VeilSpot Blog

Adding custom code to Quickbase Apps is a useful way to extend functionality and create quick solutions for your company’s needs. JavaScript makes up the vast majority of custom code that developers have added to Quickbase apps, which means it’s likely that you have some in your app. Until recently, this was an excellent and encouraged approach to customizing your applications. However, there are some upcoming changes to the way that Quickbase will be handling JavaScript. These changes may limit functionality in ways that could negatively affect your application. Importantly, if you don’t take action to address these changes soon, the consequences could be significant.

Changes coming in June and August will mean that the JSI in your app will no longer be editable, and your app might break.

When deciding which low-code app development platform to use, people often find themselves making a decision between two powerful tools: Quickbase vs. Power Apps. Both are strong contenders for solving critical business problems, automating processes and improving productivity and collaboration. However, each has its own strengths.

Microsoft Power Apps is touted as “a suite of apps, services, connectors and data platform that provides a rapid application development environment.” The goal of the tool is to provide a space for app development that doesn’t require a tremendous amount of technical expertise. The platform has several key strengths, particularly for enterprise organizations already using (and paying for) the Microsoft suite of tools. 

In a comparison of Quickbase vs. Power Apps, however, Quickbase comes out on top as a more flexible, versatile and easy to use platform.

In our work as Quickbase Consultants, we see so many companies who could be doing more with their existing Quickbase apps. Because Quickbase integrates with virtually every major app or platform, it’s an absolute powerhouse if you know how to put it to work. It’s just that many of the most useful Quickbase integrations aren’t immediately obvious to those who haven’t been working with the platform as long as we have.

The other challenge is that too many organizations try to make the wrong app into their operating platform. Accounting software is designed for accountants. Collaboration tools aren’t designed to manage your inventory. Quickbase, however, is designed to be what you need it to be.

If you’re already using Quickbase to manage your data, you know what an incredibly robust tool it is for a wide range of uses. That being said, the standard Quickbase timeline report doesn’t offer the kind of flexibility that most project managers need. 

Too often, project managers end up pulling data out of their Quickbase system and into another program only to find there’s no way to then port that data back into Quickbase. The result is a frustrating and cumbersome process that fails to leverage the potential of your existing database.

Among the most ubiquitous project management tools out there, Smartsheet is a handy resource for simple data entry and tracking. However, as a project management tool, there are a number of key areas where it simply falls short. When making the comparison between Quickbase vs Smartsheet, the versatility, security and range that Quickbase offers make it the better choice for any kind of large-scale project.

As one of the most adaptable and user-friendly tools on the market, Quickbase can help you build custom workflows for virtually any of your organization’s unique needs. Whether it’s simply improving your scheduling workflows or helping you manage digital pull planning for lean construction, Quickbase is exceptionally versatile. Its low-code, user friendly structure also means you can build a custom app without a sophisticated development team on staff. Working with a Quickbase Consultant, however, might be a better, more efficient and readily accessible solution to getting your app built quickly and effectively.

As the #1 Quickbase Solution Provider, we know just how robust and versatile Quickbase can be. We also know that on their own, out-of-the-box Quickbase extensions don’t always serve the exact needs of every company. Even if the tools in your Quickbase toolbox are working relatively well, it’s likely that there are opportunities to supercharge your apps and make processes less cumbersome and more efficient.

If you’re already tracking tasks in a Quickbase app, are those tasks specialized for people in the field? Does your scheduling tool offer the flexibility you need to make real time adjustments or factor in delays? Is the interface for your Gantt charts intuitive enough for all of your users? Do you have partners in other countries who need information automatically translated?

Regardless of industry, ensuring the health and safety of your employees and customers is vital to keeping your doors open. The COVID-19 crisis has ushered in a whole new reality in terms of necessary safety precautions for everyone. Keeping up with state regulations, federal guidelines, and CDC recommendations, can be a lot to manage, even with an entire department dedicated to compliance.

Regardless of size, your company needs to adapt quickly to the new normal. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to be an overwhelming or expensive process. VeilSun has the experience and expertise to build custom, flexible, low-code tools to help your company stay in COVID compliance, keep your employees safe and keep you open for business.

How often do you run a check up on your Quickbase apps? Do you wait for a problem or frustrations to build and then go into trouble-shooting mode? If so, you’re very likely not getting the most out of your Quickbase applications. Just like people and cars, apps can benefit from periodic check ups to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Whether there’s been a procedural change since your app was built or a feature update you’re missing out on, it’s likely that your Quickbase app could be running more efficiently. And if you’re encountering problems, then it’s past time to sort things out. Nine times out of ten, it’s an easily diagnosable and correctable issue. Whatever is going on, it isn’t an issue with Quickbase — it’s a problem somewhere in the app itself.

Right now, we know it’s not business as usual. But, as your business continues to adapt its operations for continued remote work or a reduced staff reopening, this could be an opportunity to uncover new efficiencies. At VeilSun, we’re offering free Dream Sessions to help you evaluate four core areas of your business processes.

A Dream Session is an opportunity to collaborate 1:1 with an experienced Quick Base consultant to help you realize your Quick Base Dream. Together, we’ll examine what solutions apply specifically to your business challenges and can be deployed to help you have your most efficient year yet.