Permissions, Content_scripts, Background, Web_accessible_resources, Browser_action, etc.
• Background Page. It contains the basic logic of the extension. The main feature of a background page is that it runs and does some work in the background when the browser is started and keeps it in memory as a background process during a session.
• Event Pages. The concept of Event Pages was developed in 2012 to optimize the use of resources. It performs the same functions as the background script but is designed to solve the problem of performance and resources that are used irrationally. The main difference of this approach is that instead of running continuously in the background, the event page runs only when it is needed to handle a specific event.
• Content Scripts. These are JavaScript files or code that run not in a separate background process but in the context of the web page. Content scripts use the Chrome API in a limited way. They are isolated and cannot use functions and variables which are declared, for example, on the background page.
• Popup Pages. A popup page is a small HTML page appearing when the user clicks the extension’s browser action button. It can display UI elements, interact with the user, and trigger actions in the extension. Popup pages are defined in the manifest file.
• Icons and Resources. Chrome extensions require various icons and resources to provide visual representation and branding. These include icons for the extension’s toolbar button, notifications, and other UI elements. Images, CSS stylesheets, and other assets used by the extension can also be included in the file structure.
• Options Page. It allows users to configure settings and preferences for the extension. They are implemented as HTML pages and can be accessed from the Chrome Extensions page or the extension’s popup page.
• Web-accessible resources. Depending on the functionality and complexity of the extension, additional JavaScript files, CSS stylesheets, and other resources may be included in the file structure to support specific features or enhance the extension’s capabilities.

Overall, the file structure of a Chrome extension is organized and structured based on the specific needs and functionalities of the extension. The manifest file is the core configuration, while background scripts, content scripts, popup pages, icons, and resources work together to provide the desired functionality and user experience.

Chrome extension development technologies and tools

Some technologies and tools are used to streamline the development process when developing a Chrome extension. We highlight some key ones:

• HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Chrome extensions are primarily built using web technologies. HTML provides the structure and content of the extension’s user interface, CSS is used for styling and layout, and JavaScript enables dynamic functionality and interaction with web pages and browser APIs.
• Chrome extension APIs. Chrome provides a set of APIs specifically designed for extension development. These APIs allow developers to interact with browser features and services, such as accessing tabs and windows, manipulating web content, managing storage, and handling notifications. The Chrome Extension APIs are well-documented and provide extensive capabilities for extension development.
• Chrome DevTools. Chrome DevTools is a suite of developer tools integrated into the Chrome browser. It includes features like an element inspector, a console for debugging, network monitoring, performance profiling, and more. DevTools is invaluable for debugging and optimizing the functionality of Chrome extensions during the development process.
• Visual Studio Code (or any code editor). A code editor like Visual Studio Code provides a rich development environment for writing and editing HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and manifest files. It offers syntax highlighting, code completion, debugging support, and an integrated terminal, making it easier to work on extension projects.
• Extension testing tools. Testing is essential to ensure a Chrome extension’s quality and reliability. Chrome provides testing tools like the Chrome Extension Developer Dashboard, which allows developers to upload, test, and manage their extensions. Additionally, tools like Selenium WebDriver and Puppeteer can be used for automated testing of extension functionality.
• Packaging and publishing. Once the development is complete, Chrome extensions must be packaged and published to the Chrome Web Store. The Chrome Developer Dashboard provides the tools to package the extension as a CRX file, which can be uploaded to the Chrome Web Store for user distribution.

These technologies and tools provide a robust ecosystem for Chrome extension development, making it easier to create feature-rich, well-designed, and reliable extensions for the Chrome browser.

How to create a Chrome Extension

If you’re eager to create a Chrome extension independently, the process can be an empowering experience. While it may require some technical skills, Google provides comprehensive documentation and resources to guide you through the development process. However, if you prefer a hassle-free option or need a customized extension tailored to your specific needs, Zartrex Tech team is here to assist you.

We have the expertise to understand your requirements, design an intuitive user interface, and implement the desired functionalities to enhance your browsing experience. We help companies from Silicon Valley in different domains. Whether automating tasks, integrating with external services, or adding unique features, our team can create custom Chrome extensions tailored to your needs.

