D-Flow Desktop
The native desktop application that extends your D-Flow platform with local system capabilities.
Desktop
D-Flow Desktop
This is how D-Flow runs natively on your computer.
D-Flow Desktop is an Electron-based application for Windows, macOS and Linux that serves as a secure desktop gateway for D-Flow. It connects your web-based business processes with files, devices and existing systems – securely, with encryption and without manual transfers between systems.
At the core of the application is the display of a configurable WebView. All business logic remains within the web application – D-Flow Desktop provides the native capabilities that are not available in a traditional web browser.
This makes D-Flow Desktop the desktop and laptop counterpart to the D-Flow Mobile app – optimised for productive workstations, terminal server environments and integrated business processes.
Functions
Core functions
Native WebView
Displays a configured D-Flow instance within a controlled desktop environment.
Directory monitoring
Monitors a defined watch folder and automatically transfers files to D-Flow via a JavaScript channel.
Local system integration
Access local file systems and transfer structured data directly to running workflows.
Instance-based configuration
Each installation has its own configuration file – ideal for terminal servers, Citrix and virtualisation environments.
Encrypted communication
Thanks to the SecretKey mechanism, communication between the desktop app and the web application is always encrypted.
Insights
Screenshots
Initially empty settings.
Settings configured once for continued use.
File monitoring in action.
Files being read from the monitored directory.
Information displayed dynamically in the WebView.
Technology
Architecture & security
D-Flow Desktop operates as a controlled desktop environment with a clearly defined communication channel to the WebView.
- The business logic remains entirely in the web application.
- The desktop app only provides system-level functions.
- All transmissions, including payload data, are encrypted.
- The SecretKey encrypts the transmitted content.
- Configuration (URL, watch folder, file pattern, encoding, update channel, etc.) is handled locally per instance.
The application is terminal-server compatible and can run in virtualisation environments such as Citrix, as each instance can be configured independently.
Use cases
Typical use scenarios
D-Flow Desktop is used wherever web processes need to interact with local files or systems. Examples include:
- Uploading documents directly to an open form in D-Flow
- Automatically importing GDT files from a medical system to transfer patient data
- Processing file-based interfaces from third-party systems
- Scan workflows with local file generation and direct transfer
- Integration of existing legacy systems without full system migration
File handover is not limited to GDT. Exchange folders and file patterns are freely configurable; content processing is tailored to the business workflow. Launching a process from a practice information system with a GDT file is one example already in use.
Benefits
Why D-Flow Desktop?
D-Flow Desktop allows organisations to continue using existing infrastructure while implementing modern web-based business applications.
- No browser limitations when accessing files and system resources
- Clear separation between business logic (web) and system access (desktop)
- Secure, encrypted communication
- Suitable for regulated and structured environments
- Scalable in terminal server and virtualisation setups
Contact
Connect local systems to D-Flow
Together, we review which files, applications and devices need to be connected to your workflow.