What’s the Difference Between Native and Web Apps?

Advantages Of Native Apps Over Web Apps For Your Repair Business: A Comparison

In the collision and automotive reconditioning industries, there are many mobile and computer software applications available. They can do anything from invoices to tracking accounts, and even automate workflow. However, not all applications work in the same way, and they certainly don’t all provide the same capabilities for those in the reconditioning industry.

While there are several types of software applications for your shop, they break down into two main types: native and web apps. Each comes with unique benefits and shortcomings, but you may be wondering which one is best for your business.

The short answer is native apps; however, we’ll go through what native and web apps are, what they bring to the table for your business, and the pros and cons of each one.

Native Applications

According to PC Magazine, the technical definition of a native application is an executable program coded in the machine language of the hardware platform it is running in. Native applications are compiled into the machine language of that CPU. For example, Windows and Mac executables apps are in x86 machine language, while mobile apps are ARM based.

Simply put, native applications are designed and installed into specific devices and operating systems like Android OS or Apple iOS (like your iPhone or Windows computer). You download the applications right onto your computer or mobile device from app stores like Google Play, Apple App Store, or Windows Apps. To make a native app work across these multiple systems, it needs to have several separate platform-specific versions built from the ground up.

The Pros Of Native Applications For Your Repair Business

• • You don’t need to be connected to the internet to use your shop’s reconditioning software. The software capabilities are all on your device.

• • Native applications run much faster since all the information is stored on your device and they are built specifically for it.

• • In order for native applications to be available on app stores, they must be reviewed and approved. This means users can rest assured that the app is safe and secure.

• • They’re able to access your device’s hardware (such as the camera) and you can upload images and information with just a few clicks within the app.

• They’re much more intuitive for body shop owners since they were built to be as easy as possible for you.

The Cons Of Native Applications For Your Repair Business

• • They’re more expensive for the company developing them to make.

• • Developer’s pay more for maintenance.

• • Hard for developers to get them approved on app stores.

• You need to specifically search for the application in a store.

Web Applications

As for a web application, PC Magazine defines it as an application in which all or some parts of the software are downloaded from the web every time it runs.

So, web applications are more-or-less applications that depend on an internet connection to run. You don’t have to download anything onto any of your devices to use them. However, they’re also designed in a way to run on most devices without being built specifically for one.

The Pros Of Web Applications For Your Repair Business

• • Easily accessible from any internet browser and device.

• • Cheaper for developers to update and maintain since it’s server-based (information stored and hosted separately from your device).

• • Easier for shop owners to find since they show up on search pages like Google.

• • Shop owners will immediately be sent to the mobile app version if they use their phones.

• Much easier and cheaper for developers to make.

The Cons Of Web Applications For Your Repair Business

• • They can’t really access your device’s hardware.

• • You have to type in the applications URL into a web browser search bar.

• • They’re not approved by app stores and may be unsafe to use.

• • Much slower than native applications

• • Usually much less intuitive for shop owners to use.

• • Clunkier user interface (the layout and all the things you click on).

• You can’t use them without internet connection.

Ultimately, native applications provide more for your repair business. They’re built specifically for each device they’re available on, and they’re also functional both on and offline.

Native application management software substantially lowers your shop’s cycle time and increases your efficiency. It’s excellent for managing technicians and vendors, tracking vehicle processes, and alerting you to bottlenecks and problem areas via your desktop or mobile devices.