Category: Airtable

If you’ve been looking at custom platform solutions like FileMaker, Quickbase, or Zoho, you’ve likely seen terms like “low-code” and “no-code” used. Put simply, these platforms allow users to create tools that would otherwise only be made possible via coding. 

Traditionally, software would have to be built by developers, a process that requires years of experience and hours and hours of manpower. These developers build software using a programming language. You may have heard of Java, C++, or Python, but there are dozens of programming languages. The operating system on your computer, Microsoft Word, and the apps on your phone were all coded using a programming language that tells it what to do and when.

For comparison, consider the early home computer that ran MSDOS. Users were presented with a black screen, and had to type command prompts to navigate the computer and run software. Microsoft’s Windows was revolutionary because it created an operating system with a GUI that made navigation much easier and much more intuitive.

Coding allows a person or team of people to create virtually anything imaginable, but as mentioned, the process is time consuming. Low-code and no-code solutions utilize a graphic user interface (or GUI) that simplifies the process while all the “coding” happens in the background. It’s a way to allow users with limited coding experience to create what they need. It also allows experienced developers to save time on projects by streamlining the coding process. 

Although low-code and no-code are often grouped together (and sometimes even erroneously used interchangeably), there is a difference. Low-code seeks to streamline the coding process. It makes creating platforms, databases, and applications require less time and involve less tinkering with strings of code. However, it still requires some understanding of coding to really get the most out of this software (this will vary by the software). While the average person could still make use of low-code software, a seasoned developer will still be able to do much, much more. FileMaker and Zoho are great examples of “low-code” platforms.

No-code removes coding from the equation entirely. While coding familiarity may help, the entire process is done within the confines of the software’s GUI. Of course, “no-code” could apply to just about any piece of software if the definition was truly that broad. It’s used to identify platforms like Airtable: databases that are possible to create without code, but are built for non-developers. They prioritize easy-to-understand solutions.

Both low-code and no-code platforms are changing the way businesses approach their software needs. These tools can still be very powerful, and by nature can create (and modify) custom tools in a fraction of the time it’d normally take to craft these solutions. It allows businesses to be much more nimble and dynamic; they can react quickly to new employee needs and customer demands.

If you’d like to learn more about how low-code platforms like FileMaker can help your business, you can reach out to Kyo Logic here for a free consultation.

Modern workplaces have an overwhelming number of options to choose from when it comes to productivity-focused platforms. Whether your business needs better tools for communicating remotely, organizing workflows, or sorting data, there’s a platform out there designed to help. Here are some of the best, most reliable workplace platforms of 2020.

1. FileMaker. Arguably the most flexible and powerful program on this list, FileMaker allows mid-sized companies to create virtually any application they may need. That even includes customized applications that are comparable to many others on this list. Of course, all this untapped potential does come with a caveat: for companies to truly maximize their return on investment, it’s best to work with a company that understands how to get the most out of FileMaker. Although it’s touted as a “low-code” development tool, the average user won’t be able to create more than the simplest applications.

That’s why it’s so important to use developers who understand the capabilities of FileMaker. If you’re curious what FileMaker can do for you, Kyo Logic would be happy to give you a consultation. Please contact us here.

2. Airtable. Airtable describes itself as a “spreadsheet/database hybrid” which is accurate, but doesn’t quite communicate just how powerful this tool can be (especially while working remotely). Dozens of users can collaborate in real time, working on different aspects of a project as if they were sitting around a physical conference table. There’s a lot of value in tools that can get as close as possible to face-to-face interactions in a virtual environment.

3. Salesforce. ASalesforce is a dominant CRM tool for many larger sales and marketing teams. It’s cloud-based, so it’s easily accessed from virtually anywhere, and is designed to allow for many users at a time. It’s also designed to collate, aggregate, and customize data in real-time. Data can also be displayed differently based on the user accessing it. For example, a CEO can use Salesforce to track expenses and share it with different departments, allowing them to access only their relevant information.

4. Spigit. Spigit is one of the few platforms available designed around ideation and brainstorming. It allows users to create and escalate project ideas, and Spigit’s patented algorithm filters and collates ideas so key decision-makers can choose what deserves resources.

5. Asana. A popular project management tool, Asana allows users to share projects, collaborate, and track progress. It also tracks users workloads, and helps project managers accurately utilize resources.

6. Slack. The corporate communication platform that has eclipsed all other corporate communication platforms. Slack is straightforward and reliable, but more importantly, it allows for seamless integration of other applications. Share Google Docs or Dropbox links, or new Trello boards within Slack, and the program will ensure other users will have quick and easy access.

7. Basecamp. Another project management tool, Basecamp focuses primarily on smart, dynamic “to-do lists.”
8. Trello. This listmaking tool is designed to make organizing workflows simple and easy. In just a few clicks, users can have a snapshot of their day or week, and see the progress being made on each project or deliverable.