The Business Approach to: Machine Learning

When it comes to emerging tech, it can be hard to cut through the hype and hyperbole. Machine Learning (ML) is no exception. We know ML is the next big thing for mobile apps, but it can be hard to define what it actually means for business. Or, more specifically, what it means for your business.

In this article, we break down how machine learning can impact operations management. Solving your business problems, streamlining your work processes and empowering your employees. But first, we need to understand how ML is already changing the way mobile apps work.

Machine learning for mobile app development

In traditional mobile app development, we tell an app exactly what we want it to do. Machine learning, on the other hand, is a subset of Artificial Intelligence (AI). That means that instead of writing rules, we create algorithms that can take in a wide range of data. And, off the back of this, offer up an output value within an expected range.

The key benefit of these ML models and algorithms is that they don’t need to be explicitly programmed or supervised. So, over time, they’ll learn, improve and even find their own way to organise the data they’re given. Through this, apps with machine learning can then classify, cluster and distribute information all on their own.

But what does all this mean for your business operations?

Improving business operations with machine learning

Machine learning offers a huge range of benefits for your customers. But with a well-positioned ML model, you can also empower your employees. All while reducing your operational costs and providing you with much better insight into the day-to-day running of your business.

Here are a few key ways machine learning could impact your operations:

Data entry: ML can completely change your company’s documentation process, using image recognition on your employees’ mobile devices to scan in, process and share documents between teams.

Analysis and predictions: Internal digital assistants can use machine learning to review specific departments’ budgets or work efficiency. As a mobile platform, this could deliver bite-sized insights and quick predictions to senior team members and managers wherever they are.

What do you need to know about approaching machine learning?

Here’s what you need to know about ML:

Prepare for change: machine learning will completely change how you process your existing information. All while opening up new ways to process user data like voice, video and images. This will impact how you, and your employees approach tasks on a day-to-day basis.

Clean data is better than big data: Over time, businesses accumulate a wealth of data. This is often old, inaccurate and disjointed. To make the most of ML in your mobile app, you need to start with up-to-date and relevant data sets.

Start with the problems: Begin with the frustrations and inefficiencies in your process. Right now, we know mobile apps and machine learning work great at streamlining and automating tasks. This means you will need to work out which of your problems warrant an ML model. If the problem can be fixed with a simple set of if this then this that (IFTTT) rules, then it’s likely machine learning won’t be the right answer.

Set realistic expectations: Think of ML like learning a skill. Models need time to grow, adapt and experience. But when it comes to real-world business, there often isn’t a margin for error. So, you need to think about how you can develop your ML model in a more localised test environment before fully launching it. One where you can experiment and adjust to find the highest ROI. Innovation labs are a great way to do just this!

We recommend reading our article: Artificial Intelligence for Financial Services

Do you want to advantage of machine learning?

If the answer’s yes, then we’d suggest an app discovery phase. This is a great way to understand what your employees want from a mobile app. But a discovery phase can also help you pinpoint where machine learning models could make the biggest difference.

From this, we can help you to prove the need for an app in your business before starting development. A mobile app discovery phase also helps when it comes to prioritising both your business resources and your app agency’s time. At Sonin App Development, we’ve already helped many of our clients to do just this, and we’d love to help you too. So, send us a message or give us a call at +44 (0)1737 45 77 88.