Efficient Ways For Increasing Working From Home Productivity

Productivity App Features That Resonate With Remote Workers

Even as the pandemic fades into the past, remote and hybrid work have remained widely practiced. And one of the main factors underpinning this trend is the emergence of remote working productivity apps that enable teams to perform highly irrespective of individual members' locations. Many of these apps were already used in workplaces before the pandemic, but some gained more acceptance amongst remote workers. That said, let’s discuss the standout features of productivity apps for remote work: eLearning Capabilities One of the trickier aspects of remote work has been how to get new recruits up to speed. Training can be hard to conduct when physical in-person meetings aren’t an option. You must figure out how to transition smoothly from face-to-face conversations to presentations and walkthroughs. Then, there’s the distribution of learning materials. And as always, you eventually have to assess the trainee to determine how ready they are for specific tasks. This is where virtual classroom software has won the hearts of many. The ideal tools, in this case, should enable the trainer to create courses, stock libraries and deliver exams. Photo by Wes Hicks on Unsplash Top-notch learning management systems also provide ingenious features like surveys and quizzes that keep trainees more engaged during learning and assessment. And to promote flexibility, such tools also facilitate self-paced learning while providing detailed reports and analyses for each trainee. Some popular solutions encapsulating eLearning capabilities include TalentLMS, AbsorbLMS, Trainual, ProProfs LMS and more. Team Building When an entire team is in the same physical workspace, it's easier to organize and hold fun activities outside their work assignments to strengthen bonds and get everyone into a single mission. However, once everyone is scattered across different locations, all this becomes harder. Photo by ål nik on Unsplash In fact, productivity may decrease as some team members feel less heard and spend more time figuring out how to assert themselves. Others may get caught up in a vicious cycle of second-guessing their own ideas and decisions as they feel they have limited guidance. On that note, team leaders need to dedicate some time to team building, and they can do it using apps that provide features like scavenger hunts, puzzles and other games that bring people closer. Common virtual team-building apps include Playmeo, Scavify, Kahoot!, Good & Co Teamwork, Heads Up! and RallyBright. Remember that not all these tools are about playing games. Some deliver quizzes you can use to profile each team member and see how best they can work together based on their individual strengths and weaknesses. Multimedia Communication While email has massively evolved over the years, it still feels like a formal letter. Moreover, the attachment feature doesn’t fully support the wide range of variations in how remote workers interact. For example, a team member overseas may want to share a video feed of their surroundings since they are near a revered landmark or monument. Another team member may receive a work-related message at a party where texting or calling may be inconvenient, but a quick voice note can work. In essence, remote teams need to be able to communicate in a manner that prioritizes their work but also channels the vibe in their respective remote workspaces. Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash This is best achieved with a strategic mix of video conferencing, file sharing, notifications and reminders, text messaging and group chat, postcards and more. To minimize the cold and ultra-serious atmosphere typically associated with work emails, you can try a solution like Today.ly. What’s unique about such a tool is that on top of offering all the typical communication channels, its interface emulates a real work environment. You can see groups meeting in conference rooms and follow how individuals come and go in real-time. The app also enables you to view availability and instantly start a conversation with a teammate by simply clicking on their avatar instead of having back and forth emails for sending meeting links and updating the times on invitations. Task and Process Automation For many remote workers, their schedules are constantly in flux. They aren't considerably detached from other aspects of their life like childcare and home management in the same way that office workers are. Secondly, remote teams often include members in different time zones, so some work needs to be ready and getting submitted at a time when the person working on it is sleeping. This can be something like transferring figures from survey forms into a report, sending out newsletters, populating tables, sending reminders, and more. For the lucky ones, it’s one simple task. But in other cases, the work involves more elaborate processes demanding contributions and approvals from various personnel. Accordingly, task management and process automation tools are the best way to tackle this challenge. But before you start, you need to ascertain the different levels at which automation takes place. Firstly, there's the lower level, where you need automation tools for specific tasks. Photo by Yuyeung Lau on Unsplash A good example is marketing automation tools like ActiveCampaign, MailChimp, HubSpot and Klaviyo for sending emails to customers. Above this level, you’re creating end-to-end workflows involving multiple tasks. Consequently, you’ll need tools like Integrify, ClickUp, Wrike, Kissflow, Smartsheet, Zapier and Adobe Workfront. With such tools, you should look out for those that come with pre-built templates and drag-and-drop builders or an equivalent that requires as little code as possible (preferably no code). This way, anyone in the organization can easily create and edit automations without involving IT. The bigger picture As you can see, depending on an organization’s size and the diversity of work they do, the remote work toolset can quickly expand. From accounting to HR, legal, IT and marketing, plenty of work could use a digital solution or two. Therefore, when shopping for Work From Home (WFH) tools for your teams, you should pay close attention to their integrations. You don’t want to end up with many tools that can't link to each other. This will leave you with more work, constantly transferring data between different software and increasing the likelihood of errors. Lastly, it helps to go for tools that have reliable customer support. It's even better if the support agents are available 24/7 since problems could come in from team members in various time zones. Wrapping Up WFH productivity apps can benefit an organization on various fronts, like increasing efficiency, improving team morale and reducing operational costs. That’s why you should think broadly when choosing them. To get professional assistance in selecting and managing these tools, contact us for a free consultation.

