What is development for you? I bet the first association with this word is ‘coding’. However, developers spend much time setting up the project before they start to code. You should configure integrations, set up your environment, connect the database… Or you shouldn’t?
If you work with Retool, I’ve got some fascinating news: it features an integrated PostgreSQL database. What does ‘integrated’ mean? Well, it needs zero configuration, supports different Retool Environments, and has a beautiful spreadsheet-like UI. Why the Retool Database should be your number one choice?
Reason 1. Zero Configuration
Retool Database is both simple and fast. In reality, it means the database is ready for use without any installation procedures. This eliminates the need to spend a lot of time before the DB becomes fully operational. You can create tables—and start testing applications or deploy them quickly without bothering about managing database infrastructure. With Retool Database, you don’t have to worry about setting up servers, creating users, or securing environments. Literally, all the common enterprise software deployment processes incorporate these steps. In other words, you even don’t need DevOps on your project.
Reason 2. Seamless Integration with Retool
The Retool Database is retooled to its core. It means that the DB is integrated tightly into the platform. You can develop, test, and deploy applications using a single source. And that’s amazing! This integration is so deep that you even have a spreadsheet editor tightened to your database. You can manipulate your data in much the same way as you would on a spreadsheet so that adding, editing, filtering, and sorting records is pretty easy. In addition to this, you still can write good old SQL queries and execute them against the Retool Database. This fact makes it ideal for both beginners and advanced users.
Reason 3. Data Management Made Easy
If you are a beginner, don’t be afraid of database management! Retool has an intuitive interface that looks the same as Excel, Google Sheets, name it. You can add, delete, or edit records quickly, simplifying entering or updating information. The database UI also supports filtering, sorting, and searching - everything you need to efficiently administer large datasets. And all of this exists without legacy database management software complexity.
Reason 4. Scalability and Performance
If you are a pro, this part is for you. As you already know, under the friendly spreadsheet-like UI a real traditional SQL database lives. In practice, it means that the Retool DB supports advanced data types, foreign keys, and data validation—everything you need to ensure scalability and maintain integrity in the data. Therefore, it can be easily scaled for applications handling complex queries making it suitable for both small and large projects. Complex joins, subqueries, as well as data aggregations—that’s all we love in SQL—are here, too.
Reason 5. Automatic Support for Multiple Environments
Managing environments in Retool also needs some skills and time. Hopefully, the Retool Database automatically splits between all the environments you have on your plan. You can safely test any changes before they are implemented in the production environment. After testing, you can migrate the schema from development to production—yes, Retool provides a great UI for this, too! Just select tables and rows, preview the underlying SQL query, and execute it. By the way, the revert operation—from production to dev—is also
Managing environments in Retool also needs some skills and time. Hopefully, the Retool Database automatically splits between all the environments you have on your plan. You can safely test any changes before they are implemented in the production environment. After testing, you can migrate the schema from development to production—yes, Retool provides a great UI for this, too! Just select tables and rows, preview the underlying SQL query, and execute it. By the way, the revert operation—from production to dev—is also supported!
Reason 6. Security and Compliance
Database security is never overemphasized. And it's superb that the Retool Database has not compromised security at all. It includes encrypted connections, role-based access controls, or regular backup options—if you use the cloud version, though. Also, the Retool company states that it complies with all the major industry standards and follows the best practices when handling your data.
Reason 7. Free Tier and Cost Effectiveness
Retool provides a good deal of free tier where one can get 5GB storage. I believe this is very attractive for startups and small companies. It is also a great choice if you develop a POC or an MVP. In other words, the Retool Database is a good opportunity to experiment more without worrying about how much you are going to pay. And you can concentrate on the development.
Conclusion
The Retool Database is a powerful, user-friendly, and cost-effective solution targeted at developers who wish to streamline their development processes easily. Its zero-configuration setting means that it works seamlessly with Retool, and it is automatically configured to work in different environments. The fact that it runs atop PostgreSQL ensures you can rely on it. If you wish to speed up your development workflow, just go for this option whether you are prototyping an app or dealing with a comparable large project. But if you are still unsure, just reach the Akveo Team—we are here to help, and with the Retool Database, too.
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Dmitry is the Head of Low-Code Department at Akveo. With a rich background in media and marketing, Dmitry brings an extraordinary look at the world of IT technologies. He is deeply passionate about finding the most effective and elegant solutions to complex client problems. In our blog articles, Dmitry will share his expertise in Retool and other low-code platforms to offer you valuable insights on Retool to enhance business process efficiency.
We already discusses with him how to use Retool Workflows, how to improve application security, how to schedule changes and how to generate and send email reports. More topics are coming. Stay tuned!
Billing Automation for a SaaS Company with Low-Code
Our client needed a robust billing solution to manage hierarchical licenses, ensure compliance, and automate invoicing for streamlined operations.
The solution:
We developed a Retool-based application that supports multi-tiered licenses, automates invoicing workflows, and integrates seamlessly with CRM and accounting platforms to enhance financial data management.
The result:
- Achieved 100% adherence to licensing agreements, mitigating penalties.
- Automated invoicing and workflows reduced manual effort significantly.
- Dashboards and reports improved decision-making and operational visibility.
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.
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.
