Types of apps

You can build apps that integrate, extend, or connect with Envoy. Apps can read and write data and can be hosted anywhere and built with the tech stack of your choice.

Apps are self-contained units that can be installed, managed, and configured by admins directly from the Envoy Dashboard. When you build an app on Envoy, you can customize the install flow and build your own settings page using our Dev Dashboard – no front-end development required.

Most apps are built as lightweight backend services that hook directly into your existing application or tech stack.

Apps integrate with Envoy by:

• connecting with Envoy APIs to read and write data
• trigger actions in response to user input from the Envoy Mobile App and Visitor Kiosk
• extending existing features inside the Envoy Dashboard

An App Example
Here's an example of a Slack app settings page and install flow that was configured using the Envoy Dev Dashboard and a simple nodeJS app hosted on Heroku.

Who can I build my app for?

Envoy is used by many different types of users. Your apps can be built for one or all of the following users:

• Employees
• Visitors
• Workplace Admins
• Secuirty guards
• Receptionists

Types of Apps

You'll first need to choose what type of app you want to build. The type of app you'll build will depend on the purpose of your app and how you plan to distribute it.

There are three app types:

• Listed - Apps that are publicly promoted and listed on the Envoy Integration Directory and can be installed by any Envoy customer from within the Envoy Dashboard.
• Unlisted - Apps that are publicly promoted and listed on the Envoy Integration Directory but cannot be installed from within the Envoy Dashboard. These apps can only be installed from within your web application.
• Private - Apps that can only be installed by users at your company from within the Envoy Dashboard.

Differences between app types

Private Apps

Private apps are ideal if you just want to use the API to access your own data.

• Uses the OAuth password grant type to make API requests.
• The app can only be installed by users at your company.
• The app can only access your company's data.
• The app is not reviewed by Envoy.

Listed Apps

Listed apps are great for applications that you want other companies to discover and set up directly from the Envoy dashboard.

• Uses OAuth to request access to other companies' data via API.
• Other companies install your app from the Envoy dashboard.
• All listed apps are reviewed by Envoy and must adhere to our app guidelines.

Unlisted Apps

Unlisted apps are useful for when your app needs access to other companies' data but you don't want the app to be installed from the Envoy dashboard. Instead, users install the app from within your application or wherever you decide to list the app.

• Uses OAuth to request access to other companies' data via API.
• Other companies can install your app from wherever you decide to distribute it - typically from a page within your app.
• The app is not reviewed by Envoy.