5 Tips For Staying Motivated While Working From Home

React Native vs. Kotlin Multiplatform: Which one is better?

Hi tech fellows! Continuing the series comparing different development frameworks, this week we will talk about React Native vs. Kotlin Multiplatform. The comparison unveils the similarities and differences between the two popular technologies for iOS and Android app. This article will cover these main criteria: PerformanceCompatibility with Native APIsDevelopment ExperienceSuitability for Different Types of ProjectsTime Efficiency Performance: Native vs. JavaScript React Native uses JavaScript and a bridge to communicate with native components. This makes it a solid choice for many applications, but it can face performance issues with complex UI or heavy animations. The JavaScript bridge adds overhead, which may cause delays in rendering or interactions for more performance-intensive apps. React Native is suitable for apps like social media platforms, where performance is important but not critical. Kotlin Multiplatform, on the other hand, compiles shared code to native code. Since Kotlin Multiplatform uses Kotlin, which is native to Android, and compiles seamlessly to native code for iOS, it has the advantage of being closer to the metal. This results in better performance, especially for apps that need to process data quickly or have complex UIs. Therefore, Kotlin is a good choice for high-performance apps, like games. Compatibility with Native APIs: Bridging the Gap React Native provides an easy way to access native APIs through JavaScript. However, it might not have built-in support for every API you need. In such cases, you will have to rely on third-party libraries or write custom native modules. This extra step can increase development complexity, especially if you're dealing with platform-specific features. React Native can handle most native APIs but may require more effort when using platform-specific features. Kotlin Multiplatform offers direct access to native APIs. You can write native code for both iOS and Android where needed. This makes it highly compatible with native device features without relying heavily on third-party libraries or custom modules. It also reduces the chances of compatibility issues since you're working with native code. If your app relies on complex features like camera controls or Bluetooth functionality, Kotlin Multiplatform allows for seamless integration with these APIs. Development Experience: Simplicity vs. Flexibility React Native offers a smoother and simpler setup process. Developers familiar with JavaScript can start building apps right away, making it a popular choice for web developers transitioning to mobile development. Its hot-reloading feature also allows for faster development cycles by letting you see changes in real-time. As a result, React Native is ideal for teams with a strong JavaScript background and those looking to get a product to market quickly. Kotlin Multiplatform provides more flexibility but requires familiarity with Kotlin. Therefore, Kotlin Multiplatform is better suited for experienced developers who want more control over performance and platform-specific code. The learning curve is steeper for developers who aren't used to native development, but it's rewarding for those who need greater control over their code. The ability to share business logic across platforms while maintaining separate native UI components allows more customization. Suitability for Different Types of Projects React Native is great for projects where speed and simplicity are top priorities. It’s widely used for apps where the user interface is relatively simple and consistent across platforms. React Native also has a large community and a wealth of third-party libraries, making it easier to find resources and support. React Native can be a good choice for e-commerce apps or social media apps, where time-to-market and a consistent experience across platforms are more important than maximum performance. Kotlin Multiplatform excels in projects where performance, security, and deep integration with native systems are crucial. It's particularly well-suited for projects where business logic is shared, but UI elements need to be customized for each platform. Kotlin Multiplatform is ideal for fintech or health apps that require a high degree of security, performance, and native features. Community and Ecosystem Support React Native has been around since 2015 and boasts a large, active community. There are many libraries and tools available to make development faster and easier. However, maintaining these third-party libraries can sometimes become an issue, as some libraries may not be updated as quickly as needed. Kotlin Multiplatform is newer but is backed by JetBrains and Google, making it a strong contender in the long run. Its community is growing, but it may not have as many pre-built libraries or resources as React Native yet. However, since Kotlin is the official language for Android, it's likely that support for Kotlin Multiplatform will continue to grow. Conclusion: Which Should You Choose? Choose React Native if:Your team has strong JavaScript experience.You need to get an app to market quickly.Performance is not the most critical factor.You prefer using pre-built libraries for common features.Choose Kotlin Multiplatform if:You want native performance and access to platform-specific APIs.Your project involves complex features or high-performance requirements.You prefer sharing business logic but building platform-specific UI.You want a future-proof solution backed by strong industry support. Both React Native and Kotlin Multiplatform are excellent tools, but your choice should depend on the specific needs of your project. Each framework brings unique benefits to the table, so it’s essential to align your decision with your development goals. SupremeTech provide high-skilled React developers for your project. Book a free consultation with us now!

