App types

Apps that provide a consistent experience across every touchpoint, on any system with any device, are becoming a new standard for both consumer and enterprise scenarios.

Developing sophisticated applications across web and mobile is easy with Neptune DXP, supporting both hybrid or progressive mobile architectures which quickly opens the door between your users and the processes they need to interact with.

Neptune DXP utilises the OpenUI5 JavaScript framework, which is designed to build cross-platform, responsive, enterprise-ready applications. This standardises development processes and fosters a more cohesive experience, even across applications within different functions or industries.

Multi-Channel is not limited to just desktop and mobile applications. Neptune DXP offers the ability to integrate with immersive experiences through wearable technologies, from common android smart watches to specialised equipment such as the Zebra HD4000 Enterprise Head-Mounted Display.

Here is a customer use case:

https://youtu.be/YW7Ztk6O080

Neptune DXP keeps up to date with the cutting-edge technology developments that offer the next-level user of user engagement and gives your enterprise the toolset to leverage the skills already within your business, to create and deliver multi-channel apps.

A web app is essentially a website that has some additional functionality and interactivity. For example, Wikipedia would be considered a website, as it provides information, whilst Facebook is a web app that has interactive capabilities.

Since the first iPhone launched in 2007 there has been an explosion of devices that are capable of viewing web pages. Responsive web apps are designed to create better and more cohesive user experiences across a range of different devices.

You install it like a normal native app, but inside it is just a web app inside of a container. They are built just like a web app, with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, but they run in WebView – a simplified browser within the app.

Neptune utilises the advantages of having one code base which can be wrapped inside a native container for both iOS and Android – creating Hybrid Apps. Since these apps are installed onto users’ devices, they can access all the devices features including the accelerometer, camera, compass, file system, microphone, media, networks, notifications, geolocation, and storage.

https://youtu.be/5EZfXlMbewY

The Neptune Mobile Build service available in the Neptune DXP Portal is a free service for customers and partners, that allows you to upload the mobile client ZIP file built by Neptune DXP along with any required certificates and in return receive a compiled, ready to use application for both iOS or Android. Either download the APK or IPA files directly for your own distribution, or simply scan the generated QR code to install the app straight to your handset. Neptune Software also offers comprehensive documentation to guide you through creating your own Hybrid Mobile Apps, using Cordova CLI, for both Android and iOS.

PWA’s bring regular Web Apps into the 21st century and lay the foundation for the future of all mobile applications.

PWA’s run on the same familiar web technologies (HTML, CSS and JavaScript) but it gives a user experience like that of a native app. PWA’s can use many native device features, such as push notifications and camera access.

Unlike standard mobile apps, PWAs can be shared with just a URL and do not need to be downloaded, however they can still be saved to the home screen on mobiles so they have an app icon on the device, just like a native app. This makes them a more cost-effective solution as the apps do not need to be submitted, processed, and updated via an App Store.

PWA’s are fast, they cache data and serve it to users before the page loads completely, even when working offline. When online, PWA’s automatically reflect the most up to date version of your application since they do not rely on an App Store to manage the process.

Neptune DXP could not make it any easier to create a PWA, with a single tick box you can turn a Launchpad with any number of apps, into a PWA with customisable icons and themes.

Neptune DXP evangelises offline capable applications with an offline first approach. In many enterprise settings, it is likely that the connection to a network will be an inconsistent or completely unavailable. Without the correct support for these scenarios, all the time spent creating the solutions to solve your business problems will not be fully utilised.

Neptune DXP provides all the functionality and data you need to get any job done, even without an internet connection.

Neptune DXP provides out-of-the-box offline support, that can cache data for later processing. The offline capabilities of front-end components do not need to be programmed, simply activated. Neptune DXP also provides pre-made JavaScript code snippets to aid more advanced offline functionalities. Our offline framework offers the full stack of CRUD methods to be used as JavaScript functions during the frontend development.

Neptune DXP helps overcome 3 major challenges with offline applications:

Data can be synchronized automatically by the application, or when triggered by an action, such as when a refresh button is pressed or when network connectivity is restored.

We have many, many customers utilizing our offline functionality, especially in the PM/Warehouse Management/Sales area. See this video from United Utilities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw7hA84yuEw

In a business setting, even a moment of no internet connection could lead to lost data, interruptions in the supply chain, missed orders, unhappy customers or so much more. Neptune Software recognises this risk and mitigates it by enabling applications to work as well offline as they do online.

From Wi-Fi to Cellular, there are countless potential weak links in the chain that could cause problems connecting between an application and its destination. If your processes only work online, then a chain reaction of problems can arise when anything loses connection.

Reliability is one of the benefits of an offline capable system. Neptune DXP allows you to keep working offline, so processes can always continue. When the connection returns the required data can be synchronised.

For enterprise applications, these potential connection problems will be even more apparent, with field service technicians to warehouse employees often working in various locations, from densely populated cities to an oil rig out at sea. Offline capabilities allow these workers to utilise the benefits of a modernised mobile application-based process and remain fully productive even without an internet connection.

Modern devices are equipped with enough storage to download all the information required to work completely offline for long periods of time. Using an app, instead of pen and paper, means less errors, less time spent on data entry and a better experience for the user and the business.