Hi there,
I am looking to come from Airtable to Softr, now Airtables new UI is really terrible and they are full in on AI. I also found they are not really listening to their community. But when looking at the new Database option in Softr, I miss a lot of functions that are possible in Airtable. Is there a roadmap specially for the Database?
For example, when working in the Database back-end, which I mostly do to easily fill lots of rows, you can click in to the row details, this is not possible (yet) in softer, but a necessity when working with lots of columns.
Also I connect with Google Docs, to get client details from AT and merge them in a Google Doc contract with placeholders via the AT API. Is this possible in Softr? Or is there another way?
On other thing is in AT it is possible to run a script and import, via API, 3th party data. For example, with a script I connect with Spotify API and get track details in to my database. Is this, or will this be possible with Softr?
Hi fellow Dutchman (I’m from Den Bosch), thanks for pointing to the docs. I think not everything is possible yet with the database, but this is something to start with. I think the full power of the database will come when the automations are released. So a little patience for me
I also found the presentation video where some questions where answered.
Hi Bosschenaar! I think you’re right that the platform needs to evolve a bit more to act as a proper alternative to Airtable (automations) for example.
I agree, but Softr’s database should have been released 3 years ago, instead of pivoting from Airtable, then Google Sheets, then to as many datasources as possible, to now with an in-house datasource that has regular QA/QC issues and no where near the power of any of them. Softr’s AT connection has been slow this whole time. Imagine Softr’s performance and power today had they prioritized an in-house database back then.
Total agree here. It is not a proper alternative yet.
Just to chime in, I am in the transition process as well because of the speed issue. (would love to know about a faster alternative.) I know Supabase or Xano but too technical for me at thee moment.
In terms of transition, here an approach I am using.
Just sharing in case it helps.
For now, I have divided my database in 2 parts:
Static - Content that remains the same for every user. Explainer videos, onboarding checklist, SOPs. etc.
Dynamic - Content that is linked to a users profile and personalized according to their journey.
So I have shifted most of my Static data base over to Softr. Trying to Squeeze out as much performance improvement I can get on whatever page or block. Most of my pages for a Non-logged in user are static. So atleast Non-logged in user have a better experience before signing up.
Every little bit helps, instead of just waiting Softr databases to meet a certian bar. Decided to take it step by step.
Trust me I am trying to move every little thing possible to Softr DB. Primarily to gain speed where I can and cancel my Airtable Monthly subscription at the earliest.
3 Big things preventing the full move:
Webhooks - I have a lot of automation within Airtable and Make which gets triggered as soon as a users is created and at other points. I know you guys are working on workflows. So waiting for that. But instead of entire workflow product, if the team can prioritize just releasing Webhook triggers that would be amazing for most customers I think. Most of your customers (Any No-Code user) have Make or Zapier subscription already.
Rich Text in Long text Field - I have a LMS built in, so I do share lesson Notes and Assignments. So, I need Rich Text and ability to include links to resources within the Long Text field. JJ mentioned that Softr DB supports Rich text but Interface is not displaying. So waiting for this to get fixed.
Guidance on shifting everything from Airtable to Softr DB at once, so that current user expereince does not break. Haven’t seen any guidance on this yet.
Quick Idea for a Product Manager: Have you guys thought about launching any internal consulting service or Team to help your existing users transition from Airtable and other databases to Softr DB?
Companies like Hubspot and other CRM providers have this as a paid service and these consulting services are huge Profit Margin services and increases adoption and retention drastically before users try and drop in between transition phases.
I launched something similar for Amazon couple of year back for their sellers. Happy to elaborate more in case it sounds interesting.
On that Note: I see your team is also Hiring a Sr. Product Manager, I have applied for the role on the official website link.
I am a European citizen with work authorization and I have 6+ years of experience as a Sr. Product Manager with Amazon after my MBA. Would love to join the team and be part of the mission. I love the Product.
