WORKAPP VS. JUST A DASHBOARD

David Cromer

I have a Use Case where I'm deciding whether to use a just a Dashboard with Several Dynamic Views vs. setting it all up through a WorkApp. I have not used WorkApps yet, so am wanting to understand any advantages or features with using it.

Use Case: Streamline our Single-Order process with a Key customer. [ They desired a Portal to access a list of Goods with all the normal basics, 1 item per Row: Item #, Model, Description, Picture, Price, a way to select an item from the list (catalog), and send it in for a quote automatically all in one spot. Orders are placed through another system. Then a tracking report is viewable for their orders placed. I've accomlished the workings of this using Sheets/Reports and a few Dynamic views, all housed on a Dashboard where the Permissions are set appropriately for the outside stakeholders to be able to view, edit but not access anywhere else or the wrong data--- this is all set ].

I started the beginnings of setting up a WorkApp for this and realized I don't know what advantages or disadavantages this gives us, or the outside stakeholder.

Here are 2 screenshots of the Dashboard we've set up and are about to Launch with the Customer. It uses 2 Dynamic Views (one of which allows the user to submit a request for follow up information (a Quote Request)), and one viewing Report from a Tracking Sheet for viewing previously placed what we call "Reorders". They like the Dynamic view for this due to the ability to Filter by a Location.

• Should I convert this system to a WorkApp, and why?

Any advice would be appreciated!

Dave

Genevieve P.

Hi @David Cromer

Here's a free webinar on Workapps if that helps!

https://help.smartsheet.com/learning-track/smartsheet-advance-webinars/intro-workapps

I personally have one Workapp that is a go-to place to review assets for a specific project:

• It has a main rollup Dashboard with metrics as the top-level landing page.
• A project schedule sheet
• A written document "how-to" guide
• A Slide Deck with the project research
• And a Form to fill out with questions/concerns

The Dashboard and sheet are in different Workspaces, but having them present in the Workapp means I can keep my links in one place. I think of it as a sort of "bookmarks" folder, but where I can easily jump to each asset in and work on them in the same browser tab.

Cheers,

Genevieve

Genevieve P.

Hey @David Cromer

What have you decided to do in the end? Both are viable solutions for your use-case!

If you only have 2 Dynamic Views, then I would perhaps suggest just sticking with a Dashboard for now. It looks like you can show all your assets in one view, which is great.

Workapps are incredibly helpful when you have a number of other assets you want your collaborators to reference as well - separate, individual processes but all under the same umbrella... or if you have pages that are non-Smartsheet items (such as a Google Doc with written instructions or information).

There's no wrong answer here 🙂 I'm certain you could make both work!

Cheers,

Genevieve

David Cromer

@Genevieve P. thank you for the follow up. I decided to roll this out with the Dashboard and 2 Dynamic Views. I still haven't seen WorkApps in real action to get a feel for how they work, and such. I digested your point about using WorkApps with other assets besides Smartsheet assets. I'll have to take a harder look at WorkApps as I'm still tentative about them.

If you have any WorkApp examples I may have missed in the Smartsheet help or reference areas, please send me some info. Appreciate you!

Dave

Genevieve P.

Hi @David Cromer

Here's a free webinar on Workapps if that helps!

https://help.smartsheet.com/learning-track/smartsheet-advance-webinars/intro-workapps

I personally have one Workapp that is a go-to place to review assets for a specific project:

• It has a main rollup Dashboard with metrics as the top-level landing page.
• A project schedule sheet
• A written document "how-to" guide
• A Slide Deck with the project research
• And a Form to fill out with questions/concerns

The Dashboard and sheet are in different Workspaces, but having them present in the Workapp means I can keep my links in one place. I think of it as a sort of "bookmarks" folder, but where I can easily jump to each asset in and work on them in the same browser tab.

Cheers,

Genevieve

David Cromer

This looks great. I'll review it in detail. Thank you again!

Dave