Tips to keep it safe before outsourcing your applications

Offshore, outsourcing has been a common practice, especially in locations that have a lower price per parity. It has become easier than ever to connect with talents from all across the world. 

Many businesses opt for outsourcing because it proved to be more efficient and businesses could save their resources for other purposes. But there can be some pitfalls to consider while outsourcing. One of the greatest pitfalls can be building trust between you and your outsourcing partner. 

It can be especially difficult to get a trustworthy partner when any one of the parties is from two different nations. 

The differences in cultures and time zones can be a huge thing to consider that is out of our hands while going about with a project. But there are some ways to make sure you are safe while outsourcing your projects 

With so many options in the market it is very difficult to know the right partner for you and hence here are some tips to make sure you know what is the right thing to do while outsourcing offshore. 

Define your goals and objectives. 

It is very important you state your objectives and goals clearly to your outsourcing partner. The biggest mistake a business can make is not exactly knowing what is their goal. 

For getting the best results, it is crucial for a business to know what it wants to choose tools and software considering the project’s scope and scalability. If you have a clear vision of your outsourcing needs, budget, and if possible the specific technology, it will aid greatly you as well as your outsourcing partner. 

Communication

When outsourcing to offshore locations, effective communication is critical. It is critical to establish clear communication channels and set expectations for regular updates and meetings. Language barriers and time zone differences can also have an impact on communication, so these factors should be considered when choosing an offshore partner.

Keeping in touch is extremely important. There are various tools for business communication that allow consistent monitoring. Ensure that the developers understand the project requirements, deadlines, and deliverables.

Quality Assurance

Make sure to define the project’s quality standards and establish quality assurance procedures. This will help ensure that the final product meets your standards. Just because a project is outsourced does not mean you do not deserve anything but the best. To assure quality when outsourcing, establish clear requirements, communication protocols, quality standards, and expectations. Conduct regular reviews, use project management tools, and test for quality. Work with a reliable partner and establish quality assurance procedures in the contract.

Check the reviews of your outsourcing partner before taking the leap of trust.

Plan your project to plan your resources

Identify project requirements, dates, and deliverables to plan a project and allocate resources when outsourcing. Establish roles and duties, as well as communication procedures and quality standards. Examine the outsourced team’s abilities and experience, and make sure enough resources are allotted. Fo that discusses your budget and cost palms with your partner and be very clear about your budget. Create a project management strategy and use tools to track progress and performance.

It is always a good idea to have escrow accounts for your projects so that you can plan your payments as and when the project completes. 

Establish clear project management protocols and ensure that the team is well-organized and on schedule.

Ensure you are safe legally 

Be sure to include confidentiality agreements and intellectual property protection measures in your outsourcing contract to protect your business interests and Ensure that your outsourcing partner is compliant with legal regulations and data protection laws that apply to your business.

Working with a trustworthy outsourcing partner and establishing a comprehensive contract outlining legal expectations and responsibilities can assure legal safety when outsourcing. Incorporate confidentiality, intellectual property protection, and data privacy provisions. Check to see if the outsourcing partner is in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. Keep regular communication and performance monitoring to ensure contract and legal obligations are met. If necessary, seek legal counsel.

Other points to note 

Risk Mitigation:

Assess potential risks and develop methods to mitigate them. This will assist you in staying on track and addressing any challenges that may emerge.

Being mindful of the culture of your partner. 

Be aware of cultural differences, language obstacles, and time zone variances, as these can all have an impact on communication and collaboration. To guarantee that everyone is on the same page, clear communication standards must be established. Engage with the other party as much as possible to know their culture. It is never wrong to go through their socials and their office environments to know what their culture is. 

Also, make sure to have a hotline process so that you can work on a problem that needs urgent care despite the differences in time zones. 

Offshore outsourcing has the potential to make or break a company. Many of you will agree with this statement and must have seen tangible outcomes for your company. Thus, make an informed decision. Selecting a software development company for your organization is not a simple task. You must use your wits to determine which one is best for you. Finding an excellent business for your software development needs is a difficult undertaking.

And that is why Assystant is here. We are here to help you and provide you with solutions that suit your business needs. 

Let us collaborate to create a success story. 

Prop Tech Trends of 2023 to watch out for.

Within the last 30 years, the real estate industry has changed a lot. IT now plays a vital role in shaping the real estate industry. The real estate industry is undergoing a substantial digital transformation and it is important to watch out for Proptech trends that would work well in the industry in 2023.