By collaborating with us, you can save time and effort as our skilled developers handle the technical complexities of extension creation. We take care of the entire development process, from conceptualization to deployment, ensuring that your extension meets your expectations and performs seamlessly within the Chrome ecosystem.

So, whether you choose to create your Chrome extension independently or prefer the expertise of our team, the possibilities are endless. Let us assist you in bringing your ideas to life and developing a Chrome extension that revolutionizes people`s browsing experience.

Best Google Chrome extensions for 2023

Now let`s discuss the top 12 Chrome extensions for 2023.

The best Chrome extensions for prospecting

The best Chrome extensions are:

• Hunter. This extension helps find email addresses associated with a specific domain, making reaching out to potential prospects easier.
• Discoverly. This extension displays social media profiles and connections of individuals on various platforms, aiding in prospect research and relationship building.
• Datanyze Insider. It provides information on the technologies and tools a company uses, offering insights for targeted prospecting based on technology stacks.
• LeadIQ. This extension helps users build prospect lists by providing contact information from social profiles and websites, streamlining lead generation.

These Chrome extensions significantly affect your productivity.

The best Chrome extensions for email management

The best Chrome extensions are:

• Boomerang for Gmail. It allows users to schedule emails, set reminders, and track email opens, helping manage and optimize email communication.
• Grammarly for Chrome. This extension checks for spelling and grammar errors while composing emails, ensuring professional and error-free communication.
• Mixmax. It enhances Gmail with features like email scheduling, templates, and read receipts, improving productivity and email management.
• Clearbit Connect. This extension provides additional contact information and insights about email recipients, enriching email interactions and personalization.

Email management without Chrome extensions is complicated.

The best Chrome extensions for research and analytics

The best Chrome extensions are:

• MozBar. It provides website metrics, keyword research, and competitive analysis, helping with SEO and website performance evaluation.
• SimilarWeb. This extension offers insights into website traffic, referral sources, and audience demographics, aiding in competitive analysis and market research.
• Evernote Web Clipper. It allows users to save web pages, articles, and research materials directly into their Evernote account, facilitating research organization and retrieval.
• Google Analytics UTM Builder. This extension simplifies creating custom campaign tracking URLs, enabling better tracking and analysis of marketing efforts.

These examples demonstrate that Chrome extensions are essential today. They enhance prospecting, email management, research, and analytics, catering to various needs and optimizing workflows in different domains.

Conclusions

Creating a custom Google Chrome extension is an opportunity to bring innovative ideas to life, personalize the browsing experience, and contribute to the vast ecosystem of extensions. With the right tools, technologies, and a dash of creativity, developers can build impactful extensions that add value and convenience to users’ daily browsing activities.

The post How to Create Custom Google Chrome Extension appeared first on Soloway.

In this article, we will discuss the mobile banking revolution and Ukrainian neobanks, what features banking apps should have, and how much it costs to develop a mobile banking app.

What is mobile banking?

Internet banking (online/web banking) is a type of remote banking that provides access to accounts and banking transactions at any time via the Internet (using gadgets such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone).

Mobile banking is a type of online banking that provides access to accounts and banking transactions through a mobile app installed on a smartphone.

Mobile banking revolution

The rapid development of FinTech has caused a real revolution in mobile banking. Now even the most conservative financial institutions realize they must keep up with new opportunities to stay competitive.

Thus, the times when the main bank-customer touch points were through financial centers are long gone. Mobile banking has supplanted in-person banking. This trend became even more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic when people were forced to stay home. Some stats:

• Statista states that 93% of UK adults used online banking in 2022.
• According to a 2023 Forbes Advisor U.S. Consumer Banking Statistics study, roughly three in four Americans (78%) prefer banking via a mobile app or website to banking in person.
• According to Forrester analytics, 40% of UK online adults would consider banking with a provider that does not have any branches.
• Rapyd study shows that almost half (43%) of Britons make mobile purchases weekly, underscoring electronic wallets’ growing popularity.

