Airtable : Full Review, Testing, and Presentation (2024)

What is Airtable?

Airtable is a collaborative project management platform, merging the advantages of a relational database and a spreadsheet for an optimal user experience.

• Company created in 2013 by Howie Liu, Andrew Ofstad, and Emmett Nicholas.
• Airtable is a solution that offers customizable views, powerful automations, varied connections, and customized interfaces for a unique user experience.
• Offers an intuitive and flexible tool to meet all types of project management and team collaboration needs.
• Airtable is based in San Francisco and is a major player in the field of project management and team collaboration.

Airtable is positioned as a solution of choice for project management and team collaboration.

Airtable's flexibility, modularity, and user-oriented approach make it a must-have tool for everyone.

Features

Airtable offers a diverse range of features as follows:

1. Importing an existing project

One of the key features that sets it apart from other platforms is its ability to import existing projects quickly and accurately into databases:

Importing a project or databases

• Options: Excel spreadsheet, URL, CSV file, CSV file, images, Google Drive, Dropbox database, Box, OneDrive
• Preservation of the shape and structure of the base
• Previewing, using, and editing data prior to import

Advantages over other tools

• Import speed and accuracy
• Automatic field recognition
• Allocation of team members without immediate registration

Airtable software makes it easy to import existing projects with impressive speed and accuracy, offering a key advantage over other project management tools.

This feature allows teams to save time by avoiding duplicate work and manual data entry.

2. Visualize, modify, and collect data

It offers various views to adapt to needs and offer a better user experience.

Grid, Kanban, Gallery, Calendar, Calendar, Timeline, and Gantt views allow project data to be managed and visualized in a flexible and efficient manner, although there are some configurations that require special attention:

Grid view: base similar to a spreadsheet

• Manage columns and rows to edit, duplicate, insert, insert, delete, sort, and group fields like in a spreadsheet
• Primary column (PC) management with some limitations

• Kanban view: structuring tasks by condition
• Gallery view: displaying task databases in a grid

• Need to configure date columns to show data in Airtable
• Convert date columns to the “date” field type for correct use as in a spreadsheet

3. Extensions

After exploring the various views and options for creating dashboards in the Airtable software, it is interesting to look at the extensions and connectors available to improve the user experience and increase the flexibility of the tool.

• Over 40 extensions developed by the Airtable database, 20 scripts, and the option to build a custom extension
• Access to over 150 open source Airtable extensions linked via GitHub

Notable list of Airtable software

• Miro: collaborative whiteboards and marketing
• Jira Cloud: Importing tasks and epics
• Google Workspace: Connect to the video conferencing app
• BaseQL: integration of the link with the GraphQL API
• Loom: previewing screenshots and videos
• Tellephant: WhatsApp business account connection
• Typeform: creating and importing forms
• Formito: converting tables into data collection forms and chatbots
• Data Fetcher: code-free for various applications

Scripts

• Airtable's pre-built automations for validating emails, extracting metadata, and more
• Modifying the underlying code to adapt to the needs of the team
• Creating Airtable extensions with JavaScript, TypeScript, GitHub Remix, JSON files, etc.

4. Automations

The Airtable database offers automation features to facilitate workflows and increase efficiency:

• Pre-built automations: Possibility to choose from a range of ready-to-use automations or create their own.
• Triggers and actions: Airtable no-code software users can select different triggers and actions to automate project workflows, for example, sending an email or Slack message when a task changes from “In progress” to “Completed.”

Example of automation with Airtable

• An automation tracks the change in the status of a task from “In progress” to “Completed.”
• The trigger induces three selected actions: an email, a Slack message, and the creation of a record within the project.
• Other action options include connecting Microsoft, Google Workplace, GitHub, or Salesforce applications for various team use cases.

Adjustments and tests

• Allows you to test their automation, activate or deactivate the automation if necessary.
• Potential issues, such as automation failure due to a non-collaborator email address, can be resolved by adjusting settings or joining the team.

5. Interface creator

Airtable stands out from other online project management tools thanks to its unique feature, Interfaces, which offers a customizable and flexible way to visualize and share project data:

• Interfaces tab: Accessible via the banner menu, this feature allows you to customize the layout and presentation of project data.
• Interface designer: In open beta, the interface designer allows you to choose a layout, customize the positioning and conditions of the data, put a checkbox or a drop-down list, and preview it before sharing it with teammates.

