How databases can increase business profits

April 2, 2020 • Bram Wiepjes

In today’s digital age, building a successful business often depends on the effective use of data. Business owners can harness this wealth of information to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer engagement, and boost profits. No-code database application builders can help a lot, transforming raw data into clean, manageable information that drives better decision making.

In this article, we’ll explore the numerous ways that no-code database application builders like Baserow can help you streamline data management and application development to boost your business profits.

Do you need a database application builder?

Do you have a growing team? Are you swamped with data? Want to make more sense of your business information and streamline your operations? If so, you probably need a no-code database application builder like Baserow to keep everything running smoothly.

Baserow provides a suite of features that make it easy to create custom databases and applications, tailored to your needs. It works via a user-friendly interface, with drag-and-drop functionalities, pre-built templates, and intuitive design elements that make application development easily accessible to everyone. This means that non-technical teams can develop solutions quickly, reducing reliance on IT departments and minimizing development costs.

With Baserow, you have the tools to build enterprise-ready solutions for all teams and industries. From CRM systems and project management applications, to public portals, landing pages, or specialized platforms for sectors like healthcare or manufacturing, Baserow’s no-code, open-source approach makes it easy to create scalable, custom applications. It features both a Database Builder and an Application Builder, with self-hosted and cloud-hosted options, allowing you to manage and store your data exactly how you need.

Here are some of its key features:

No-code interface: Baserow provides a user-friendly interface that allows anyone, regardless of their technical skills, to create and manage databases and applications. It’s as simple as using a spreadsheet.
Customizable templates: Choose from a variety of templates or create your own to fit specific project needs.
Real-time collaboration: Teams can collaborate in real-time, making it easy to share updates, track changes, and work simultaneously on the same projects.
Open source: As an open-source platform, Baserow lets you modify the software to better fit your needs. This open-source nature ensures transparency and the ability to extend and integrate the platform with other tools.
Self-hosting options: Baserow offers the flexibility to be self-hosted on your own servers, giving you full control over your data and conforming to strict data security and privacy standards.
API-first design: Its API-first approach means it can integrate seamlessly with other systems and automate workflows across different platforms.
Scalability: Designed to scale effortlessly, it can handle everything from small projects to enterprise-level databases with unlimited databases and rows.
Drag-and-drop design: You can easily build and customize database applications using a drag-and-drop interface.
Developer friendly: The platform supports a broad range of plugins and extensions that enhance its functionality and integration capabilities.
Data governance and security: Baserow adheres to top industry standards like GDPR, SOC 2, and HIPAA. It also offers robust security features including role-based access controls (RBAC).

The types of businesses that benefit from Baserow

Teams requiring rapid development and deployment

Development teams under pressure to deliver functional applications can use Baserow for rapid prototyping and deployment. The open-source nature allows for extensive customization and extension through plugins and scripts, accommodating unique business needs without starting from scratch. Its API-first design means it integrates seamlessly with tools like Zapier, n8n, and Make, streamlining workflow automation and reducing time to market.

Organizations with strict data governance needs

Baserow offers robust data governance and security measures, making it ideal for industries such as healthcare and finance, where compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2 is crucial. Organizations can opt for self-hosted solutions like Baserow Self-Hosted to maintain complete control over their data, ensuring compliance with the strictest of data security standards. This control extends to scaling the application’s backend as necessary to handle growing data demands without compromising performance or security.

Large enterprises looking to reduce software sprawl

Large enterprises often struggle with managing a sprawling landscape of software tools which can create inefficiencies. Baserow serves as a single platform that can replace multiple legacy systems, allowing companies to centralize their data and reduce overhead costs. The scalable and extensible nature of Baserow means that as enterprises grow and their needs evolve, the platform can adapt swiftly, providing stability even at scale.

Cross-functional teams needing enhanced collaboration

Baserow’s real-time collaboration capabilities make it a powerful tool for teams that operate across different departments. Whether it’s marketing, sales, customer service, or production, teams can work from a single source of truth, ensuring consistency and accuracy in data handling and communications. By allowing non-developers to participate actively in the application building process, Baserow fosters a more inclusive environment where all team members can contribute to innovation and improvements.

Startups & small businesses

Baserow offers an ideal solution for startups and small businesses looking to optimize costs while maintaining flexibility in their software solutions. With no vendor lock-in, these companies aren’t tied to one provider or forced into costly upgrades. Baserow’s scalability ensures that as the business grows, its database and application capabilities can grow with it without added expense. Even those without technical skills can easily manage and modify their applications, saving on hiring specialized staff.

Key concepts in Baserow’s Application Builder.

How database application builders like Baserow can help businesses increase profits

