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Economic Downturn: Where Should Emerging Tech Firms Channel Their Investments?

As we stepped into 2023, the shadow of an economic slowdown loomed large over the global business landscape. Recent data points to a tangible shift in the economic tide. For instance, McKinsey’s latest survey reveals a pronounced wariness among executives about the future of the global economy, more so than at the start of 2022​​. This apprehension is not unfounded, as businesses across various sectors grapple with the ripple effects of this slowdown. The cautious stance of companies is reflected in their investment patterns and strategic decisions, signaling a crucial period of reassessment and recalibration.

Understanding the Slowdown: Causes and Corporate Impact

The economic slowdown that has been casting its shadow in 2023 didn’t emerge out of thin air; it’s the culmination of a series of events and factors that have been simmering for a while. It all began with the ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global supply chains and led to unprecedented shifts in consumer behavior. The pandemic’s impact was further exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and trade wars, particularly between major economies like the United States and China.

In this context, the major economies around the globe, including the U.S., the European Union, and China, have experienced a significant downturn. This has been reflected in various economic indicators like GDP growth rates, consumer spending, and unemployment rates.

To put things into perspective, let’s consider two major companies: Apple and Amazon. Pre-pandemic, Apple’s annual research and development expenditure was consistently increasing, reaching around $18.75 billion in 2020. However, in the wake of the economic slowdown, there’s a noticeable tapering in their spending pattern. Similarly, Amazon, known for its aggressive expansion and investment strategies, reported a decrease in its year-on-year growth rate in 2022, a stark contrast to its usual robust growth figures.

These spending patterns are a direct response to a blend of factors – reduced consumer demand, supply chain disruptions, and a general atmosphere of uncertainty fueled by global political unrest and economic instability. Businesses are being forced to rethink their strategies, often choosing to tighten their belts rather than invest in new ventures or expansion plans.

How Does This Help?

By understanding the reasons behind the slowdown and observing the actions of major players, businesses can better navigate these challenging times. It’s crucial to recognize the signs of economic shifts and adapt accordingly, whether that means revising spending, re-evaluating investment strategies, or even temporarily putting expansion plans on hold. The key is to remain agile and responsive to the ever-changing economic landscape.

Tackling Economic Slowdown through Strategic Capital Allocation

In these times of economic uncertainty, it’s crucial for companies to exercise caution in their capital allocation. The focus should be on investing in areas with the most potential for sustainability and growth, despite the prevailing challenges. Let’s delve into three key strategies that companies can adopt:

Investing in Digital Transformation: In an era where technology is king, companies investing in digital transformation tend to stay ahead. For instance, Netflix’s continuous investment in its streaming technology and content personalization has helped it maintain a competitive edge, even during economic downturns.

Focusing on Core Competencies: Concentrating on core business areas can lead to more efficient use of resources. Microsoft, for example, has consistently focused on its core software and cloud services, which has helped it weather various economic storms successfully.

Sustainable Practices and Long-Term Planning: Companies that invest in sustainability and long-term planning often emerge stronger. Unilever’s commitment to sustainability has enhanced its brand reputation and led to cost savings and innovation, proving beneficial in times of economic hardship.

These strategies are not just about cutting costs; they’re about smart investment. By focusing on areas with the highest potential return, companies can make the most of their resources, even when those resources are limited.

How Innovating Can Help Companies Overcome Slowdown?

In times of economic slowdown, innovation becomes more than just a buzzword; it’s a survival strategy. When traditional markets stagnate, and consumer spending tightens, innovative products and services can open new revenue streams and even create their own markets. Here’s why and how companies should prioritize innovation during economic downturns:

Innovation as a Differentiator: In a crowded market, innovation helps companies stand out. Take, for example, Tesla’s focus on electric vehicles. Even in periods of economic downturn, Tesla’s commitment to innovation not only set it apart from competitors but also helped to establish a new market segment.

Creating Demand: Innovative products can stimulate demand where none existed before. Apple’s introduction of the iPhone is a classic example. By creating a new category of smartphones, Apple not only survived the 2007 economic slump but thrived.

Efficiency and New Solutions: Innovation isn’t just about products; it’s also about processes and finding new ways to solve old problems. Amazon’s investment in AI and robotics for logistics and delivery has not only saved costs but also improved efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Partnering for Innovation

During economic downturns, resources for R&D can be limited. This is where strategic partnerships come into play. Collaborating with tech companies known for their innovative prowess can be a game-changer. For example, a partnership between a traditional car manufacturer and a tech firm specializing in autonomous driving technology can lead to the development of new, market-ready products faster and more efficiently than either could achieve alone.

We have a good example of Mantra Labs which built an intelligent clinic management solution Connect2Clinic. The platform that allows appointment management, e-consultation, managing multiple clinics, etc., sets a benchmark in digital health. 

