Zapier extends its automation service with first-party database and UI tools | TechCrunch

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses Zapier's expansion of its product portfolio beyond simple workflow automation, with the launch of new tools called Zapier Tables and Zapier Interfaces. These new offerings aim to address the limitations of using tools like Google Sheets and Airtable as the database and front-end for Zapier workflows.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Zapier's Product Expansion

1. What are the key new products Zapier has launched?

• Zapier has launched two new products:
  • Zapier Tables: A database service that provides a more robust and reliable data storage layer for Zapier workflows
  • Zapier Interfaces: A UI builder that allows end-users to interact with existing Zapier workflows through customizable web pages

2. What were the key pain points Zapier's customers were facing that led to the development of these new products?

• Customers were facing issues with using tools like Google Sheets and Airtable as the database and front-end for their Zapier workflows, as these tools were not designed for that purpose
• This resulted in brittle systems where any changes to the spreadsheet would cause the entire workflow to break

3. How do Zapier Tables and Zapier Interfaces aim to address these pain points?

• Zapier Tables provides an "automation-first" database that can better handle changes and protect the integrity of the system
• Zapier Interfaces allows users to build customizable web pages to interact with their Zapier workflows, making them more user-friendly and easier to maintain

[02] Zapier's Broader Product Strategy

1. What other new features has Zapier launched alongside Tables and Interfaces?

• Zapier has launched 8 new features based on user requests, including:
  • Ability to draft Zaps (Zapier workflows)
  • Versioning
  • Tools for building more complex Zaps
  • Ability to schedule transfers in Zapier Transfer
  • Custom error notifications
  • Subfolders
  • Super admin level

2. How does Zapier's approach to innovation and product development seem to have shifted?

• The article suggests that Zapier had become a bit complacent, but has had to shift its culture to be more focused on innovation and meeting customer needs
• The launch of these new products and features indicates Zapier is now more proactively addressing pain points and expanding its capabilities beyond simple workflow automation