Open Innovation Software
Stop letting great ideas slip away. Capture, nurture,
and launch innovations that matter. Faster.
Customers who used this template
Fuel innovation, fast-track breakthroughs.
SPARK
vibrant idea networks that turn concepts into market-ready solutions, harnessing your collective brainpower.
MAXIMIZE
collaboration, turning stakeholders into innovation allies who propel ideas forward.
ELEVATE
your strategic growth with data-driven insights that showcase your program's tangible impact.
CULTIVATE
a digital sanctuary where innovative minds absorb knowledge and accelerate breakthroughs effortlessly.
Is your innovation
pipeline clogged by communication chaos?
Break down silos, connect minds, and watch brilliant ideas
flow freely across your organization.
Tailor-made innovation hubs
Create custom databases for everything from startup profiles to technology trends, ensuring your innovation ecosystem is always organized and accessible.
Collaborate without boundaries
Foster focused discussions and streamline project management with specialized groups and instant chats, keeping your innovation teams and all stakeholders in perfect sync.
Control your innovation landscape
Craft custom access levels for internal teams and external partners, ensuring the right people have the right information at the right time.
Is idea evaluation eating
up your innovation time?
Transform your innovation pipeline into a streamlined process
with visual, collaborative tools.
Visualize your innovation journey
Transform your innovation process into an intuitive visual roadmap. Our Kanban-style boards let you spot bottlenecks and opportunities at a glance.
Collaborate in context
Link profiles, entries, and events directly to project cards. Keep all relevant information at your fingertips, enhancing team efficiency.
Showcase innovation in action
Spotlight ongoing projects with dedicated profiles. Highlight key details and link project partners to build a vibrant innovation network.
Nurture ideas organically
Empower employees to propose and discuss new ideas right on the board. Easily loop in potential partners to enrich the conversation.
Tired of innovation partner hunts eating up your calendar?
Launch, manage, and evaluate challenges effortlessly - from
ideation to implementation.
Spark innovation on demand
Design and deploy innovation challenges in minutes with our custom modules. Capture partner applications seamlessly, turning ideas into action faster.
Simplify evaluation processes
Seamlessly connect application forms to evaluation pipelines. Give your jury an intuitive platform to assess and advance the most promising innovations.
Showcase your innovation
Create stunning web pages to highlight your challenges, projects, and successes. No coding needed - all you need is just a few clicks to watch your innovation story come to life.
Is your innovation inbox a black hole for great ideas?
Turn scattered departmental insights into a unified stream
of innovation gold.
Capture every spark of inspiration
Our flexible request system lets you collect and organize ideas from every corner of your organization, ensuring no brilliant insight goes unnoticed.
Tailor your innovation funnel
Craft custom modules to capture exactly the data you need. From technology trends to market insights, build databases that fuel your innovation engine.
Connect the dots effortlessly
everage smart matching to connect ideas with the right teams or external partners, accelerating your innovation cycle automatically.
Visualize your innovation flow
Use our intuitive pipeline to track ideas from conception to implementation. See at a glance where your next big breakthrough is coming from.
Is your innovation pipeline running on empty?
Refine your innovation hunt and turn it into a laser-focused quest for disruptive solutions, strategic partnerships, all in a carefully curated database.
Build your innovation ecosystem
Create a dynamic startup database, easily filterable by industry, tech, or location. Find your next breakthrough partner in seconds, not weeks.
Tailor your innovation radar
Craft custom modules for specific innovation challenges. Capture exactly the data you need to spot tomorrow's breakthroughs today.
Open the floodgates of ideas
Deploy smart forms across your platform to gather insights effortlessly. Turn every interaction into a potential eureka moment for your innovation pipeline.
What are you waiting for? Start building your Open Innovation Software
Leverage the advantages
of our no-code platform
Be your own developer
Fast-track your digitalization journey
Cut software development cost by 80% with no-code flexibility
Find more insights related to building a community with an Open Innovation Software
Features
Meet LoftOS's Business Matchmaking System To Connect Smarter
Feeling frustrated watching your community struggle to make meaningful connections? You know the pain of seeing promising partnerships slip through the cracks with dead-end networking conversations.
You're not alone. In fact, 99% of traditional networking is pretty much a waste of time.
But what if you could play matchmaker and facilitate real interactions and provide tangible value within your network? That's where LoftOS comes in.
