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As ngx-admin was a big project for us, we decided to put a bit more efforts and share our feelings about it. The idea to write a story reminded us a bit of that kinda documentary movie where actors are interviewed after a movie’s been released. We liked it though! Kinda superstar-ish.
Yet it is made just for you to enjoy reading and get motivated about what you do and never give up. So let’s get started!
The pioneer who decided to express his opinion towards Nebular and ngx-admin was Konstantin. He was very excited and committed through the whole project, so he definitely had something to tell:
“The process of making the framework and demo felt like a time of pregnancy, cause we carried it all the way through for nine months instead of five planned ones. The start time was January, 1.
Back in times when we made changes in ng2-admin our users faced the problem of updating. It led to numerous conflicts. We needed the core functionality to be less changeable which meant to separate it from the demo. It wasn’t that easy though!
Problems came on our way almost immediately. We had to figure out how to build TypeScript correctly, how to inline styles and templates, etc. We tried to peek at Google Material and other libs to see how they do it, but they all had custom solutions and no general approaches. We were left on our own and made it to successes in the end.
Builds & tests - here the time was brutally murdered.
We finished somehow the core after 4 months of massive work…
With the onset of spring, it was time for a demo. We wanted our second task demo to be as mind-blowing as the space of cosmos. I guess, our designer did not get the joke so he made it literary cosmic looking. We worked out carefully every aspect of the demo, so we postponed the release several times. In fact, we also rewrote loads of functionality in the core module while working on the demo.
We changed a number of resources all the way to the finish. Due to other projects we ran, we could not have the constant amount of people working exactly on Nebular and ngx-admin. We had 3, then 1, then 2 people working on the project.
Now when we can breathe freely, Akveo team is still so concerned about the troubles we have with responsiveness and scrolling on mobile versions, that we’ve come to the conclusion it’s better to have a mobile version than an optimized one. ngx-admin is still complicated. The newbie hardly can start running it freely. So we think that our next task is to write a couple of use-cases for you guys where you can get some useful tricks how to better use components, variables, write CSS and all.
Anyway, I think we did good!”
Our technical lead Dmitry followed Konstantin’s example and added some nice thoughts of his to the story. Dima is very dedicated to his work and takes every detail into account. So here it is:
“Indeed, having the first admin on hand, we realized that we needed to put core features into something independent, so that users could transparently update themselves without any terrible merges. More than that, we wanted to do not just a new core, but all sorts of cool things, such as multi-theming and general approach to managing application styles, without violating angular approaches (encapsulation of components).
As Konstantin said, there were long-term R&D, when we felt kinda desperate trying to find our way and get the point of doing everything in a right way.
The main features had been rebuilt from the scratch approx. 3 times before we realize that the result is good enough. Can you imagine our feelings and how persistent we were at that time? Ha-ha. Perhaps the problem was in the wrong design at the initial stage. Now it is difficult to tell exactly...
Somewhere in the middle of the process, the result slightly showed through. Our ideal goal was to cover all the routine tasks so that you could put a layout on the page, and a couple of components very quickly, redefine some of SCSS variables and just start working on the business logic with no hassle.
Six months had passed and we were ready to release the RC of the Nebular. Yet now it's clear that we'd been using waterfall with a huge half-of-a-year iteration instead of releasing the thing in smaller working pieces.
Nevertheless, even with the mistakes we made and what we've been through, what we have now is an excellent beginning for future changes and additions and new cool stuff. Peace!”
Next, who had been doing really great on developing the project was Alex. He is our full-stack JavaScript developer. Alex is not that much into emotions, so he smartly summed up the above-said:
“It was our first experience of developing a full-fledged framework that would keep developers away from routine work. Nebular consists of modules Theme and Auth, which greatly simplify and accelerate the development of complex web applications. In the process of working on Nebular, a lot of "hidden tricks" were on the way and a number of probes were encountered, but they were solved due to the teamwork and excellent work together. It positively affected the quality of the final product.”
This is it. We opened our minds for you to kinda “sense” the backstage of the process of doing beautiful and useful things. Hope you enjoyed reading. Good luck!
Retool Dashboards with HubSpot Integration
Our client needed a centralized tool to aggregate account and contact activity, improving visibility and decision-making for the sales team.
The solution
We built a Retool application integrated with HubSpot, QuickMail, and Clay.com. The app features dashboards for sorting, filtering, and detailed views of companies, contacts, and deals, along with real-time notifications and bidirectional data syncing.
The result
- MVP in 50 hours: Delivered a functional application in just 50 hours.
- Smarter decisions: Enabled data-driven insights for strategic planning.
- Streamlined operations: Reduced manual tasks with automation and real-time updates.
Lead Generation Tool to Reduce Manual Work
Our client, Afore Capital, a venture capital firm focused on pre-seed investments, aimed to automate their lead generation processes but struggled with existing out-of-the-box solutions. To tackle this challenge, they sought assistance from our team of Akveo Retool experts.
The scope of work
The client needed a tailored solution to log and track inbound deals effectively. They required an application that could facilitate the addition, viewing, and editing of company and founder information, ensuring data integrity and preventing duplicates. Additionally, Afore Capital aimed to integrate external tools like PhantomBuster and LinkedIn to streamline data collection.
The result
By developing a custom Retool application, we streamlined the lead generation process, significantly reducing manual data entry. The application enabled employees to manage inbound deals efficiently while automated workflows for email parsing, notifications, and dynamic reporting enhanced operational efficiency. This allowed Afore Capital's team to focus more on building relationships with potential founders rather than on administrative tasks.
