Web applications

Tag: Web applications

Software that runs in your browser

Web apps run on any device with a browser and an internet connection

A web application or “web app” is interactive software that runs in a browser.

The key advantage of a web application is that it requires no installation. Any device that runs a browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Opera or Safari can run a web application.

While native apps offer better performance for heavy processing and offline functionality, web apps are superior for usability, accessibility, and maintenance.

More space, no installation, no updating

Web apps’ advantage is speed and ease of use

  • No system installation required: Because web apps accessed directly through the browser, the user doesn’t need to download the installer or run manual updates.
  • Cross-platform compatibility: A web app runs on any device or system (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android) with an internet browser, making the user experience consistent across different platforms.
  • Reduced storage usage: Because web apps run on remote servers they don’t use up memory on the user’s phone, laptop or PC.
  • Automatic updates are built-in: Users have the latest version of the application every time they open it. This gives them access to new updated features straight away, improving their experience and improving security.
  • Collaborative features: Web apps support simultaneous, real-time collaboration for teams, making them ideal for remote workers.
  • Scalability: Easily manage increased traffic and data loads, which is ideal for growing businesses.

App experience that works offline

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) do more for users

The popularity of web applications is being driven by the rise of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) which offer an app-like user experience.

First introduced in 2016, progressive web apps work as standalone applications by utilising the offline cache of a device’s web browser.

Bypass app store hurdles

A single codebase and no waiting in line

Web applications are generally easier to develop and faster to launch than mobile apps.

While a native phone app requires building, testing, and maintaining two separate versions of the software (one for iOS using Swift, and one for Android using Kotlin), a web app runs on a single codebase.

And because web apps are not distributed through app stores, developers can bypass the “waiting period” and strict guidelines required by Apple and Google.

Open-source and proprietary code

Modern web apps are typically built with a combination of open-source frameworks and libraries, and proprietary code which remains private to the company that owns it.

Keeping this source code private aids security. Server-side code such as PHP that runs on a webserver is generally inaccessible to a public user, while client-side code (e.g. HTML, CSS, Javascript) is visible in a browser.

How web apps work for business

Compatibility, easy scaling, streamlined maintenance

Web apps offer significant business advantages:

  • Cost-efficiency: Because they operate on a central server, businesses only need develop and to maintain one version, reducing development cycles and IT overhead.
  • Accessibility and mobility: Web apps are accessible from any device (desktop, tablet, smartphone) with internet, and are cross-platform compatible (Windows, iOS, Android, Apple, Linux).
  • Instant updates: Once an update is applied to the server, all users see that latest version immediately. There is no need to track and prompt users to update the app, and no long wait-times for app store approvals.
  • Enhanced security: Because most web app data is stored in the cloud, this reduces the risk of data loss or breaches.
  • Scalability: Web apps can handle increased traffic and expand with infrastructure as needed, allowing for expansion with business growth.
  • Focused customer engagement: Interactive web apps allow for tailored user experiences, increasing business efficiency.

PCL Contracting

PCL Contracting engaged Webstruxure to develop an online timesheet system to replace their paper timesheets. As the business grew this timesheet project evolved into an end-to-end business logistics solution. Client spreadsheets are uploaded to generate quotes which can be updated as required. As work proceeds foremen can access detailed job information including costs and resources, allowing PCL and their clients to track progress. Webstruxure works with the client to develop and maintain new features for this solution as scale and requirements evolve.

EECA

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority needed to develop labelling systems for vehicle fuel economy and emissions. Webstruxure developed online tools for the Motor Industry Association and its members and used import certifiers to capture data for new vehicles and link this to the NZTA Motor Vehicle registry. We developed a digital image service that allows dealers to print and update labels and a tool that allows auditors to use their phone to report non-compliance. We maintain this labelling information service for EECA which ships between eight and 12 million transactions per month and references a database of 5.5 million vehicles.

Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal

The Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal hears and determines disciplinary proceedings brought against health practitioners. They needed a website to publish findings. We built them an online app using a .NET CMS (Content Management System) hosted on Microsoft SQL Server that allows HDPT to track and publish cases.

Tyrewise

3R needed software to support Tyrewise, a government scheme that facilitates the recycling and reuse of tyres in New Zealand. Webstruxure worked with 3R to design and build a phone app that tyre manufacturers, transporters and processors could use to track recycled tyres from start to finish, and to pay staff. Transporters scan each load of tyres at pickup and the load weight is used to keep track of each load as it travels. The app also tracks work done by individuals and provides timesheets to employers.