Strut

1. What is Strut?

Positioning: A no-code platform focused on transforming existing spreadsheet data (from Google Sheets, Excel, or Airtable) into functional and aesthetically pleasing web applications without requiring any programming knowledge. It serves as a rapid development tool for internal business applications, client portals, and data dashboards.Functional Panorama: Covers Data Integration (connecting to various spreadsheet sources), a UI Builder (drag-and-drop interface design with components like tables, forms, charts, and buttons), Logic & Automation (data filtering, sorting, search, and form-based data input), User Management & Authentication (secure access controls and permissions), Publishing & Sharing (deployment of web apps with custom domains), and Customization & Branding (theming and white-labeling options).

2. Strut’s Use Cases

• Operations teams can use Strut to build internal tools like inventory management systems or project trackers from their existing spreadsheets to streamline workflows.
• Sales and Marketing teams can create client portals for secure data sharing, reporting dashboards, or lead tracking applications to improve client engagement and data accessibility.
• HR departments can utilize Strut for building employee directories, time-off request forms, or onboarding checklists, leveraging their current HR data in spreadsheets.
• Finance teams can develop custom dashboards for budget tracking, expense reporting, or financial analytics, providing real-time insights based on their accounting data.
• Individuals and small businesses can quickly prototype and deploy simple web apps for event registration, contact management, or personal project organization without coding.

3. Strut’s Key Features

• Connects seamlessly with Google Sheets, Excel (via OneDrive/SharePoint), and Airtable for real-time data synchronization.
• Drag-and-drop visual app builder supports responsive design, ensuring applications look good on any device.
• Provides robust user authentication and permission management, allowing control over who can access and interact with app data.
• New Feature: Enhanced chart customization options, including new chart types and conditional formatting, added in April 2024.
• Supports custom domains and branding, allowing users to white-label their applications for a professional appearance.
• Performance Update: Significant performance improvements for handling large datasets, resulting in up to 20% faster load times, implemented in December 2023.
• Users frequently praise the intuitive process of converting simple spreadsheets into functional apps, highlighting its ease of use for non-technical users.
• User-Feedback Feature: Community forums frequently recommend expanding advanced formula and conditional logic capabilities for more complex business process automation, a feature under active development.

4. How to Use Strut?

1. Connect Your Data Source: Begin by linking your Google Sheet, Excel file, or Airtable base to Strut. This establishes the foundation for your application’s data.
2. Design Your App Interface: Use the drag-and-drop editor to build your app’s pages. Add components like tables, forms, charts, text blocks, and buttons, arranging them to create your desired layout.
3. Configure Data Interactions: Set up how your app interacts with your data. For example, configure tables to display specific spreadsheet columns, and forms to add or edit rows in your linked data source.
4. Add User Management (Optional but Recommended): Implement user authentication and define user roles and permissions to control access to different parts of your application and specific data.
5. Publish and Share: Once your app is ready, publish it. You can share the unique Strut.so URL or configure a custom domain for a branded experience.
6. Pro Tip: Leverage Strut’s dynamic filtering capabilities by adding a search bar or dropdown filters to your app. This allows end-users to quickly find and segment data within large datasets directly from the application interface.

5. Strut’s Pricing & Access

• Free Tier: Offers up to 3 applications with a limit of 50 rows per app, including basic features and Strut branding.
• Starter Plan: Priced at $19/month (or $15/month billed annually), providing up to 10 apps, 2,500 rows per app, custom branding, user permissions, and custom domains.
• Pro Plan: Available for $49/month (or $39/month billed annually), granting unlimited applications, 10,000 rows per app, advanced features, audit logs, and priority support.
• Business Plan: Custom pricing tailored for enterprise needs, offering unlimited applications, 50,000+ rows per app, SAML SSO, dedicated support, and custom integrations.
• Web Dynamics: During Q2 2024, Strut offered a limited-time 20% discount on annual Starter and Pro plans for new users, aiming to attract those migrating from more complex no-code platforms.

6. Strut’s Comprehensive Advantages

• Rapid Development: Strut significantly reduces development time compared to traditional coding or even some complex no-code tools, often allowing deployment of functional apps within hours. This efficiency is particularly noted by users transitioning from manual spreadsheet operations.
• Spreadsheet-Centric Simplicity: Its direct integration and intuitive mapping with Google Sheets, Excel, and Airtable make it exceptionally user-friendly for anyone familiar with spreadsheet logic, unlike competitors that might require more abstract database understanding.
• Scalable for Internal Tools: The platform’s robust user management, custom domains, and audit logs (in higher tiers) position it as a strong contender for building secure and scalable internal tools for small to medium-sized businesses.
• Market Recognition: Independent review platforms like G2 and Capterra consistently rate Strut highly for its ease of use and customer support, with user satisfaction scores for its core spreadsheet-to-app conversion module exceeding 90%.
• Cost-Effectiveness: When compared to hiring developers or investing in more complex enterprise application platforms, Strut offers a highly cost-effective solution for digitizing business processes and creating custom applications.