Three tips for enabling data-driven application development

As the amount of enterprise data continues to skyrocket, application developers are facing pressure to evolve. Over the years, the role of applications has transformed from a business tool to a core requirement for business. Mobile, web and Internet of Thing are all data-driven applications which are the conduit of most enterprise-customer interactions and have become a hub in helping enterprises differentiate via top-notch customer service.

The world’s hunger for real-time information only grows stronger with each passing day, and this hunger is becoming increasingly met with the practice of retrieving data via an API. Organizations store vast amounts of data, much of it across multiple, disparate databases that are unable to talk to each other. So how can organizations counteract these challenges and find a way to connect disparate data, gaining buy-in from the team? The answer lies in APIs.
Thanks to APIs, disparate systems can now interact with one another and exchange data. APIs are lightweight, modern, flexible and less risky than other data-sharing approaches.  API Management is a proven method for encouraging cross-departmental collaboration, analytics and reporting while facilitating the identification and correction of data discrepancies. Teams maintain full control of their data and can provide exact rules as to who can access that data.
With this in mind, enterprises today must ensure that the proper tools and processes are in place to help their application developers design better data-driven applications to accommodate this new data-driven reality.

To empower developers through the use of data, here are three core considerations you should keep in mind with the data-driven application:

Provide developer tools that help to design for an increasingly connected world.
The modern consumer is now constantly connected through the introduction of numerous new internet-powered devices, such as their computers, mobile devices, wearables, connected assistants, smart TVs and more. Developers need to design with every interface and platform in mind so that enterprises can deliver meaningful customer experiences.

Understand data analytics in order to measure what you’re developing.
Before developers start creating their applications, they need to create a proper set of key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact for what they’re designing. Having a sound understanding of data analytics will allow for more accurate benchmarks for success once applications are launched, and will help keep tabs on what works and what doesn’t work. This data-driven approach will help enterprises meet their overall business objectives as well.

Master data management processes from the get-go.
A data-driven application must operate on diverse data that pulls from multiple internal and external data sources. An enterprise must ensure that they are providing a platform for developers that collects, sources and processes data in real time and in an easily sharable and scalable format. Developers can then leverage this data to design applications that provide accurate, reliable and timely data to customers.
Modern enterprises must consider the role of mobile applications in supporting and enabling business processes while simultaneously providing ultimate customer experiences. Consumers expect a seamless mobile experience across all of their devices and the proof is in the revenue.

Axway’s AMPLIFY App Development provides everything developers need to create exceptional and native mobile apps, which can drive ongoing customer loyalty, support the growth of new customers and provide another channel for enterprises to interact with their most loyal customers. Many companies, like The Body Shop, an international and well-respected beauty business, needs a strong mobile developer strategy in order to tap into the value of their data and drive stronger customer experiences and ultimately more revenue. Body Shop utilizes the Axway’s AMPLIFY App Development to deliver a mobile experience that revolves around the company’s in-store model. The resulting loyalty app lets customers receive tailored offers, earn vouchers based on purchases, get invited to special events, shop for products, view their purchase history and locate stores. With more data points flowing between businesses and users than ever before, consider the different ways you can help your developers manage these new data sources and simultaneously support customer service initiatives.