An app designed to run a mobile app, for example, service orders, is launched in the Mobile Client program. Apps are designed in the app editor and can use other app items such as forms, wires, subapps, includes, etc. in the design of the app. Forms and wires can be created for the user interface of mobile apps. Pre-built mobile apps can also be purchased from Advanced Inventory. Apps can be designed for use in warehousing, manufacturing, and distribution. Apps can also be designed to be published to an app store (Apple Store or Google Play). Apps can also be designed to be downloaded and run by 'anonymous' users on mobile devices.

The contents of an app determine which functions Mobile Client performs. Mobile Client uses logic to execute the source elements in the app. Source elements within the app instruct the program when to send the data to the server. If instructed, the program can also request data from the server, or send a request through a function call and receive a response from the host app.

An app will include source elements in a flowchart in a logical manner for completing a business transaction.

Each source element performs a unique function within the app. The purpose of the app determines the type of source elements it contains. Source elements can be reused by copying them from one app into another or into a different place in the same app flowchart.

Typically, a non-directed app contains one or more input fields, one or more actions, and an output or function call. A directed app contains these source elements plus a download. In addition to these source elements, a more complex directed app might contain source elements, control structures, and subroutines.

Not every app contains the same source elements or even one of each source element. However, an app might have several of the same type of source elements.

To use a source element, its properties must first be defined. When dragging and dropping a source element onto the app flowchart canvas, a dialog box appears in which to define its properties.

Many source elements have a formula property. Text and numbers, or a formula, can be entered. The value entered in this property becomes the value of the source element. A formula can be used to extract data from another source element. Although a formula can be used as a prompt, it can also be used to display data in a certain format, select data, and update data.

An app can include any of the following source element types in a flowchart in a logical manner for completing a business transaction.

• User Interaction: These elements are used to retrieve data from the mobile user.
• Workflow: These elements are used to control the sequence in which the source elements of an app are executed. They control the execution flow, evaluate conditions, and execute source elements based on the results of the evaluation.
• Data Operations: These elements consist of operations that work with data files, records, and tables.
• Communications: These elements allow for requesting and outputting data to the server, invoking function calls from/on the server, and sending formatted records to a host.
• System Functions: These elements allow for maintaining a secure system.