6 Automation Apps You Can Build Today

 

Your time is valuable. That’s why Google Cloud’s AppSheet is combining the power of artificial intelligence (AI) with the simplicity and democratizing power of no-code development to give all employees (including non-technical people) the ability to quickly automate existing processes without coding.

We call it AppSheet Automation, and it lets you remove the barriers of legacy systems, manual processes, and resource constraints so your organization can accelerate its digital transformation. With Google Cloud’s AppSheet, data security is easily governable and enforceable, which means IT can ensure proper oversight and data protection while still encouraging “citizen development” among line-of-business workers.

Here are six automation sample apps you can easily copy, customize, and use at your workplace, for free. So go ahead — take a look under the hood, experiment and play, and start envisioning what you can do with the power of AppSheet Automation!

Procurement and Expensing Automation App

Expensing and procurement are the bread and butter of any business. But manually generating and processing stacks of purchase orders takes time and effort, and mistakes can lead to missed payments, insufficient inventory, and a lack of budgeting clarity.

That’s why our Procurement and Expensing Automation Sample App manages the whole expense and procurement process for you. It lets you easily create purchase orders and expense reports, and automatically triggers your tailored approvals workflow, so the right people can provide the appropriate approvals in a quick and timely manner.

Anomaly Detection App

Data anomalies are important inflection points for businesses. They happen when a data point deviates from that dataset’s normal behavior, and they can indicate many things — including red flags. Perhaps a critical event like a technical glitch or a failure has occurred, or consumer behavior has suddenly changed, creating a time-sensitive business shift or opportunity.

With our Anomaly Detection Sample App, your team can automatically receive notifications when anomalous data is detected — giving you the power to quickly act and respond.

The app uses three different methods to detect and report anomalies:

• Static Bounds. Users can manually set acceptable limits for user data, automatically marking anything beyond these bounds as anomalous.
  
• Dynamic Bounds. If a data entry achieves standard deviation from the norm, the app automatically triggers a custom workflow you can establish. This method adjusts over time as data changes, allowing the threshold for standard deviation to drift as your data does.
• Machine Learning. Designed to be predictive, this method uses machine learning to analyze historical data and flag anomalies, setting future boundaries based on its learning.
  
  

Sequential Tasks App

Many business processes must occur in a specific order, one after the other. For example, when an anomaly is detected, it must first be investigated by a data analyst. If the anomaly was caused by a failure, IT must begin the process of fixing the problem or repairing the hardware; if the anomaly was caused by a shift in consumer behavior, line-of-business leads must determine and make the proper operations, marketing, and sales adjustments.

Our Sequential Tasks Sample App provides sequencing capabilities, letting you design custom automated logic that expedites your workflows and helps eliminate time wasted waiting for tasks to be advanced along your organization.

Hierarchical Approvals App

Much like Sequential Tasks, many business processes must receive approval from multiple stakeholders as they move up the chain of command. A decision a marketing manager makes, for example, must then be approved by their director, then a VP, and then perhaps the CMO.

Fortunately, our Hierarchical Approvals Sample App lets you quickly and easily define a series of required approvals for specific tasks. It then automatically executes them, notifying the appropriate users when their approval is needed.

Event Management App

For field personnel, easy event management can make all the difference between a huge success and a huge headache. From scheduling to registration to building contact directories and more, event management is a complex task.

But not with our Event Management Sample App! Quickly schedule events, create custom maps and directions, and even build in reporting workflows so the chain of command at your home office always stays in the loop and can act on opportunities and respond to challenges right away. This is easily customizable copy-and-paste event management made a reality!

Automated Messaging App

Make it easy for users to register in-app to receive automated updates and notifications from your organization. Let them opt in to receive product news, promotional offers, policy changes, and more — unlocking powerful self-service experiences automated by the app.

Now your one-to-many communications are fast, simple, and fully customizable!

With Google Cloud’s AppSheet, anyone can build custom applications and automated processes for the business with zero coding skills. And with the customizable sample apps above, there’s no reason to delay your digital transformation. 

By Nancy Powaga