Proptech is one of the biggest industries expected to reach  $8.6T by 2026. One of the major factors to make it such a huge market is technology. Technology became such an important factor for consideration as it enabled everyone involved in the industry to make better decisions. Hence, to create a better consumer experience, it has become crucial to consider some industry trends. 

Proptech trends are influenced heavily by the online behaviors in the pandemic that had forced millions to have most operations shifting online. Newer innovations and technologies are changing the way real estate works and it will change even more in the coming years.

Here are 6 major Proptech trends of 2023 

1. AI and ML. 

Artificial intelligence and machine is vastly used in real estate and will be used even more because it allows realtors to pass data pipelines and algorithms to their decision-making process. Furthermore, AI and ML can be used for various other purposes like advertising, and content marketing. AI can be used to better customer experience for example AI chatbots, will respond quickly to consumer searches.

1. CRM software. 

CRM software was a huge hit in other industries and is emerging in real estate because it is essential for real estate agents to be in touch with clients and leads. It is also crucial to maintain smooth communications and hence CRM software is used. They are used for end-to-end management like managing incoming requests and preparing price quotes to sell and manage the property. They can provide features that are specific to the real estate industry.

1. Automation. 

Time-consuming and repetitive tasks are not unknown to the real estate industry. Documentation, property and client management, and lead generation can end up being very resource-consuming, and hence real estate industry is in dire need of automation. 

2. 3D modeling 

With 3D modeling, it has become easier to picture the property and lead without actually visiting the site. It has a lot of practical applications and is a trend of high value to the property tech industry. This is one of the tools that will enable harnessing the power of technology for the benefit of the industry. With 3D modelings, we can get an idea of any space in 3D from its 2D image, and hence it can be used for viewers to walk through the property virtually and showcase the property in the best way possible.

1. VR and AR 

AR and VR were significant technologies in gaming but it is also used in real estate for a better consumer experience. AR and VR are primarily used to enable virtual property staging and showcasing properties. Arranging 3D guided tours for home buyers can benefit both sides of the industry namely Real estate agents and firms and consumers. Agents can showcase their properties in the best light and clients can visit the property without actually traveling to the property site.

1. Blockchain. 

Blockchain is becoming increasingly popular as it helps eliminate paperwork and bureaucracy while maintaining the needed transparency. Blockchain is a great emerging prop-tech trend as it’s efficient and involves multiple parties. These transactions are also secure because of their decentralized nature. 

Like any other industry, real estate has also adopted technology for the betterment of the industry as a whole. These trends that are mentioned will add more value to the real estate industry as a whole and will be the key to creating ripples in the industry.

While working with real estate professionals, we always consider the best trends that are valuable and can separate you from the market. We specialize in end-to-end solutions for property technology and we create solutions that are convenient and user-friendly and customized for you.

Why Get A Custom Applicant Tracking System For Your Recruitment Team?

With Recruitment systems increasingly efficient with technologies, Applicant tracking systems are making the recruitment process easier and more efficient. They help streamline the end-to-end hiring processes. But what if you could get only the features that you want? 

Recruiting the right candidates is one of the most critical processes for any organization. A company’s success depends on the quality of its employees. But how can recruiters make sure they are hiring the right one if most of their time is used up doing mundane tasks like sorting through resumes and manually entering information?

One of the most overwhelming tasks for a recruiter can be sorting through excel sheets manually to filter out the right one for your business. One of the other bigger challenges is having to manually enter the resume information again. It is very frustrating and can take up a lot of time.

That is why most organizations use an ATS. Applicant tracking systems help recruiters save a lot of time and effort to sort through candidates and find the right one. Time is of the essence in today’s fast-paced world, and firms must streamline their hiring process to discover the finest employees swiftly. Investing in a custom Applicant Tracking System (ATS) for your recruitment team is one of the greatest methods to accomplish this.

However, most SaaS products in the market are created with most businesses kept in mind. But if your business is unique then why shouldn’t your ATS be? 

Not all ATS systems are made equal, and a custom ATS can provide a variety of advantages that off-the-shelf solutions just cannot match. In this article, we’ll look at why investing in a custom ATS for your recruitment team is a good idea.

1. Adapt to Your Business Needs

One of the key benefits of a custom ATS is that it can be adapted to your company’s exact needs. An off-the-shelf ATS may not contain all of the functionality you require or may include features you do not require. A customized ATS can be created to meet your specific needs, ensuring that your recruitment process is simplified and efficient.

