Are you tired of the tedious process of app development? Well, your life is about to get a whole lot easier! In this guide, I’m going to introduce you to Google AppSheet, the no-code mobile app creation solution. Get ready to discover its key features and find out when it’s the perfect tool to use.
What is AppSheet?
Google AppSheet is a cloud-based no-code platform that allows users to create professional mobile applications with just a few clicks. With AppSheet, you can easily build customized apps for tasks like data collection, inventory management, and project tracking.
Google acquired AppSheet in 2020 when the company was already 8 years old with native integrations with Google Sheets and Google Forms, as well as other tools like AWS DynamoDB, Salesforce, Office 365, Box, and many more.
What can AppSheet do?
AppSheet offers a wide range of features to simplify app creation. Here are some of the key advantages of using AppSheet:
- Data Collection: Gather information from various data sources, including Excel and Google Sheets.
- Team Collaboration: Collaborate with your team members in real-time.
- Integration with Third-Party Apps: Seamlessly integrate with other widely used tools.
- Process Automation: Automate your workflows and streamline your processes.
Additionally, AppSheet provides native functionalities such as notifications management, photo capturing capabilities, and much more.
Another crucial point is that AppSheet complies with the most stringent security protocols, including General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance. The platform is SOC2 Type 2 certified.
Last but not least, the apps created with AppSheet can function offline, providing a significant advantage for certain professional applications that need to be used in the field without reliable internet access.
Pros and Cons of AppSheet
The Pros of AppSheet
Here is a list of the advantages of using AppSheet:
- User-Friendly: AppSheet is designed to be user-friendly, even for non-programmers.
- Flexibility: It can be used to create apps for various purposes, such as inventory management, project tracking, and customer data management.
- Integration with Popular Tools: AppSheet seamlessly integrates with widely used tools like Google Sheets, Dropbox, and Microsoft Excel.
- Mobile Access: Apps created with AppSheet can be used on mobile devices, allowing users to work on the go.
- Real-Time Collaboration: AppSheet enables real-time collaboration among users, making it ideal for team projects.
- Customization: Apps can be customized to meet the unique needs of each business.
- Affordability: AppSheet is an affordable solution for small and medium-sized businesses looking to automate their processes. Prices range from $5 per user (Starter plan) to $10 per user (Core plan). It is also possible to upgrade to an Enterprise plan and contact their sales team to get a price based on specific organizational needs.
The Cons of AppSheet
Here are some of the drawbacks of using AppSheet:
- Limited Performance: Due to the decentralized nature of the application, performance may be limited compared to more robust solutions. For example, the combination of Google Sheets and AppSheet may lack performance in large projects.
- Limited Integration with Other Systems: While AppSheet can be integrated with widely used tools, it may lack certain connectors to meet specific business needs, such as payment services.
- Complex Logic Configuration: Configuring logics can sometimes be tedious.
- Limited UI Customization: User interface customization remains somewhat limited. However, this is not a major issue for internal or professional applications.
How to Use Google AppSheet?
Prepare Your Data
Before diving into app development with AppSheet, you need to organize your data in a spreadsheet. AppSheet can read data from Google Sheets, Excel, forms, and other sources.
To ensure smooth app development, it is essential to have the first row of the spreadsheet contain the column names. This allows the platform to understand and process the data accurately.
For example, if you’re creating a stock tracking application, your Google Sheets can have columns named “Name,” “Price,” and “Stock.” Of course, you can add other data types to your spreadsheet to include additional features required for your app. If you prefer not to start from scratch, AppSheet offers numerous database templates to choose from.
Connect Your Data
AppSheet doesn’t host your data but interacts with it based on your app configuration. There are two ways to connect your data to AppSheet:
- From the AppSheet application itself
- From your Google Sheets: You can connect your Google Sheets by using the Extensions tab in your spreadsheet.
Model Your Mobile App
Once your data is structured in a spreadsheet and connected to AppSheet, the app will automatically generate. You can then review and refine the data input as needed. Using the built-in editor, you can modify properties, create new ways to display information (calendars, forms, galleries, charts, etc.), create smaller datasets, and build customized views to maximize the app’s potential.
Secure Your Data
After customizing your app, you’ll need to manage access to ensure data security. AppSheet allows you to control who can access the app based on email domain, two-factor authentication, or other criteria.
Go Live
Once your app is fully configured, it’s time to go live and invite users to download it. One of the advantages of AppSheet is that you can continue making modifications, responding to user feedback, and evolving its functionality.
When to Use Google AppSheet?
AppSheet is a solution that enables businesses to quickly create applications without writing code. It’s specifically designed for non-developers who need to automate their business processes.
The platform can be integrated with existing systems or cloud services, making data and process management easier for businesses. Apps created using AppSheet can be shared and accessed across multiple devices, reducing development time and costs.
There are numerous use cases for AppSheet in businesses, as evidenced by its gallery of available templates. Some examples of projects that can be managed by creating an app on AppSheet include:
- Marketing project management app
- Stock tracking app to monitor item stock levels and record stock input and output quantities
- Team management and coordination app
- Onboarding app for new employees
- Delivery tracking app that sends notifications to customers
- Visitor registration app for building access, including guest notifications and visitor tracking
Alternatives to Google AppSheet
Several no-code and low-code solutions allow for the creation of professional mobile apps, just like AppSheet. Each solution has its unique features, so it’s essential to choose the best option for your project.
Among the no-code solutions that share AppSheet’s user-friendliness and ability to connect to various data sources are Glide and Adalo.
As for low-code solutions, which are more suitable for technical profiles, AppSheet can be compared to Mendix, Microsoft Power Apps, OutSystems, and Zoho.
Now that you’re armed with all the secrets of AppSheet, it’s time to unleash your creativity and start building your own no-code mobile apps! For more SEO tips and tricks, visit Crawlan.com.