We've supercharged our intelligent business matchmaking system to empower you to create tailored connections effortlessly.
In this piece, we'll show you how LoftOS is completely customizable, allowing you to handpick ideal matches for your community based on the exact criteria that matter most to your business.
No coding required, just pure efficiency.
With LoftOS you're in control. Define your preferences, tweak weightings, and nurture connections at your own pace.
And we want to tell you all about our latest update.
The Flexible Business Matchmaking Foundation: LoftOS No-Code Configurability
True networking mastery requires more than just basic filters - it's about making genuine connections that click on a deeper level. That's where LoftOS truly shines with its unmatched flexibility for tailored business matchmaking.
Right out of the box, our no-code platform comes set up with pre-built modules for common needs like Offers, Requests, Events, and more. But don't stop there - LoftOS allows you to easily build additional custom modules matched to your unique needs and goals.
Yes, it's all powered by our integrated no-code tools. Let’s see how that looks.
What Powers LoftOS Business Matchmaking?
Within each module, you'll find databases for storing specific data types. Not only can you customize these databases with access controls and filters, but you can define your own user types with distinct sections and attributes to capture the data points you need.
For example, if you are a program manager running a startup accelerator program you could easily define custom user types like "Mentors", “Founders”, “Investors” or "Rising Stars" with enriched specific section and attributes collecting information that genuinely matter such as:
Amount of customers
Skills
Credentials
Languages spoken
Certificationns
Pitch deck
In the backend, platforms admins can decide whether this attribute is a Free-text, Multi-Choice, Linear Scale, File Upload, etc…for capturing nuanced details that lead to meaningful matches down the road.
The options are limitless.
But we don't stop there.
LoftOS connects those rich user profiles with fully tailored onboarding journeys. New members, defined by the user types created before, are guided to provide all the right info upfront, setting them up for success from day one.
It's a holistic approach to business matchmaking - first understanding your distinct audience segments, then continually enhancing matches as your community's needs evolve.
Oh…and that's just scratching the surface of LoftOS's customizability.
This unparalleled flexibility is baked into our entire platform DNA. When it comes to crafting the ideal networking experience, you're empowered to design it all in a code-free, user-friendly environment that we’ll tell you below.
How LoftOS Matchmaking Works
Creating tailored matches is as easy as 1-2-3-4. Our intuitive four-step flow empowers you to facilitate any kind of strategic connection - from pairing students with mentors to matching investors with startups.
It's business matchmaking elevated to an art form. Let’s see how it looks.
Step 1: Connect the user types you want to match. For example, let's say you're building a university innovation platform. You'd simply select the "Student" and "Coach" types you previously defined, and LoftOS automatically knows exactly which audiences to match.
Step 2: Create your match "recipe" by pairing up relevant attributes from each user type. Maybe Students have an attribute for a section entitled "What I'm Looking For?" with options like coaching, mentorship, co-founders. Match that against Coaches' section "What I Offer" choices like leadership training or consulting. The possibilities are limitless.
Step 3: Set any additional conditions for an ideal match. Looking for local coaches only? Or Students with specific expertise? Just toggle those preferences to filter suggestions.
Step 4: Finalize by adjusting the match quality threshold and to maximum suggestions a user will receive after the matching is set up. For example, Admins can set a 90% quality minimum that ensures a great company matchmaking, while capping at 3 suggestions prevents overwhelming your users.
And that's it! Your intelligent matchmaking is now live, ready to connect members with their most compatible counterparts.
You Have The Power To Create Anything You Dream of
But what truly sets LoftOS apart is the boundless flexibility to craft your own unique matching experience from scratch. From investors and entrepreneurs to jobseekers and employers.
Think:
Real estate agents matching properties to buyers
Companies matched with relevant support consultants
Accommodation seekers paired with ideal room/flatmate options
Buyers automatically matched to compatible sellers
Dating/friendship connections based on shared interests and values
LoftOS hands you the reins to bring your wildest matchmaking vision to life. And we take it a step further by naturally bridging this process to your custom Onboarding journeys.
From the moment a new user signs up, you can prompt them to provide all the critical insights that will unlock top level matching - from core traits and preferences down to niche requirements.
LoftOS combines intelligent business matchmaking algorithms with human-centered onboarding to ensure your members are paired with ideal counterparts from day one.
Matchmaking your way: Handpick Your Matches
But what if you want to take networking into your own hands?