2. Integration with Existing Systems

A customized ATS can also be coupled with existing systems such as your HRIS or payroll system. This connectivity guarantees that all of your data is in one place, reducing the possibility of errors and simplifying your recruitment efforts.

3. Improved Candidate Experience

Before the pandemic, the candidate experience was not really taken into account because employees could easily visit your office. But why sacrifice the employee experience if you can have the best? With good employee experience, there is a level of satisfaction from both parties, the recruiter and the employee. 

You can avail a more personalized experience for your candidates by using a custom ATS. You can customize your ATS to match the appearance and feel of your business, making it easier for candidates to navigate and understand your recruitment process. This level of personalization can enhance the overall candidate experience, making your organization more appealing to top talent. 

4. Improved Productivity and Efficiency

Many of the tedious and time-consuming procedures associated with the recruitment process can be automated with a custom ATS. This automation can free up your recruiting team’s time, allowing them to focus on more strategic activities like establishing new recruitment techniques or building relationships with candidates.

5. Better Analytics and Reporting

A customized ATS may also offer superior analytics and reporting capabilities than off-the-shelf options. You may configure your ATS to measure the metrics that are most important to your company, such as time-to-hire, cost-per-hire, and candidate conversion rates. This information can assist you in identifying areas for improvement in your hiring process and making data-driven decisions.

6. Greater Security and Control

A customized ATS also provides you with increased protection and control over your data. Off-the-shelf solutions may store your data on third-party servers, which can expose you to security risks. With a customized ATS, you can ensure that your data is secure and that you have complete control over who has access to it.

With a custom ATS, you can instill your personal values and culture while hiring the right candidate. Also with custom ATS, you can make sure that your ATS hires the right candidate and does not reject candidates. 

Also, you can pay for the services that you want which makes the option much more cost-effective. 

A custom ATS can offer a wide range of benefits to your recruitment team. It can be customized to meet your specific business needs, integrated with your current systems, improve candidate experience, increase efficiency and productivity, provide better analytics and reporting, and give you greater security and control over your data.

With a custom ATS, you can showcase your uniqueness and keep an edge over the marketplace, and have a strong and competitive recruitment process, just the way you want. 

This is where Assystant Assysts you. Our experts understand your business model and will build an ATS custom-made, just as you like. 

Cybersecurity Measures to Safeguard Your Company’s Data

With businesses shifting entirely online, it has become easy for companies to fall prey to cyber threats. Every business must take their cybersecurity into consideration and take measures accordingly to protect their from data and financial losses

Cybercrime has been a huge concern among businesses. After the 2020 pandemic, there is a rise in businesses shifting their entire operations online. However, with digital transformations being prevalent, it becomes very important to be vigilant towards cybercrime and cyber threats that can harm your business.

 In a 2022 report, it was found that nearly a quarter of US-based IT companies that have experienced a cyber attack has lost between 50,000 and 99,999 U.S. dollars. 

Hence it has become very important for businesses to take proper measures to protect themselves from cyber threats. 

Here are some of them in this article. 

Back up your data. 

One of the biggest aims of ransomware and malware is to steal your data and create havoc. One of the best ways to avoid all of that hassle is to regularly back up your data without fail. Regular incremental data backups in a portable device or cloud are a good idea. Also, server backups after every week, every quarter, and every year are very crucial. Along with that, it is important to keep tabs on data that can be restored. 

It is wise to keep a separate copy on a portable device that you keep offsite. Alternatively, you can encrypt your data while transferring and storage and store it in a cloud storage solution. 

Refrain from keeping your devices connected to your computer as they become vulnerable to cyber threats. 

Secure your onsite network

Update the software

Make sure that your operating system and software update regularly and automatically. Most updates allow you to schedule as and when you please. However it is important to update your software because it can fix some serious issues dealing with security.

Invest in a good antivirus software

Make sure your antivirus software has various other features like anti-virus, anti-malware, antispam, etc. These softwares prevent infection and are helpful in maintaining privacy. 

Set up a firewall

A firewall is a software or hardware that protects your device from malware that can enter your device from the internet. It is almost like the security near the gates or the gatekeepers of your device. Firewalls require regular patch-ups to make sure they work effectively. Installing a firewall on all your business devices can help you be safe from cyber threats. 

Keep spam filters on

One of the biggest ways of protecting your devices and networks is by keeping spam filters on because spam emails are a way through which phishing emails might enter the system.

