Tool building in GRID by guest blogger Vincent Doedee

This guest post by a GRID customer is not sponsored.

Get sheet done

A few weeks ago, I was in an evaluation meeting with a long-standing client, who we had been helping to develop tools in GRID for several months. Let’s call him Jeff. The overall meeting atmosphere was amazing, as they were extremely pleased with the progress, speed and accuracy of the tool. But then the meeting took a turn that I did not see coming. 

Jeff asked me: “Vincent, why do you like GRID so much?”

It took me by surprise, I paused for a moment, and I replied:

“I don't like GRID, I love it.”

Without GRID, I would not have been able to start my company. We are an on-demand consultant for maritime sustainability, and we use GRID to give our clients instant feasibility study and business cases on decarbonization measures for their vessels. GRID is the basic infrastructure on which we base our tool, and has thus been the cornerstone of our company. 

This blog tries to explain why I love GRID and its team (lovingly called Gridlings). I hope this helps you understand the value of GRID yourself, and how it could help you achieve your goals. 

GRID is easy

GRID is based on spreadsheets. In other words, if you can work with Excel, you can work with GRID. Suffice it to say, spreadsheets are what keeps business running. They are omnipresent in companies. Even in the most sophisticated tech companies, you will probably find some spreadsheets that keep things running. Almost everyone everywhere has used, or is using spreadsheets. It’s a fact of life. 

GRID supercharges your spreadsheet skills.

It is a spreadsheet engine that can be used for simple tasks, to extremely complicated and interactive tasks. The most beautiful thing is the visualization aspects and the ability to put it online and share it with others with the push of a button. Within Sustainable Ships, we have used it for basic, concept and even detailed engineering for quite complicated matters.

In short, GRID lets you turn your spreadsheets into powerful web applications that can handle complex data and logic, without writing a single line of code. Heck, even managers know how to use it, because they are taught Excel at their MBA! 

GRID is extremely (!) cost-effective

GRID helps you become somewhat of a full stack developer, without the hassle. You can design your own user interface, connect to various data sources, add interactivity and logic, and deploy your app to the web with a few clicks. You can also collaborate with your team and clients in real time, and share your app with anyone who has a browser. 

The fact that you don't need to learn a new language or framework, you can just use the familiar formulas and functions that you already know, is a truly misunderstood aspect of building tools. The cost-effectiveness of this fact cannot be underestimated. Basically a 12-year old with some knowledge on spreadsheets becomes – within a month or 2 – almost as effective as a full-stack developer.

And sure, when you have ultra-specialized needs and want to build the most fancy application imaginable, GRID might not be enough. But let’s be honest: how much does your client pay you to build the most innovative web-application? Nothing. Clients don’t care how it’s built, only if it works. For 99% of all people – especially the managers and those already working in Excel! – GRID is the perfect way to create tools, web-applications and streamline processes most cost effectively. 

Gridlings are amazing

The team at GRID is amazing. I could simply stop there, as usually less is more and by saying more I might be diminishing the message, but I cannot stop there. GRID has brought me one of the most exhilarating customer experiences I have ever experienced. I do not feel like a customer, I feel like an ambassador of GRID. The team and everyone in it – called Gridlings by the way – are quick, responsive, helpful, friendly, knowledgeable and care about you. They listen to feedback and suggestions, constantly improving the product and their service. They also have a great community of users who share their ideas, tips, and tricks on how to use GRID effectively.

If you work with Gridlings, you will not be alone. It is awesome. 

Become a fan yourself

So what happened to Jeff? Jeff signed up for an extension and proclaimed “he is almost as big a fan as me.” Even though they are rare, there might be those who are even bigger fans than me. Luckily however, GRID is not a zero-sum game. We can all gain from using this amazing product and there is plenty of room for fans with a bigger heart than me. 

Try it out today and find out for yourself!

P.S. This is not a sponsored post, I am simply a huge fan of GRID!