What is Retool and Why Businesses Are Adopting It

Vidhi Patel
Aug 23
3 min read

Updated: Sep 8

In every growing business, there comes a moment when spreadsheets, emails, and scattered tools just aren’t enough anymore. You start losing track of data, workflows get messy, and employees spend more time copying information than creating value.

This is where Retool comes in - a modern low-code platform that allows teams to build custom internal tools quickly, without the cost and delays of traditional development.

At LowCodeWebsite, we’ve seen firsthand how Retool helps startups, SMBs, and enterprises transform their operations in weeks, not months. Let’s break down why businesses are adopting it.

The Problem with Traditional Internal Tools

For years, businesses faced two choices when building internal tools:

Buy off-the-shelf software – Fast to deploy, but limited customization. You end up adjusting your workflow to the software, not the other way around.
Build custom software – Tailor-made, but expensive and time-consuming. Hiring developers, writing backend/frontend code, testing, deployment…it can take months before the tool is usable.

Both approaches create bottlenecks. Teams are either stuck with limited functionality or waiting too long (and spending too much) to get tools built.

What is Retool?

Retool is a low-code development platform that enables businesses to build powerful internal applications by dragging and dropping UI components and connecting them to databases or APIs.

It’s not a “no-code toy” - it’s designed for professionals who need speed without sacrificing flexibility. Developers can add SQL queries, JavaScript, or custom APIs whenever needed, while non-technical teams can use prebuilt modules to manage workflows.

Key Benefits of Retool

Speed to Market
Build tools in days instead of months. A simple dashboard or CRM can go live in less than a week.
Flexibility
Connect with almost anything: PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, REST APIs, Firebase, and more.
Scalability
As your data grows, Retool scales with you. It’s built for startups, but also trusted by enterprises like Amazon, Coinbase, and DoorDash.
Cost-Effective
Less developer time, faster launches, and fewer licenses for third-party tools mean direct cost savings.
User-Friendly for Teams
Non-technical users can manage dashboards or workflows with minimal training.

Example: From Spreadsheets to Retool in Days

One of our recent clients, a staffing and recruitment firm, was managing thousands of candidate profiles in Airtable. Over time, searches became slow, reports were inconsistent, and collaboration was difficult.

We helped them migrate to AWS + Retool, giving them:

A centralized dashboard to manage candidates.
Faster search and filtering.
Secure authentication and user roles.
Automated workflows for status updates.

The result? A 40% reduction in manual work and a system that can scale with their growing database.

Who Should Use Retool?

Startups that need fast, cost-effective tools without building from scratch.
SMBs that are outgrowing spreadsheets and need scalable solutions.
Enterprises looking for flexible internal tools without heavy dev cycles.
Tech-enabled companies that want to free engineers from repetitive admin tool development.

Future-Proofing with Retool

The beauty of Retool is its adaptability. You can start small - a single dashboard or registration tool - and expand as your needs grow. With its ability to connect to nearly any data source, it ensures your business won’t be locked into outdated systems.

The Importance of Customization

Customization is crucial for any business tool. Every company has unique workflows, and your internal tools should reflect that. With Retool, you don’t have to choose between speed and customization. You can tailor your tools to fit your specific needs, ensuring they work seamlessly with your existing processes.

Enhancing Team Collaboration

Collaboration is key in any organization. Retool promotes better teamwork by allowing different departments to access and manage their tools. This reduces silos and enhances communication, leading to increased productivity. Teams can collaborate in real-time, making adjustments and updates as needed.

Integrating with Existing Systems

Retool’s ability to integrate with existing systems is another significant advantage. Whether you use CRM software, databases, or other tools, Retool can connect with them. This integration ensures that you can leverage your current investments while enhancing functionality.

Final Thoughts

Every company has unique workflows, and your internal tools should reflect that. With Retool, you don’t have to choose between speed and customization.

At LowCodeWebsite, we specialize in Retool migrations, custom dashboards, and workflow automation that help businesses save time and scale confidently.

👉 Ready to see what Retool can do for your business? Get in touch with our team and let’s build your next tool.