App Columns

App Columns represent Proma’s innovative approach to combining data storage with built-in behaviors. These columns encapsulate both data and functionality, creating more intuitive and efficient workflows.

Tip

App Columns eliminate the need for complex workarounds by building common process behaviors directly into the column functionality.

Core App Columns

Team Members

Manage user assignments and team allocation with built-in user selection interface.

Time Tracker

Track time spent on tasks with automatic calculations and history tracking.

Button

Trigger custom automation flows with configurable buttons and actions.

Approval

Handle approval workflows with permission-based buttons and status tracking.

Process Management Columns

Task List

Manage multiple tasks within a row with progress tracking and organization.

Checklist

Track completion of predefined or custom items with progress indicators.

Watch

Enable row-level notifications with subscription management.

Whiteboard

Collaborative visual workspace for drawing and sketching.

Business Operations Columns

Cart

Product/service selection with pricing and optional stock management.

Payment

Handle financial transactions with multiple payment provider support.

PDF

Generate and manage PDF documents with template-based generation.

Mini Sheet

Embedded spreadsheet functionality with calculations and formulas.

Detailed Features

Approval Column

Configuration

Set up approvers through:

• Static team member selection
• Dynamic selection from another column
• Multiple approver support

Interface

Views change based on user role:

• Approvers see Approve/Reject buttons
• Others see current status
• All see approval history

Data Storage

Automatically tracks:

• Approval status
• Approver information
• Timestamp
• Decision history

Payment Column

Providers

Supported payment systems:

• Stripe (receiving payments)
• PayPal (receiving payments)
• Wise (sending payments)

Features

Key capabilities:

• Dynamic/static amounts
• Multiple currencies
• Transaction tracking
• Status monitoring

Implementation Guide

1. Choose the right App Column

   • Identify the required behavior
   • Review available options
   • Consider process requirements

2. Configure column settings

   • Set basic properties
   • Configure behavior-specific options
   • Set up permissions if needed

3. Set up related automations

   • Configure triggers
   • Define actions
   • Test workflows

4. Monitor and adjust

   • Track usage patterns
   • Gather user feedback
   • Optimize settings

Best Practices

Usage Guidelines

1. Choose Appropriately

   • Match column to actual needs
   • Consider user experience
   • Plan for scalability

2. Configure Thoroughly

   • Set up all relevant options
   • Test edge cases
   • Document settings

3. Integrate Effectively

   • Connect with automations
   • Plan workflows holistically
   • Consider dependencies

Caution

When using App Columns with automation features, always test the complete workflow with different user roles to ensure proper functionality.

Common Use Cases

Approval Workflows

Example setup:

1. Approval column for decision-making
2. Watch column for monitoring
3. PDF column for document generation
4. Button column for process triggers

E-commerce Operations

Typical configuration:

1. Cart column for order management
2. Payment column for transactions
3. PDF column for invoices
4. Checklist column for fulfillment

Project Management

Standard setup:

1. Time Tracker for effort tracking
2. Task List for subtasks
3. Team Members for assignment
4. Whiteboard for planning

Related Resources

Automation Guide Learn how to integrate App Columns with automations

Logic Builder Create dynamic behaviors for your App Columns