Today, cross-platform mobile app development has gained a lot of attention among businesses. Why? Well, two types of app development approaches exist- native and cross-platform. Native apps are written for particular platforms like iOS or Android. Developing a native app for both the platforms- Android and iOS requires the writing of two separate codes. However, this is not the case in cross-platform mobile app development. Here, a single code is written for the apps to work on both platforms. One can target a wider range of audiences in one go. Cross-platform apps are compatible with multiple operating systems and they can run on any smartphone or tablet.

However, it has always been challenging for business owners to decide whether to develop a native app or go for cross-platform apps. Cross-platform app development has its pros and cons. If you think cross-platform is the right choice for you, this article will help you to take an appropriate decision.

Advantages of Cross-platform mobile app development

Code Reusability:
Cross-platform mobile app developers don’t need to write unique code for different platforms. One code can be customized and used for all platforms. The developers will just need to write one program and then deploy on different operating systems on which the app will be used. This code may also be used in bits in any future projects.

Faster Development:
Cross-platform development helps you speed up the pace of developing an app on multiple platforms. By reusing the code base, developers are spared from the task of rewriting the code from scratch every time. It helps to attain product delivery in a lesser time-frame compared to the traditional approach.

Reduced Developmental Costs:
Many businesses don’t prefer building apps because of the high costs involved in app development. However, cross-platform mobile app development is comparatively less costly as only a single code base is used for developing the apps. Businesses can get apps working on various mobile operating systems without spending huge costs on development.

Wider Audience Reach:
As the app will be deployed on multiple app stores at a time, enterprises can market them in different places and reach a larger audience at once. The app will be available on platforms like iOS, Android, Windows, etc. simultaneously and thus can reach a larger audience.

Disadvantages of cross-platform mobile app development

Though cross-platform development has a vast number of benefits, yet we can’t deny that there are some drawbacks as well. Some of the cons that you should know are:

Issues with User Experience:
A shared code affects the user experience of the apps. Cross-platform apps may not be able to take advantage of native-only features. Every platform has unique features and styles, but in cross-platform apps, developers won’t be able to employ the unique capabilities of the individual platforms.

Vendor Lock-in:
When it comes to switching to a new platform, it might be tiresome at times. For instance, different cross-platform frameworks will have their own versions of JavaScript codes. So, this code may not be reusable while switching to another platform.

Issues with Integration:
Integrating your app with local settings, notifications and preferences is not easy. For diverse storage options, you may need to use third-party cloud service.

Long Wait Times for New Updates:
Whenever a new feature is added for a particular operating system, it could take some time for the framework to reflect the same. The framework you use may not be updated with all the latest features of the latest version of releases.

The Bottom Line:
The above-mentioned pros and cons of cross-platform mobile app development will help you in deciding whether you should go for it or not. Most companies prefer cross-platform mobile app development services because of its cost-effectiveness and faster development speeds.

If you are looking for developing world-class cross-platform apps, Biz4Solutions is a leading cross-platform app development company in Texas. We can help you transform your business with our world-class mobile apps and provide technology-driven software solutions to you!

Building & Industrial automation today are functions which are gradually requiring greater connectivity, performance, cost-effectiveness and added-value integrated function, areas that have kickstarted technological improvement and innovation. Coupled with today’s hardware technology trend and increased software capabilities, the usage scope of upcoming innovations are changing, making them a much more value-added contributor to a machine or process throughout its lifecycle, from design to maintenance and upgrade.

An example of one of these innovations which is transforming building automation and building management systems is an HMI (Human Machine Interface). A Human-Machine Interface (HMI) can be explained as a user interface or dashboard that effectively links a person to a machine, system, or device. While the term can technically be used for any screen that allows a user to interact with a device, HMI is most commonly used in the context of an industrial process or in the case of building management. Here are the advantages of adopting an HMI today –

Improves Productivity

Of course, HMIs will also improve the productivity & efficiency of human resources. Implementing a Human Machine Interface can automate tasks and strenuous functions that were previously performed manually by a dedicated labour force. Rather than forcing workers to lift or manipulate objects by hand, employers can use HMI software to automate these processes. Subsequently, this frees up labour resources, allowing workers/staff regulating building management systems to divert their energy towards other tasks.

Connectivity

In the era of smart buildings, phenomena like the Internet of Things and Industrial Internet of Things are playing significant roles in propelling innovation-driven technologies. HMI’s can be connected to the internet to facilitate new forms of automation and modernisation in the case of building management. HMI’s also connect to Programmable Logic Controllers – heavy-duty appliances used for manufacturing and industrial purposes. They offer effective control and interactions between humans and machines. Human Machine Interfaces can connect a vast array of devices and machines together, enhancing their ability to communicate while adding additional functionality to them in the process.

