.jpg)
Low-code is a software development paradigm that facilitates and accelerates software creation by offering visual app-building functionalities, code abstractions, and developer productivity tools.
In our “Low-code Hall of Fame“ series, we review the best low-code development platforms in the business. And another low-code tool in our list is UI Bakery. It’s a promising internal software builder supported by a dedicated developer team and quite a number of businesses driving profits from using it. But enough introductions, let’s find out what makes UI Bakery a good choice for low-code internal tools development.
.svg)
UI Bakery profile
UI Bakery is a low-code development platform and a company based in Lithuania. It was founded in December 2018 by a team of software developers led by Vladimir Lugovsky. The platform grabbed the attention of the low-code development community with great performance, advanced functionalities, and scalability.
UI Bakery is a top solution for building your web-based internal tools fast and integrating them with multiple APIs, 3’d party systems, and other data sources. Users like the platform for the large variety of pre-made UI components and ease of use due to the drag-and-drop functionalities. Above that, UI Bakery offers customization opportunities for professional low-code developers that allow them to create custom UI elements, API connectors, and app business logic. It provides low-code developers with a wide range of tools to create complex workflow automatization tools, stable and aesthetic front-ends, and web-based applications.
In 4 years, the platform helped thousands of businesses to streamline their internal business processes and create workflow automation services quickly and effectively. UI Bakery is highly appreciated by the development community and was listed as a top performer of the year by Product Hunt and rated a 4.9-star rating on G2. Bakery team rapidly evolves the platform to be the best experience for citizen developers and professionals.
What’s inside
User Interface
The bakery includes multiple no-code functionalities accessible for the non-technical business staff to build internal tools in a matter of hours. That is possible due to the drag-and-drop interface, embedded with 50+ out-of-box components like charts, tables, and graphics, and adjusting the apps’ interfaces with CSS. WYSIWYG HTML editor also facilitates the front-end development of an internal web application.
At the same time, pro developers will find a set of features to build custom components and connectors fast or even take JS components published on CDN. Among the list of developer tools, UI Bakery offers version control, smart code suggestions, and team collaboration tools.
Integrations
The platform has s number of connectors for the world’s most popular databases, BPM systems, and collaboration tools. Among them are Salesforce, MongoDB, MySQL, Slack, AWS S3, Firebase, Google Sheets, and others. UI Bakery applications are capable of centralizing the data from multiple sources and provide functionalities to change it from a single interface. You can integrate REST and GraphQL APIs using the postman-like interface and curl shortcuts. UI Bakery's internal tools can filter, group, and join data from multiple sources.
Customization capacity
You can create custom UI components for you or an internal tool using JavaScript. For the convenience of developers, there are lots of developer tools and features like IDE, version history, SSO integrations and etc. You can also write custom queries to derive data from various data sources at the same time. Besides, Bakery has AI suggestions for custom queries that speed up the coding.
Another feature that makes UI Bakery stand out from other similar platforms is white labeling. Thus, you are able to put your brand signs on the app instead of the platform’s ones.
Use cases
As we mentioned, the application field of UI Bakery revolves around internal tools, business operations automatization, and workflow optimization.
With Bakery, you can create multi-step workflows for simple ETL operations, alerting, and data synchronization across multiple sources. The workflows and internal tools are able to use data from HTTP APIs, SQL databases, Google Spreadsheets, CRMs, and other sources. To build sophisticated solutions, you can apply loops, conditional business logic, and asynchronous operations.
The platform will be a great way to supplement your existing BPM system and internal workflow. You can connect Bakery’s internal applications with your existing business system to extend its capabilities owing to pre-build connectors. Workflow integrations are token-secured so you won’t need to worry about your data while it transfers between your system’s elements.
Pricing
UI Bakery has a free 14-day trial that allows you to test its full capacity. After the trial period, you can choose from one of the following packages, depending on your business needs.
Free - $0
The free plan includes functionalities and components to build simple data representation applications.
Individual - $49 per month
An individual package will do for a small business or an employee who seeks to organize work-related information and manage it from a single app.
Plus - $119 per month
This plan also suits SMEs and allows making custom branding for your application.
Team - $249 per month
The team pack will match the needs of a large business and an enterprise allowing an unlimited number of app users and apps. Plus, it opens the features for building automatization tools of high complexity.
On-premise/ Enterprise - custom pricing
The on-premise plan is for enterprise only. It includes all the power of the UI Bakery platform and beyond.
UI Bakery Pros & Cons
UI Bakery Pros:
- Intuitive and functional UI building interface;
- UI Bakery doesn’t charge you for each end-user;
- An unlimited number of app pages you can create within one tool;
- Easy integration with databases, APIs, third parties;
- A constantly evolving library of UI templates and out-of-box connectors;
- Comprehensive documentation with step-by-step written guides and videos;
- Lively support team and community that continually enriches Bakery’s functionalities.
UI Bakery Cons:
- You will need at least basic knowledge of web development. The platform may seem comparatively complex to the complete non-techies.
UI Bakery alternatives
Although UI Bakery will solve almost all your internal workflow issues and improve customer service, you might consider using other low-code platforms. Here are the alternatives:
Verdict
All in all, UI Bakery is one of the best platforms in the class of internal tool builders. The abundance of pre-made components and a beginner-friendly user interface allow citizen developers to create performant and functional internal tools. Even if you have no particular experience in software development, UI Bakery will allow you to start building and deploying workflow automatization tools, collaboration apps, and web-based internal apps in a matter of hours.
The more advanced low-code developers familiar with JavaScript will open the more complex dimension of the platform. Using JS programming language, you can create custom components and connectors to create the exact system you need for your business. Also, you can go beyond the limits and contact UI Bakery team for enterprise solutions where Bakery’s developers will build the needed functionalities right for your project.
And here’s what low-code developers and platform users say about their experience with UI Bakery:
What I like about UI Bakery:
“It is rare that you work with a company whose people mirror the best aspects of their product. UI Bakery has a simple interface backed by a complex and helpful team who are truly responsive to feedback. Where some teams shrug an apology for a missing feature, this team will take that feedback and either help you find the right Lego or literally build for you. In the low/no code arena, they are the rising star!”
Source: G2
“Using UI Bakery we have been able to build an agile and efficient user interface in record time.”
Source: Capterra
“It's super easy to use and they have very good customer support. Also, the pricing is ok.”
Source: Capterra
What I dislike about UI Bakery:
“It's hard to say dislike - there are things that need improving but every week improvements are rolled out. I have been able to achieve almost everything I needed although sometimes workarounds are required. As others have mentioned, the getting started documentation wasn't great but they know this and have already started making improvements.”
Source: G2
“Perhaps a greater detail in the information would be convenient, however, that was compensated through its excellent technical support.”
Source: Capterra
“Sometimes it fails to load. And they still have some UI bugs, but they solve them quickly.”
Source: Capterra
Low-code development experts
There’s no faster and easier way to build your business application or internal workflow optimization software than by using a low-code approach. Low-code and no-code platforms make software development available, affordable, and easy for all businesses (SMEs, startups, and enterprises) and individuals alike. But usually, to access the full potential of low-code you may need professional developer assistance that has experience using these platforms.
You can discuss your project with our low-code development experts if that is your case. We have more than 7 years of software development experience including working with various low-code development platforms. Some of our developers even participated in the creation of one of such platforms. We can help you at any stage of your low-code app development: from the right low-code platform selection and process strategizing to full-scale development, customization, and integration with your existing systems. For more information, reach out to our low-code development team leads and get a free consultation.
P.S. We love writing about low code. Subscribe to our blog to get the latest insights in your inbox.
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.