Custom dashboards and widgets

• The best online project management solutions offer a customizable dashboard or whiteboard to display various project data points.
• Interface Designer elements provide similar options, such as numbers, charts, and timelines, while allowing the designed model to be applied to project tasks.

Multiple Interfaces

• Allows you to create and customize distinct interfaces
• It is also possible to create custom web applications for external stakeholders with different access privileges.

6. Patterns

There is a vast selection of Airtable models for different sectors, it would be interesting to see more models specifically dedicated to developers and low-code software development.

Cross-sectoral models

• Airtable no-code software offers a variety of templates for different sectors and project needs.
• The model categories illustrate its versatility and the maps shown highlight models that are suitable for software development.

Explore models for general and specialized projects

• Despite the variety of models available for general and specialized uses, it should be noted that models specifically aimed at developers could be more numerous.
• Allows you to find more models created and shared by the community.

However, a category dedicated to “Software Development” is missing.

Integrations

Airtable stands out thanks to its ability to synchronize with various tools through its integrations, accentuating its versatility.

These integrations can be grouped into categories (latest update):

1. Online Collaboration & Project Management: Integration of databases with Jira Cloud, Google Workspace, etc., for better synchronization of projects and tasks.
2. Communication: Connection to Google Meet, Tellephant, etc., promoting internal and external communications.
3. Brainstorming & Presentation: Effective sharing of ideas through integration with Miro and Loom.
4. Data Collection: Integration with Typeform, Formito, etc., for simplified data collection.
5. APIs & Development Services: Flexibility offered by integration with BaseQL and the Airtable API for creating custom applications.
6. Automation: Optimizing workflows through integration with Data Fetcher, Zapier, etc.

Thanks to these integrations and its flexible API, Airtable becomes an adaptable tool that boosts collaboration and productivity.

Airtable use cases

Airtable is a cloud-based collaboration tool that serves over 300,000 teams around the world, with diverse uses:

1. Bug tracking : Development of websites to identify, prioritize and solve technical problems quickly.
2. Content calendar : Marketing and writing to plan, organize, and monitor content production.
3. Product launch : Manage product launches effectively, by following deadlines, coordinating tasks, and sharing necessary files.
4. Product Operations : Offers a dashboard to track inventory, manage orders, and organize supplier information.
5. Product roadmap : Promotes product management by helping to track progress, plan for future features, and align different departments with product goals.
6. Research : Offers custom forms and website APIs with analysis tools to collect and analyze data

The Airtable no-code software is therefore an extremely flexible and versatile tool that can improve efficiency and productivity in many areas.

Security and Confidentiality

Here is a summary of the security and privacy measures offered by the Airtable database.

Confidentiality

• Standard policy
• User data collection
• Is it possible to sell data without permission?

security

• Use Amazon Web Services (AWS) to host files
• Protection of files in transit and AES-256 encryption on the server
• Good security reputation with no known flaws

Third-party applications and automations

• Care should be taken with regard to permissions granted to third party applications
• Only grant access to trusted applications

The Airtable base offers a decent level of security and privacy although there are always possible improvements to its permissions.

Customer Support

Here is an overview of the various support options offered:

Tutorials through the Airtable database

• Great for smoothing the learning curve
• Help users get their workflow and database off to a good start
• Practical videos

Knowledge base through the Airtable database

• Accessible from the main screen
• Detailed and clear articles, often accompanied by videos

Airtable base community

• Active forum
• Questions generally answered quickly

Airtable base ticket system support

• No livechat or phone support (no phone number)
• Detailed and helpful responses, usually received within a few hours

Customer support offers a variety of resources including tutorials, a knowledge base, a community forum, and a ticket system.

Pricing

Airtable offers various views and subscription plans to meet user needs:

Free plan

• Grid, Kanban, Gallery, and Calendar View
• Internal connectors and applications
• Limited file storage and revision history per table

Plus Plan

• Similar benefits to the free plan
• Increased file storage and revision history

Pro plan

• Features for large organizations
• Advanced sharing permissions and customizing apps or tables
• Gantt chart (exclusive to the Pro plan)

Enterprise plan

• Advanced features similar to the Pro plan
• Additional security options

Airtable offers subscription plans tailored to the needs of small and large organizations.

