Renowned for offering automation services that help users create simple workflows and build integrations between essential business tools since its inception in 2011, Zapier has decided to take its service a step further. The company recognized the need to broaden its product portfolio in response to users’ expectations and wants. To address this, they introduced Transfer in October, intended for moving data between apps. Now, Zapier is propelling its journey further by launching Zapier Tables and Zapier Interfaces at the ZapConnect conference.
Zapier Tables is a database service that aims to replace traditional databases such as Google Sheets, which users often employ for their automation systems. Zapier Interfaces is a UI builder that enables end-users to interact with existing Zapier workflows, enhancing workflow capabilities. The combination of Zapier Tables and Interfaces, along with established tools like Salesforce or Trello, ultimately revolutionizes users’ automation experiences and provides a more seamless application ecosystem.
Zapier co-founder and president Mike Knoop explained that nearly half of the service’s usage consisted of software-type use cases powered by very brittle systems like Google Sheets. Consequently, any modification to the spreadsheet could lead to the entire system ceasing to function. Thus, Knoop identified the need for an automation-first version of Tables to precisely tackle these challenges, from integrating third-party tools to managing the data storage layer and UI.
Zapier Tables was designed to overcome the limitations posed by traditional systems of automation, such as Google Sheets and Airtable. It offers high-velocity change records, protection for system changes, and seamless syncing with underlying systems or dependent apps. It addresses all common failure scenarios without compromising the user experience.
On the flip side, Zapier Interfaces focuses on end-users, allowing them to create dynamic, customizable web pages for use with Zapier and a database. These web pages are easy to maintain, offering a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface that simplifies the process of building forms, editing data, and launching triggers for automations. Though users were previously able to build such systems, those solutions were often intricate, hard to maintain, and required intensive setup.
One of the noteworthy aspects of the new additions is that they constitute part of Zapier’s Early Access program along with Transfer. The program aims to address various pain points and customer requirements. The company has also recently unveiled eight of its users’ popular feature requests, ranging from drafting Zaps and versioning to custom error notifications and subfolders. They also introduced a super admin level, ensuring that their service upgrades align with customers' demands.
Zapier's recent developments and the unveiling of new products illustrate the company's dedication to innovation and customer-driven solutions. Competing platforms like AppMaster deliver reliable no-code solutions for app creation and automation, and Zapier ensures that they continue to reinforce their position as a leader in the tech industry. By addressing the gaps present in their platform, Zapier demonstrates a commitment to staying ahead of the curve and offering exceptional toolsets for their users. As the tech landscape evolves and grows more challenging, companies that adapt and expand their product offerings will stand out above their competitors.
