No Code Procurement is a phrase I came up with to highlight the many opportunities that are out there to build procurement apps using existing No Code tools.
The debate about Make vs. Buy never seems to go away. And, for the last 2-3 years, it seemed that “Buy” was pretty much the only game in town.
I mean, WHY on earth would you try and build something when so much money in VC-land has been pouring into procuretech? With all the talented engineers and product designers that Silicon Valley (or the London and Berlin startup scene for that matter) can hire, you must be on another planet to think you can build something better in-house with a tiny IT team and zero expertise of building a SaaS product.
So, why is the case for “Make” – or I guess “Build” being more accurate – seeing a renaissance?
Two reasons.
Reason 1:
Recent developments in AI. The growth of AI agents and Agentic AI is making it possible to leverage existing technology. You don’t necessarily need Procurement SaaS to build your own bots or agents. A decent IT outsourcing partner can do this for you.
Reason 2:
For those with no budget or very limited resources, it’s possible to use existing No Code applications to build procurement-specific apps. This enables small, or under-resourced procurement teams to build a minimum viable product (MVP) using existing, generic tech platforms.
We’re going to look at Reason 2 in this round-up of No Code Procurement Tools.
What are No Code Applications?
These applications don’t require any coding experience. Anyone who can watch a few YouTube videos or take a couple of Udemy courses can teach themselves.
I’m the perfect example. I’m not a tech guy (despite running a business all about procurement tech). Maths and logic confuses me. My brain doesn’t function that way.
I’m good at explaining and persuading someone why I believe something to be right or wrong, rather than a binary 1 or 0.
It’s probably why I studied politics…
But I’ve managed to teach myself how to use a few different No Code tools, at least to a level where I can build a basic app.
No Code development is all about leveraging the possibilities that these generic tools offer, and building a practical use case that can be applied and deliver added value in a business context.
These tools have varying pricing models, but typically you pay for them on a per-seat basis.
Subscriptions are made to be affordable to small businesses and tech startups for all of the ones we’ve included below. There are others which tend to focus more on growing businesses and enterprise, but we’ve not listed them here.
The idea here is to show you that even as a “Lone Ranger” or in a business that doesn’t value or invest in Procurement, you can still automate and digitise some basic processes.
What are the best No Code apps for Procurement?
So, let’s take a look at a few of these tools, and what they can do…
1. Airtable
Let’s start with Airtable, for one obvious reason. The back end database that powers ProcurementSoftware.site is built in Airtable. So, obviously, we like it!
Airtable combines the simplicity of spreadsheets with the power of databases, offering a flexible solution for organising information. Think of it like if Excel and Access had a baby, it would look something like Airtable.
It allows you to create customisable tables to manage projects, track progress, and store data, all in one place.
One key advantage of Airtable is its user-friendly interface. This enables teams of all technical abilities to collaborate in real time, automate repetitive tasks, and generate reports with ease.
Airtable’s versatility makes it suitable for various uses, and its pricing means it’s well within reach for smaller teams.
Examples of procurement tools in Airtable:
- Vendor master databases
- Contracts repository
- New supplier onboarding process
- Procurement pipeline and savings tracker
2. SmartSuite
SmartSuite is often viewed as being a direct alternative to Airtable.
It generally offers better functionality vs. Airtable when it comes to managing workflows, projects, and teams. SmartSuite provides deeper customisation, with a library of templates tailored for specific industries, allowing more robust design of workflows and processes.
The platform is highly adaptable, with enhanced collaboration features like in-app messaging, advanced permission settings, and real-time activity tracking. This makes it a better choice for project management or team collaboration. Although in general, it is more complex and not as easy to get started with as a tool compared to Airtable.
Overall, SmartSuite is a valuable tool for businesses seeking a unified approach to managing complex operations while keeping things simple and intuitive for users.
Examples of procurement tools in SmartSuite:
- Procurement project “stage gate” tracker
- Compliance database
3. Notion
Notion is an all-in-one workspace that combines note-taking, task management, and knowledge sharing in a single platform.
