# Super Apps: Definition and Role in Business

> A super app is an application that offers many services on one platform, like Gojek, Grab, and Shopee. In B2B, the same idea appears in systems that combine…

- URL: https://www.distri.id/artikel/definition-and-role-of-super-app-in-business
- Kategori: Bisnis
- Penulis: Tim Distri (Distri, produk Advotics)
- Terbit: 2022-03-21 · Diperbarui: 2022-07-25

## Ringkasan

- A super app offers many services in one application, like Gojek, Grab, and Shopee for transport, delivery, food, shopping, and payments. BlackBerry founder Mike Lazaridis introduced the concept at Mobile World Congress 2010.
- The same idea applies to B2B: ERP and accounting platforms combine HR, CRM, sales, purchasing, inventory, and finance in one system.
- For distribution businesses, a super business app ideally covers sales linked to inventory, accounting linked to invoices, delivery, returns, and business analytics.

## What are Super Apps?

A super app is an application that offers many services on one platform, like Gojek, Grab, and Shopee. In B2B, the same idea appears in systems that combine sales, purchasing, inventory, and finance in one application.

In Indonesia, who has never used a super application or a super app like Gojek, Grab, and Shopee? The business-to-customer (B2C) technology startup has a variety of services for its users to do many things — transportation services, goods deliveries, food & beverage purchases, online shopping, even digital payment. All can be done with just one application.

BlackBerry founder Mike Lazaridis first conceived the super app concept at [Mobile World Congress 2010](https://medium.com/included-vc/super-apps-for-superb-indonesia-d7e15b650f52). He described it as “an app that, once used, makes users wonder how they could live without it.”

*Super app* is predicted to be the future of the digital economy. It is a cross-industry multipurpose platform-based business model that offers various services and offerings in one application. Single user experience for almost any product or service that a user wants and needs. All in one click.

![Introducing you to Super Apps: Definition and Its Role in Business](https://www.distri.id/artikel/definition-and-role-of-super-app-in-business/kenalan-yuk-dengan-super-app-definisi-dan-perannya-dalam-bis.webp)

## Why Super Apps?

The dominance of super apps in Asia has led the way worldwide. A report from Baker McKinsey (2021) said that the pace of digital transformation in the Asia-Pacific region increased during the Covid-19 pandemic. With 92% of business leaders re-evaluating their digital strategy and optimizing digital infrastructure to stay competitive in the face of the pandemic.

This super application is closely related to its users’ lives, so that it becomes a much-needed operating system. Moreover, it creates a technology ecosystem where the user’s time is highly valued. Therefore, there is no need to use different applications for different services.

Seeing the success of the super app in the business-to-customer (B2C) industry, it is not difficult to see the opportunities that exist for the business-to-business (B2B) industry. For example, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). This application usually has HR, CRM, Sales, Purchasing, Inventory, Accounting & Finance, and other features, depending on your business needs or wants. Or an accounting platform, for example. It helps companies manage all financial transactions, not only bookkeeping but also cash & bank management, accounts payable & receivable. Moreover, it automates the financial report creation, even with limited resources.

## How the super app can help your business operations

After knowing the ins and outs above, maybe you’ve got an idea of ​​what a super app is. However, for business, did you know what they can do already?

As stated in the illustration above, a super business app ideally has basic features, especially for the distribution business. Such as integrated sales management, inventory management, accounting integrated with invoices or invoices, delivery, return shipping and even business analysis. Then, if these features exist, what effect does it have on the business?

It can certainly increase the efficiency of your business! Here are some of the benefits your business will experience:

- **Streamline business processes and workflow**

Imagine all business processes, from product or service sales, shipping, inventory management, stock taking, salesman tracking, invoice creation & billing, product returns, employee performance monitoring, bookkeeping, sales reports to finance, even business analysis. You can find them all in Super Apps.

Compare if you have to combine information related to each business process, line by line manually. How much cost, time, and effort can you save using this super application? Business processes can undoubtedly run more effectively and efficiently with all functions integrated.

- **More accurate and transparent business analysis**

Having all the functionalities on one platform gives all sizes of businesses the advantage to scale easily and identify areas for growth.

Sales figures, accounts payable & receivable, to inventory can be viewed on one platform in real-time. Ready to use whenever you need it, giving you an overview of the company’s actual condition and performance in one dashboard. Faster & more calculated decision-making through greater visibility and control over business operations.

[Distri](https://www.distri.id/) is a cloud-based ERP specifically designed to grow your distribution business. One platform for managing sales, stock, shipping, invoices, HR, to accounting.

## Pertanyaan yang sering diajukan

### What is a super app?

A multipurpose application that offers many services, such as transport, delivery, shopping, and payment, in one app.

### What are examples of super apps in Indonesia?

Gojek, Grab, and Shopee.

### How does a super app help a distribution business?

Sales, inventory, accounting, invoicing, delivery, and analytics run in one system, which makes operations more efficient.
