Mobile Application Development has proven to revolutionize industries around the world. SurfEdge was given the opportunity to offer a mobile solution to one of the leading apparel exporters of the country, BAM Holdings.
The apparel export industry of Sri Lanka is the most dynamic contributor to the country’s economy. It accounts for 40% of the country’s total exports at present while offering a multitude of employment opportunities to Sri Lankans across the island. BAM Holdings Limited is one of the front runners in this industry with almost four decades of experience. The company has been offering unique products to quality conscious employees around the globe since the inception of its operations. The Miami Exports chain of BAM Holdings currently employees over 5000 individuals.
The task given to SurfEdge for Mobile Application Development for BAM Holdings consisted of an mobile app for employees. The objectives of the application included increasing efficiency and productivity within the company. The employed strategy looked to streamline communication between all parts of BAM Holdings. The application also had to be user friendly to those of any level of literacy and technical know how.
Understanding the end-customer
As an initial step to Mobile Application Development it was important to understand the end-customer and their profile as an individual. This was critical since the project dealt with a broad spectrum of users. Therefore, SurfEdge had to utilize mock ups and surveys to collect information. The app had to be accessible and user friendly to everyone, from a machine operator to an executive, regardless of the age category they belong to. The user experience was the key focus of this development process.
Designing a solution that makes the operational process simpler, more efficient and enjoyable
A large amount of time is spent on trivial tasks that could be completed in just a few seconds in any apparel facility. These tasks included assessing efficiency and quality as well as monitoring salary dates and availability of leave. The app bridges the required stakeholders together, eliminating the need to go through physical processes to obtain the information. Thus, making the information available through a few clicks. Therefore, the app looked to make information available in a few seconds, eliminating the need for time consuming processes.
Employees who have been operational for over nine months were offered a smartphone in partnership with Mobitel PLC to facilitate the process.
Creating an interactive audience and bridging the language barrier
BAM Holdings was extremely particular about not making the application monolingual. In the best interest of their employees, the company wanted to exploit the application as a way of allowing workers to improve their English language skills. Therefore, the app maintained a healthy balance between the two languages.
Additionally, it was in the interest of the management to allow employees to give in their inputs when appropriate. In order to achieve this, SurfEdge created elements such as polls, referral requests and feedback forms.
A simplified management dashboard for a Birdseye view of operations
A simple and attractive Admin Panel allowed the HR and IT department of BAM Holdings to monitor and regulate the application seamlessly. This panel brought the entire solution together by reconnecting the employees with the management.
The application was launched by SurfEdge at two of the BAM Holdings factories with the participation of the employees of the company who were able to interact with the developers of the product and to clarify any doubts that they had. The app is currently available on the Google Play Store on https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=lk.surfedge.bam.
