#Japan #OMO #Minato #APPBOX #iRidge

Iridge Launches New App Planning and RFP Consulting Services

Iridge, based in Minato-ku, Tokyo and led by President Kentaro Oda, has announced the launch of its new consulting services aimed at helping companies plan their smartphone app development and create Request for Proposals (RFPs). This initiative marks an important step in the app development process, which is critical for realizing business objectives and service goals.

The planning phase is pivotal as it defines what kind of app is necessary to achieve business aspirations. By clarifying the concept design of the app and outlining its functionalities and feasibility, this process enhances the reliability of cost estimates and ensures that development proceeds without delays.

Iridge's new service aims to effectively support the planning and requirement organization phase before diving into requirements definition, design, and development, especially for increasingly complex OMO (Online Merges with Offline) app projects. Companies can utilize these consulting services without having to commit to development requests, allowing for a tailored approach based on specific business conditions. This flexible service model targets the challenges faced by various enterprises, aiming to provide comprehensive solutions.

Background of the Service Launch

Iridge has established a remarkable track record by supporting over 300 companies in app development, operations, and marketing, leading to numerous success stories. It has been recognized as a top player in assisting companies with customer engagement through apps, boasting a 45% transaction share among top retailers and distributors, a 63% share among railway operators, and a 25% share among major banks, including two megabanks.

As technology rapidly evolves and the push for digital transformation (DX) intensifies, the expectations for OMO apps continue to grow. Consequently, app planning requires an elevated degree of expertise, demanding advanced knowledge and skills that encompass related systems. Apps often face challenges due to inadequate precision in planning and RFP documentation, which can lead to shifts in specifications during development, ultimately impacting budget and timelines.

Iridge has already been addressing individual customer requests for app planning and RFP assistance, and with the increased demand from businesses facing challenges, it has made the formal decision to offer this as a structured service.

Overview of the Service

The app planning and RFP creation support service from Iridge comprises five essential phases: Requirement Organization, Current State Analysis, UX Strategy and Planning, User Experience Design, and Output (Planning Documents/RFP Creation). Unlike general consulting firms or SIers, this service is characterized by its specialized team members who focus specifically on app development. They collaborate closely to create engaging app experiences that foster loyal customers while also assisting in the practical creation of RFPs with an eye toward the development phase.

This approach minimizes redundancies in app development, contributing to cost reductions and shortened timelines. Iridge aims to transform vague challenges into concrete app concepts, defining requirements that align with business growth objectives.

Service Features:

1. Requirement Organization: Conduct interviews to gather business plans and clarify current conditions and requirements.
2. Current State Analysis: Implement market and user research to analyze the current state through external insights.
3. UX Strategy and Planning: Visualize target audiences and value propositions while designing the app's concept.
4. User Experience Design: Develop communication strategies and visualize UX enhancements.
5. Output: Based on planning and strategy, deliver the planning documents and requirements necessary for app building or improvement.

Future Prospects

Through formalizing the planning and RFP creation support as a service, Iridge aims to expand opportunities for app development among businesses. By integrating this with its versatile app business platform, APPBOX, Iridge aspires to increase the creation of apps that contribute to “making life more convenient than yesterday.” The company is committed to continually enhancing its services to meet diverse customer needs, striving to broaden horizons in app development.

For more information about the app planning and RFP creation support service, visit: Iridge App Planning/RFP Service

About APPBOX

APPBOX is designed as a highly expandable platform for app business, facilitating integration with external systems and various third-party tools. Users can combine necessary modules (SDKs) to achieve rapid app deployment with standard functionalities, customizability while managing workloads and timelines, and capabilities for functionality expansion without vendor lock-in. The platform also supports rapid marketing strategies to enforce successful marketing initiatives.

To learn more about APPBOX, visit: Iridge APPBOX

About Iridge

Iridge specializes in supporting corporate app businesses and business production across various sectors such as retail tech, fintech, and MOAS. Their app business support holds top-class records in OMO app planning and development, with apps they’ve developed having an active user base exceeding 100 million in Japan. Iridge is actively committed to delivering unique value by addressing complex customer needs, leveraging their diverse expertise to encompass both digital and real-world solutions. Moreover, they collaborate with their group company Qoil to provide comprehensive strategies involving producers, planners, and creative directors, guiding companies from pinpoint consultations to holistic problem-solving.

For further details about Iridge, visit: Iridge