Beyond smart automated matching capabilities, we empower you to take full control as the master matchmaker. With intuitive overrides, you get to handpick any connections you prefer.
Spotted two members who would be a powerful partnership?
As platform admin, you can simply boost that suggested match to 100% compatibility with a few clicks. Or if our system surfaces an unwanted lukewarm suggestion, you can hide or bump it down entirely. This granular control means your members only see the most viable introductions.
The choice is yours to curate only the most promising pairings for your community.
So let's say you've identified a prime consultant for a governmental project opportunity. With handpicked matches, you can directly initiate that connection, overriding the system match to a 100% compatibility rating.
Prefer to go totally manual at times?
You can also toggle to display only your personal handpicked matches temporarily. It's the perfect blend of automated efficiency and human curation. You remain the networking authority, while our technology simplifies the heavy lifting.
Getting Started: Your Roadmap to Better Business Matchmaking
Behind every great partnership is a well-engineered journey, getting the right people in the right networking stream. But you're wondering how to actually get started, right?
Here's how that journey begins for you:
First, head over to our free platform templates and choose the use case that best fits your matchmaking needs. Entrepreneurship hub? Community network? We've got a template to kickstart your growth.
From there, you'll define the core modules for your platform and within the attributes that capture your members' must-have details.
Then ask yourself, “What are the key traits you need to facilitate networking?” Make those traits your matching data points by building out dedicated sections. Not sure how? Check out our guide on launching a tailored platform 10x faster.
Once that's done, navigating to the matchmaking settings is easy - just head to the admin panel, scroll down to "Other" and click on ‘Matchmaking’.
Told you it was simple.
But let's be honest, matchmaking is still a complex game.
So if you'd rather get professional guidance in making this a success, we've got our experts ready to hop on a call and co-pilot you to success. Book a 30 minute free call with our team, it's matching time!
Best practices
A Quick Guide to Transform Your Business with Innovation Management Software
Innovation is the lifeblood of any successful business. It is the key to staying ahead of the competition, meeting customer needs, and driving growth.
However, managing innovation can get complicated, especially for organizations that lack the necessary tools and resources.
This is where innovation management software comes in.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the benefits of no-code platform solutions for innovation management, providing decision-makers and professionals with practical guidance and insights to help them leverage these tools effectively.
From ideation to implementation, this article covers all aspects of innovation management software, ensuring that readers gain a deep understanding of the subject matter and its potential to transform their organizations.
What is Innovation Management?
Innovation management is the process of managing innovation within an organization
It involves identifying opportunities for innovation, generating and developing ideas, choosing and carrying out the best ones, and measuring the results.
Innovation management is essential for businesses that want to stay competitive and relevant in today's fast-paced and ever-changing business environment.
The Importance of Innovation Management
The importance of innovation management extends across all industries. From technology and healthcare to education and finance, the ability to innovate and adapt is a key determinant of an organization's success.
As markets become increasingly competitive, businesses must continually innovate to:
Differentiate their products and services
Meet evolving customer needs
Drive growth
The Evolution of Innovation Management
Over time, the approach to innovation management has evolved. While it was once a linear process, today's innovation management is often iterative, involving ongoing experimentation, learning, and adaptation.
This shift reflects the complexity and uncertainty of the modern business environment, where change is the only constant.
Strategies and Methodologies for Innovation Management
There are different strategies and methodologies for innovation management. Some organizations adopt a top-down approach, where strategic direction is set by senior leaders and innovation initiatives are driven from the top.
Others adopt a bottom-up approach, encouraging all employees to contribute ideas and participate in innovation. Many organizations use a combination of both approaches, recognizing that innovation can come from anywhere.
Regardless of the specific approach, effective innovation management requires:
A supportive culture
Clear processes
The right tools
This is where innovation management software, like LoftOS, can play a crucial role.
But we will talk about that a bit later.
Let us first dive into innovation management software.
What is an Innovation Management Software?
Innovation management tools are software solutions that help organizations manage their innovation processes.
These tools provide a range of features and functionalities that enable businesses to optimize their innovation processes, boost collaborative efforts, and drive smarter, data-informed decisions.
Benefits of Innovation Management Software
Innovation management software offers a range of benefits for businesses of all sizes and industries.
Here are some of the key benefits:
Increased Efficiency and Productivity
Innovation management software can help businesses simplify the innovation journey from idea to implementation, reducing the time and effort required to generate and develop ideas.