TRY AIRTABLE FOR FREE

Alternatives

Let's explore two solid alternatives to Airtable in the field of project management software:

1. Monday.com

Monday.com Work OS is positioned as a robust and flexible platform for project management.

Features

• Flexible platform for a wide variety of visualizations and project views.
• Rich set of features to facilitate project planning, monitoring, and collaboration.

Pricing

• Monday.com's pricing plans vary depending on the number of users and features required, with a free trial available to test the product.

For more precise information, consult directly their official site.

2. Zoho Projects

Zoho Projects distinguishes itself by offering a complete solution for task management, process automation, and team collaboration.

Features

• Complete task and project management tool.
• Great for process automation and team collaboration
• Easy integration with other products in the Zoho catalog.

Pricing

• The Zoho company offers a variety of pricing plans to meet specific needs, ranging from the free option to premium plans.

For more details please visit their official site.

3. ClickUp

ClickUp is a project management tool that stands out for its intuitive user interface and its focus on efficiency.

Features

• Clean and easy to use
• Focus on team efficiency and productivity.
• Great for task planning and collaboration.

Pricing

• The ClickUp company offers a free plan, as well as paid plans that offer more features and capabilities.

For more details, please consult their official site.

How is Airtable different from Excel?

Airtable and Excel, while both data management tools, have distinctive characteristics:

1. Data structure : Excel focuses on spreadsheets for static data. Airtable is a relational database, ideal for dynamic and interconnected information.
2. Real-time collaboration : Airtable allows several users to work simultaneously on the same database with real-time updates. Excel's collaboration capabilities are more limited.
3. Customizable views : Airtable offers several views (Grid, Kanban, Calendar, Gallery, etc.) to visualize data. Excel is mostly limited to a spreadsheet view.
4. Integrations and automations : Airtable offers a large number of integrations and automation features to optimize workflows. Excel also offers integrations, but they are generally more oriented towards other Microsoft products.
5. User interfaces : Airtable has an intuitive and visually appealing user interface, while Excel has a more traditional spreadsheet-like interface.

Excel for advanced formulas and complex data processing, and the Airtable solution for project management, real-time collaboration, and flexible data visualization.

Master organization with Airtable bases and tables

Airtable pushes the boundaries of traditional spreadsheets by offering exceptional customization options across bases and tables. Here's how these features work:

• Bases : Bases are containers for your associated tables. Think of it as a workspace with all the information that's relevant to a specific project or activity. Each database can have a summary for easy navigation and better organization.
• Tables : Within the databases, you can create several tables. Each table contains rows of records, organized into cells corresponding to different fields. This is where you can add, edit, or comment on your data. For example, in a “Customers” table, each row would represent a specific customer with cells for name, contacts, comments, and more.
• Update and Feedback : Each cell allows comments for each update made, allowing easy follow-up and better collaboration.

Airtable: An essential tool for businesses in France

Airtable has become an essential tool for businesses of all sizes in France. The user-friendly and powerful features of the platform meet various business needs:

• Contact Management: Keep track of all your contacts in France, including customers, employees, and suppliers. You can add comments, track updates, and group contacts by different criteria like a CRM.
• Invoicing: Airtable tables can help track invoices, payments, and financial reports, helping businesses keep accurate track of their finances.
• Publishing articles: Editorial teams in France can use Airtable to plan, organize, and track their publishing schedule, with tables for drafts, articles to be published, comments, and updates.

Data valorization thanks to Airtable

Airtable is transforming the way businesses approach data management. Here are some of the benefits Airtable offers:

• Variety of data types : Besides texts and numbers, Airtable supports dropdown lists, checkboxes, links to other records, and even attachments.
• Workflow automation : The Airtable API makes it possible to program repetitive tasks, thus improving process efficiency.
• Custom forms : Airtable offers the possibility to create custom forms for data collection, which can be integrated into websites or shared via a link.
• Easy integration : Airtable can be easily integrated with other tools, increasing the value of data and optimizing work processes.

Final Verdict

While there's a lot to like about the Airtable company created by Howie Liu, especially its free plan, this app is kept away from our project management evaluations due to its unconvincing price, privacy, and security.

We also regret the absence of some more advanced features that can be found on monday.com or Clickup, even if they are not prohibitive for some.

All that being said, we always recommend that you try the Airtable company's offer.