Spam emails can infect devices with malware that can make your computer vulnerable to  cyberattacks 

Applying a spam filter is the best way to make sure that no employee clicks on the spam mail by accident 

Encrypt important information 

Encrypting your information makes sure that all your important data is encrypted when stored or sent online. This will make it difficult for hackers to gain access to important information. You can turn on encryption by your router settings or by installing a VPN. 

Use secure passwords/ passphrases and enable multifactor authentication

Multifactor authentication will ensure that the right person gains access to your important information by using two or more proofs of your identity. Also, passphrases will make your data more secure because it makes it more difficult for hackers to gain access to your data. 

Run appropriate tests 

It is important to run cybersecurity tests like penetration tests, vulnerability scans, and risk assessments to make sure that your systems are up to date and there are no cyber vulnerabilities in your systems.

It is very important to maintain your cyber hygiene and be regular with your updates to make sure that your data is safe and in the right hands. However, you might need assistance with the more complex ways of making sure there are no prying eyes on your data. Hence Assystant will assyst you to keep your data safe and secure. 

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Will 5G Technology Have a Positive or Negative Impact on Society?

How can 5g change our lives? 5G is the new cool thing that is on the brink of being used all over the world. There are places that are adopting 5G as their primary form of internet. But will it be good or bad?

5G is cool, and 5G is new. It’s creating a buzz for consumers, businesses, and tech enthusiasts all at the same time. 5G is capable of creating newer opportunities that were never seen before. It is 100 times faster than 4G and has ultra-low latency and greater bandwidths that can transform the world and can create newer opportunities. 

But what exactly is 5G?

It is the fifth generation of mobile networks. The first generation was in the 1980s when you could have mobile calls, the second generation was in the ’90s when calls and sms were made possible. The phones could fit in your pockets. The third one was in the Y2K era which enabled internet surfing via a mobile device. 4G started in the 2010s which enabled video consumption and high data speed. 

But now it’s time for the fifth generation. This is said to enable a newer kind of network and everything and everyone can be connected virtually using this generation of wireless communication technology. 

But what makes 5G different?

Even though 5G runs on the same radio frequencies as the ones used today, it will enable the current technology to do much more. Since everything will be connected, it will be a crucial technology in creating a more cohesive and connected world. 5G can enable newer projects touching ideas like virtual surgeries and smart cities. And most importantly, the connections established by 5G networks are reliable which will help the world have more benefits. 

But how can 5G affect our lives?

Because 5G is more than just fast internet. It is capable of creating newer use cases that were never seen before. Just like 4G enabled apps like Instagram and youtube. Machines objects and devices all over the world can be connected virtually with each other and this will help create a more sustainable world. 

It can touch every part of our life but here are some examples of where it can affect us the most. 

1. Cutting the cord. 

Since the dawn of wireless networks, enterprises want to cut the cord and save their prices, and cut the costs from the cable company. Guess what? 5g makes it possible. With 5G technology, you can literally bring about speeds that are just as fast (or faster) than current wireless systems. You can connect many devices reliably with the help of 5G itself. 

Just a thing to note. Wires will still exist. Just not in the enterprise space. 

2. Logistics. 

Since devices are connected at all times, With the help of 5G and Iot it will be easier to keep a track of logistics and will bring end-to-end, uninterrupted visibility of goods. This is especially important for SMEs to keep track of resources and inventories so that they can optimally prepare themselves for any issues coming forward. 

3. Remote robotics. 

Imagine being connected to a robot from thousands of miles away. Cloud robotics is an upcoming thing thanks to 5G. 5G is capable of bringing humanity to a place it’s never been before. You can have a production line and can monitor workloads without being actually present thanks to 5G. Remote surgeries and telehealth can also be made possible by 5G

4. Connected homes

Our homes will be more connected than ever. Imagine a system such that as the sun sets down, the intensity of lights in your home goes up. As soon as you enter your home, with one voice command, miles away from your home. You can literally monitor your home from your office seamlessly. 

5.  Connected vehicles. 

It must be so cool when 5g can literally save lives. Since 5g can connect many devices, Connected and autonomous vehicles will be connected and can work seamlessly to literally save lives by preventing accidents.  

6. Event experiences

5g can be a game changer for many things that can including things like public events like smart stadiums and smart venues. 5G can make it easier to track the data of these veneers to find parking spaces and seats without many hiccups. 

7. Production lines

Production lines will be more predictive than ever. IoT and 5g will help you have production lines collect and analyze data and act on the given data. This will help you in making more reliable and faster and more valuable decisions 

But 5g is more than all these applications. It is a generation of technology that will bring humanity so close and connected that we have never seen before. Newer use cases will be seen just because of 5G networks. It will be the tool for a faster, safer, and sustainable future

Will ChatGPT replace humans?

