Web, desktop or mobile app? Choosing the right form for your company system
The form of a system should follow from where and how people work. An office, a warehouse, a construction site and a service technician’s car are completely different working conditions.
Web app
Users log in from any computer, without installing any software. A new version is available to everyone immediately.
- Works well for: office work, administration, reports for management and work across multiple locations.
- Watch out for: it requires a constant internet connection.
Desktop app
A program installed on a computer. It makes sense where working with devices or working over a weak connection matters.
- Works well for: workstations with label printers, scanners and other devices, as well as local work in a plant or warehouse.
- Watch out for: installation and updates have to be planned for every workstation.
Mobile app
An app for a phone or tablet, for people who do not work at a desk.
- Works well for: field teams, servicing, inspections, photo documentation and confirming completed work.
- Watch out for: screens must be as simple as possible, and the app should cope with having no signal.
All together, on shared data
In many companies, a combination works best: the office uses the web app, field teams use the mobile app and selected workstations use the desktop app. They all share the same data, so information entered in the field is immediately visible in the office and in management reports.
How to decide
- List your user groups and the places where they work.
- For each group, determine what device they have at hand.
- Check whether you need offline work or support for devices.
- Start with the form that covers your most important process, and add the others in later stages.
I build systems in all three forms. If you want to choose the right one for your company, book a consultation.
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