Internal Tool Builders

According to Poe AI:
AI describes internal tool builders
The Internal Tool category of SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) platforms focuses on enabling businesses to build custom internal applications and dashboards without requiring significant engineering effort. These tools streamline workflows by allowing teams to create tailored solutions for operations, analytics, customer support, inventory management, and more—often without the need to start from scratch.

What Are Internal Tool Builders?

Internal Tool builders, such as Retool, provide pre-built components (tables, forms, charts, buttons, APIs) and integrations with databases or external services. They are designed to:
  • Accelerate development: Allow non-developers or small engineering teams to quickly create internal tools.
  • Reduce complexity: Abstract away coding-heavy processes like database queries or API integrations.
  • Enhance flexibility: Enable customization for unique business workflows.
  • Integrate seamlessly: Connect directly to databases (PostgreSQL, MongoDB, etc.), third-party APIs (Stripe, Slack, Salesforce), or custom infrastructure.
These tools are a hybrid of low-code/no-code platforms and developer-centric customization frameworks, making them versatile for both technical and non-technical users.

Competitive Landscape

Here’s an overview of major players in the Internal Tool builder space and what they offer:

1. Retool

  • Description: Retool is a low-code platform that enables developers to build internal applications using drag-and-drop UI components like tables, charts, and forms. It integrates seamlessly with databases, APIs, and cloud services, making it ideal for quickly building dashboards, admin panels, and custom workflows.
  • Key Features:
    • Drag-and-drop interface for UI design.
    • Pre-built integrations (e.g., PostgreSQL, Firebase, REST APIs).
    • Advanced customization with JavaScript.
    • Granular permissions and security controls.
  • Target Audience: Developers and technical teams building operational tools.

2. Appsmith

  • Description: Appsmith is an open-source platform for building internal tools. It allows developers to create custom dashboards and workflows using drag-and-drop components, with extensive support for REST APIs, GraphQL, and databases.
  • Key Features:
    • Open-source and self-hosting options.
    • Pre-built widgets for UI creation.
    • Integration with APIs, databases, and authentication systems.
    • Community-driven enhancements.
  • Target Audience: Development teams seeking open-source flexibility and cost efficiency.

3. ToolJet

  • Description: ToolJet is an open-source, low-code platform for building internal tools. Like Appsmith, it provides a suite of UI components and integrations to streamline the creation of dashboards and tools.
  • Key Features:
    • Drag-and-drop builder with reusable widgets.
    • API and database integrations (MySQL, MongoDB, etc.).
    • Support for JavaScript for advanced logic.
    • Self-hosting and cloud options.
  • Target Audience: Organizations looking for a free, open-source alternative to proprietary platforms.

4. Softr

  • Description: Softr focuses on enabling non-technical users to build internal tools, client portals, and apps directly from Airtable or Google Sheets. It emphasizes simplicity and accessibility for non-developers.
  • Key Features:
    • Airtable and Google Sheets as backends.
    • Pre-built templates for common use cases (e.g., CRMs, inventory trackers).
    • No coding required.
    • Responsive design for web and mobile apps.
  • Target Audience: Non-technical teams looking for lightweight, no-code internal tools.

5. UI Bakery

  • Description: UI Bakery is a low-code platform for creating internal tools and front-end applications. It provides an intuitive interface for building tools while connecting to databases and APIs.
  • Key Features:
    • Drag-and-drop UI builder.
    • Support for REST APIs, GraphQL, and SQL databases.
    • Ability to export code for further customization.
    • Built-in user authentication features.
  • Target Audience: Developers and technical teams wanting custom internal tools with exportable code.

6. DronaHQ

  • Description: DronaHQ enables teams to build internal apps and dashboards using a low-code environment. It emphasizes enterprise-grade tools with built-in integration support for existing systems.
  • Key Features:
    • Pre-built templates for admin panels, CRMs, etc.
    • Drag-and-drop builder for workflows and logic.
    • Integration with databases, APIs, and services like AWS.
    • Mobile-first capabilities.
  • Target Audience: Enterprises and mid-sized businesses needing scalable internal tools.

7. JetAdmin

  • Description: JetAdmin is a no-code platform tailored for building internal tools like admin panels, customer support dashboards, and operational workflows. It prioritizes ease of use and a straightforward setup.
  • Key Features:
    • Drag-and-drop UI creation.
    • Built-in integrations with popular databases and APIs.
    • Real-time data synchronization.
    • Role-based access control for secure use.
  • Target Audience: Small to mid-sized businesses focused on simple, no-code internal tools.

8. Glide

  • Description: Glide specializes in turning spreadsheets (like Google Sheets) into fully functional internal apps or customer-facing tools. It’s aimed at non-technical users.
  • Key Features:
    • Spreadsheet-based backend (Google Sheets, Excel).
    • Pre-built app templates.
    • No coding required for app creation.
    • Easy mobile and desktop deployment.
  • Target Audience: Non-technical teams with simple data-driven tool needs.

How These Platforms Differ

  • Target Users: Some, like Retool and Appsmith, cater to developers, while Softr and Glide are designed for non-technical users.
  • Customization: Platforms like Retool and UI Bakery allow extensive customization with code, whereas no-code tools like Glide are more restrictive but simpler.
  • Hosting Options: Open-source tools like Appsmith and ToolJet offer self-hosting, while others are cloud-based (e.g., JetAdmin, Glide).
  • Backend Integrations: Tools vary in terms of supported integrations, from databases (SQL, NoSQL) to third-party services (Stripe, Salesforce).

Conclusion

The Internal Tool builder space is thriving, with options that range from developer-focused platforms like Retool to no-code solutions like Softr. As organizations prioritize operational efficiency and tailored workflows, these tools are indispensable for creating bespoke solutions quickly and cost-effectively. The choice of platform depends on the team’s technical expertise, customization needs, and scalability requirements.