Why ToolJet is the Best Low-code Open-Source Platform for Enterprises and Agencies - The Internal Tool King

In the fast-evolving world of business operations, agencies and enterprises are constantly seeking platforms that can simplify and automate their workflows.

ToolJet, an open-source low-code platform, has emerged as a promising contender in the arena of internal tool-building, rivalling giants like Airtable, Retool, and NocoDB.

ToolJet offers a powerful suite for creating internal tools without heavy reliance on developers, making it an attractive choice for enterprises that value flexibility, security, and cost-effectiveness.

Here’s an in-depth look at why ToolJet stands out and how it caters to the unique needs of agencies and businesses.

14 Top Open-source Low-code and No-code Platforms for Building Internal Tools

What are Internal Tools? Internal tools refer to software applications or systems that are developed and used within an organization to support internal processes and operations. These tools are specifically designed to meet the unique needs and requirements of the organization. Why Enterprises Need Internal Tools? Enterprises may need to

MEDevel.com: Open-source for Healthcare, and EducationHazem Abbas

Why Agencies Need a Self-Hosted Tool-Building Platform

Modern businesses rely on internal tools to manage workflows, visualize data, and streamline operations.

However, many existing platforms like Airtable and Retool come with significant drawbacks:

1. Vendor Lock-In: Proprietary platforms often tie organizations to their ecosystem, limiting flexibility.
2. High Costs: Subscription fees can quickly add up, especially for large teams with complex needs.
3. Data Privacy Concerns: For agencies handling sensitive client data, relying on third-party cloud platforms may not meet security and compliance standards.
4. Customization Limitations: Proprietary platforms often lack the flexibility to tailor solutions to unique workflows.

ToolJet’s self-hosted, open-source nature eliminates these issues, offering a robust alternative that’s completely customizable and deployable on-premises or in a private cloud.

ToolJet at a Glance

ToolJet is designed for creating data-driven applications and internal tools with minimal coding.

It is built with scalability in mind, it supports seamless integration with databases, APIs, and third-party services, making it a versatile option for organizations of all sizes.

Features That Make ToolJet Shine

1. Open Source and Self-Hosted
   • Full control over deployment and customization.
   • No reliance on third-party vendors, ensuring data sovereignty.
2. Low-Code/No-Code Interface
   • Drag-and-drop builder for creating interfaces quickly.
   • Pre-built components like tables, charts, forms, and buttons.
3. Wide Integration Support
   • Connect with popular databases like PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, and Airtable.
   • Built-in support for REST, GraphQL, and gRPC APIs.
   • Integrations with Slack, Google Sheets, Stripe, and more.
4. Advanced Access Control
   • Role-based permissions ensure that data and tools are accessible only to authorized users.
5. Custom Scripting
   • Support for JavaScript to extend functionality and implement complex business logic.
6. Real-Time Collaboration
   • Teams can work together seamlessly within the platform, making it ideal for multi-user environments.
7. Cost-Effective Scaling
   • Unlimited users without additional licensing fees—perfect for growing teams and large enterprises.
8. Cross-Platform Availability
   • Works across browsers and mobile devices for maximum accessibility.

How ToolJet Benefits Enterprises and Agencies

1. Enhances Operational Efficiency

ToolJet enables agencies to automate workflows, reducing the need for repetitive tasks and manual intervention.

Internal tools for project tracking, client management, or analytics dashboards can be built and deployed in hours instead of weeks.

2. Supports Scalability

As businesses grow, their internal tools must adapt to changing requirements.

3. Improves Data Security

For enterprises handling sensitive client or customer data, self-hosting ToolJet ensures compliance with industry regulations and minimizes risks associated with third-party data breaches.

4. Reduces Development Costs

Traditional internal tool development requires a team of developers, extensive testing, and high maintenance costs. ToolJet’s low-code platform reduces this dependency, enabling non-developers to build tools while freeing up engineers for mission-critical tasks.

5. Encourages Collaboration

ToolJet’s real-time collaboration features allow teams to work on tools simultaneously, ensuring faster iterations and better communication between departments.

How ToolJet Compares to Airtable, Retool, and NocoDB

Getting Started with ToolJet

Here’s how you can start using ToolJet for your enterprise or agency:

1. Download ToolJet: Visit the GitHub page to access the source code.
2. Deploy It: Host it on your preferred platform—on-premise, AWS, or Docker.
3. Connect Your Databases: Link your existing databases, such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Airtable.
4. Start Building: Use the intuitive drag-and-drop interface to create tools that align with your business needs.

Install Using Docker

docker run \
  --name tooljet \
  --restart unless-stopped \
  -p 80:80 \
  --platform linux/amd64 \
  -v tooljet_data:/var/lib/postgresql/13/main \
  tooljet/try:ee-lts-latest

License

ToolJet © 2023, ToolJet Solutions Inc - Released under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0.

Final Note

ToolJet is a powerful, cost-effective, and privacy-focused solution for building internal tools. Its open-source model makes it an excellent choice for agencies and enterprises looking to reduce costs, maintain data sovereignty, and build customized tools without the limitations of proprietary platforms.

Whether you're managing client workflows, automating data visualization, or streamlining operations, ToolJet provides the tools you need to succeed—without breaking the bank.

If you’re ready to take control of your internal tool-building processes, ToolJet is worth exploring. Check it out today on GitHub.