What is PWA development?
PWA development is the process of building a Progressive Web App, which is a web application designed to feel more like a mobile or desktop app. A PWA can run through a browser, work across different devices, load quickly, and support app-like features such as home-screen installation, offline access and push notifications where supported.
What does a PWA developer do?
A PWA developer designs and builds Progressive Web Apps using modern web technologies. This usually includes responsive interface development, backend development, API integrations, performance optimisation, offline functionality, caching, security, user authentication and deployment. The goal is to create a fast, reliable app-like experience without needing separate native apps for every platform.
Can you build a custom PWA for our business?
Yes. Scorchsoft builds custom Progressive Web Apps for businesses, start-ups and established organisations. We can help you define the right product approach, design the user experience, build the PWA, connect it with your existing systems, launch it, and support it after release.
Is a PWA better than a native mobile app?
A PWA can be better than a native mobile app when you want a fast, cross-platform, app-like experience without building separate iOS and Android apps. Native apps may still be better when you need deep device features, complex background processing or App Store distribution as a core part of your strategy. We can help you compare both options and choose the right route.
What types of apps can be built as PWAs?
Many types of apps can be built as PWAs, including customer portals, staff workflow tools, SaaS platforms, booking systems, training apps, dashboards, reporting tools, e-commerce systems, field service apps and mobile-first business applications. PWAs are especially useful when users need access across phones, tablets and desktops.
Can a PWA be installed on a phone?
Yes. A Progressive Web App can often be installed on a user's home screen, giving it an app-like presence on the device. The exact installation experience depends on the browser, operating system and device being used, but the aim is to make the app quick and convenient to access without forcing users through an app store.
Can a PWA work offline?
Yes, a PWA can be designed to support offline or limited-connectivity usage. This can include caching key screens, storing data temporarily, allowing users to continue certain actions offline, and syncing information when the connection returns. The best offline approach depends on the type of app, the data involved and how users need to work.
Can PWAs send push notifications?
Yes, PWAs can support push notifications in many modern browsers and devices, although support varies by platform. Push notifications can be useful for reminders, workflow updates, customer alerts, booking notifications, messages and other time-sensitive events. We can advise what is realistic based on your target users and devices.
How much does PWA development cost?
The cost of PWA development depends on the scope, number of user types, design complexity, offline requirements, integrations, backend functionality, security needs and ongoing support requirements. A focused MVP or prototype will usually cost less than a large multi-role platform with complex workflows and multiple system integrations.
How long does it take to build a PWA?
The timeline for building a PWA depends on the complexity of the product. A focused MVP can often be planned and built faster than a full-scale platform, especially when the first version concentrates on the most important user journeys. We usually recommend starting with the core workflow, launching something useful, then improving it based on real feedback.
Can you build a PWA prototype first?
Yes. A prototype can be a sensible first step before full PWA development. Depending on your goals, this might be a clickable prototype to test the user experience, a technical proof of concept to confirm feasibility, or a small working MVP with the core features needed to validate the idea.
Can you convert an existing website into a PWA?
In some cases, yes. An existing website or web app can sometimes be upgraded with PWA features such as improved mobile responsiveness, caching, offline support, installability and performance improvements. However, if the existing system is outdated or poorly structured, it may be better to rebuild key parts properly rather than bolt PWA features onto weak foundations.
Can a PWA connect to our existing systems?
Yes. We regularly build web apps and portals that connect with CRMs, ERPs, payment systems, booking tools, databases, websites, APIs, legacy systems and third-party platforms. For many PWA projects, integrations are essential because the app needs to display, update or process live business data.
Are PWAs good for business portals?
Yes. PWAs can be a strong fit for customer portals, supplier portals, staff portals and operational dashboards because they work through the browser while still offering a more app-like user experience. They can help users complete tasks, access information, upload data, receive notifications and manage workflows across different devices.
Will our PWA be secure?
Security should be designed into a PWA from the start. We can implement secure authentication, role-based permissions, encrypted connections, data validation, API controls, audit trails and sensible hosting practices. The right security approach depends on the data being handled, the users involved and the business risks of the app.
Why choose Scorchsoft as your PWA developers?
Scorchsoft combines PWA development capability with over fifteen years of broader software delivery experience. That means we do not just think about the front-end app experience; we also consider the user journey, business process, backend architecture, integrations, performance, security, scalability and long-term maintainability.
How do we start a PWA development project?
The best first step is to tell us what you want the PWA to achieve, who will use it, what devices they will use, what systems it may need to connect with, and what features are essential for the first version. We can then suggest a sensible route towards planning, prototyping or full development.