Mobile technology is the new battleground. With the development of the FinTech industry, the number of digital banks is rapidly increasing, the number and quality of products offered are growing, and the general public’s interest is increasing.

Consumers around the world are eager to pay with their smartphones and watches. Banks must accelerate product development and innovation in their mobile apps to meet changing consumer habits and remain competitive with FinTech challengers and digital banks.

Now even Elon Musk plans to turn the social network Twitter into a bank by creating a super-app. FinTech marketers are aiming to maximize the functionality of their mobile apps.

American and European FinTech companies should look at China and what happened with WeChat and AliPay to see how successful the super-app approach can be if applied correctly, but the reality is that getting to that point is incredibly difficult.

Ukrainian neobanks are excellent examples for American and European FinTech startups

Mobile banking in Ukraine is very young, but it is developing at a pace that foreign financial institutions admire. For example, PrivatBank was the first in the world to create mini payment terminals (mini POS), allow people to enter internet banking with a QR code, and launch online encashment. Compared to the Ukrainian FinTech, foreign financial products seem more regulated, slow, and too conservative.

Many progressive digital banks operating in Ukraine are moving the domestic payment system forward. Among them:

• Monobank (operating under a banking license from Universal Bank)
• Bank Vlasni Rachunok (a digital project of Bank Vostok, Mastercard, and Fozzy Group)
• Neobank (operating under license from ConcordBank and based on Concord Fintech Solutions, the first open FinTech ecosystem in Ukraine)
• Izibank and Sportbank (mobile neobanks-partners of TASKOMBANK)

Many services of these digital projects are basic (utility payments, commission-free mobile top-ups, issuance of credit funds, deposit opening, etc.). Still, each application has its features and unique offers. For example:

• Bank Vlasni Rachunok offers customers to recharge (without fees) at Silpo cash desks and pay in these supermarkets (as well as in Le Silpo) with loyalty points
• Sportbank is a universal financial partner for all those who love sports and active leisure, giving 10% cashback on sports goods
• Monoinvest application allows users to trade stocks (a brokerage account is opened free of charge)
• Ukrainian applications UkrGasBank, FUIB, and Monobank allow users to buy military bonds, and Privat24 also enable them to buy domestic government loan bonds.

Not only did the war not break Ukraine’s banking system, but it also led to financial institutions introducing new progressive products.

For example, in September 2022, Unex Bank, Mastercard, and FinTech startup Weld Money launched weld card – Ukraine’s first cryptocurrency card based on Debit Mastercard. It is linked to a cryptocurrency wallet on the Weld Money platform, added to Apple Pay and Google Pay. It allows paying in cryptocurrencies (without the need to convert them into fiat currency) for goods and services.

What features should mobile banking apps have?

Mobile banking apps aim to provide convenient and secure access to financial services for their users. While the specific features can vary based on the bank and app design, here are some common features that banking apps often offer:

1. Account management. Users should be able to view their account balances, transaction history, and account details. The app should allow users to manage multiple accounts, including checking, savings, credit cards, loans, and investments.
2. Funds transfer. Banking apps should enable users to transfer funds between their accounts, pay other individuals or businesses, and set up recurring or scheduled transfers.
3. Bill payment. Users should be able to pay bills directly from the app. This includes adding and managing billers, viewing and paying bills, and setting up bill payment reminders.
4. Card management. The app should allow users to manage their debit and credit cards. This includes activating or deactivating cards, setting spending limits, reporting lost or stolen cards, and reviewing card transactions.
5. Mobile deposits. Many banking apps offer the convenience of depositing checks by taking photos using the mobile device’s camera. This feature allows users to securely deposit checks into their accounts without visiting a physical branch.
6. ATM/Branch locator. The app should provide an ATM and branch locator feature that helps users find the nearest ATM or bank branch for their banking needs.
7. Notifications and alerts. Users should receive real-time notifications and alerts related to their account activities, such as low-balance alerts, transaction alerts, and security notifications for suspicious activities.
8. Personal finance management. Some banking apps include personal finance management features like expense tracking, budgeting tools, categorizing spending, and setting financial goals. These features help users manage their finances effectively.
9. Enhanced security features. Banking apps should implement strong security measures to ensure the security of transactions and user data. This may include biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition), two-factor authentication, encryption, and fraud detection.
10. Account customization. Users appreciate the ability to customize their app experiences, such as setting preferences, organizing accounts, and choosing personalized themes or layouts.