It’s designed to help individuals and teams organise their thoughts, plans, and projects with ease. Notion’s flexibility allows you to create custom templates for everything ranging from simple meeting notes to content calendars.
You can also make simple databases which can link related information, making it simple to navigate between tasks and resources. Think of this as “Airtable-lite” but with all the other features from Notion included too.
Notion provides a visually appealing and intuitive space to centralise your work. It’s a powerful tool for boosting productivity and staying organised…but it does take a while to figure out how to use it to its full ability.
Examples of procurement tools in Notion:
- Policy and Procedure Hub
- Onboarding and Handbook for new employees & contractors
- Supplier Relationship Management
4. Softr
Softr empowers users to build custom websites, portals, and apps using data from Airtable, SmartSuite, GoogleSheets or Notion, without requiring any coding knowledge.
Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to design functional, professional platforms tailored to your needs. Proof of this is our Software Finder App, which was made in Softr using back end data from Airtable.
Whether you’re creating a client portal, a team dashboard, or a marketplace, Softr provides pre-built templates and customisation options to bring your ideas to life quickly.
It bridges the gap between data management and user engagement, allowing you to share or display static data in a dynamic, user-friendly experience and portal.
Examples of procurement tools in Softr:
- Supplier directories for approved / preferred vendors with their product listings
- Project ideation and management, with access for stakeholders and suppliers too
- Procurement Intake Request Tracker
- Basic SRM tools
- Purchase Order processing
- Internal Procurement KPI Dashboard
5. ClickUp
ClickUp is a comprehensive task and project management tool designed for both teams and individuals. It consolidates multiple workflows into one platform, making it easy to plan, track, and complete tasks.
With features like to-do lists, timelines, and goal tracking, it caters to both small and large-scale projects. Teams can collaborate seamlessly by assigning tasks, setting priorities, and monitoring progress in real time. ClickUp’s adaptability allows you to tailor it to different work styles, ensuring that productivity is maximised.
It’s a go-to solution for anyone looking to stay organised and manage their time effectively.
Examples of procurement tools in ClickUp:
- Cross-departmental project collaboration
- Productivity tracking and goal setting
- Document storage within projects and tasks – as a SharePoint alternative
6. Glide
Glide makes it easy to transform spreadsheets into fully functional mobile or web apps. By connecting directly to your existing data, such as Google Sheets, you can quickly design and deploy apps that are interactive and user-friendly.
Its intuitive interface allows you to customise layouts, features, and functionality without writing code.
Glide is ideal for creating tools like inventory trackers, employee directories, or event planners, making it accessible for individuals and organisations alike.
Whether for personal projects or business solutions, Glide simplifies app development, enabling you to bring your ideas to life effortlessly.
Examples of procurement tools in Glide:
- Basic SRM tools
- Approved supplier product catalogues (self-hosted)
- Internal Training
7. Bubble
Bubble is an app-building platform that allows you to create complex web applications without any coding skills.
It offers an intuitive visual editor where you can design layouts, set up workflows, and add dynamic features tailored to your needs.
From building marketplaces to customer management tools, Bubble provides the flexibility to create custom solutions for any industry. Its robust functionality supports integrations, user authentication, and scalable designs, making it suitable for both startups and established businesses.
Bubble empowers anyone to launch powerful, professional-grade applications, eliminating the traditional barriers of time, cost, and technical expertise.
Examples of procurement tools in Bubble:
- Internally Hosted e-Procurement Catalogues
- Contract Management System
- Supplier Quality Management (SQM) Tracker
8. Jotform
Jotform simplifies the creation of online forms, surveys, and applications, making it easy to collect data efficiently.
With its user-friendly drag-and-drop editor, you can design customised forms that suit your specific needs. The platform also supports integrations with various other tools, ensuring seamless workflows and communication with some of the other No Code tools listed here.
Jotform is a versatile tool that allows you to automate responses, generate reports, and manage submissions all in one place. It’s an ideal solution for anyone who needs a straightforward way to gather and organise information while maintaining a professional and polished appearance.
Examples of procurement tools in Jotform:
- Intake request forms
- Supplier onboarding
- Contract approval
- Purchase order generation and approval
- Internal stakeholder surveys
