Custom B2B app development for a retail sector client

Kaleos, a major client in the retail sector, needed to adapt its professional web platform into a native tablet application offering the same experience and features, with the aim of improving usability and accessibility for its agents and professional customers.

The project required the development of a robust, complete API that made interaction with the database possible and facilitated offline synchronisation and management. Artimedia was in charge of designing and implementing this custom solution, ensuring efficient integration with the existing systems.

The end goal was to give the app a smooth, functional user experience both online and offline, making it possible to manage the essentials of the business: products, customers, orders and calendar, among other specific features.

What was the challenge?

The main challenge was to bring all the complex features of a professional web platform to a mobile app, maintaining the integrity of the processes and the quality of service.

Develop a native app with offline operation and efficient synchronisation of data and images.
Replicate and extend the features of the web version for agents and professional customers.
Create a scalable, secure API to connect with the existing database and facilitate the management of users, products and orders.
Implement calendar, KPI and geolocation management tools adapted to the new mobile platform.
Respect multilingual and multi-user requirements, including operations for administrators.

What was the process?

To tackle the complexity of the project, a structured, collaborative procedure was followed.

Environment preparation

The development environments for the API and the application were set up and configured, with secure access to the client’s database and implementation of the required public server.
Design and layout

Following the design provided by the client, the app interface was laid out with special attention to the landscape format for tablets, guaranteeing an experience adapted to the different devices.
API development

The API was programmed with Laravel, providing all the methods needed for authentication, management of users, products, orders and warranties, and advanced features such as geolocation and the calendar.
App programming

The application was built with Flutter, establishing navigation, interactions and the mechanisms for offline management and automatic synchronisation of content and photographs.
Integration and testing

Close integration between app and API was carried out, iteratively testing all the features to ensure consistency, security and performance before going into production.

Results

The implementation of the B2B app has marked a before and after in the operational management of the client’s professional users.

Significant improvement in the usability of the application in situations with intermittent connectivity or no internet access.
The app makes it possible to manage the entire purchasing process, from product selection to sending orders and warranty requests.
Increased agent productivity thanks to integrated tools such as the calendar, geolocation and KPIs.
The user experience has been enriched with specific features adapted to the mobile context, maintaining consistency with the pre-existing web ecosystem.
The robustness and scalability of the API guarantee a solid base for future evolutions and extensions of the digital platform.