App-Centric Navigation in ERP.net Web Client
Working into complex business areas
In modern ERP systems, switching between business areas is only half of the challenge.
The other half is staying oriented once you are inside an application - knowing where to go next, what is available, and what matters right now.
ERP.net’s Web Client addresses this with an app-centric navigation model.
After an application is selected (via the App Bar), a second navigation layer helps you move within that application in a structured, predictable way.
This second layer is the App-Centric Navigation Panel.
What the App-Centric Navigation Panel is
The App-Centric Navigation Panel is the left-side navigation panel that appears next to the App Bar and changes with the selected application.
It represents the “inside the app” navigation layer:
- The App Bar helps you choose which application you want to work in
- The App-Centric Navigation Panel helps you move within that application
Each application defines its own navigation structure, so the panel always reflects the business area you are currently working in.
Navigation shaped by application context
Once an application is active, the navigation adapts to that context:
- It shows the entities, operations, reports, and supporting areas relevant to the selected application
- Sections are grouped by purpose, such as Documents & Operations and Reports & Ledgers
- The current selection is highlighted, helping you stay oriented as you move
This keeps navigation focused and meaningful, even in applications with many entities and workflows.
Navigation stays left, work stays central
The Web Client layout deliberately separates navigation from working space:
- Navigation lives on the left, in the App-Centric Navigation Panel
- Work happens in the central area, where lists, records, and reports open
This separation allows you to move between lists, operations, and reports without losing visual stability or focus on your current task.
Faster access to what you use most
For the variety of applications, the navigation panel provides several speed surfaces that support daily work:
- Favorites for quick access to frequently used objects
- Recently viewed entries to return to recent work
- Pinned items for ongoing or important items
These items may include customers, projects, documents, tasks, or other types of resources, depending on the application you are working in.
The adaptive speed surfaces also act as entry and return points, improving personal productivity while keeping the overall navigation structure consistent across teams.
Creating records directly from navigation
The navigation panel also supports quick creation:
- A “+” button next to navigation items allows you to create new records directly
- This mirrors the familiar “+ New” behavior found in navigators
It shortens the path from intent to action, especially when working repeatedly into the same business area.
App-scoped notifications into navigation
Each application can expose a Notifications section directly in its navigation panel:
- Unread notifications are grouped by application
- Badge counts align with global and per-app notification indicators
This keeps attention focused on what requires action in the current business area, without forcing you to leave context.
Role-based visibility with personal speed
The App-Centric Navigation Panel balances governance and flexibility:
- Roles determine which entities and sections are visible inside an application
- Users benefit from personal speed through favorites, recents, and pinned items
The result is a navigation model that reflects business responsibilities, while still supporting individual working styles.
Standalone apps with specialized navigation
Some applications in ERP.net are designed as focused standalone experiences and use their own internal navigation patterns.
- Apps such as Calendar, To Do, Groups, Tiles, and Favorites manage navigation primarily through in-app controls like views, toolbars, tabs, panels, and lists
- Navigation is handled directly within the application interface and adapts to the specific purpose of the app
They are accessed through the same application-first experience, while allowing navigation to adapt to the nature of each app.
Why it matters in daily work
Clear orientation inside each application
- You always know which business area you are working in
- Navigation reflects the active application, reducing confusion
Faster execution with fewer interruptions
- Quick access to entities, reports, and operations
- Shorter paths between common actions
Personal productivity without breaking structure
- Speed surfaces adapt to individual habits
- The underlying navigation remains consistent and role-governed
More actionable awareness
- Notifications appear where work is actually done
- Attention stays aligned with the current application
Putting it into context
ERP.net uses two complementary navigation layers:
- The App Bar helps you select the application you want to work in
- The App-Centric Navigation Panel helps you move within that application
Together, they create a navigation experience that stays business-oriented, predictable, and scalable, no matter how many applications or workflows your organization uses.
See the App-Centric Navigation in action
You can explore how the App-Centric Navigation Panel works across different applications in ERP.net, or try it directly in the Web Client without registering.