For example, a company could use LoftOS to automate the idea submission and evaluation process, allowing them to quickly identify and act on the most promising ideas.
This can lead to increased efficiency and productivity, allowing businesses to bring new products and services to market faster.
Improved Collaboration and Communication
Innovation management software provides collaboration and communication tools that enable teams to work together more effectively.
These collaboration features could be used to facilitate brainstorming sessions, allowing team members from different departments or locations to contribute ideas and feedback.
This leads to better idea generation and development, as well as improved decision-making.
Enhanced Creativity and Idea Generation
Innovation management software also provides a range of ideation tools that can help businesses generate more and better ideas.
These tools often incorporate advanced natural language processing analysis, enabling businesses to identify unique ideas that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.
Better Decision-Making and Risk Management
Innovation management software also comes equipped with data analytics and reporting tools that enable businesses to make better decisions and manage risk more effectively.
These tools can help businesses identify trends and patterns, evaluate the potential impact of different ideas, and make smarter decisions.
Competitive Advantage and Market Differentiation
Innovation management software can also help businesses differentiate themselves from their competitors by enabling them to deliver innovative products and services that meet customer needs more effectively.
This can lead to increased market share and revenue growth.
Empowering Innovation with LoftOS
Let's shift our focus to LoftOS, our no-code innovation management software solution that's designed to supercharge your innovation processes.
LoftOS is not just about managing innovation, it's about creating a vibrant, interactive hub where your innovation thrives.
Now, let's dive deeper into the unique features that make LoftOS stand out:
Unleashing Collective Intelligence
Dive into a sea of startups and innovation communities with just one click. With our innovation management software, you cast your challenges wide, uncovering new ideas, technologies, and business opportunities that align with your strategic goals.
Streamlining Innovation Workflows
Forget about cluttered processes. Our project management and workflow automation tools digitize and centralize your innovation tech ecosystem. We’re all ab out turning chaos into a well-oiled innovation machine.
Fostering Collaborative Cultures
Break down the silos. Our collaboration and communication tools build a culture of cooperation among teams, startups, and external contributors. This isn't just teamwork - it's a fusion of ideas and talents, sparking meaningful connections and creating a community that innovates together.
Harnessing the Power of Data
Turn data into your secret weapon. Our data analytics and reporting tools help you track and measure the success of your innovation initiatives. You can now make smarter decisions that drive your innovation forward.
Building Your Digital Ecosystem
Why not create a digital community that's uniquely yours? With LoftOS you can engage internal stakeholders, external partners, and suppliers with customizable profiles and databases. It's not just about digitizing your ecosystem, it's about creating a vibrant, interactive hub where innovation thrives.
Innovation Management Software vs. Traditional Methods: Which Comes Out on Top?
Have you ever wondered how innovation management software stacks up against traditional methods of managing innovation?
Let's take a closer look:
Traditional Methods of Managing Innovation
Traditional methods often involve manual processes, such as brainstorming sessions, physical suggestion boxes, and face-to-face meetings.
While these methods can be effective, they also have their limitations:
Time-consuming: Manual processes can be labor-intensive and time-consuming, slowing down the pace of innovation.
Limited collaboration: Traditional methods often limit collaboration to those who can be physically present at meetings or brainstorming sessions.
Difficulty tracking and evaluating ideas: Without a centralized system, tracking and evaluating ideas can be challenging and disorganized.
Innovation Management Software
On the other hand, innovation management software like LoftOS offers a more efficient and effective alternative:
Efficiency: Automation features streamline the innovation process, saving time and resources.
Enhanced collaboration: Online tools enable collaboration across different locations and time zones, bringing together a wider range of perspectives.
Easy tracking and evaluation of ideas: A centralized system makes it easy to track and evaluate ideas, ensuring that no good idea falls through the cracks.
So, when it comes to managing innovation, why stick to traditional methods when a more efficient and effective solution is available?
Make the switch to innovation management software and supercharge your innovation process.
Choosing the Right Innovation Management Software
Choosing the right innovation management software can be a daunting task, This is especially true for businesses that are new to the technology. To make this easier for you, we've included some key factors to consider when selecting a software solution:
Assessing Your Organization's Needs and Goals
Before selecting a software solution, it is important to assess your organization's needs and goals. This can help you identify the features and functionalities that are most important for your business.
