The Waters iPad application for the Chemistry Group was a great opportunity for Roundarch to build a B2B mobile application that created a business solution for our client.  The Chemistry Group at Waters was great to work with because they have an innovative vision and a deep understanding of  their business and the science behind the business.  Their decisiveness helped streamline the project lifecycle and their confidence in Roundarch allowed for the creative freedom to build an innovative and sophisticated app.

The target audience for the app is just as much for the sales team as it is for the Waters’ customers.  The app empowers the sales team with a sleek and easy way to demonstrate products to customers while it also provides the customers with an easy way to find what they need on their own.  The Waters iPad app is essentially a collection of different capabilities all in one app, with architecture that allows for more capabilities to be included with future releases.  We didn’t want to create a potentially confusing situation for users with multiple Waters apps that would make it difficult for users to know which app to use to find what they need.

The top priority for the app was to ensure accuracy of the data and functionality.  Although we wanted to take advantage of the features and functionality available for the iPad, it was crucial we built an app that provides users with the ability to make the best decisions with the most accurate data.  We also architected the database/data refresh in a way that we can change the data without needing to submit a new version of the app to the app store.  Once the functionality and data were completed, we were able to leverage certain features and functionality that may not be available on the current site or with traditional PCs and laptops, including the ability to:

• Easily view all info related to a product
• Pinch and zoom to view more details
• View the buy-in-bulk discounts for a given product
• Intuitively scan through best and alternate results
• Save items (products) across all apps (save and share list)
• Link directly to the Waters.com order center to view more information on a specific product

The app is being released in a phased approach; the first phase is already available in the app store which includes part selector apps for filters, vials, and plates.  Phase 2 is targeted for availability in the app store in the next few weeks, with the potential for additional phases later this year.

This morning I had the opportunity to attend the Crain’s Fast Fifty Breakfast which honored a very impressive group of companies that appeared on the 2011 list.  Roundarch has appeared on the list for two consecutive years and this year we were represented at #18.  Our five year growth rate of 448% is a direct result of our clients’ satisfaction with the cutting edge solutions that we have delivered for them.   Roundarch has been a part of the Chicago community since we started in 2000 and it is an honor to have our solid sustained growth recognized by Chicago Crain’s.  We are proud to be included in the prestigious company of these organizations that have managed to thrive in the difficult economic conditions of the past five years.