Building custom apps like Lego
When we were kids, we loved to play with Lego blocks. Now that we're older, we still do. That's probably why we're such advocates for low-code development, because there are a lot of similarities.
Think of low-code development like assembling applications with pre-built blocks of software. Each block is ready to use, easy to swap, and fits neatly into place. This makes building applications fast, simple to update as requirements change, and easy to maintain.
Nowadays, there are many low-code platforms available that fulfill this promise. Some specialise in mobile app development, others focus on creating websites, and some claim to do it all. The key to choosing the right platform is understanding your goal.
If your goal is to build business applications that streamline operations, we have a clear preference: Retool.
Iterate on and ship apps faster with Retool
When we talk to clients about their operational challenges, very often the same topics come up:
- They manage processes through complex spreadsheets that get emailed around, creating multiple versions in just a week.
- They rely on outdated legacy applications they want to modernise, but no product on the market fully meets their needs.
- They search for information across multiple systems and struggle to maintain a clear overview.
Whenever we encounter these issues, we turn to Retool. It allows us to solve these challenges quickly while maintaining the flexibility needed for complex business logic. With an extensive library of building blocks and the ability to write JavaScript and React where needed, we can deliver high-quality business applications in weeks rather than months.
Take a look at a few of our cases
Promotor Portal for be•at
be•at, the company behind some of Belgium’s biggest venues, struggled to provide its promoters with clear insights into venue availability for event planning. We developed a portal in Retool that enables promoters to track their event status and centralize all communication in one place.
The result?
One platform that gathers relevant information from multiple be•at systems, significantly improving communication between the promoters and be•at.
Fleet Insurance Platform for Hillewaere Verzekeringen
Hillewaere Verzekeringen, a leading Belgian insurance broker, used Excel sheets to keep track of insurances of several large fleets. Each office within the Hillewaere Group had a slightly different way of working when it came to insuring fleets. We worked closely with them to streamline these processes, aligning them with each office's needs and transforming the workflow into a platform.
The result?
A two-sided interactive platform that provides insurance brokers and their clients with clear, real-time insights into their fleet insurance policies.
Digital Comic Backoffice for Standaard Uitgeverij
Standaard Uitgeverij, a Belgian publisher of books and comics, recently launched the Strips.be application, allowing users to read their comics on their phones and tablets. To support this, a robust backoffice application was essential for managing user accounts, monitoring app activity, and optimising the reading experience.
The result?
A powerful backoffice application that enables administrators to track app usage, analyse reading sessions, and fine-tune the playbook for every comic featured in the app.
What's in it for you?
At Sixth Generation, we see the same challenges again and again—businesses dealing with inefficient processes, scattered data, and outdated systems that no longer do the job. The good news? These problems don’t have to hold you back.
Whether it’s transforming spreadsheets into tailored applications, centralising information, reviving legacy systems or getting your company started with AI where it makes sense, app development platforms like Retool are here to help.