The viral chatbot ChatGPT by OpenAI is one of the most powerful chatbots the world has seen. Within 5 days it has reached 1 million users and it can do many things; From fixing codes to writing essays. Hence comes the discussion of AI stealing away jobs. Here is our take on the same.

ChatGPT is a viral AI-based chatbot that can answer any query a user asks in a conversational manner. It can recognize different forms of text and has a huge repository for its training hence enabling it to answer most questions

A copy for monday.com

Chat GPT can answer queries in a human-like manner and can also do some other tasks like writing and debugging codes to writing copies, it threatens to steal the jobs of coders and copywriters alike. Even though it does have some limitations, it will definitely change the way we work. Here are some jobs that can change with the help of ChatGPT. 

Writing. 

Copywriting, content writing, or anything related to writing can be done by ChatGPT. It can write a  crisp copy for any website or a satisfactory blog of 500 words within seconds. Obviously, it is difficult for chatGPT to write about less famous products and services but the content that is written by chat GPT does not feel very robotic. 

However, it does feel very generic and not a lot of creative exclamations are in the blogs or the copies that are produced by ChatGPT. Now even though the text does change every time you ask the same query, it is generic and bland 

ChatGPT can be used as an inspiration for writers to create more writeups effectively. It can help writers be more productive and gain some perspective before creating a piece. 

An example blog on lipsticks 

Programming. 

Chat Gpt can really nail a program in a few seconds. It can write programs, debug them and translate languages within seconds. It can write really simple lines of codes 

So will not lie,  but those entry-level programming positions can be threatened by this AI.

But as a programmer, the experience can teach solving complex issues using programming. ChatGPT is a great opportunity to automate some tedious coding tasks and manage the menial codes for a programmer. 

Customer support

It has been a while since when customer support dealt with chatbots but ChatGPT is one of them that can empathize with clients and give a human-like feel and emote using words. It is designed to have a conversation and review the previous answers. It can provide this empathetic help that many other chatbots can fail. However, the effect of a human voice and the human feel cannot be replaced by chatGPT. However, this is true that humans will not solve menial problems anymore. A human will be involved only when the issue requires one. 

It can be a great tool for training customer support employees. Also, it can be a great tool to automate a lot of tasks in maintenance and support. 

An example of being unable to use an operating system. 

As far as all these jobs are concerned, ChatGPT can do them surprisingly well. It can also Do other things but if you push it enough, its limitations will be visible. 

Yes, it is a threat to entry-level jobs, however, it is a tool and an opportunity to make tasks easier and faster using ChatGPT. 

How a startup can survive in a recession?

A recession is a period of economic decline, typically characterized by a decrease in the gross domestic product (GDP), employment, and consumer spending. It often results in a contraction of the economy and a rise in unemployment. And in these times there can be a domino effect wherein one thing can affect all financial institutions and in turn all businesses. Recessions are especially difficult for startups and entrepreneurs and it is crucial for entrepreneurs to find creative ways to navigate through recessions 

Recessions can be challenging times for startups, but strategic partnerships can be an effective way to help them survive and even thrive during difficult economic conditions.

During a recession, startup companies can face significant challenges in maintaining their operations, generating revenue, and staying afloat. Strategic partnerships can be a key tool for startups to survive and even thrive during a recession.

A strategic partnership involves two or more companies coming together to achieve mutual benefits. In the context of startups during a recession, strategic partnerships can help to reduce costs, expand reach and access to customers, and provide access to resources and expertise that may not otherwise be available. Here are some ways that startups can use strategic partnerships to survive a recession:

1. Cost sharing: 

Cash flow is one of the most difficult issues for startups during a recession. Strategic partnerships can help by allowing businesses to share costs. For example, a startup that provides a software solution may collaborate with a company that provides hardware, allowing them to bundle and sell their products together while sharing marketing and advertising costs. This can help both companies save money and improve their bottom lines.

2. Access to new markets: 

Strategic partnerships can also help startups gain access to new markets. Partnering with a larger, more established company can provide a startup with new customers and distribution channels that they might not have had access to otherwise. This is especially important during a recession, when customers are less likely to try new products or services.

3. Joint marketing and advertising: 

Another advantage of strategic partnerships is the ability to work together on marketing and advertising campaigns. Startups can collaborate with larger corporations to develop joint marketing campaigns that will help them reach a larger audience. This will assist them in generating more leads and increasing their revenue.

