In this exciting case study, we chat with Anthony Cimino from Experience Solutions about how he built an automated issue tracking app for a sailing club.
It’s no secret that many organizations stand to benefit from modernizing their systems and automating routine processes! Founded in New York City in 2008, Experience Solutions has helped hundreds of clients around the world move online and solve web-based problems.
Anthony Cimino, founder of Experience Solutions, discovered Gravity Forms and GravityKit when he needed a way to build information systems without having to code everything himself.
This led to the creation of an app that makes it easy for a sailing club to track issues with their boats. Gravity Forms allows for submitting issues, GravityView enables the operations team to view, filter, update, and export the data, GravityCharts is used for data visualization, and GravityEdit enables easy front-end editing!
The app was a resounding success, eliminating the need for manual data entry and saving the sailing club countless hours of time.
Keep reading to learn more!
Building an automated issue tracking app for boats
The app that Anthony built enables a sailing club to track issues with their boats. Each time a member takes a boat out, they are required to fill in a checklist, and report any issues they encounter.
This was previously done using pen and paper! Not only was the system inefficient, members would sometimes forget to complete the paper checklists, and when they did remember, the operations team often had a hard time deciphering their handwriting. It was time for an update!
Anthony brought the club into the digital age with an automated app that removed complexity and increased efficiency.
First, he assigned each boat a unique QR code. Scanning the code loads a digital copy of the checklist pre-populated with the boat type and number. This is powered by Gravity Forms!
GravityView powers the front end interface, giving the operations team visibility over submitted issues. If an entry is submitted without any issues, that data is stored but not shown in the View.
“GravityView displays the issues that matter, allows for filtering by issue type and highlights any issues that are marked critical”, said Anthony.
The app also makes use of GravityView’s built-in data export capabilities, as well as GravityEdit for faster entry editing.
“GravityEdit’s inline editing makes it easy to change the status of an issue. And the Export CSV option links to a CSV export of all entries, not just ones in the View (which only shows entries that have an issue).”
Furthermore, Anthony used GravityCharts to build an executive dashboard with additional information and helpful visualizations. “GravityCharts provides an ‘executive view’ showing issues by type, completed issues and current status.”
The system that Anthony built is a great example of how our different tools fit together, enabling you to create powerful web apps without needing custom code!
Interview with Anthony Cimino, founder of Experience Solutions
Anthony Cimino has extensive experience in the technology industry. Through Experience Solutions, he’s worked with hundreds of clients, delivering high-value websites, custom apps, and strategic insights. Anthony kindly took the time to answer my questions about his experience using GravityKit 🙌
How would you describe yourself? Are you a web developer?
I’m a product person. In the late 90s I started working at Apple acting as a System Administrator for the Mac products guide, a webmaster for their developer site and as a UX designer for an e-commerce and account management system. I was focused on making things easier for whoever had to use the product; this could be internal staff, consumers or the development team for Adobe.
How did you first come across GravityKit?
I was looking for something that could save me time. After experimenting with similar products, I chose GravityKit because it was the easiest and most flexible of the solutions I found.
…I chose GravityKit because it was the easiest and most flexible of the solutions I found.
What problem did you need to solve/what were you looking to accomplish?
Essentially, I wanted to build a CRUD system without actually having to code everything myself. GravityKit enabled me to set up this functionality in minutes, without the need for custom work.
Why was GravityKit the best solution for what you needed?
I was drawn to GravityView’s DIY layout; with this, I wasn’t constrained by an out-of-the-box design that added in a bunch of CSS I didn’t need. Plus, GravityKit’s support team has always been very responsive when I ask any questions!
How has GravityKit benefited your business?
Prior to discovering GravityKit, I had to hire developers, or build solutions that could take months. Then I would have to maintain that custom code for years. GravityKit allows me to focus on getting results today.
Prior to discovering GravityKit, I had to hire developers, or build solutions that could take months. Then I would have to maintain that custom code for years. GravityKit allows me to focus on getting results today.
Do you plan to use GravityKit for future projects?
Yes. It’s currently in use across 8 client sites and I expect I will use it for many more!
Would you recommend GravityKit to other site builders?
Yes! If you’re in the Gravity Forms universe, GravityKit is a no-brainer!
What are your thoughts on the Gravity Forms ecosystem in general? Do you use these tools often?
I regularly use these tools, and more than that, I actively look for ways I can use these tools to make my life and my clients’ lives easier. The tutorials that GravityKit publishes are a regular source of inspiration for me.
What one thing would you most like us to improve?
It would be amazing if I could build a loop inside of Beaver Builder! Overall, I would like to see some enhancements made to the GravityView builder.
Save time building custom apps using GravityKit
GravityKit enabled Experience Solutions to launch an app that makes it easy for a sailing club to track issues with their boats. Not only did this help streamline their operations, it saved the club time and money!
This case study highlights the versatility and efficiency that GravityKit brings to the table, making it an invaluable tool for developers and businesses alike.
Anthony’s journey with GravityKit is a testament to how the right tools can transform ideas into impactful solutions. Are you looking to build robust web apps on WordPress? Check out our full suite of tools here.
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