How often do you run a check up on your Quickbase apps? Do you wait for a problem or frustrations to build and then go into trouble-shooting mode? If so, you’re very likely not getting the most out of your Quickbase applications. Just like people and cars, apps can benefit from periodic check ups to make sure everything is running smoothly.
Whether there’s been a procedural change since your app was built or a feature update you’re missing out on, it’s likely that your Quickbase app could be running more efficiently. And if you’re encountering problems, then it’s past time to sort things out. Nine times out of ten, it’s an easily diagnosable and correctable issue. Whatever is going on, it isn’t an issue with Quickbase — it’s a problem somewhere in the app itself.
Ultimately, you want to make sure Quickbase is working at its best for you and diagnose why it isn't. There are a number of common problem areas that can get in the way of your app running at its full potential. These challenges aren’t too hard to diagnose, and identifying the issue is the first step toward getting your app operating at maximum efficiency.
Limited Adoption
No matter how great your app might be, it’s not serving you if nobody uses it. While sometimes this might be an issues with speed or performance (which are definitely correctable!), it’s often because there wasn’t enough attention spent on the adoption phase.
When you first built your app (or had a Quickbase partner build it for you), did you start by soliciting feedback from small user groups? If not, have you solicited feedback at all? Without feedback, you’re operating in a vacuum, and probably missing a lot of opportunities for improvement.
If your users aren’t adopting the app, then it’s time to get some feedback from key individuals. These users should be ones who understand the processes the app is designed to manage and what your goals are for use. You should also get feedback from actual users. To ensure that they are getting what they need out of your app, you need to ask them.
No Personality
Especially if you’re having issues with adoption, one area to investigate is whether or not your app has personality. While people might be willing to use an incredibly functional workhorse, they’re more inclined to use it when it has a little bit of flair.
It might sound simple, but people are more inclined to use apps they actually like. Part of liking an app is feeling that it has been customized to fit their needs. This can start with something as simple creating a suitable name for your app. Toyota’s “Entune” app is a great example. The app name instantly conveys personality and value to the end user.
So, is your app engaging or bland and utilitarian? How does the user interface look and feel? Is it clearly designed for the kinds of users you’re trying to attract?
Redundancy
We’ve long argued that Quickbase is a Swiss Army knife of functionality for any size business, but to use it most efficiently, you have to leverage it properly. Redundancy is a major issue that gets in the way of effective processes. The more apps and platforms people have to navigate, the less engaged they become. It also leads to increased frustration and opportunities for error.
Fortunately, redundancy is an issue that’s usually pretty solvable given how many programs and processes Quickbase can actually integrate. Whether you’re an enterprise or a small to mid-sized business, there are likely opportunities for you to eliminate redundancy and fill the gaps.
Combining various processes into one application is one of the quickest ways to ensure you’re maximizing the efficiency of your Quickbase app. It also helps eliminate common problems such as: multiple sources of truth, lack of executive reporting, disjointed workflows, and process inefficiencies.
User Complaints
Finally, if you’re hearing that your app is “slow”, “clunky”, or “difficult to navigate,” then it’s high time for a check-up. Again, this isn’t a problem with Quickbase, it’s a problem somewhere in the app itself – and it’s very likely easy to solve.
If your users are encountering performance issues, processing delays, or inordinate load times, then you need to get to the root of the issue. Slow speeds and inefficient processes are two of the key things that an app check-up can help improve.
It’s Time For A CheckUp
Even if your app is running well, you might want to consider running an analysis. If Quickbase is core to the success of your team, you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of its capabilities. You want to make sure your app scales with your business and that you’re implementing the best features for your company’s needs.
At VeilSun, we have years of experience building apps and diagnosing problems. We’re experts on leveraging the most up-to-date Quickbase features and streamlining processes to improve speed and ease of use. With our Technology App CheckUp we’ll assess how your app is performing and help you get it running at top speed and maximum potential.