Our development team has very diverse expertise in numerous domains. For example, we worked with the American startup Veer from Silicon Valley. When Veer was looking for a contractor, one of the main requirements was data security compliance. Zartrex Tech specialists met these requirements. You can find more in our Veer Case Study article.

How much does it cost to develop a mobile banking app?

Developing a robust and secure mobile banking app requires a significant investment. While it’s challenging to provide an exact figure without specific project details, here are some cost factors to consider:

1. Development team. The cost of hiring developers and designers will depend on their location, experience, and hourly rates. Rates can vary significantly across different regions and countries. At Zartrex Tech, we have high-versed developers with mobile banking development expertise.
2. App features and complexity. The more features and complex functionalities you require in the app, the more development time and effort will be needed, resulting in higher costs. Advanced features like biometric authentication, online payment gateway integration, and data encryption can add to the development expenses.
3. Design and user experience. Investing in a well-designed and user-friendly interface is crucial for a banking app. The complexity of the app’s design, including wireframing, UI/UX design, and graphic assets, impact the development cost.
4. Development approach. Choosing between native development (iOS and Android apps built separately) or cross-platform development (using frameworks like React Native or Flutter) will have cost implications. Native development tends to be more time-consuming and costly compared to cross-platform development.
5. Integration with backend systems. Mobile banking apps require integration with existing banking systems, APIs, security protocols, and third-party services. The complexity and customization required for these integrations influence the development cost.
6. Testing and security. Rigorous testing, including functional testing, security testing, and performance testing, is crucial for a banking app. The overall cost is affected by allocating time and resources for comprehensive testing and security measures.
7. Maintenance and updates. The cost of maintaining and updating the app post-launch should also be considered. Ongoing updates are necessary to ensure compatibility with new OS versions, security patches, and evolving industry standards.

The cost of developing a mobile banking app can range from $30 000 to $100 000 or even more, depending on the abovementioned factors.

Conclusion

Developing a mobile banking app requires careful consideration and planning to ensure a secure, user-friendly, and feature-rich experience for customers. We have outlined the various stages of the development process, including planning, design, development, testing, and deployment. We have also highlighted the importance of key features such as account management, funds transfer, bill payment, card management, and security measures.
If you need a reliable mobile banking app development partner, feel free to contact us right now!

The post Mobile Banking App Development: Complete Guide appeared first on Soloway.

This article will discuss the e-commerce app development process, team members, and how much it costs to develop.

The e-commerce app development process

Mobile commerce is becoming faster, safer, and more scalable every year, and the demand for mobile shopping is growing. An average user spends 3 hours and 15 minutes daily on a smartphone (as per Elite Content Marketer). Consequently, iOS or Android mobile app development is a prospective way to scale any e-commerce business.

Let`s discuss the e-commerce development process at the Zartrex Tech team: 

1. Finding and gathering information. Before starting the e-commerce app development, our team must understand what needs to be done. Therefore, we analyze the niche, competitors, and target audience.
2. Terms of reference for mobile app development. This step will help us avoid misinterpreting your requirements and developing an e-commerce mobile app that does not meet your requirements.
3. Mobile app design. The design is developed in the form of ready-made mobile app screens with the required set of text and graphic elements. At your request, it is possible to develop multiple versions of the concepts.
4. Mobile app functional development and implementation. Our programmers create your e-commerce mobile app with full functionality at this stage.
5. Mobile app testing. Our testers check the code for bugs and fix them.
6. Launch of the project. Your finished e-commerce app becomes available for use.

At Zartrex Tech, we create scalable and efficient iOS and Android solutions with customized business logic, efficient design, and necessary integrations. Now let`s discuss what your e-commerce MVP should have.