4. Access to expertise and resources: 

Startups can benefit from partnerships by gaining access to their partners’ expertise and resources. This can assist them in improving their products and services, streamlining their operations, and cutting costs. A startup that offers a digital marketing platform, for example, might collaborate with a company that specializes in data analytics to help them improve their product and better serve their customers.

5. Diversification: 

Finally, strategic alliances can assist startups in diversifying their revenue streams. Startups can reduce their reliance on a single product or service and spread their risk across multiple areas by partnering with companies in different industries or markets. This can assist them in weathering a recession by providing a more consistent source of revenue.

But a big question lies, in how to establish strategic partnerships.

Strategic partnerships can be a crucial way out of recessions and this can be achieved by identifying companies that can complement their products or services, building relationships with potential partners, and finding mutually beneficial ways to collaborate. It is essential to keep communication open, work towards a shared goal and make sure both parties benefit from the partnership and help each other survive and thrive during difficult economic times.

How did startups survive previous recessions?

Recession is not a new concept and one of the most memorable recessions of recent times can be the 2008 recession. The 2008 recession was caused by a combination of factors, including the subprime mortgage crisis, risky financial practices, and a credit crunch. It led to decreased investment, less access to funding, and lower consumer demand, which all had negative impacts on startups. However one of the most iconic sustenance and survival case can be that of Airbnb.

Airbnb:

During the recession, Airbnb used strategic partnerships with major travel companies such as Expedia and Craigslist to expand its reach and attract more users. Even in a difficult economic climate, this helped them survive by increasing their customer base and driving more bookings. Furthermore, they concentrated on increasing trust and loyalty among their existing users by providing exceptional customer service and investing in quality control measures.

Craigslist :

Craigslist benefited from increased usage during the recession as more people looked for ways to save money and find affordable options. They also did not rely on advertising revenue like many other online platforms, allowing them to weather the economic downturn without suffering significant financial consequences. Furthermore, Craigslist continued to prioritize simplicity and user experience, which helped them retain and even attract new users during the recession.

Amazon:

Amazon was able to survive and even thrive during the 2008 recession due to a number of factors. For starters, they had already established a dominant position in the e-commerce market, which enabled them to maintain a strong customer base and grow. They also invested in new technologies such as the Amazon Kindle, which allowed them to diversify their revenue streams and provide more value to their customers. They also continued to expand internationally, allowing them to enter new markets and offset some of the effects of the US recession. Finally, they concentrated on cost reduction and efficiency, which enabled them to maintain profitability and weather the economic downturn.

Strategic partnerships can be a chain that can save many startups from the hell hole of recession. With difficult financial times, it is crucial for startups to identify their suitable partners and market with each other so that they can grow and sustain fluctuating markets. 

 That is why Assystant has a special focus on partnerships because we believe that partnerships can help in the sustenance of businesses at all times. We collaborate with business owners so that we can adapt to their business models and provide them with valuable solutions. Get a free consultation from Assystant with no strings attached. 

From Idea to Reality: Your Essential Guide for Building an MVP

Minimum viable products are an essential part of creating a successful product. No one wants to make a product searching for problems to solve and a market to sell. Hence it is always advisable to build an MVP. But building proper MVPs can be confusing. Here is a comprehensive guide on MVPs and building proper MVPs for your business. 

Let us go back to the ’90s, the dawn of the internet. Back in those days, everything was not possible and the internet wasn’t as reliable as it is today. But Bezos had a dream to build the everything store. He read a report that stated that the annual growth of web commerce shortly would be 2,300 percent upwards.  But it would be a very bad decision to directly launch an everything online store where there is no current market for it. It would be too much when not a lot of people had email addresses, to begin with. 

Hence he started with a good minimum viable product. He streamlined the 20 most marketable products and then narrowed them to five. Finally, he stumbled upon the fact that books are the most marketable product because it is  Easy to buy, easy to ship, and not a big investment for the consumer. And boom Amazon was born

And then they made sure that on the day they launched, they listed tons and tons of books. They would buy books from the distributor and ship them to the customer while charging some extra for the delivery. 

One of the reasons why Amazon is so successful is because they had an amazing MVP. 

