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Hello Everyone!
Today we are excited to announce a small, but major 0.4.0 release of our ng2-admin.
For the last couple of weeks we've been working hard to finally release this update which includes a list of bugfixes, new components, and what is more important - updated Angular Router and Angular Forms. So let's start from this part and then move on to the other news.
New Angular Component Router, Forms
Angular 2 Router has been through a bunch of rebuilds, updates and changes to finally become Angular Component Router (though it's still in beta we really hope this is a final router from the architecture standpoint). We are not going to describe all the great features of Component Router; instead of it we'll focus on the changes you have to make in your admin application while updating to a new ng2-admin 0.4.0.
So, here's a list of steps you have to go through:
0. Update the code
This step is simple, just run the git pull command to get the changes from github and then install the dependencies with npm install.
1. Routes. Move rotes configuration into src/app/app.routes.ts
Now all the routes are defined in one place of your application and then being registered on the application bootstrap phase. This means thatfirst of all you need to remove all @RouteConfig declarations across all of your components. Then let's take a look at app.routes.ts itself:
Here we define an array of all routes registered in the application.You may notice as well that we've separated all 'pages' routes from other first-level routes of the app. This is done intentionally, foremost to divide pages, available to authenticated and non-authenticated users. Also, our 'pages' routes have 'page/' prefix in the url which is also achieved through this separation. The last important thing here is path:** route. This is the route left for 404 not found page. In our case instead of a 404 page the dashboard page is shown.
Okay, let's assume you have a bunch of pages you want to move and the first of them is the main dashboard page. Let's open src/app/pages/pages.routes.ts and add a route for it:
As you see all our routes are defined as children to 'pages' route. So we added the 'dashboard' route under children property of the 'pages' route. Each route needs to have a path and a component that will be rendered. That's it, all you have to do afterwards is to move all your routes here and don't forget to remove @RouteConfig declarations and imports or @angular/router-deprecated from your code.
2. Sidebar Menu. Move sidebar menu declarations inside of the routes configuration
Yes, we decided that the solution of a menu, that is combined with routes and not declared separately, is much more convenient. First of all, it is so because you won't loose anything as configuration located in one place; secondly it's less verbose (less code, less files, less mistakes). So, for instance, to create a menu item for our dashboard page let's change the dashboard route configuration like this:
So the only thing you need to do is to add a menu declaration under the data property of your route. The menu item declaration hasn't changed, there's still a title, icon and a couple other configuration properties.
Now check out your menu - it will have one item. The same thing you need to do with all of your menu items. At the end - remove the old app.menu.ts file as it's no longer needed.
3. Update your forms
Generally, if you are using forms in your application it's better to take a look at this guide. The most important change is that now forms are 'template-driven' out of the box which means we can build almost any form inside of Angular 2 template. Yet it is still possible to declare a from in your component as we did with our login/register forms.
After doing these steps you should have your ng2-admin updated with the latest version of Angular 2, Component Router and Forms and ready to rock!
New ng2-admin components
Besides the update we have introduced a couple of useful components, here's the list:
- CKEditor WYSIWYG component.
- Image Uploader component. Can be used for uploading images, avatars. Has a built-in file transferer.
- Tree view component.
- Start Rating component.
- Checkbox/multi-checkbox component.
And that's basically it! This update brings ng2-admin a bit closer to a release, yet there is still a lot of work to do. Hope you'll find it useful in your projects!
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.