Critical features to include in an MVP development stage: customer panel, vendor panel, admin panel

Developing customer, vendor, and admin panels as part of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is crucial for several reasons:

1. Complete user experience. The customer panel provides the end users (customers) with a seamless shopping experience, allowing them to browse, search, add products to their shopping cart, and manage their orders. The vendor panel enables sellers to manage their products, inventory, orders, and customer communication. The admin panel empowers the platform administrators to manage users, products, orders, and other aspects of the e-commerce platform. Including all these panels in the MVP ensures a comprehensive user experience, catering to the needs of customers, vendors, and administrators.
2. Validation of e-commerce business dynamics. E-commerce platforms typically involve interactions between customers, vendors, and administrators. By including all three panels in the MVP, you can validate the dynamics of your e-commerce business and ensure that the interactions between these stakeholders are smooth, efficient, and aligned with your business model. This allows you to gather feedback and insights on how customers, vendors, and administrators interact with the mobile app and make improvements accordingly.
3. User feedback and iteration. Including customer, vendor, and admin panels in the MVP allows you to gather feedback from real users early in the development process. This feedback can help you identify pain points, usability issues, and other areas for improvement. By iterating on the feedback received from customers, vendors, and administrators, you can make informed decisions to enhance the user experience, streamline operations, and optimize the functionality of the e-commerce mobile app.
4. Stakeholder engagement. Including all three panels in the MVP ensures that all stakeholders are engaged and can interact with the platform according to their roles and responsibilities. This helps build trust and foster engagement.
5. Scalability and future development. Including customer, vendor, and admin panels in the MVP sets the foundation for future development and scalability. Once the core functionalities of the panels are validated and refined, it becomes easier to add new features, expand functionality, and scale the platform based on user feedback and market demand. This helps ensure the long-term viability and growth of the e-commerce mobile app.

As you can see, developing customer, vendor, and admin panels for MVP of the e-commerce mobile app is crucial.

What should be included in the customer, vendor, and admin panels?

It’s important to include critical features that provide value to all three main stakeholders: customers, vendors, and administrators. Here are some essential features to consider for each panel.

Customer panel:

• User registration and authentication. You must allow customers to create accounts, log in securely, and manage their profile information.
• Product catalog. You must display a wide range of products with relevant details, such as images, descriptions, prices, and ratings.
• Shopping cart. You must enable customers to add products to their cart, view the cart, and proceed to checkout.
• Payment integration. You must integrate with popular payment gateways to enable secure and seamless online transactions.
• Order history. You must allow customers to view their order history, track shipments, and manage returns or refunds.
• Search and filters. You must provide search functionality and filters to help customers find products easily.
• Wish list/favorites. You must allow customers to save products to a wish list or favorites for future reference.
• Push notifications. You must send notifications to customers for order updates, promotions, or discounts.

Vendor panel:

• Vendor registration and authentication. You must allow vendors to sign up, create profiles, and manage their products.
• Product management. You must enable vendors to add, edit, and delete products, manage inventory, and set prices.
• Order management. You must provide a dashboard for vendors to view and manage orders, track shipments, and process returns.
• Reporting and analytics. You must provide insights and reports on sales, inventory, and customer data to help vendors make informed decisions.
• Payment and payouts. You must integrate with a payment system to facilitate vendor payouts for successful sales.

Admin panel:

• Dashboard and analytics. You must provide an overview of key metrics, such as sales, revenue, and user activity.
• User management. You must enable admins to manage users, including customers and vendors, and handle user accounts, access control, and moderation issues.
• Product management. You must allow admins to manage products, including adding, editing, and deleting products, as well as moderating product content.
• Reporting and analytics. You must provide detailed reports and insights on various aspects of the e-commerce mobile app, such as sales, revenue, customer behavior, and inventory.
• Promotion and discounts. You must allow admins to create and manage promotions, discounts, and coupons to attract customers and boost sales.
• Content management. You must enable admins to manage static and dynamic content on the application, such as banners, images, and product categories.

These customer, vendor, and admin panel components should be prioritized based on the unique needs of your target audience and business model.