Evaluating Software Features and Capabilities
When evaluating innovation management software solutions, it is important to consider the features and capabilities that are most important for your business. Think of ideation tools, project management and workflow automation, collaboration and communication tools.
Considering Budget and Pricing Models
It is also important to consider your budget and the pricing models offered by different software vendors. Some vendors offer free versions or free trials, while others require a subscription or a one-time fee. For example, with LoftOS, you can create your free platform with just your email.
Researching Vendor Reputation and Customer Support
Finally, it is important to research the reputation of different software vendors and their customer support offerings. This can help you select a vendor that is reliable, trustworthy, and responsive to your needs.
Implementing Innovation Management Software
Implementing innovation management software is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and preparation.
Here are the key steps to consider:
Planning and Preparation
Before implementing innovation management software, it is important to develop a clear plan that outlines your goals, timelines, and resource requirements. This can help you ensure that the implementation process goes smoothly and that you achieve your desired outcomes.
Training and Onboarding
Once you have selected a software solution, it is important that you provide training and onboarding to your team. This can help them understand how to use the software effectively and maximize its benefits.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Finally, it is important to monitor and evaluate the success of your innovation management software implementation. This can help you identify areas for improvement and make adjustments to your processes and workflows as needed.
Best Practices for Innovation Management Software
To get the most out of your innovation management software, it is important to follow best practices, such as:
Encouraging Employee Participation and Engagement
Create a culture that encourages idea sharing and collaboration. This can include providing incentives for idea generation, recognizing and rewarding innovative ideas, and creating a supportive environment for innovation.
Establishing Clear Goals and Metrics
Establishing clear goals and metrics is essential for measuring the success of your innovation management initiatives. This can include setting targets for idea generation, tracking the progress of innovation projects, and evaluating the impact of different ideas.
Continuously Improving and Adapting the Software
Continuously improving and adapting your innovation management software is essential for staying ahead of the competition and meeting changing customer needs. This can include incorporating feedback from users, evaluating new features and functionalities, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.
Facing Challenges with Innovation Management Software?
While innovation management software can provide numerous benefits, it's not uncommon to face some challenges along the way. But don't worry, we've got you covered.
Let's explore some of the most common challenges and their solutions:
Challenge 1: Building an Innovation Culture
Creating an innovation culture can be a steep hill to climb for many organizations. It requires a shift in mindset, empowering employees to share ideas, collaborate, and challenge traditional ways of thinking.
Solution: Start by defining what innovation means for your organization and communicate this vision clearly to all employees. Encourage open dialogue, celebrate creative thinking, and accept that not all ideas will be successful. This will help to create an environment where innovation can flourish.
Challenge 2: User Adoption
Are your team members hesitant to use the new software? User adoption can be a significant challenge when introducing any new technology.
Solution: Provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to help users understand the benefits and functionality of the software. Highlight how it can make their work easier and more efficient. Also, consider implementing the software in phases to allow users to gradually adapt to the new system.
Challenge 3: Measuring ROI
Not sure how to measure the return on investment (ROI) of your innovation management software? Demonstrating the value of your innovation efforts can be tricky, especially in the early stages.
Solution: Use the data analytics and reporting features of your innovation management software to track key metrics, such as the number of ideas generated, the time saved on project management, or the revenue from new products or services developed through the platform. Over time, these metrics can help demonstrate the ROI of your innovation management software.
Let’s Wrap it Up
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, innovation management isn't just an option. It's a necessity. With the right software, you can supercharge your innovation process, boost collaboration, and make strategic decisions with confidence.
It's about time we stop merely talking about innovation and start actively enabling it.
Ready for transformation? Get started with our Enterprise Open Innovation template. We tailor-made this template to connect you with a vast network of innovators and startups from day one.
Let's drive your innovation forward together!
