Unqork Lead Product Manager Ruchir Mehta explores the platform’s new Dynamic Grid functionality
Spreadsheets have revolutionized the way humans organize and process information. They’ve evolved from their humble beginnings as helpful accounting tools to core technology powering processes inside multi-billion dollar enterprises.
Arguably, spreadsheets run more business processes than any other software in the world. They’ve gained traction because they’re fast and intuitive enough to allow non-computer-scientists to use machines to perform complex data analysis at scale. Indeed, a large number of global financial institutions still rely on Excel for key processes today.
Unfortunately, the functionality that made spreadsheets so revolutionary in the 1970s also makes them perilous when tracking complex, multilayered business functions. Spreadsheets were designed to be visual calculators, not databases or process trackers. Yet, spreadsheets are often used as a database to store, track, and transfer data and support business-critical processes. This is where many problems stem from.
Why do companies still use spreadsheets? Even with the limitations, the advantages of spreadsheets outweigh the risk of digital transformation. This is where Unqork’s enterprise no-code platform can be revolutionary.
Modern enterprise digital ecosystems include a mix of legacy systems, new custom solutions, and disparate cloud applications. Companies often use spreadsheets to paste together, connect the dots, or plug holes among these various systems. This reliance on manual checkpoints between spreadsheets and digital applications is inherently risky. Indeed, according to research conducted by the University of Hawaii, 88% of analyzed spreadsheets contained errors. Furthermore, spreadsheets are difficult to scale, challenging to evolve around evolving regulations, and any business information that ends up stored on employees’ computers is inherently vulnerable.
Why do companies still use spreadsheets? Even with the limitations, the advantages of spreadsheets outweigh the risk of digital transformation. This is where Unqork’s enterprise no-code platform can be revolutionary.
Transitioning to Digital Applications
As companies embrace models where all business functions are bound into a single unified digital ecosystem, technology leaders are looking for ways to marry the benefits of previous technological paradigms with the advantages of newer ones.
With this in mind, our goal was not to build a spreadsheet solution for the web. Instead, we wanted to build a product that incorporated the best characteristics of spreadsheets with modern user experiences, web applications, and development practices. With this in mind, we built Dynamic Grid.
Dynamic Grid is a new high-performance grid component with a spreadsheet-like experience—bringing together the best of spreadsheets with the best of Unqork.
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Spreadsheet-like editing experience
Dynamic Grid supports a spreadsheet-like end-user experience focusing on inline editing, quick data entry, cell-like structure, and support for keyboard-based navigation.
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Column-driven configuration
Instead of a spreadsheet-like open canvas, Dynamic Grid supports a column-driven configuration approach giving Creators the ability to configure the columns and validation rules upfront, reducing user errors and improving data integrity compliance.
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Rich UX patterns
While staying true to the spreadsheet-like look-and-feel, Dynamic Grid allows you to build a richer experience with support for a variety of different column types (including multi-select dropdown, date-picker, & button) and customizable options for each.
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Comprehensive support for calculations
With support for Unqork’s logic components, Dynamic Grid allows you to efficiently perform complex calculations and business rules and service complex business requirements.
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Data exploration & analysis
With built-in support for row grouping, data aggregation, filtering & sorting, end-users can organize, explore, & analyze their data to meet their needs. For more complex analysis, Dynamic Grid also supports Pivot-mode allows users to pivot their data in real-time.
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High performance
Dynamic Grid is built for high-performance workflow unlocking the ability to work with large data sets in real-time on the client side.
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Part of the Unqork component ecosystem
As part of the Unqork Component ecosystem, it has an easy drag-and-drop configuration experience and supports the rest of Unqork components to enable deep integration with your application and even more complex use-cases.
Want to learn more about how Dynamic Grid can be used in your organization? Join us on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at 4 PM ET for “Introducing Unqork’s New Grid System,” a virtual demonstration and live Q&A as part of Unqork Create 2021. Register for free here. We look forward to seeing you there!
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