Data Recording

Not only does an HMI actively display critical and information data, but it also stores & records it which enables future analysis and interpretation. This is particularly helpful in the case of analysing energy usage, appliance maintenance, and defaults. Data on energy helps save critical resources and promotes an eco-friendly environment in the building.

Ease of Use

HMI Displays offer ease of use and can be simply accessed. It doesn’t require weeks of training and can be easily processed with some guidelines and procedures. Also, it can also be stated that there definitely a satisfying feeling associated with the use of HMIs. Individuals experience more joy and job satisfaction when using HMIs – it creates a positive environment for staff.

Human Machine Interface touchscreen displays depict technological innovations, business creativity and are more than effective in various conditions. The human-machine goal of HMI displays is to decrease the user’s mental stress. It provides clearer and well-organized information for the whole procedure to run smoothly. #SchneiderElectric is a big player in this domain – having established itself as a leading provider in the spheres of energy distribution and power management – ensuring that #LifeIsOn.

Remember King Kong? The chest-beating, helicopter-smacking giant ape which rampages the city of New York for a fair blonde? Can you recall that thrilling climax set on the iconic Empire State Building? Well, be it an ape, aliens or giant sharks, many a time Hollywood made us draw entertainment from the disasters. Imagine you are in that turbulent situation? Forget rescue operations, can you ensure that your company bounces back as early as possible? Do you have a robust backup plan?

In this scenario, your communication system should be tough enough to liberate you from the disaster’s impact and make sure that you deliver the services your clients need immediately. Here is an account of how a cloud-based VoIP Phone Services would bail you out in critical times of all these Hollywood-ish disasters

The King Kong Effect

Imagine Kong is in and around New York City and hell broke loose! Your business area is destroyed to the core and it had a daunting impact on your data center. The cloud-based VoIP hosting services ensure that your calls are re-routed through the other centers in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas or right there from Europe!

The Alien Invasion

Imagine there’s a dark cloud hovering across your city & within no time you realize it’s an Alien Invasion! The cosmic rays are destroying the cities indiscriminately and your office to goes haywire! In that critical situation, VoIP business phone ensures that you won’t miss a call. How do you ask? If any specific location is down, VoIP cloud services detect them instantly and ensure that inbound calls, messages are re-routed to a backup location like your cell number or phone. Need we say more?

The Times of Sharknados

Imagine you witness sharks are tossing from the sky out of the blue, and encircled your office, don’t get panic! The only thing you need to do is go to an area of higher altitude. Should not forget to take your VoIP business phone

You and your entire staff can leave the premises and relocate yourselves to another safe area probably a warehouse where survivors gather. What you all need to do is to plug into the internet. As VoIP phones are configured to work from any virtually high-speed internet connection, you can regain the access to voicemail, extension dialing and other features instantly

The Bottom Line

No matter where and when the disaster strikes, in most of the turbulent times, cloud VoIP provides a robust backup facility and ensures that you never lose the network configurations, and miss all the user extensions, attendant prompts, directories etc. In this unique way, the VoIP business phone maintains the copies of all the critical software elements powering a client’s phone system.

To get more information on the best VoIP solutions browse: innolist.co

Let’s go through a few points that will help you with choosing the right time attendance devices for your requirement.

What type of time attendance devices are you looking for?
Proximity Card Readers (RFID Devices)
b. Biometric Devices (Fingerprint, Retina scan devices)
c. Hand Punch Devices
Do you also require access control?
Time attendance devices can also work as access control devices. In this case, the devices will control entry/exit to your company, thereby providing accurate data for tracking employees.

In this case, you will need a device for each door that is used for entry/exit. So, the number of doors used for entry/exit is to be determined. Also, you may need only access control to certain area in your company, a server room, for example.

How many employees are expected to be punching at the same time?
If you have too many employees punching at the same time, you require a device that is fast in identifying. Some biometric devices may consume a few seconds for the identification process, which may result in a long queue if you have too many employees rushing in at the last minute.

Storage Capacity of the device.
Time Attendance Devices can store only a limited number of transactions. If you have lots of employees, you should choose a device with large transaction storage capacity.

For eg. If you have 1000 employees, and on an average your employees punch 5 times a day, there are 5000 transactions in a day. So if you choose a device with a storage capacity of 50000 transactions, you will have data for 10 recent days.

How many locations/branches do you have?
If you have different locations and you want to monitor employees from a centralized location, then you need devices that support TCP/IP communication. In this case, you also need a software like ‘Attend HRM’ to collect all the attendance data into one centralized location for processing.

Which device manufacturer to choose from?
Well, if you already found a few devices with the criteria above, it’s time to pick the right manufacturer. Feel free to speak to the time attendance experts at Lenvica and we will suggest the best devices for your specific requirement.