Innovation during a slowdown is not just about survival; it’s about setting the stage for future growth. Companies that invest in innovation and smart partnerships can not only weather the current economic challenges but also emerge as industry leaders.

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Sales Applications Are Disrupting More Than Just Sales

Sales success today isn’t about luck or lofty goals—it’s about having the right tools in your team’s hands, wherever they go. Following our earlier in-depth exploration of sales technology, we will now examine how cutting-edge sales apps are becoming the backbone of modern industries, transforming complex workflows into seamless, growth-driving machines.

From retail to healthcare, logistics to real estate, businesses are deploying sales applications to enhance operational transparency, cut redundant tasks, and build intelligent sales ecosystems. These tools are not only digitizing workflows—they’re driving growth, improving engagement, and redefining how field teams operate.

Lead Ecosystems: Unified visibility across channels

One app. Five workflows. Zero friction.

A leading insurance brand relaunched their app—a sleek, powerful sales companion that’s turning everyday agents into top performers.

No more paperwork. More time to sell.

Here’s what changed:

  • Every visit is tagged, tracked, and followed through. Renewals? Never missed. Leads? Fully visible.
  • Attendance and reimbursements went on autopilot. No more manual logs. No more chasing approvals.
  • New business and renewals are tracked in real time, with accurate forecasting that sales leaders can finally trust.
  • Dashboards are clean, configurable, and useful—insights that move the business, not just report on it.
  • Seamless Integrations. API connectivity with Darwin Box, IMD Master Data, and SSO authentication for a unified experience.

The result? A field team that moves faster, sells better, and works smarter.

Retail: Taking Orders from the Frontline—Smartly

Field sales agents in retail, especially FMCG, used to rely on gut instinct. Now, with intelligent sales applications:

  • AI recommends what to upsell or cross-sell based on previous order patterns
  • Real-time stock availability and credit status are visible in the app
  • Geo-fencing ensures optimized route planning
  • Built-in payment collection modules streamline transaction closure

Healthcare: Structuring Sales with Compliance and Precision

Healthcare leaders don’t need more reports—they need better visibility from the field.  Whether it’s engaging hospital networks, onboarding clinics, or enabling diagnostics at the last mile, everything needs precision, compliance, and clarity. 

Mantra Labs helped a leading healthcare enterprise design a sales app that integrates knowledge, compliance, performance, and recognition, turning frontline agents into informed, aligned, and empowered brand advocates. 

Here’s what it delivers:

  • Role-based onboarding that keeps every level of the field force aligned and accountable
  • Escalation mechanisms are built into the system, driving transparency across commissions and performance reviews
  • A centralized Knowledge Hub featuring healthcare news, service updates, and training modules to keep reps well-informed
  • Recognition modules that celebrate milestones, boost morale, and reinforce a culture of excellence

Now, the field agents aren’t just connected—they’re aligned, upskilled, and accountable.

Real Estate: From Cold Calls to Smart Conversions

For real estate agents, timing and personalization are everything. Sales applications are evolving to include:

  • Virtual site tour integration for remote buyers
  • Mortgage and EMI calculators to increase buyer confidence
  • WhatsApp-based lead capture and nurture sequences
  • CRM integration for inventory updates and automatic scheduling

Logistics: From Chaos to Control in Field Coordination

Field agents in logistics are switching from clipboards to real-time command centers on mobile. Modern sales applications offer:

  • Live delivery status and route deviation alerts
  • Automated dispute reporting and issue resolution tracking
  • Fleet coordination through integrated GPS modules
  • Customer feedback capture and SLA dashboards

What’s new & what’s next in Sales Applications?

Here’s what’s pushing the next wave of innovation:

  • Voice-to-Text Logging: Agents dictate notes while on the move.
  • AI-Powered Nudges: Apps that suggest next-best actions based on behavior.
  • Omnichannel Communication: In-app chat, WhatsApp, email—unified.
  • Role-Based Dashboards: Different data views for admins, managers, and field reps.

What does this mean for Business Leaders?

Sales Applications are not just tactical tools. They’re platforms for transformation. With the right design, integrations, and analytics, they:

  • Replace guesswork with intelligence
  • Reduce the cost of delay and manual labor
  • Improve agent accountability and transparency
  • Speed up decision-making across hierarchies

The future of field sales lies in intuitive, AI-driven applications that adapt to every industry’s nuances. At Mantra Labs, we work closely with enterprises to custom-build sales applications that align with business objectives and ground-level realities.

Conclusion: 

If your agents still rely on Excel trackers and daily call reports, it’s time to reimagine your sales operations. Let us help you bring your field operations into the future—with tools that are fast, field-tested, and built for scale.

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