From sticky notes to AI-ready systems

Sales run through Stacey’s spreadsheet, customer service runs through Carl’s Post-it Notes, and the warehouse runs through Willie’s brain. Every small business has a version of this duct-taped system that keeps the train on the tracks day in and day out.

But the same unforced errors happen every month. Carl forgets to follow up on the customer’s question, and now you have a one-star Google review. Willie’s out for parent-teacher conferences at his daughter’s school, and you’re stuck trying to keep the train on the tracks.

You’ve tried software, but everyone needs add-ons and customizations to fit your workflow.

You want to be on the leading edge of the digital transformation, but how do you get there without a massive IT budget and teams of smart developers?

No code.

No code is a software development approach that allows “citizen developers” to create applications and automate business processes without writing any code. This method leverages visual interfaces and drag-and-drop tools, enabling non-technical users to build functional software with minimal programming knowledge.

If you can use a spreadsheet, you can build an app. No-code tools like Appsheet from Google allow you to build custom apps from your data with no coding required. You can start with the data you’re using today and build from the ground up or customize one of their templates.

The standardization required for no code to work is what will allow you to provide enterprise level service with a lean team, competing on a national and global scale with the resources you already have.

Carl’s customer service sticky notes are now in a customer queue where the whole team can see and resolve them. The dusty binder of SOPs on the bookshelf is part of the guided workflows in the app. Everyone on your team can now see in real time exactly what’s happening, where it’s happening, who’s doing it, and what needs to happen next.

The reduction in errors provides an immediate benefit, and the massive amount of structured data collected is exactly what’s needed to power the AI systems for tomorrow.

Even larger manufacturers and companies can benefit from no code. Before investing thousands of dollars and months in software development projects, teams can use no code to launch a minimum viable product in the form of a usable prototype in days, maybe even hours. This lets companies move faster, reduce waste, and empower the frontline teams closest to the work to innovate.
With no code, businesses in the Stateline can create custom business apps tailored exactly to their workflow, reducing errors, improving experiences for their teams and customers, and preparing their organization for the future. All it takes is a little creativity and a little grit, exactly what Rockford was built on.

Start small. Build an app that replaces a paper form or shared spreadsheet and see the impact. The clarity, efficiency, and control could transform your business.

SJK Enterprises is the growth engine behind select consumer brands on Walmart and on Amazon, helping them grow profitably by handling inventory, fulfillment, marketing, and compliance.

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.