Smart Applications, or Smart Apps, are applications that gather copious amounts of data from various sensors and other sources and utilize a combination of machine learning algorithms and predictive analytics to equate data-supported, actionable insights into the end-user experience. The meteoric rise in recent years of the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and machine learning are forcing companies to redefine their apps into more data-driven and user-centric offerings.
Smart app insights are expressed through application features that enable users to more efficiently complete a task, such as providing recommendations and suggesting "next actions". Smart apps use machine learning, data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) services to provide those predictions and recommendations that guide app users. Smart apps can be personalized to the user. Applying sensor and location data, smart apps can embed user processes and preferences onto available smart devices. Smart apps can also proactively interact with users via push notifications, messaging, or chatbots.
Smart apps are currently used in a variety of industries from manufacturing, shipping, and logistics to banking and retail. Shipping companies use smart apps to forecast delivery times to both the consumer and the company shipping the product. Manufacturers employ smart apps to automate their operations. Retail companies benefit from smart apps through their ability to recommend products and target consumers with personalized offers. Similarly, banks use smart apps for personalized investment opportunities and recommendations. Car companies have begun engaging smart apps to recommend predictive maintenance to drivers. Even the healthcare industry is using smart applications to offer proposed diagnosis and treatment recommendations to patients, nurses, and doctors based on patient and medical research data analytics.
Industries and enterprises are joining the smart apps revolution looking for the sensor-driven, actionable insights that smart apps can provide. Smart apps display insights in an operational framework that allows users and systems to take efficient, appropriate actions.