Before your winery or distillery gets started in developing an app or are figuring out your POS eCommerce and Club platform for your system you must have an understanding. What is important is deciding in how you are going to create and use your app. Basically, at this point you have two choices to utilize and develop either a native app or a Web app.

Now the questions can be asked, what are native apps and Web apps and how do they differ? Which is better for you and your business? To know which type is better suited to your needs, you should compare each option by the following four categories.

A native app is developed primarily for one particular device and it is usually installed directly onto the specific device. Users of native apps download then via app stores or online. Apple App Store is the most notable example. On the other hand, Web apps are essentially internet enabled apps that are accessible via the Web browser.

1. User Interface

To the everyday user some native apps and Web apps look and work similarly, with no notable differences between the two. Really when making the choice between the two types of apps, the choice must be made only when you need to decide whether to develop a user-centric app or an application centric app.
Some businesses develop both native apps and Web apps, so to broaden reach of their apps while also providing a rich user experience.

2. App Development Process

“The app development process of these two types of apps is what distinguishes them from each other,” according to P. Viswanathan of Lifewire.com. P. Viswanathan continues to explain the app development process below.

•Each mobile platform that the native app is developed for, stipulates its own unique development process. In the case of Web apps running on a mobile device’s Web browser, the problem that arises is that each of these mobile devices have unique features and come with their unique problems as well.

•Every mobile platform uses a different native programming language. While iOS uses Objective-C, Android uses Java, Windows Mobile uses C++ and so on. Web apps, on the other hand, use languages such as JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3 or other Web application frameworks as per the developer’s preferences.

•Each mobile platform offers the developer its own standardized SDK, development tools and other user interface elements, which they can use to develop their native app with relative ease. In the case of Web apps, though, there is no such standardization and the developer has no access to SDKs or tools of any sort.

3. Accessibility

A native app is totally compatible with the device’s hardware and native features, such as an accelerometer, camera and so on. Web apps, on the other hand, can access only a limited amount of a device’s native features.

4. Efficiency

Generally, native apps are more expensive to develop. However, they are faster and more efficient, as they work in tandem with the mobile device they are developed for. Also, they are assured of quality, as users can access them only via app stores online. Web apps may result in higher costs of maintenance across multiple mobile platforms. Also, there is no specific regulatory authority to control quality standards of these apps.

As a winery or distillery why does this element even matter as a point of discussion? How will this have an impact in your craft business bottom line and overall operation? One reason to consider in switching to the native app is the tight security, free from “cookies” and other browser tracking devices that allow Active users a faster response time. Using the Native app technology, Active also allows multiple users on many devices throughout your estate, lounge, retail setting or working from home. Your team, using Active’s native app, will sell more with ease keeping your customer information safe and secure with all the transactions going through your system on a busy weekend at your facility or event.

If you want the ultimate in speed, security and support, Active has you covered. Active’s easy iPad POS is designed for busy winery tasting rooms, craft beverage businesses, and retail locations. It includes powerful club features, inventory management, alcohol shipping, tips functionality, and kitchen/fulfillment printing built right in. Active’s native app allows you to communicate live with your unique master database, so it is always current with customer and inventory data.

To request a DEMO contact Thomas@activeclubsolutions.com directly. Or, visit our website for more information at www.activeclubsolutions.com.