What is a document management app?
A document management application is a web, mobile, or desktop application that enables users to manage documents (spreadsheets, drawings, images) in an online repository. Users can create new documents and upload existing ones to the repository. They can also search for documents by name or content. Some apps allow users to share selected document types with other users within the app; others only allow full-document sharing via email or other third party file-sharing services like Dropbox or Box.
Document management apps are similar to file storage apps and app lockers. Both types of apps allow users to upload, store, and access files remotely from a smartphone or tablet. Some popular document management apps include Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Box.
Examples of document management apps built with Crowdbotics:
- A customized, enterprise document management app for the finance industry that allows users to consolidate workflows associated with gathering information from clients, verifying identities, and collecting payments.
- A document management app built for a company in the finance industry that helps users secure home loans. Data collection and verification is heavily automated for this app so that verbal and/or physical qualification is not necessary.
- A document management app built to help users keep track of flare ups associated with various gut conditions and assist them as they choose a diet that will help them feel better.
What is the typical cost to build a document management app?
A document management app usually costs about $37,500 to build. However, the total cost can be as low as $25,000 or as high as $50,000. A document management app with a low number of features (also known as a minimum viable product, or MVP) will be more affordable than an app that includes all intended functionality.
For example, here are some previous document management app price quotes from Crowdbotics:
How long does it take to build a document management app?
A document management app usually takes 379 hours to build. However, a document management app can be built in as few as 100 hours, or in as many as 867 hours. The exact timeline mostly depends on how complicated your specific app is. As a general rule, it will take longer if you require highly custom designs, niche features, complex logic, or non-standard release platforms.
For example, some previous document management apps build with Crowdbotics received the following hourly estimates:
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How to successfully grow your document management application
A document management app allows users to organize their document files in a single place, which makes it easier for them to share documents with friends, colleagues, and clients. Document management apps can grow rapidly by using an effective referral program that gives new users free access to the platform in exchange for inviting friends.
Risks and challenges of building a document management application
An app that facilitates the storage of personal or sensitive information is at risk for data breaches or leaks. Therefore, it is important to provide robust mechanisms for user interaction, security, and data auditability. It is also advisable to have a third party review your platform’s security posture to ensure that you are meeting industry standards.