Learn more about the case
Retool CMS Application for EdTech Startup
Our client, CutTime, a leading fine arts education management platform, needed a scalable CMS application to improve vendor product management and user experience.
The scope of work
We developed a Retool application that allows vendors to easily upload and manage product listings, handle inventory, and set shipping options. The challenge was to integrate the app with the client’s system, enabling smooth authentication and product management for program directors.
The result
Our solution streamlined product management, reducing manual work for vendors, and significantly improving operational efficiency.
Building Reconciliation Tool for e-commerce company
Our client was in need of streamlining and simplifying its monthly accounting reconciliation process – preferably automatically. But with a lack of time and low budget for a custom build, development of a comprehensive software wasn’t in the picture. After going through the case and customer’s needs, we decided to implement Retool. And that was the right choice.
The scope of work
Our team developed a custom reconciliation tool designed specifically for the needs of high-volume transaction environments. It automated the processes and provided a comprehensive dashboard for monitoring discrepancies and anomalies in real-time.
The implementation of Retool significantly reduced manual effort, as well as fostered a more efficient and time-saving reconciliation process.
Creating Retool Mobile App for a Wine Seller
A leading spirits and wine seller in Europe required the development of an internal mobile app for private client managers and administrators. The project was supposed to be done in 1,5 months. Considering urgency and the scope of work, our developers decided to use Retool for swift and effective development.
The scope of work
Our developers built a mobile application tailored to the needs of the company's sales force: with a comprehensive overview of client interactions, facilitated order processing, and enabled access to sales history and performance metrics. It was user-friendly, with real-time updates, seamlessly integrated with existing customer databases.
The result? Increase in productivity of the sales team and improved decision-making process. But most importantly, positive feedback from the customers themselves.
Developing PoC with Low Code for a Tour Operator
To efficiently gather, centralize, and manage data is a challenge for any tour operator. Our client was not an exception. The company was seeking to get an internal software that will source information from third-party APIs and automate the travel itinerary creation process. Preferably, cost- and user-friendly tool.
The scope of work
Our experts ensured the client that all the requirements could be covered by Retool. And just in 40 hours a new software was launched. The tool had a flexible and easy-to-use interface with user authentication and an access management system panel – all the company needed. At the end, Retool was considered the main tool to replace the existing system.
Testing New Generation of Lead Management Tool with Retool
Our client, a venture fund, had challenges with managing lead generation and client acquisition. As the company grew, it aimed to attract more clients and scale faster, as well as automate the processes to save time, improve efficiency and minimize human error. The idea was to craft an internal lead generation tool that will cover all the needs. We’ve agreed that Retool will be a perfect tool for this.
The scope of work
The project initially began as a proof of concept, but soon enough, with each new feature delivered, the company experienced increased engagement and value.
We developed a web tool that integrates seamlessly with Phantombuster for data extraction and LinkedIn for social outreach. Now, the company has a platform that elevates the efficiency of their lead generation activities and provides deep insights into potential client bases.
Building an Advanced Admin Portal for Streamlined Operations
Confronted with the need for more sophisticated internal tools, an owner of IP Licensing marketplace turned to Retool to utilize its administrative functions. The primary goal was to construct an advanced admin portal that could support complex, multi-layered processes efficiently.
The scope of work
Our client needed help with updating filters and tables for its internal platform. In just 30 hours we've been able to update and create about 6 pages. Following features were introduced: add complex filtering and search, delete records, styling application with custom CSS.
Together, we have increased performance on most heavy pages and fixed circular dependency issues.
Creating MVP Dashboard for Google Cloud Users
Facing the challenge of unoptimized cloud resource management, a technology firm working with Google Cloud users was looking for a solution to make its operations more efficient. The main idea of the project was to create an MVP for e-commerce shops to test some client hypotheses. Traditional cloud management tools fell short.
The scope of work
Determined to break through limitations, our team of developers turned Retool. We decided to craft an MVP Dashboard specifically for Google Cloud users. This wasn't just about bringing data into view; but about reshaping how teams interact with their cloud environment.
We designed a dashboard that turned complex cloud data into a clear, strategic asset thanks to comprehensive analytics, tailored metrics, and an intuitive interface, that Retool provides. As the results, an increase in operational efficiency, significant improvement in cost management and resource optimization.
Elevating CRM with Custom HubSpot Sales Dashboard
Our other client, a SaaS startup, that offers collaborative tools for design and engineering teams, was on a quest to supercharge their sales efforts. Traditional CRM systems were limited and not customizable enough. The company sought a solution that could tailor HubSpot to their workflow and analytics needs.
The scope of work
Charged with the task of going beyond standard CRM functions, our team turned to Retool. We wanted to redefine how sales teams interact with their CRM.
By integrating advanced analytics, custom metrics, and a user-friendly interface, our developers provided a solution that transformed data into a strategic asset.
In 40 hours, three informative dashboards were developed, containing the most sensitive data related to sales activities. These dashboards enable our customer to analyze sales and lead generation performance from a different perspective and establish the appropriate KPIs.
Building a PDF Editor with Low-Code
Our client, a leading digital credential IT startup, needed a lot of internal processes to be optimized. But the experience with low-code tools wasn’t sufficient. That’s why the company decided to hire professionals. And our team of developers joined the project.
The scope of work
The client has a program that designs and prints custom badges for customers. The badges need to be “mail-merged” with a person’s info and turned into a PDF to print. But what is the best way to do it?
Our developers decided to use Retool as a core tool. Using custom components and JavaScript, we developed a program that reduced employees' time for designing, putting the data, verifying, and printing PDF badges in one application.
As a result, the new approach significantly reduces the time required by the internal team to organize all the necessary staff for the conference, including badge creation.
