Google AppSheet: build business apps without coding

Custom applications without a developer

Google AppSheet is a no-code platform integrated into Google Workspace that lets you build mobile and web applications from existing data. A Google Sheets spreadsheet becomes the database of a job site tracking application, an inventory management tool or a simplified CRM. No programming skills are required.

How AppSheet works

AppSheet works in three steps. You connect a data source (Google Sheets, Excel, Cloud SQL). AppSheet analyzes the structure of your data and automatically generates an application prototype with views, forms and navigation. You then customize the application to fit your needs: adding views, configuring permissions and creating automations.

The generated application works on mobile (iOS and Android) and on the web. Data syncs in real time with your source. A change in the application updates the spreadsheet, and vice versa. The application also works offline and syncs the data as soon as the connection is restored.

Use cases for SMBs

Job site tracking and interventions

A tradesperson or a maintenance company builds an intervention tracking application. Technicians enter their reports in the field with photos, customer signature and geolocation. The data flows back in real time into a spreadsheet shared with the office.

Inventory management

A retailer builds a stock management application. Scanning barcodes with a smartphone updates quantities in real time. Low stock alerts trigger automatically. Stock movement reports are generated without manual entry.

Simplified CRM

An SMB that does not need a full CRM builds a sales tracking application on AppSheet. Sales reps enter their contacts, their appointments and the progress of their opportunities. The manager views a dashboard in real time.

Forms and approvals

Internal processes (leave requests, expense reports, purchase requests) are digitized with AppSheet forms and approval workflows. The requester submits, the manager approves and the relevant department is notified. All without email or paper.

AppSheet and Gemini

Gemini integration in AppSheet lets you create applications by describing them in natural language. You describe your need (“I want an application to track my technicians’ interventions with photos and signature”) and Gemini generates the prototype. This approach further reduces build time.

Gemini also enriches existing applications with data extraction capabilities. AppSheet can analyze photos of documents, extract the key information and automatically structure it in your database.

The difference from Workspace Studio

AppSheet and Workspace Studio are complementary. AppSheet builds complete applications with a user interface, forms and views. Workspace Studio automates workflows between existing applications (Gmail, Drive, Sheets). Use AppSheet when you need a dedicated interface, and Workspace Studio when you automate processes between applications.

LCMH, a Google Workspace reseller in Alsace, helps SMBs create business applications with AppSheet.

For cross-application automations, read our article on Google Workspace Studio.

Sources

1. Google, AppSheet Overview. about.appsheet.com
2. Google, AppSheet and Google Workspace. solutions.appsheet.com/gsuite
3. Google, AppSheet with Gemini. cloud.google.com/appsheet