PWA: what it means
DefinitionA PWA, short for progressive web app, is a website built so that it can be added to a phone's home screen and opened like an app, without an app store. It loads quickly, can send notifications on supported devices, and updates itself when the site changes.
How it works in a service business
For a small business, a PWA avoids store approvals and download steps: the crew opens a link and taps add to home screen. The tradeoff is capability. Some phone features, such as deep background location or certain sensors, are limited compared with a native app, and behavior differs between phone brands and system versions. A common mistake is assuming it works offline for everything. Offline support depends on how the product is built, so test it in a basement or rural stretch. Ask whether notifications work on the phones your crew uses, how to reinstall after a phone change, and whether there is a branded customer app or only the web version.
Example
A new hire scans a QR code at the shop, taps add to home screen, and has the job list icon on her phone within a minute, with no store account.
Where Apex touches this
In progress
Part of this is built. The rest is not. Status as of 2026-10-07; the badge shows the least-built feature involved.
- OB13Install as app (PWA) with QR(Built)
- MB23Tech app install without app store(Built)
- MB01Technician mobile app (iOS/Android)(In progress)
Apex Flow Scheduler is in early access. See how we label status.