And for any new product, an MVP is a crucial part to learn more about the market and how much demand your product has. And a lot of businesses are focussing on building an MVP because we learn a lot of things while being cost-effective. But MVPs are not that easy to nail. They have to have the minimum amount of functionalities. It is very difficult to distinguish between a prototype and an MVP. There can be a lot of doubts about an MVP. Hence we present you a complete guide for building a good MVP

So what exactly is an MVP?  An MVP or a minimum viable product or in simpler words, it is the basic launchable product that can support the minimum but required functionalities of the final product. It is that version of your product that has the basic features to satisfy your end user. This is where the word Viable comes from. These basic features must provide some kind of value to the end user. Let’s take the aforementioned example. In the initial days, Amazon was an online book store. It had the basic functionalities, a simple website and it provided value to end users because customers could buy books online from their own homes. 

When you are building an MVP, it is important to note that you cannot forget the V in the MVP. therefore it is necessary to chalk out the steps of building an MVP and following all of them. 

But why build an MVP and not directly launch the final version?

The purpose of building an MVP is to launch a product quickly in the market. It is also a key way to find an established user base and find out feedback from real end users. It is easy to find the target audience and take the ideas from their experience and use it in future iterations thereby saving time and money. But it is mainly an initial model that creates a  proper starting point for references and further discussions. 

Also, businesses build MVPs because it is motivating to flesh out the actual product after dedicating a long time to improving and refining the idea. 

But how to build an MVP?

Ensuring that your product has minimal features and is also viable is very difficult. Many startup founders in their initial phases end up creating an MVP completely ignoring the viability of the product. It is very easy to go astray while delivering an MVP of your product. So it is important to follow all steps without fail. 

Steps for building an MVP

1. Have market research

Not all ideas have a market need. A good business person always analyses the market demands before starting the MVP development process. It is always a good idea to conduct surveys. The more information you have the better your chances are towards success. It is also crucial to analyze your competitors and how you can be different from them. A CB Insights survey found that the number one reason for startups to fail is a lack of market need. 

The Top 12 Reasons Startups Fail

If your product is finding for a problem to solve then you will not find any consumers.  

2. Have a clear idea of value addition

For defining the value proposition of your MVP, it is important to have clear answers to the following questions. 

1.  What value can my product provide to the end users?
2. How can my product benefit them? 
3. And why would consumers buy my product?

These answers will be important for defining the value that your MVP provides. But yes these should be in their initial stages. An MVP provides some value to its consumers in its basic state. 

3. Chalk out user flow

This is a vital step in building an MVP. you must design your MVP in such a way that it is user-friendly. Your MVP must be considerate of every stage that a user will be facing. 

It is crucial to put yourself in the users’ shoes while creating a user flow. Create and define a user flow that is basic and easy to navigate. 

At this step, it is important to focus on basic tasks than on features

4. Prioritize the features 

Prioritize all the features that your MVP will support 

Ask questions like

1. What do users want?
2. Is my product providing something beneficial?

It is crucial to chalk out all your features and put them in various levels of priority like this  priority matrix as shown below and go ahead with crucial features with your initial MVP.

A business can always check its future product by building a prototype of the MVP to check and correct its priority of features. But for the safe side, any MVP must contain at least features 

5. Launch your MVP

Now that you have prioritized all the main features and checked the market, you can start building the MVP. Remember your MVP should not be of lower quality and needs to satisfy the end user. It must be a complete product in itself that can have a base number of users and can target an audience 

https://snov.io/glossary/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/What-is-Minimum-Viable-Product-MVP-Definition-and-examples-1024×533.png

6. Exercise  BML. Build measure learn 

Go over your MVP again and again. Obtain feedback and metrics from real users because sometimes, your research information may be different that end-user feedback. Use these feedback experiences to build a better MVP promising a better user experience. You must make sure that your MVP must be of the desired quality of the end user. 

Mistakes to avoid. 

1. Choosing a wrong problem statement

Have a defined problem statement to solve. You must define your end user, your problem, and if your problem is solved by your proposed solution. 

2. Skip on prototype

Skipping on prototypes is a very risky step to take because prototypes ensure that you are going in the right direction because prototype act as a bridge from an idea to a complete product or service. Take the feedback from users and implement them in further iterations

3. Wrong target audience

Everybody is not your target audience and you have to remember that. Only involve the target audience and take their feedback. 

4. Wrong development style 

When we are developing something, rather than using the traditional development style, it is advisable to use an agile development style to make sure that your product is launched quickly and is flexible to change

5. Quantitative vs qualitative feedback. 

These are two methods of collecting metrics and feedback from end users. 

