Choosing the right digital strategy for your union

Digital transformation is no longer optional for trade unions. Members now expect clear, fast, and accessible communications through the same channels they use every day.

FortisIA centralizes all union communications in a single official channel: news feed, segmentable messaging, real-time notifications, access to documents and engagement tools.

But is this the only possible option? And above all, which is the most relevant for a trade union?

The three possible choices for a trade union organization

• Adopting Fortisia, a turnkey solution specifically designed for trade unions

• Develop a custom mobile application, either in-house or through an external firm.

• Create a simple mobile application focused on static content and notifications

Option 1 — Fortisia (turnkey solution)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6PLDuTw5cE

What it is

FortisIA is a SaaS mobile platform designed specifically for trade union organizations. It is designed for member engagement, communication, mobilization, and continuous development, without technical complexity.

Key advantages

• Ready to use immediately

• High adoption rate: a useful app, not just decorative

• Continuous evolution with new features included

• Predictable costs thanks to a clear subscription model

• No in-house technical management required

• Support and assistance included

• Security, compliance and best practices already in place

• Long-term vision aligned with union issues

What this option avoids

• No heavy IT projects to manage

• No need to build or maintain a technical team

• No hidden costs after launch

• No risk associated with the rapid obsolescence of the solution

On-the-ground reality

Union executives are primarily looking for a solution that works now, without having to become technology project managers for several years.

Request a Fortisia demo

Option 2 — Develop a custom mobile application

What it is

Create an application equivalent to FortisIA, fully customized, developed internally or by an external firm.

The reality of costs

• Initial investment between $500,000 and $1.5 million, often more

• Mandatory ongoing development after launch

• Recurring costs related to support, patches, security, and updates

• Constant maintenance to ensure Android and iOS compatibility

Major challenges

• Long and complex project (12 to 24 months)

• Heavy dependence on developers and suppliers

• Difficulty in anticipating future needs

• Costs that increase over time

• High risks of delays, technical debt, and obsolescence

The real question to ask

Is it really the mission of a trade union to become a technology company?

Option 3 — Simple mobile application (showcase and notifications)

What it is

A minimal application that essentially replicates the website's content and allows for sending push notifications.

Typical costs

• Approximately $200,000 for initial development

• Recurring costs are often underestimated:

  • Android and Apple updates

  • technical fixes

  • user support

  • accommodation and security

• 
  

Important limitations

• Low adoption rate

• Little or no member engagement

• Quickly perceived as useless

• However, it still requires internal management.

• Each new feature becomes a new, expensive project

Frequent result

An app downloaded, then forgotten.

Often overlooked but critical points

• Real-time time required from internal teams

• Data security and compliance

• Risk of abandonment after 12 to 24 months

• Rotation of suppliers and developers

• Changing requirements of Apple and Google

• A real need for engagement, not just visibility

Conclusion

Fortisia is not simply a mobile application.

It's a turnkey digital strategy for unions, designed for the realities on the ground.

It helps to reduce technological and financial risks, maximize adoption by members and free up teams so they can focus on their union mission.

For many unions, FortisIA represents the first high value-added step towards a sustainable and controlled digital transformation.

Request a Fortisia demo