Overview

Use the App Studio function to design, configure and publish basic and complex business process / mobile apps.

APP BUILDER PROCESS

It is structured into a simple and systematic process based on the following steps:

1. 1. APP GUIDE: This section includes information on the interfaces (applications) are linked to the app and the tech options of the app. Underneath here is a section on Softools Technology, providing an overview of what Softools is capable of.
   2. Basic Config: Here the user will have the opportunity to define the most basic and fundamentals of the App: Title, Identifier, Description, Record Type Name (singular and plural) and an Icon to represent it as desired.
   3. Advanced Config: Here the user will have the option to choose further and more explicit configurations for the App: Category to which the App will group, KPI, Stakeholders, Diagrams, Tech Options ( Offline Availability, Disabling Auto translations or Allowing attachments to the App), App Home Card and Named Styles.

Note: Whereas Basic Config is fundamental and needed in order to create the App, the features in Advanced Config are not necessary for the user to develop and create the App. For further details on each App Guide features please visit https://support.softools.net/hc/en-gb/sections/360004545938-Configure   

• INPUT AND LAYOUT:  This is the section where the user will begin creating the structure of the App which will then show in Workspace. It consists of three different sections:  

• 1. Fields:  What data input fields will be used to capture data inputs on each record?
  2. Templates:  How will data input fields be laid out on each screen?
  3. Forms:  How will Templates be structured and grouped on each screen?

• REPORTS:  What reports and dashboards will be used to present summary level views of the data? At this point the user will have the option to choose from:

1. 1. Cards: The user will be able to create a card report to present the data. 
   2. Charts: The user will have the chance to select as many different type of charts to present and compare data in various different ways: e.g. Bar, Line, Scatter among some others. For further information please visit: Charts List – Softools
   3. Dashboards: As it states, the user can create a dashboard report. Very useful for displaying multiple Charts and Reports on the same screen. This could be used to give an overall summary of affairs, or perhaps used for a more specific purpose such as an array of performance indicators. For further information please visit: Dashboard Report – Softools
   4. List/Tables: Here the user can select from either a table report or a list report. Essentially a useful way to display summary information in a quick list format. Please visit List Report – Softools and Table Report – Softools
   5. Matrix: A perfect report if the user wants to see data displayed in the form of a matrix and contrast data. Please visit Matrix Report – Softools 
      • • In addition, there is an extra section called Filters: This section allows the user to set a predetermined filter for an app in question regarding some fields, so that when searching for specific records, they can be easily filtered down according to the desired record. Please visit Report Filters – Softools 

Note: For the purpose of creating the App at least one type of report will have to be selected, however an app can consist of various different reports.

• ADVANCED: This section allows the user to add important features for the functionality of the App created. At this point the user will be presented with three extra sections:

1. 1. Integrate:  How will this app link to other apps and other third party systems? Parent-Child structure.
   2. Rules: Rules is a feature in Appstudio which allows styles to be applied to elements of an App depending on data, formatting it conditionally. Please visit Rules (Hidden Until Release Again) – Softools
   3. Workflow:  What automated workshop (If…Then… statements) will drive progress for each record? Please visit Workflow – Softools

•  
• PUBLISH:  The last step, make the App visible to all Users on the site that have permission once it's ready by toggling off 'Is Hidden?'. This will also have an extra section:

1. 1. Security:  Which teams and users will have what level of access to the App and Records within it?

Make sure to click the 'Save' button when making any changes in order for them to be added to the next app version. Once you have made all the changes you need to an application you are then ready to publish it to workspace.

TIPS

• Before starting to build the Apps in App Studio, take some time with the App Executive sponsor or owner to understand the process that needs to be reflected in the App.  The best way to do this is to draw it out on a white board or to to crate an Activity-vs-Role (swimlane format) process map.