SupremeTech and BiPlus co-organized an event for the Da Nang IT community

Take a look back to exciting moments in the "Work Smarter, Not Harder with Jira" event for Da Nang’s tech community. Organized by BiPlus, Atlassian's strategic partner in Vietnam, in collaboration with SupremeTech, the event focused on leveraging technology to enhance project management and productivity. The event aimed to show how tools like Jira and artificial intelligence (AI) can help make work more accessible and efficient. By using these tools, businesses can save time and get better results. Beginning of a series of activities for the IT community BiPlus and SupremeTech, two prominent names in Vietnam's IT landscape, teamed up to host this event as part of a broader initiative to engage the local tech community.  Mr. Bui Xuan Hien, CEO of BiPlus, started the event with an inspiring welcome speech. His vision for creating a dynamic, fun, and connected space for the Da Nang IT community resonated with the audience. He emphasized that this event is just the beginning of a series of activities to bring together tech enthusiasts to explore smarter, more efficient ways to work. How Jira can be used to optimize workflows The event focused on how Jira, Atlassian’s popular project management tool, can optimize workflows, streamline communication, and boost team collaboration. With the added integration of AI, the future of work is becoming more intelligent, where smart tools reduce manual effort, freeing up time for more strategic tasks. One of the event's key highlights was the presence of Ms. Lexy, Partner Manager for Southeast Asia and Atlassian’s representative for the Asia-Pacific region. She shared valuable insights into Atlassian’s plans for the region, as well as helpful information on how companies can use their tools to work better. Her Q&A session was especially engaging, allowing attendees to ask specific questions about Jira, Atlassian's tools, and how these technologies can support businesses of various sizes. Expert insights on Jira and AI Integration The event featured a diverse lineup of speakers who shared their expertise on a range of highly relevant topics to today’s IT professionals.  Exploring the evolution of offshore development models This session was presented by Mr. Tien Huynh, Project Manager of SupremeTech, to explore how offshore development models have evolved in recent years. With the increasing need for global collaboration and remote work, he highlighted strategies for managing teams across different locations while maintaining high productivity and quality. He also touched on how Jira helps streamline these complex workflows, enabling teams to stay on track no matter where they are. Managing projects effectively with Jira: Best practice from SupremeTech Ms. Hang Duong, another Project Manager from SupremeTech, delved into the practical aspects of using Jira for project management. She shared real-life examples of how her teams have used Jira to break down complex projects into manageable tasks, ensuring clear communication, accountability, and timely delivery. Her presentation was packed with actionable tips for maximizing Jira’s capabilities, from setting up boards and workflows to tracking progress and handling bottlenecks. Using AI to boost project efficiency A particularly exciting session came from Mr. Truong Cong Phuc, Founder of Luviha Group, who discussed how AI transforms project management. From automating routine tasks to providing predictive analytics for decision-making, he demonstrated how AI can significantly reduce the time and effort spent on project management. He also showed how integrating AI with tools like Jira allows teams to focus on high-level strategy and creativity, leaving the mundane work to intelligent algorithms. Lively panel discussion overcomes challenges in IT project management Following these engaging talks, the event transitioned into a lively panel discussion, where all the speakers joined forces to address the audience’s questions. This interactive session allowed participants to voice their challenges, seek advice, and discuss potential solutions with the panel.  The discussion was moderated by Mr. Bui Xuan Hien, CEO of BiPlus, and Mr. Truong Dinh Hoang, Chairman of SupremeTech, who brought their vast experience to the table. The conversation covered various topics, including managing remote teams, overcoming obstacles in project execution, and the future of AI in IT project management. Keynote of “Work Smarter, Not Harder With Jira” event The event wasn’t just about talks and discussions but also a fantastic networking opportunity. Attendees had the chance to connect with like-minded professionals, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations. The atmosphere was lively and positively charged as participants exchanged ideas and insights on improving their work processes and making their teams more efficient. By the end of the "Work Smarter, Not Harder With Jira" event, it was clear that the Da Nang IT community had gained a wealth of knowledge and practical skills they could immediately implement in their personal and professional lives. Whether working on personal projects, leading a team, or managing a company, the insights from this event provided valuable takeaways for everyone involved. Stay tuned for our upcoming events For those who missed out, stay tuned! BiPlus and SupremeTech have more events planned, offering even more opportunities to dive deeper into innovative work management. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, events like these will play a crucial role in keeping professionals at the cutting edge, ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow with confidence. The Da Nang IT community has just begun its journey toward smarter, more efficient work processes, and with the support of tools like Jira and the integration of AI, the future looks bright! >>> Explore another event: SupremeTech co-organized Vietnam IT Day 2024 in Sydney Contact us if you want to outsource in Vietnam! Let us know if you want to find a local partner who can build great teams that make great products! We have experience working with the world's most demanding nations and are ready to expand our client list.