The partnership between Apple and IBM that targets the enterprise sector continues a steady stream of
new app releases, with 10 more announced on Tuesday that brings the total of the year-old partnership to 32 apps for specific industries. The latest batch include apps designed for managers, business travelers, the mortgage industry, government inspectors, and field technicians and professionals, among others.
Shift Sync for Employees, which is available for the iPhone and Apple Watch, lets workers access and interact with their schedules remotely. The app includes notifications that allow employees to accept or decline changes, submit vacation requests, track sick leave or paid time off, and check schedules at any time. Shift Track for Managers (iPad only) replaces paper schedules with dashboard controls and analytics, helping managers cope with time-off requests and employee hours.
There is also a version of Shift Track (iPhone only) specifically aimed at business travelers, focused on trip planning and scheduling in order to make the most of the time, for example suggesting a time frame for a trip to a remote office at a time when none of the key employees have scheduled time off. The app can also make personalized travel recommendations, such as hotel recommendations based on location. Travel Track for Business Travelers (iPhone and Apple Watch) integrates flight itineraries, local recommendations, and travel info for other members of one's group.
One further travel-oriented app in the latest batch, Travel Plan Track Loan Advise for Mortgage Officers (iPad only), allows mortgage officers to collect information about clients in real time, thus providing better product recommendations and making it easier for borrowers to select and apply for mortgages. Loan Track for Mortgage Officers (iPhone only) allows officers to see a summary of loans in process, and what tasks are needed to complete applications. The app also notifies borrowers via email, text, or instant message on their status during the loan application process.
Two Expert Resolve apps, one for field service professionals (iPad only) and one called Asset Inspect for Field Technicians (iPhone only) provide historical data, suggest solutions based on similar past cases, and list common issues to help techs determine the most likely cause of the issue, and provide manuals, a work history, and specifications to facilitate repair or other solutions.
Finally, the two companies released Field Inspect for Government Inspectors (iPad only), which saves time by handling automatic data entry and correctly routing findings to the correct agencies, and Field Inspect Safe Site for Forepersons (iPhone only) which leverages the built-in camera and microphone to help forepersons document safety issues or conditions. The app can also leverage iBeacons if deployed to alert others when they are near an identified hazard area.
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