In our daily business operations, we work with a wide range of industrial and building-related products. These include industrial valves, pumps and accessories, construction equipment, precision tools, piping and fittings, agricultural and gardening products, electrical supplies, and more. Traditionally, these products were presented and sold through desktop-based systems, catalogs, and websites. While this approach worked for many years, we began to notice a growing gap between how customers actually behave and how we were presenting our products.
This gap became the starting point for developing our mobile applications.
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Understanding the Real Customer Behavior
One simple observation changed our perspective:
People do not always sit behind a computer when they make buying decisions.
Many of our customers are technicians, contractors, engineers, or business owners. They are often:
• On construction sites
• In warehouses
• Visiting clients
• Moving between locations
In these situations, accessing a desktop computer is not practical. However, almost everyone has a smartphone in their pocket. This realization led us to a clear conclusion: if our products are not easily accessible on mobile, we are missing real opportunities.
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Starting with an iOS Application
We began by developing an iOS app for our company. The first goal was not to build a complex e-commerce system, but rather a clean, fast, and reliable product catalog that could be accessed anytime.
The iOS app focused on:
• Clear product categories
• Easy navigation
• Fast loading
• Practical product descriptions
• Direct contact with support
Instead of forcing users through long checkout processes, we prioritized decision support. The app helps users explore products, understand specifications, and quickly ask questions.
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Expanding to Android with Flutter
After the iOS app proved useful in real situations, the next logical step was Android. Rather than developing a second native app from scratch, we chose Flutter.
Flutter allowed us to:
• Reuse a single codebase
• Maintain consistent UI and behavior
• Reduce development and maintenance effort
• Release features faster on both platforms
This decision was not based on trends, but on practicality. Flutter gave us enough performance and flexibility while keeping the project manageable.
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One Backend for Both Platforms: MongoDB
To support both iOS and Android apps, we needed a backend that was flexible and scalable. We chose MongoDB as the backend database for both platforms.
The reasons were straightforward:
• Flexible data structure for diverse product categories
• Easy adaptation when product attributes change
• Good performance for read-heavy catalog usage
• One unified backend for multiple platforms
Using a single backend simplified data management and ensured that users see consistent information regardless of device.
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Making Product Access Easier Than Desktop
Our core belief was simple:
Presenting products on mobile is often more effective than desktop.
A user might be:
• Standing in a shop
• Walking on the street
• Talking to a client
• Comparing options in real time
In such moments, opening a mobile app is faster than waiting to reach a computer. The app becomes a decision-making tool, not just a sales channel.
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Integrating Real Communication: WhatsApp Support
Another key feature was direct communication. Many customers do not want to fill forms or send emails. They want quick answers.
We integrated easy access to WhatsApp support, allowing users to:
• Ask questions about products
• Send photos or requirements
• Get immediate feedback
This reduced friction between interest and action. Instead of losing potential customers due to delayed responses, conversations could start instantly.
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Categories Designed for Real Usage
The app organizes products into clear, industry-relevant categories, such as:
• Industrial valves
• Pumps and accessories
• Construction equipment
• Precision tools
• Pipes and fittings
• Agricultural and gardening products
• Electrical supplies
Each category is designed to be understandable even for users who are not sitting in an office environment.
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Lessons Learned
Through this process, we learned several important lessons:
• Mobile-first thinking is no longer optional
• Simplicity beats complexity in business apps
• One backend for multiple platforms saves time and cost
• Communication is as important as presentation
• Apps do not need full checkout systems to be effective
Sometimes, helping the customer decide is more valuable than forcing a purchase flow.
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Final Thoughts
This project was not about building an app for the sake of technology. It was about aligning digital tools with real human behavior. By developing an iOS app, expanding to Android with Flutter, and using a shared MongoDB backend, we created a practical system that supports real-world decision-making.
In many cases, the moment someone decides to buy is spontaneous. Being present in that moment—on a mobile device—can make all the difference.