Jack Wallen shows how easy it is to build a project management tool using the popular Airtable database service.
air table is a fantastic tool for those who need the ability to create database-driven applications without any coding skills. And for those who might also need a project management tool, there is a way to quickly deploy such an app from the service.
Surprisingly, the Airtable Project Tracker also lets you enjoy forms, calendars, galleries, and Kanban views. If you have an Airtable Pro account, you can also add timelines and Gantt charts to the mix. I’ve found the Airtable Project Tracker to be an exciting and easy way to track projects, without having to add another service to the mix or write a single line of code.
TO SEE: Hiring kit: Project manager (Tech Republic Premium)
I’m going to show you how to quickly build your first Project Tracker with Airtable. You’ll be filled with hyperbolic shock to find out how incredibly easy it is.
What you need to use Airtable for project management
You need an Airtable account. This works with a free account unless you want Gantt charts added to the mix. At that point you need a Pro account.
Create a project tracker
Log in to your Airtable account. From the main window, create a new workspace for your Project Tracker or use an existing one. If you choose to create a new workspace, click + Add a workspace from your Airtable dashboard (Image A).
Image A
If you don’t need to create a new workspace, simply click + Add a base in one of your existing workspaces. Once the new base is created and you don’t see Project Tracker in the right sidebar (Figure B), type Project Tracker in the Find another template to reveal it.
Figure B
Click Project Tracker to use that template. When the template is built, you are on the new Base, with the Project Tracker template ready to go (with sample data included – Figure C).
Figure C
The first thing to do is click on Project Tracker in the top left corner and name the new app. Once you’ve done that, look down at the bottom left of the screen and click + associated with one of the available views. For example, click + for Kanban and your Project Tracker app will contain that new view (Figure D).
Figure D
You will be prompted to name the Kanban view (Digits E), give it edit permissions and click Create New View.
Digits E
Next, you need to select a grouping field (Figure F).
Figure F
What you select will depend on the needs of the project. I choose Status because it more closely matches the Kanban views I’m used to working with. When you select a grouping field, you see a preview of what it will look like (Figure G).
Figure G
Once you’re happy with the grouping view, click Done and you’re good to go with the Kanban view. You can expand your Project Tracker by adding even more views, each listed in the top part of the left pane.
Congratulations, you have just created a project management app in Airtable. Give this service a try and see if it doesn’t perfectly meet your project management needs.
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