Value for money: Baserow offers exceptional value for money, featuring a generous free plan that includes unlimited databases, rows, and storage when self-hosted. Professional plans start at just $5 per user per month. These plans are designed to scale with your business needs, ensuring that as your requirements grow, Baserow’s capabilities can grow with you, providing a cost-effective solution for managing and expanding your digital infrastructure.
Reduced development costs: Traditional software development is expensive, requiring significant investment in skilled programmers. As a no-code platform, Baserow eliminates the need for coding, drastically reducing development costs and allowing businesses to allocate resources more efficiently.
Accelerated time to market: Speed is crucial in business. Baserow enables companies to develop and deploy applications quickly, significantly reducing the time from concept to market. This faster deployment allows businesses to capitalize on market opportunities quicker than competitors.
Improved business agility: Its flexibility allows companies to swiftly adapt to market changes and internal demands. Businesses can update and modify applications without the usual delays, maintaining agility and staying ahead of market trends.
Enhanced data management: With Baserow, you can create customized databases that make data management more efficient. Well-organized data improves operational efficiency, decision-making, and can lead to increased profits through better managed business information.
Automation of routine tasks: The platform offers features for automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks such as data entry, scheduling, and reporting. This not only saves time but also reduces the likelihood of human error, improving overall operational efficiency.
Scalability: As businesses grow, their software needs can change. Baserow’s scalable solution ensures that you can expand your applications as needed without additional expensive software upgrades or transitions to new platforms.
Improved customer experiences: With a database and application builder like Baserow, it’s easy to create customer-facing applications such as booking systems, customer portals, and feedback forms. Improved customer interaction and service lead to higher satisfaction rates, which can translate to increased customer loyalty and higher profits.
Streamlined operations: Using Baserow lets you streamline various business operations by integrating different functionalities into a single platform. This reduces the complexity of managing multiple software solutions, leading to better efficiency and lower costs.
Better decision making: Baserow’s suite of analytics and reporting tools deliver real-time insights and data analysis. With views—including Grid, Gallery, Kanban, and Calendar—alongside powerful reporting capabilities, it’s easy to access up-to-date information for better decision making.
Reduced IT dependency: Its user-friendly interface ensures that even non-technical teams can create and manage databases and applications. This reduces dependency on IT specialists, allowing quicker modifications and implementations.
Enhanced collaboration: Baserow lets teams collaborate in real-time with comments, notifications, and updates. It also offers customizable permission levels and role-based access controls.This keeps everyone organized and focused on the right information.
Data security and compliance: Baserow’s robust security features ensure that business data is secure and compliant with regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2. Compliance avoids legal issues and builds customer trust, contributing to a more reputable and profitable business.
Customization and flexibility: It provides extensive customization options without the need for coding. Businesses can tailor pre-built templates and applications to their specific needs, which is often not possible with off-the-shelf software solutions.
Lower training costs: Due to its intuitive design, Baserow requires less training compared to traditional software applications. Lower training costs and shorter learning curves mean employees can become productive more quickly.
Long-term savings: By investing in a no-code database application builder like Baserow, businesses save on long-term costs associated with updating, maintaining, and scaling customized software solutions. Additionally, the ability to respond quickly to business needs without always incurring new costs adds to overall savings.

No-code database application builders - FAQs

What is a no-code database builder?

A no-code database builder allows users to create, manage, and manipulate databases without needing to write any code. It provides a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop elements, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.

How do no-code application builders work?

No-code application builders make it easier for non-technical users to construct applications through a visual development environment. Users can design workflows, manage data, and set up UIs using pre-built templates and customizable components, all without coding.

Who can benefit from using a no-code database application builder like Baserow?

No-code database application builders are ideal for small businesses, startups, non-technical users, and enterprises looking to streamline application development and data management without investing heavily in technical resources.

Can no-code platforms integrate with other business tools?

Yes, most no-code platforms like Baserow offer integration capabilities with various business tools and systems, allowing for seamless data flow and enhanced functionality through APIs and plugins.

Are no-code database application builders secure?

Baserow incorporates essential security measures, including data encryption and access controls. Its open-source nature allows organizations to customize and enhance security to meet specific requirements, such as GDPR, SOC 2, and HIPAA. By self-hosting Baserow, organizations can exercise greater control over their data security and compliance.

How cost-effective are databases and application builders?

No-code database application builders like Baserow can be highly cost-effective, reducing the need for extensive developer teams and cutting down on development time. Baserow offers a generous free plan with unlimited databases, rows, and storage when self-hosted.

Are there any free database application builders available?

Yes, Baserow offers a robust free plan that includes unlimited databases, rows, and storage when self-hosted. This makes it an excellent option for those looking to develop custom databases and applications without initial investment.

What is the best database application builder?

Baserow is considered one of the best database application builders due to its no-code, open-source nature, offering flexibility, extensive customization options, and a user-friendly interface. Its ability to integrate seamlessly with other tools and its strong community support further enhance its standing as a top choice.

Baserow is a highly recommended option. It provides full control over your data and infrastructure, which is crucial for meeting specific security and compliance standards. Baserow’s self-hosting capability is ideal for organizations looking to manage their applications in-house without relying on external cloud services.

What kind of support does Baserow offer?

Baserow provides extensive support through documentation, tutorials and community forums. The Enterprise plan comes with direct and priority support within 1 business day.

Get started with Baserow

Define your data requirements

Identify the data types your business collects, such as sales, customer interactions, or inventory levels. Understanding these needs will guide your database structure.

Visit the Baserow website and create an account. Choose between self-hosted and cloud options to suit your needs. Spend some time exploring the interface to familiarize yourself with its features.

Create your first database

Create a new database and set up tables that operate similarly to spreadsheets. Customize fields with options for text, numbers, dates, checkboxes, and more based on your data requirements. Get started quickly with customizable templates for everything, from project management to marketing and product solutions.

Import existing data

If you have data in formats like Microsoft Excel, import it into Baserow using the platform’s CSV import functionality for a seamless transition.

Customize your database

Use Baserow’s drag-and-drop interface to tailor your database. Add or modify fields and set up relationships between tables to better reflect your data structure. Use different views like Grid, Gallery, Form, Kanban, Calendar to visualize your data and get insights.

Use Baserow’s Application Builder

With Baserow’s Application Builder, you can build websites, client portals, internal tools, dashboards, and more, then immediately publish and update your applications using a free Baserow domain or your own custom domain.

Configure permissions and access

Use role-based access controls to control who can view or edit your databases. This ensures data security, particularly with sensitive information.

Test and iterate

As you deploy your databases and applications, continuously collect user feedback and make necessary adjustments. Baserow’s flexibility supports ongoing optimization.

Explore advanced features

Dive deeper into Baserow’s capabilities by exploring its API and integrating advanced workflows with tools like Zapier, n8n, and Make for enhanced functionality.