Essential team members for e-commerce app development

Developing an e-commerce app requires a skilled team with diverse expertise to ensure a successful and efficient development process. The essential team members for e-commerce app development typically include:

1. Project manager
2. UI/UX designer
3. Front-end developers
4. Back-end developers
5. Mobile app developers

Depending on the scope and complexity of the e-commerce app, we at Zartrex Tech attract additional team members such as a product manager, quality assurance (QA) tester, database administrator (DBA), DevOps engineer, security expert, business analyst, content writer, marketing expert, etc. We have a well-rounded, experienced team with expertise in different areas to ensure successful e-commerce app development.

How much does it cost to develop an e-commerce mobile app?

Here are some estimated ranges for the cost of developing an e-commerce mobile app:

1. Simple e-commerce app. A basic e-commerce app with limited features, simple UI/UX design, basic product browsing, search, checkout functionalities, and minimal back-end integration costs between $10,000 and $30,000.
2. Mid-range e-commerce app. An e-commerce app with moderate features and functionalities, more complex UI/UX design, advanced product browsing, search, cart management, payment gateway integration, push notifications, and other features costs between $30,000 to $100,000.
3. High-end e-commerce app. A feature-rich e-commerce app with advanced features and functionalities, complex UI/UX design, third-party integrations, multiple payment gateways, user profiles, social media integration, order management, and other advanced features costs $100,000 or more.

These are rough estimates, and the actual cost can vary significantly depending on the specific requirements of the e-commerce app, the location, the experience of the development team, etc.

Conclusion 

If you need to develop an e-commerce mobile app, we are happy to help you make a comprehensive assessment and start development as soon as possible. Leave a request on our website, and our manager will contact you!

The post The comprehensive guide to eCommerce app development appeared first on Soloway.

Template solutions for web pages may seem simple and affordable, but they often lack customization and responsiveness. Without these, you won’t be able to effectively convey the uniqueness of your product and how it helps users solve their problems.

Good news: there is a way to create effective eCommerce product pages. In this article, we summarized the essential findings and tips about what a product page is, its importance, best practices, and examples. Let’s get started. 

What is a product page?

In eCommerce, a product page’s meaning stands for a website’s page that represents information about the product’s features, such as price, images, sizes, availability, etc. It allows users to get insights about the item, understand its features, and how it can help to solve their problems. Moreover, it’s also a call to action for a potential customer to complete a purchase. Let’s find out more about why a quality product page is essential for your conversion and revenue.

Why is eCommerce product page design important?

The CSA’s case study indicates that 81% of consumers research the product’s details online before making a decision. The product page should not only provide the user with information about a particular feature, but offer a great UI, present its UTP, and more. All the webpage’s elements have to lead the potential consumer to the purchase and provide proper information. Here are essential reasons for you to pay more attention to your product pages:

• Conversion. The more optimized your pages are, the higher conversion you will get. As a result, more users can view your website and make a purchase. For sample, product pages’ conversion is 7%, while homepages got 2.5%.
• Brand Awareness. A uniquely developed design will help your business to remain recognizable among competitors. It can’t be achieved with template solutions that aren’t able to reflect the benefits of your products.
• Customer Loyalty. Every line has to provide detailed and accurate information you provide, the greater the chance the user will place an order. Moreover, a clear description of the goods will save consumers from surprises and you from returns.

If you want to learn more about custom eCommerce website design and its importance, read this article from our blog that contains all the answers. 

eCommerce product page 6 best practices to boost conversions

Well-made PDPs have an impact on your conversion and sales. To provide a better experience for your users and get more revenue. Let’s review six best practices to follow.

Use high-quality images 

As Trent Kennelly, a marketing strategist noted, you have to consider two main points about the images: quality and quantity. You have to draw attention and, at the same time, provide the necessary info with every photo. For example, you can add a possibility to zoom the thumbnail to observe the smallest detail as if the product is right in front of the users. Ensure that alt tags include keywords for SEO ranking. 