Best practices
Launch Faster: The Complete Guide to Configuring Your New LoftOS Platform
👋 Welcome to the beginning of your LoftOS journey! You've just unlocked a world of endless possibilities, and guess what? Customizing couldn't be easier.The purpose of this guide is to help you align your platform with your goals.Whether you're a startup looking to scale or an enterprise aiming for more efficient workflows, LoftOS has got you covered. Flexibility? It's not just a buzzword here; it's our middle name and in this guide we’ll show you how. 🗺️ To make navigating this guide easier, we've added a table of contents below divided it into bite-sized sections. First, we'll talk about basic steps when setting up your new platform, then we’ll walk you through modules and finally we’ll talk about customizing your navigation panel to your liking.Table of contents:Platform Setup - First StepsCustomizing your LoftOS Experience - General SettingsGoals and Use Cases: Your Roadmap to SuccessTurning Goals Into Actionable Configuration Steps (with an example)Mastering Module Settings: Shape Your Platform's Core FunctionsUnderstanding Databases, Types and AttributesYour Navigation, Your RulesAccess Management: Your Gateway KeeperDon't Just Customize — Personalize with LoftOS Pages Let's get started! 1. Platform Setup - First StepsIf you haven’t created your free platform yet, click here to get started and follow these steps. And if you have, you can skip ahead to the next section.Step 1: Name Your Platform & URLKick things off by giving your platform a memorable name and a URL. Don't stress; you can always change these later in the settings.Step 2: Choose a Template (Or Don't)Here's where the fun begins. LoftOS offers templates that pre-configure your platform for specific use-cases. Whether you're into Research & Education, Sales & Marketing, or even Community Management, think of them as a starting point — a quick way to get your platform up and running without breaking a sweat.For example, let's say you're focused on sparking innovation in your local community. Our "Regional Innovation Network" template is your go-to choice. It sets you up with all the essentials to cultivate partnerships and drive growth in your area. Keep this in mind: These aren't rigid, one-size-fits-all solutions. Nope, they're more like guidelines. You can tweak them,, or even build upon them to fit your unique needsBut hey, if you want to go freestyle, that's okay too. Step 3: Check Your InboxOnce you hit 'Continue,' keep an eye on your email. You'll get a welcome message from our sales team with all the details you need to get started.Alright, you've laid the groundwork. Next, we'll talk about how to make your platform truly yours.2.Customizing your LoftOS Experience - General SettingsFor starters, let’s configure your visual experience. We’re talking about colors, logo, navigation and everything that identifies your brand. Where to Go?Navigate to: Home ➡️ Admin ➡️ Platform Settings ➡️ General Settings.Step 4: Colors & LogoDial in your brand's style by setting the primary, secondary, and navigation colors. Don't forget the logo and favicon! The primary color sets the tone for your platform. This color will be used for buttons, scroll bars, and other design elements like emails, footers, etc...Navigation colors jazz up your header bar, where you find the search, messaging center, notifications and other settings. As you know, your logo is the face of your platform. It shows up in emails and updates sent to your users.Step 5: Language of PlatformChoose the languages you want your platform to be in. LoftOS lets you add multiple languages, thanks to our state-of-the-art machine translation models. The goal is to lower language barriers and promote international networking between all users in the Innoloft Ecosystem.Keep in mind that translation quality can vary by language. European languages usually come out with better quality, but for others like Chinese, the results might be a bit hit-or-miss sometimes.Heads up: On the free plan, you can only pick one language alongside English.Step 6: Contact InformationThis is where you jot down all the essentials: Organization Name, Email, Address, Phone, and any extra tidbits. This info will show up in places like the imprint and email footers. Make sure it's up-to-date!Step 7: Legal NoticeYou can either write your own or link to an external one. Your call. Step 8: Terms of UsageThe terms of usage are your platform's rulebook. They outline what's allowed, what's not, and what users can expect from your service. Good news: LoftOS has got you covered with ready-to-edit templates in both German and English.Okay, you've nailed the basics. Next, we'll dive into mapping your goals for the platform before we jump into customizing your navigation. 