How many apps do you have on your smartphone? How many of those do you use regularly? Have you tried to clean those apps up and delete them?
Chances are, you rarely think about it. Except when you get a new smartphone, and all those apps must download again before you can use it properly. And every one of those asks you to create an account with a password that doesn’t matter.
For every problem, there’s an app for that.
And that’s just your personal phone. What about your laptop and even your business. How many apps are you using that you don’t need?
The Apps Problem
Today, nearly everyone has an App to access their services. And more Apps are appearing every day. And new services are building the own app-based ecosystems. Some of these Apps are useful and add value. Others…not so much. In fact, some of these Apps just make it harder for you to do business as they create a barrier between the business and customers.
“Oh goody, another app to download” said no-one ever.
Then there are the security and privacy implications. How and where are they storing your information. Who is that being shared with and will a hacker steal that data to be shared on the Dark Web. The privacy policy may give you a clue, yet that could be a work of fiction.
My point is…do you really need another App?
The App Graveyard
On our personal devices we collect many apps for a variety of reasons; shopping, entertainment, government, social, health, or work. Some are useful. Some are necessary. Many are annoying. And we only use about 5% of these apps cluttering up our smartphones.
I know I have that app here somewhere…
Businesses are much the same. They collect many apps and services to help deliver the outcomes for their customers. They may even build their own apps. And some of these apps are used once and then quickly forgotten about. Or worse, then app developer disappears and that really useful app stops working!
Make An App List
One of the first things I ask my clients to do, is to create an App List. It does not matter if the app is free or paid for, it goes on the list. It is surprising how many apps we collect and use every day without giving them a second thought. Even the ones you do not pay for are costing you something.
Many businesses are like a teenager’s bedroom. The owner (ie, teenager) knows where everything is. Everyone else is like “how do you find anything in here?”
Once we have a view of what apps and systems are being used, we can start developing an understanding of how the business functions and where all the data is. Many of these systems are disconnected, duplicated, or not compatible with other systems. Even worse, the only person who knows how this stuff works is the business owner; and they haven’t taken a holiday in years.
The Worth of a Picture
Now we know what apps & services are used, we can start drawing pictures to describe how the business works. We can find gaps, determine blockages, and systemise operations. When we step back and look at the whole picture, we stop seeing the apps and start seeing the process.
Maps are great, if you know how to read them.
You cannot make a decision without first understanding what the problem is. And for many businesses, it is not the technology that is the problem; it is how they are using the tech and how all the apps connect (or don’t) together.
Cleaning the Mess
Everything in life is connected. The actions we take, the people we meet, the technology we use. When we understand these connections and find the synergies between them, we can unlock their potential. But we need to take the time to clean up our stuff and ensure we have the right mix and right places for everything.
If you live in chaos, you attract chaos.
Every app you use forms part of a greater ecosystem of technology you use to navigate our modern world. These apps can either help, or they can hinder your ability solve your problems. And if they don’t work with each other, they can greatly reduce your ability to help others.
Take control of your digital world and take command of your apps.