Create thrilling CTA

We are talking about CTA buttons that users see when scrolling the product page. Consider a few key recommendations: the CTA buttons have to be clear and visible, and the button’s color helps it stand out and is appropriate for your audience. Remember that it is about converting leads, so the text has to be short and convincing.  

Attach the reviews 

This practice is about the feedback from previous customers building user loyalty and trust. Moreover, 90% of them are convinced that reviews matter more than other product information. When searching for any goods, users tend to filter the ranking as well, looking for the items with the best rating. 

Stay mobile-friendly 

As for 2022, mobile got 58.99% of all the traffic worldwide. Therefore, to reach more potential customers, you have to focus on the mobile version as well as on the desktop. It also has an impact on your ranking: 

• people who experienced an unoptimized web page are more likely to abandon the site; 
• unoptimized web sites don’t get a high ranking in search engines.

Create a killing description 

The Harris Poll’s research indicates that 82% of consumers consider the description for making a final decision. Your text has to provide moving associations, include effective keywords for SEO, grow the customers’ trust, and present the item’s benefits. Keep in mind every aspect, from the headline to the emotional component of your description. 

Provide clear FAQs, Payment, and Return Policies 

Ensure the page has links to your policy, payment, and rules, so the user can familiarize themselves with the details before placing an order. As for FAQs, they have to provide concise answers to the main questions from customers. Identify the most common requests and write answers right on the product page. 

Product page optimization: key moments

SEO optimization is a challenging task that requires knowledge of algorithms, site analysis, how to create a semantic core and choose the keywords for content, and much more. Sounds too complex? We will provide essential tips on how to get more organic traffic with a single PDP: 

• SEO. Use the convenient services to select the keywords and phrases that rank highest in the search. 
• Uniqueness. Ensure that the content you provide is unique since Google will not allow a copy-paste. 
• Title and description. They have to be eye-catching and client-based to get the customer’s attention. 
• Optimization. Using high-quality images and creating a wide category is a good point, but you have to ensure it doesn’t slow down the loading time. Remember that 40% of users will quit a website that downloads more than three seconds. 

Would you like to learn more about Zartrex ’s solutions for eCommerce business? Check our study cases via the link. 

4 eCommerce Product Page Examples

Now, we will look at the examples of high-quality PDPs and analyze in detail which elements work best and why. 

H&M

The first thing we notice is a minimalistic design and clear, big images. The right side of the images tells the product’s name, price, possible designs, a link to reviews, and the option to choose a size. Also, to reduce the number of scrolls and friction on the page, two buttons at the bottom open the details and a full description of the item in the same window. The user is also able to go to the categories listing by clicking on the proper link at the top of the page.

Forever 21

This product page provides all the best practices, such as they have in total six pictures of the dress, representing it well. Still, let’s focus on interactions with the user. The button on the left lists all the categories of Cookies, the reviews are stored on the same page, so the user can see them just by scrolling down. Also, the “Get help” button is perfect for customers to get a quick conversation with the manager right away. 

Vans 

With this example, let’s consider the social proof practice for product pages. It increases user loyalty and brand trust. A large part of a page is devoted to reviews, there are also the most liked positive feedback and negative in addition to the general list of reviews. 

Fossil 

The following product page demonstrates the practice of using comparisons of different items. Thus, when a potential consumer reviews the actual characteristics and a particular product doesn’t suit them, they will be able to purchase another wallet that meets their expectations. 

Also, there is a great example of communication with customers that works as a social proof as well — the brand displays answers to the users’ questions right on the page. 

Wrapping up

According to the statistics, eCommerce revenue will reach 1.5 trillion dollars by 2027. To grow up and stay competitive, you have to follow trends and provide the best user shopping experience with your website. Product pages are a part of the mechanism that works for your digital business, generates profit, and influences brand awareness, and further development. 

If you are looking for an eCommerce solution that matches your needs for 100%, you are on the right way. Zartrex offers a full range of development services: you are able to get an analysis of your current website and ways to improve it, boost conversion and attract more customers with a unique, not static design. Fill up the form and let’s start our collaboration! 

The post How to Create an eCommerce Product Page appeared first on Soloway.