Cross-platform app for municipal publication
Development of a mobile application for magazine readers and a chart building tool for publishers
Client
ZFK is one of the most important specialized media in the German energy sector. The media publishes independent and expert reporting on municipal energy and supply in Germany
Business challenges
- Limited budget for mobile app development
- Offline mode support
- Automatic transfer of content from a website to a mobile app
- The need to collect data and build charts
Our solutions
- Cross-platform mobile application with offline mode
- Web tool for publishers to build charts
Project implementation
For the development of a web tool for publishers, we created a robust database containing reliable information on the German energy sector, sourced via an API from a government resource. We aggregated this industry data and enabled the client's publishers to seamlessly access and utilize it. Additionally, we developed a web builder that generates charts and comparison tables based on this data, allowing for easy integration into publications on both the client's platform and third-party resources.
To optimize development costs and deliver solutions for both iOS and Android, we used the React Native framework for the mobile app. This cross-platform approach reduced development costs by 40%.
Our solution also included functionality to save previously opened articles to local storage, enabling offline access. We implemented a secure authorization system, providing differentiated access to content for two distinct user groups. For viewing the magazine in PDF format, we integrated a user-friendly PDF viewer into the mobile app using the rn-pdf-reader-js library. Finally, we deployed the application to the App Store and ensured all necessary documentation was prepared for a smooth launch.
Technology stack
- React Native
- Redux
- Expo
- Styled-components
Key activities
Business outcomes
The implemented project enabled the client to achieve the following outcomes:
- Stayed within budget by leveraging a cross-platform development approach
- Delivered a user-friendly mobile application for iOS and Android, enhancing accessibility for readers
- Developed a web tool for publishers that aggregates data from public sources and allows for the creation of charts and tables
- Strengthened market position and gained a competitive edge through the enhanced functionality and data-driven capabilities