3. Goals and Use Cases: Your Roadmap to Success Before you dive into the nitty-gritty of configuring LoftOS modules, take a step back. What are you aiming to achieve with your platform? Jot down your goals and list every use-case you can envision. Trust us, this will make your life easier down the line.Project Background & Strategy Understanding your vision is key to configuring your platform effectively. Ask yourself:What are your goals?Are you looking to showcase innovative technologies to SMEs?Do you want to streamline customer service interactions?Or are you finding solutions to business challenges? Who's your target audience?Knowing who you're trying to reach helps tailor your platform.What value will your project provide?This could be anything from increasing efficiency to generating revenue.Who are your stakeholders?Who will be directly involved in the project/using the platform?Questions to Think About:Impact: What qualitative goals do you have? Maybe you're aiming to cut down user time spent on a specific task or increase efficiency in a certain area.KPIs: How will you measure success? It could be the number of onboarded users, generated matches, or any other metric that matters to you.4.Turning Goals Into Actionable Configuration Steps (with an example)So you've got your goals, KPIs, and target audience. Now, how do you turn these into actual platform settings? Let's dive into an example to make this crystal clear.Target Audience: Students and CorporatesValue Provided:For Students: Job offersFor Corporates: Candidate profilesPlatform Requirement: Enable corporates to showcase job offersConfiguration Requirement: Create a database for job offers in the 'Offers' module.See what we did there? We took the general aim of 'connecting students and corporates' and translated it into specific configuration steps you can implement in LoftOS.5.Mastering Module Settings: Shape Your Platform's Core FunctionsNow that you’ve decided what you want your platform to be about. It’s time to talk about modules, the heart of your platform.Where to Find ItNavigate to: Admin ➡️ Platform Settings ➡️ Module Settings.This is your platform's control center. It's where you pull the strings to make magic happen. Want to enable users to create offers, requests, or share news of your organization? This is where you make it happen.In Module Settings, you can manage databases, types, attributes, and more. It's like your platform's DNA.Default Modules You'll FindFirst off, when you open your new platform, you’ll find these modules that can be configured within the module settings:Feed: Your platform's social pulse.Offers: Where deals get made.Organizations: The who's who of your platform.Requests: What people are looking for.News: Keep everyone in the loop.Projects: Where you showcase your organization's achievements.You can configure any type of database, types, and attributes within each module, except ‘Feed’. Below, we'll dive into what this means, so keep reading!
Other Modules to Think AboutBesides these, LoftOS offers other modules like:Members: Manage your community members.Events: Create and manage live virtual events like webinars or, workshops.Groups: Create specialized ‘sub-networks’ groups within the LoftOS Network.Forms: Collect information and feedback from events or other use-cases.Programs: Run online learning programs for your users.Awards and Accelerator Programs: Foster innovation, recognize and celebrate achievements.These don't have Module Settings but are equally important to consider for your platform's functionality.6. Understanding Databases, Types and AttributesIf all of these terms sound intimidating, don't worry. We've got you covered. It's simpler than it sounds, promise!What's a Database?A Database is a folder in each module where you can store specific types of data. For example, in the 'Offers' module, let’s create a database called 'Job Database.'Once you've created a database, you can give it a unique URL, icon, header image and even decide who gets to see or edit it. Types: The Heart of Your DatabaseTypes are like sub-folders in your database. Your new platform comes with some pre-set types like 'Patent' or 'Research Result,' (within the ‘offers’ module in this example) but you’re not limited to these. You can always create your own individual types to fit your specific needs. Quick Heads-Up: It's worth mentioning that the 'Organizations' module is a bit of an exception. You can't create custom types there; you'll have to work with the default types it offers.Are you still with me so far? Ok, so following our ‘Job Database’ example above, let's say you create a new type called 'Job Openings’. Each type comes with standard sections like 'Header' and 'Target Customers' to help you present your offer as detailed as possible.Think of sections as the building blocks of your types. They help you organize the specific information you want to capture in a particular module. Section Tips:You can rearrange the order of sections by dragging them around.Toggle visibility and options on or off as you like.The position of the Header-Section is fixed, so it stays put.But guess what? You're not stuck with just the default sections. Feel free to add your own. In our 'Job Openings' example, you could introduce a new section called 'Skills Required' and add specific attributes to it.So, What Are Attributes?These are the specific questions or data points you want to capture within each section. You can choose from various formats like multiple-choice, file upload, and more.So, in your 'Job Database,' you could have a ‘Job Openings' type with a custom section for 'Employment Type’ with a single choice attribute, or you can also include a multiple-choice that filters a particular skill required.With so many customization options, you can tailor your platform in a million different ways. Remember, LoftOS isn't just a community management solution; it's a canvas for your imagination. 