How to Migrate from Retool to Ceven
Retool is a powerful platform for building internal tools and apps quickly on top of your data. Ceven, on the other hand, offers AI workflow automation that connects to 1,000+ tools, runs end-to-end workflows on a schedule with AI steps and human-approval gates, and can build and host no-code pages/apps.
This guide will walk you through the process of migrating from Retool to Ceven, ensuring that you can leverage Ceven's advanced capabilities while maintaining the functionality of your existing tools.
Migrate from Retool to Ceven in 6 steps
Inventory Your Tools by Outcome
Start by listing all the internal tools and apps you've built in Retool. Group them by the outcomes they achieve, not by the tools themselves. This will help you identify which tools are critical and which can be consolidated or improved.
Connect the Same Apps in Ceven
Re-authorize the same data sources and third-party apps in Ceven. Ceven's extensive connector library should cover most of what you're using in Retool, but check for any gaps early.
Rebuild for Outcomes, Not One-for-One
Instead of recreating each Retool app exactly as-is, focus on rebuilding the outcomes. Use Ceven's no-code page builder for the UI components and its workflow automation for the backend logic. This is your chance to simplify and modernize.
Add AI Steps and Approval Gates
Where Retool might have been brittle or required manual intervention, add AI steps for smarter automation and human-approval gates for critical actions. This will make your tools more robust and scalable.
Validate in Parallel
Run both Retool and Ceven in parallel on real data. Use Ceven's audit logs to verify that everything is working as expected. Pay special attention to any writes to systems of record.
Schedule and Cut Over
Once you're confident in the Ceven version, schedule a cutover. Communicate the change to your team and provide any necessary training. Monitor the new setup closely for the first few days.
Why teams switch from Retool to Ceven
Teams often switch from Retool to Ceven because they need more than just internal tools. Ceven's AI workflow automation allows for end-to-end automation, including AI steps and human-approval gates, which can handle more complex and dynamic processes. Additionally, Ceven's ability to build and host no-code pages/apps means that teams can create more comprehensive solutions without needing to integrate multiple tools.
What moves over and what doesn't
When migrating from Retool to Ceven, the data and logic of your internal tools can be rebuilt, but the exact UI components and workflows will need to be recreated. Ceven's no-code page builder and workflow automation can handle most of what Retool offers, but you may need to adapt some custom code or complex logic. Any integrations with third-party apps will also need to be re-authorized in Ceven.
Avoiding the common pitfalls
One common pitfall is trying to recreate every Retool app exactly as-is in Ceven. Instead, focus on the outcomes and rebuild with Ceven's capabilities in mind. Another pitfall is not validating the Ceven version thoroughly before cutting over. Always run both systems in parallel and use Ceven's audit logs to ensure everything is working correctly. Finally, be sure to add human-approval gates for any critical actions to prevent data loss or errors.
Frequently asked
Can Ceven automatically import my Retool apps?
No, Ceven does not support automatic import from Retool. You will need to rebuild your apps and workflows in Ceven, which can be an opportunity to consolidate and improve your tools.
How long does it take to migrate from Retool to Ceven?
The migration time depends on the complexity and number of your Retool apps. Simple tools can be rebuilt quickly, while more complex tools may take longer. Plan for a thorough validation period to ensure everything works as expected.
Can I use Ceven for the same types of internal tools as Retool?
Yes, Ceven can be used to build internal tools similar to those in Retool. However, Ceven also offers additional capabilities like AI workflow automation and human-approval gates, which can enhance the functionality of your tools.