1. Quantitative feedback= would be feedback in form of metrics that check whether the tasks were easy or difficult to perform. Indirectly it can access the useability of the design. these would be checking the user performance of each task. 
2. qualitative= this is feedback concentrating on the quality of the MVP. It helps developers analyze the specific problematic UI elements.

While building an MVP it is crucial to take into account all of these factors. The end goal of building an MVP is to test the marketability of a product before launching the full-fledged product. That is what makes building MVPs a little complicated. 

Hence, We at Assystant can make it easier to build an MVP just right for your business . With expert team members at your side at all times, we will help you build an MVP that follows all these steps and is market ready so that you can focus on the more important tasks; like devising plans and strategies for your business.  

References – https://www.netsolutions.com/insights/how-to-build-an-mvp-minimum-viable-product-a-step-by-step-guide/#frequently-asked-questions

Top 10 Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Examples

https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/amazon-is-huge-because-it-started-with-a-great-mvp/308707

https://easternpeak.com/blog/top-methods-to-prioritize-features-for-your-mvp/

Plagiarism checked.100% unique.

A complete guide to Low Code Development

With newer technologies, low code and no code are buzzwords amongst tech enthusiasts and software developers. This development methodology can help you elevate your coding experience. In this blog, learn more about low-code development. 

With more complex business applications being on the rise, it has become crucial that building those applications becomes simpler. Hence low code and no code development styles come into existence. Low code reduces the complexity of building good modern business apps adaptable to ever-changing markets. With the help of a low code development style,  organizations are better equipped to quickly adapt and respond to fast-changing business conditions. Here is a complete guide to low-code development 

What is low code?

Low code is basically a development environment that can change your coding style from textual to visual. With traditional coding environments, the developer has to figure out the functionality of each line from the lines of code. With low-code environments, people of all fronts, be they software developers or business stakeholders, or decision-makers can build value-driven enterprise business applications. Low code basically works in a model-driven, drag-and-drop interface, unlike the traditional interface. Low code can automate every step of the application development. Also, these development styles make development more accessible to all which can help accelerate the development process. 

How can low code help businesses?

The best part of Low code is its drag-and-drop functionality which is great for increasing the productivity of the developer. It will also help you visualize how the app will function while developing the code. 

Also since low code has pre-configured modules, logic, templates, and connectors, it becomes easy to build cross-platform apps which is customizable and scalable. 

Since it has a visual model of development, the collaboration also becomes easier with the help of built-in tools for feedback loops, revision tracking, user stories, messaging, and more.

Also generally low-code platforms are cloud-based and hence it becomes easy to scale the apps according to your market demands.

How unique is low code? 

Low code is not the same as no code. No code development is for developers who have no development experience. It is also very different from the traditional coding environment. Low code takes the best of both worlds and allows non-technical users and professional developers can apply their skillsets, collaborate, and co-develop solutions.

But which one to choose?

There are more than 300 vendors for low-code development. But here are some factors to consider to choose a low-code development platform

1. Collaborative IDE

One of the main objectives of organizations opting for low code development is easier collaboration. It is crucial that the platform has separate accounts for professional and civilian developers. Your platform should have built-in tools to facilitate real-time collaboration between business and IT 

2. Data integration

Your organization will most likely have a huge amount of data. So it is important that your platform must integrate with any system and data source. The platform must enable developers to find, understand, and use data from any internal or external source — without compromising data security.

3. Application lifestyle management

Your low-code platform must have an integrated set of tools for support at any stage of application development. This will ensure that it ensures quality and it eliminates the traditional bottlenecks, costs, and risks associated with app delivery 

4. User experience

Your low-code platform must develop and support web and mobile platforms and must ensure a smooth frictionless user experience. 

5. Productivity

A big advantage of low code development is productivity. Your platform must ensure that it has no-code IDE with drag-and-drop widgets, reusable components, and real-time collaboration along with flexible integration and extensibility, as well as out-of-the-box DevOps tools to ensure productivity for civilian and professional developers respectively. 

6. Cloud support

Your platform must support scalable cloud-native apps and should have the option to deploy on various cloud platforms. 

With all these factors to consider you can choose a low-code platform that is just right for you. Because it eases the application development cycle and makes it accessible to all, 

with time, low code will become the future of application development. Low code platforms will be an important tool for solopreneurs, businesses, and professional developers alike to build value-based applications that make an impact in the ever-changing market. So it is a very important leap of technology one must consider.

As technology gives you the tools to create value in the market, Assystant will help you choose the right technology for the business to create value-based solutions. Explore more with Assytant and gain insights on technologies that will provide you with value.