7. Your Navigation, Your RulesSo, you've got the hang of general settings, dabbled in module settings, and even set up some databases. Awesome! Now, let's talk about the cherry on top: navigation settings.Navigate to: Admin ➡️ Platform Settings ➡️ Navigation Settings.This is where you can make your platform feel like home. Here you can rename those entry points, link them to your databases, edit their icons, toggle on/off visibility and even add dropdowns to guide your users exactly where they need to go. Understanding 'Link' Options in Navigation SettingsIf you scroll down to the bottom of the Navigation Settings page, you'll find a section labeled 'Link.' This is where the magic happens for each of your navigation entry points.Let's break down what each option means:Database: This allows you to link the entry point to a specific database like Offers, Requests, Organizations, or News.Module: Use this to link the entry point to a specific module, such as Events, Groups, Feed, etc.Single Entity: This lets you link to a specific piece of content on your platform, like a single offer, request, group, or news article.External Link: Use this to redirect users to an external website. You can link to LoftOS forms, Pages, or any other external sites.Start a Chat with a User: This sets up a direct line to a contact person for a specific topic.Need a little inspiration?Let’s take a look at our customer Netherlands Institute for Sustainable Packaging (KIDV) and their platform Planet Reuse. In their navigation, they've got a dropdown menu called 'Marketplace' with entry points like 'Reuse Solutions' and 'Supplies and Services' connected to their respective databases. Imagine being in the food industry and finding the perfect reusable container offerings in just a couple of clicks. That's the power of a well-crafted navigation.Just like Planet Reuse did, you can tailor your navigation to fit your specific needs. Are you a startup looking to highlight your services or software? Build an offers database to connect with potential SMEs, corporations or investors. Operating a regional innovation center? How about a 'Local Initiatives' dropdown to showcase community projects? There’s no limit and the possibilities are all yours to explore.Explore More with LoftOS CustomersWant to see more examples? You can head over to our customers page to explore how others are using LoftOS to their advantage. The best part? Many of these platforms offer free access, meaning you can check out their navigation settings without even logging in.Get inspired and see what you can create! 8. Access Management: Your Gateway KeeperAlright, you’ve made it this far! You've set up your LoftOS no-code platform, tweaked the modules, and even personalized your navigation settings. Now, let's talk about who gets to see all this. Enter "Access Settings," the bouncer of your platform.When you navigate to Access Management, the first thing you'll see is "Access Settings." Here's the rundown:Private Users: Is worth noting that there are two options.The first one were users can access your platform, read data and take part in events with a private account without revealing their organization. And the second option, where your users must be assigned to an organization to use your platform.Access After Approval: Think of this as your VIP list. You'll find options that range from a total open house to a VIP-only access. Packages: The Fine Print of AccessPackages are your way of dialing in on the details. They let you specify what each organization on your platform can see and do. For example, you could set up an 'Investors' package that only allows access to the 'Organizations' module. For more details, learn more about packages on our Knowledge Base. 9. Don't Just Customize — Personalize with LoftOS PagesYour LoftOS journey doesn't stop at modules and navigation settings. Nope, we're taking it up a notch! Imagine not just tweaking settings but actually crafting web pages that are a mirror image of your brand.This isn't just another feature; it's your secret weapon to take your brand to the next level. With ‘Pages’ you can create landing pages, event registration pages, and even internal platform pages like welcome pages or content publishing hubs. The possibilities are endless. To find it, head over to Admin ➡️ Content Management ➡️ Pages and hit that "+ Page" sign at the top right corner. Once you create a custom URL you’ll be taken to our versatile web builder loaded with sleek templates for everything from Headers to FAQs.Real-World Example: Meet CollaebNeed some inspiration? Check out how Collaeb, a platform that connects entrepreneurs and startups in Aachen, used LoftOS Pages to elevate their user experience. They crafted an event registration page for their upcoming Fempreneurs event, rolled out a welcome page for their Collective Incubator Academy, and even put together a step-by-step guide for individuals to learn how to create the perfect profile that stands out.And the best part? No coding required. Curious? You should be. Dive into our in-depth ‘Pages’ article to discover how you can turn your platform into a personalized powerhouse.Your Next Chapter Starts with LoftOSYou've just had a wholesome tour of what LoftOS can do, from its powerful customization features to its flexibility as a web portal software, and trust us, this is just the tip of the iceberg. If you want to dive deeper into specific features, check our Knowledge base, where you can find detailed information on all features and modules, learn best practices, and get guided videos to understand your new platform better. From setting up your platform to customizing modules and even building your own web pages, LoftOS is as flexible as you are ambitious. It's not about fitting into a mold anymore; it's about breaking the mold and creating something uniquely yours. So, what are you waiting for? If you haven't already, create your free platform now and start turning your wildest dreams into digital reality.
