We asked QP founder Chris Schrade about building an internal project management app that helps employees manage various projects related to his business. Chris discovered Bubble through a Udemy class. He chose Bubble because the no-code platform enabled him to build his app without becoming a full-stack developer and for a fraction of the cost.
Tell us about your app and what it does.
The app I built is an internal business app with 12 major features. The app helps with project management by enabling employees to create estimates and manage storage, equipment, safety, employees, repair and preventative maintenance, and credentials. Users can also create and track purchase orders. Lastly, the app features a help library and admin functions for easy use.
How does your app work?
Once an employee is hired, a company admin will create an account for them and send an invite to choose their password. An employee permission feature allows the admin to determine what pages they can see/navigate to, view-only or edit permission, and auto binding permission. Once an employee has chosen a password and logged in, they will have specific access based on their role in the company.
Tell us a little about your background and how you discovered no-code tools like Bubble.
In 2010, we had many different software programs that we were using - it seemed inefficient and needed to streamline processes—some workflows required to be digitized for efficiency and KPI capture. We began to use Microsoft Dynamics CRM because it could be customized. I built out a storage management platform, enhanced the estimating system, and built a safety inspection feature. But it wasn’t efficient enough; employees stopped using certain parts because they could do faster by hand - so I began to look and experiment with Zoho and Outsystems, neither cut.
By this point, I had many more ideas to use software to make processes better. I storyboarded it all out and began to get quotes to have developers build from scratch. The quotes were astronomical and were shut down immediately by management. I got to the point where I thought the only way I could make it happen was to become a full-stack developer myself. I started taking Udemy classes on my own time, and for about a month, I discovered a Udemy class on Bubble. I started taking the course, signed up for Bubble, and haven’t looked back.
Why did you build your app on Bubble?
I could build my vision without becoming a full-stack developer and do it for 1/5th - 1/10th of the price of the quotes we received.
What have been your milestones or successes so far?
80-90 percent of the idea has been built out. I’m working on other personal apps and starting to teach and build on Bubble for others.
What are your next steps or future plans for your app?
I am currently working on a Safety Accident Incident/Employee performance feature to calculate statistics about root causes so management can reduce mishaps. Possibly some gamification to change employee behavior!
About Bubble
Bubble is a leader in the no-code movement. Bubble offers a powerful point-and-click web editor and cloud hosting platform that allows users to build fully customizable web applications and workflows, ranging from simple prototypes to complex marketplaces, SaaS products, and more. Over 500,000 users are currently building and launching businesses on Bubble - many have gone on to participate in top accelerator programs, such as Y Combinator, and even raise $365M in venture funding. Bubble is more than just a product. We are a strong community of builders and entrepreneurs that are united by the belief that everyone should be able to create technology.
Do you want your app featured by Bubble? Reach out to us and tell us about your app. In addition to this series, we sometimes select our best apps to showcase on our website.
