Unleashing Innovation: The Devvies App of the Year Contest Recap
Hello to our Community and The Devvies enthusiasts! You might have seen Dave Wright’s blog unveiling the winners of this year’s App of the Year Contest, or perhaps you were with us during the grand reveal at the CreatorCon Keynote during Knowledge. I've been eagerly holding onto this information since February, and I'm ecstatic to finally share the details with everyone. We’ve got a lot to cover, so buckle up and enjoy the ride!
Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting your journey on ServiceNow, the stories of our finalists and winners are sure to inspire! Without further ado, let’s recap all the details of our winners and The Devvies at K24.
While you’re here, don’t miss a moment of next year’s excitement! Sign up now for The Devvies 2025 updates and be the first to hear about contest news, updates, and more.
🔍 Behind the Scenes & The Competition Breakdown
ICYMI, this year's competition was fierce with 297 submissions, which we narrowed down to just 10 outstanding finalists. These apps were rigorously evaluated based on their business impact, scale, innovation, and richness. To vie for our two prestigious categories—App of the Year and the People’s Choice Award—our finalists undertook several key challenges:
- Pitch Videos: Each finalist created a 5-minute pitch video showcasing the unique capabilities and benefits of their app.
- Executive Live Grill Session: Contestants participated in intense live grill sessions, fielding on-the-spot questions from a panel of ServiceNow executives. This year's panel included the following prominent figures.
- Dave Wright - Chief Innovation Officer
- Rajeev Sethi - VP, DT Emerging Technologies
- Jithin Bhasker - VP & GM App Engine
- Rajesh Munshi - VP Engineering, App & Automation Engine
- Nirankush Panchbhai - VP of Platform Fundamentals
- Ayalla Goldschmidt - Head of GenAI Product Marketing
3. Community Voting: We also turned to you, our vibrant ServiceNow community, to vote on your favorite apps and decide the winner of the People’s Choice Award.
Despite the remarkable array of submissions, only one app from each category could claim the top spot. Let's delve into the details of these standout winners now.
🏆 Announcing Our Champions...
App of The Year: Production Support by Veteran’s United Home Loans
Veterans United Home Loans has clinched the prestigious title of App of the Year with their innovative application, Production Support. The company identified critical inefficiencies in loan processing and deployed the Now Platform to create a solution that not only meets but exceeds operational expectations.
Production Support was designed as a robust response to the increasing demand for loan services. It enabled the company to handle a surge from 95,000 to 234,000 requests annually without increasing staff. This significant improvement has revolutionized how loan processing is managed, offering streamlined support to both staff and clients.
Spotlight on Features
Peek under the hood of Production Support and you’ll find advanced search functionalities across various workgroups, speeding up inquiry resolution and boosting service delivery. A custom-built ticketing system and a comprehensive knowledge base ensure quick access to essential information, streamlining communication.
Impact
The impact of Production Support on business outcomes is remarkable. It has reduced loan closing times, improved service quality, and led to higher veteran satisfaction. The efficiency brought by the app has allowed the team to manage more requests with the same staff, saving substantial costs in potential hires.
This application is a testament to the ServiceNow platform's capabilities and to the ingenuity and dedication of the Veterans United Home Loans development team. In their session, one of our judges remarked: “I love the story this tells, it just makes you feel good.” Another judge added, “Production Support and the team really get what ServiceNow can do, and they’re using it to run their business. It’s exciting and truly a step above.”
As we celebrate this well-deserved win, let's acknowledge the substantial efforts and innovation that have significantly improved the loan processing experience, making a profound impact on both the business and its customers. Cheers to Veterans United Home Loans for their outstanding contribution and success!
It’s also worth noting that Veterans United will be donating their $5,000 USD winnings to the Veterans United Foundation.
But Wait there’s More!
Don’t miss out—watch their winning pitch video right now to see how they’re transforming the loan processing landscape:
Watch Their Winning Pitch Video Here
People’s Choice Award: Move4u by Plat4mation
In an impressive display of ingenuity, Plat4Mation has captured the People’s Choice Award at this year's The Devvies with their Suite of Apps, Move4u. Having secured 48% of the total Community votes, this collection of applications meticulously crafted to streamline diplomats' relocation processes showcases a remarkable blend of innovation and practicality using the Now Platform.
The Suite of Apps was engineered to solve the complex challenges associated with international relocations. By integrating various logistical tasks into one coherent system, Plat4Mation has significantly eased the burden on diplomats and their families.
Key Features Unpacked
Within the Suite of Apps, each module plays a crucial role. From managing HR decisions and handling transportation arrangements to overseeing claims settlements, all components work in unison to ensure a seamless transition. This holistic approach not only speeds up the process but also enhances the accuracy and satisfaction of all parties involved. In their executive grill session, one of the judges remarked that this is a “unique solution utilizing most platform developer tools and functionality while providing experiences to employees, agents and vendors.”
Significant Impact
The transformative effects of the Suite of Apps are clear. By automating traditionally manual processes, Plat4Mation has not only saved time but also significantly cut down on operational costs. The system's centralized information hub keeps everyone informed and minimizes the potential for errors, fostering a smoother, more reliable relocation process.
Plat4Mation’s Suite of Apps exemplifies the powerful capabilities of the ServiceNow platform when harnessed to create tailored, impactful solutions.
As we celebrate this win, let's appreciate the foresight and technical skill that Plat4Mation has employed to make a significant difference in the lives of those who serve us globally. A hearty congratulations to Plat4Mation for winning the hearts and votes of the ServiceNow community with their innovative solutions!
The Devvies at Knowledge 2024: A Hub of Engagement and Learning
Knowledge was buzzing with activities, providing numerous opportunities for community members to engage, learn, and get inspired. In the scope of The Devvies, we had quite a few activities this year outside of the Keynote announcement.
- The Devvies Booth: Our booth served as the central hub for developers to gather, discuss, and share the winning apps. The space showcased the newly launched App Gallery (which you can access here), dived deeper into impactful apps built on the Now Platform, and featured applications The Devvies contestants had submitted.
- Want to learn more about our App Gallery and go deeper into what others have built? Discover here.
- Executive & Finalist Meet & Greet: Perhaps one of the most insightful activations, this sit-down session featured our executive judges and the finalists from this year’s contest. This session offered a unique perspective from the leaders who are shaping the future of enterprise software.
- Theater Session with 2023 Winners: In a special theater session, last year’s App of the Year & Citizen Dev App of the Year winners took the stage to delve into the technical details of their applications and the stories behind their builds. They shared insights on overcoming challenges, leveraging ServiceNow’s capabilities to the fullest, and the practical implications of their developments in real-world scenarios.
Looking Forward, The Devvies 2025
As we wrap up The Devvies 2024 and celebrate the achievements of our peers, let’s carry forward the momentum and inspiration. I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again: The Devvies isn't just a competition; they are a celebration of our community’s creativity and a challenge to think bigger and do better. And with that being said, I want to say a huge thank you to our Community. You've made my work on this inspiring; seeing the apps submitted and meeting some of you at Knowledge, I am just left in awe.
With that being said... Prepare to bring your best to The Devvies 2025! Whether you are polishing an existing project or brainstorming a new idea, remember that every application has the potential to make a difference. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to showcase your innovative solutions next year. Questions? Email me at thedevvies@servicenow.com and I’ll get back to you within 3-4 business days. 😊
Sign up for The Devvies 2025 updates and join the continuing evolution of app development on the ServiceNow platform. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries together!
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