Automation has changed the way businesses work, especially in industries like manufacturing, where keeping things running smoothly is critical. But if you’re still relying on traditional automations, you might be missing out on some serious efficiency gains. Enter Quickbase Pipelines—a more flexible, scalable way to connect your systems and automate your processes.
If you've been using Quickbase Automations, or even if you're new to Quickbase, transitioning to Pipelines might sound a bit intimidating. But they’re really just a smarter way to automate across multiple systems. Let’s break it down, step by step, and see how this shift can make life easier for your team.
Why Switch to Pipelines?
Automations are great—until they aren’t. You know the drill: They can handle simple, repetitive tasks, but what happens when you need to sync data between multiple systems? Or automate processes that involve several departments? That’s when automations start to feel limited.
Pipelines, on the other hand, are built to handle these bigger, more connected workflows. They let you automate across different apps and systems, which means fewer bottlenecks, less manual work, and smoother processes. This is especially important for process automation in industries like construction and manufacturing where efficient workflows are crucial.
Imagine this: you're in charge of vendor management and need to deactivate a vendor on the list. Automations can handle that just fine inside the Quickbase platform. But what happens when things get complicated? Like updating a vendor’s status across systems. You still need to manually update the purchase orders connected to that vendor, notify the finance team, and update it in your accounting software. With Pipelines, all of this happens automatically. One action kicks off a whole series of updates, across all connected systems.
How Pipelines Make Your Job Easier
Pipelines help you work smarter, not harder. They reduce the busy work and keep everything moving smoothly. Here’s how:
1. Automate at Scale
Got a growing business? Pipelines can handle it. Whether you’re processing ten orders or ten thousand, Pipelines don’t slow down. They scale with your needs, which means you won’t run into the limitations that automations might have. So, whether your team is small or large, Pipelines can keep up.
2. Get Accurate Data, Every Time
Data mistakes are the worst, right? When systems don’t talk to each other, you end up with inconsistent or outdated information. That’s a problem, especially in manufacturing where precision matters. Pipelines keep everything in sync. For instance, if your inventory updates in Quickbase, Pipelines ensures that stock levels across your e-commerce platforms, ERP, and sales systems all reflect the latest numbers—automatically and in real-time. That way, you’re always working with the latest data, no guesswork involved. If you’re curious to see how Pipelines can tackle common data challenges, check out this guide.
3. Flexibility Without Fuss
One of the best things about Pipelines? They work with all kinds of systems. You’re not stuck automating only inside Quickbase. Need to integrate with your CRM? Your accounting software? Maybe even cloud storage? Pipelines can do that, making your processes more flexible and connected than ever. This opens up a lot of possibilities for work management and process optimization.
4. Less Manual Work Equals More Savings
When you spend less time doing manual data entry or chasing updates across systems, you save money. Automating with Pipelines frees up your team to focus on what matters—solving problems, improving operations, and hitting targets. Whether it's workflow automation, optimizing your workforce planning, or streamlining project planning, automating can greatly impact cost efficiency.
How to Transition from Automations to Pipelines (Without Stress)
Switching to something new can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a simple way to get started with Pipelines:
Step 1: Start with What You Know
Take one of your existing automations and recreate it in Pipelines. This is an easy, low-risk way to get familiar with the tool. For example, if you have an automation that sends a notification when a task is done, set that up in Pipelines. You’ll see how Pipelines work while keeping things simple.
Step 2: Use the Automation Migration Manager
Quickbase has a handy tool called Automation Migration Manager. It helps you map your current automations into Pipelines, step by step. This is especially useful if you’re working with complex workflows or multiple automations.
Step 3: Test, Tweak, Repeat
Once you’ve got your first Pipeline set up, test it out. Does it work as expected? Could it be streamlined even more? This is the time to experiment and see how Pipelines can improve your existing workflows. And don’t worry, there are plenty of resources to help you along the way.
Transition Jitters? Here’s What You Need to Know
Whenever there's a transition, there are bound to be concerns. Here are a couple of common ones and how to address them:
Will Pipelines slow things down?
It’s true that Pipelines might feel slower at first, but this is temporary. As you optimize your workflows and adjust to the new system, you’ll notice improvements. Plus, the long-term benefits—like flexibility and integration—make it worth the adjustment.
What if we run into issues?
Quickbase offers tools like the Automation Migration Manager to help smooth the transition. And if you get stuck, there are webinars, guides, and a community of users who can help you out.
Ready to Level Up with Pipelines?
Switching to Pipelines isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a chance to future-proof your processes. As your business grows, Pipelines will scale right alongside you, simplifying complex workflows and integrating your systems seamlessly.
If you’re ready to go beyond basic automations, why not give Pipelines a try? Start small, experiment, and see firsthand how they can streamline your operations. Your team—and your bottom line—will thank you!
Ready to get started? Try Quickbase and start building your first Pipeline today. It’s time to make your work simpler, faster, and more connected!
