Build no-code intelligent Agents with AppSheet, Gemini, and Vertex AI

Key Concepts

AppSheet, AI Agent, Apps Script, No-Code Platform, Workflow Automation, Google Workspace Integration, Vertex AI, LangChain, Dynamic Emails, Inventory Management, REST API, Google Forms Integration, User Pass License, AppSheet Admin Controls.

AppSheet Overview

• Definition: AppSheet is Google's AI-powered, no-code platform for building mobile apps and automated workflows.
• Data Sources: Connects directly to existing data from Google Workspace, GCP, and other sources.
• Key Benefits: Facilitates business workflow automation, improves team coordination, and strengthens security and governance.
• Security and Governance: Provides essential security and governance controls.

New AppSheet Features

• Gemini Integration: Allows app users to add data by extracting and summarizing information from photos and files.
• Workspace Integrations: Enables triggering automations from Gmail and embedding apps within Google Sites.
• Integration Connectors: Simplifies integration with other enterprise systems.
• User Pass License: Provides control over data and app usage.
• Enhanced AppSheet Admin Controls: Offers greater control over app management.

Cymbal Shops Onboarding Demo

• Scenario: Demonstrates how AppSheet digitizes the employee onboarding process at Cymbal Shops.
• Key Roles:
  • Jeffrey Clark (Onboarding Group Lead): Curates welcome kits and tracks their status.
  • Caitlyn Powell (Logistics Manager): Monitors warehouse inventory and manages stock.
  • Ann Gray (Store Manager): Approves updated shopping carts for stock replenishment.
• Process:
  1. New employees submit preferences (e.g., t-shirt sizes) via Google Forms.
  2. AppSheet integrates with Google Forms to trigger workflows based on submissions.
  3. Apps Script tracks inventory based on the number of welcome kits.
  4. When inventory falls below a threshold, an AI agent deployed in Vertex AI is invoked.
  5. The AI agent updates shopping carts to initiate replenishment.
  6. Caitlyn and Ann receive email notifications about low inventory.
  7. Ann approves updated carts directly from her email using dynamic emails.
  8. AppSheet automation triggers Apps Script to invoke the AI agent to place the order and replenish stock.

Technical Architecture

• Integration: AppSheet integrates with an AI agent using Apps Script.
• Apps Script Function: Uses REST API to invoke the AI agent.
• AI Agent Tools: Equipped with tools for updating carts, placing orders, and accessing inventory information.
• AI Agent Development:
  • Vertex AI Agent Builder: Offers a no-code approach for conversational agent creation.
  • LangChain in Vertex AI SDK: Used in the demo for a low-code approach. Code snippets are available in the LangChain documentation.
• Dynamic Emails: Used for notifications and approvals, allowing Ann to approve requests directly from her email.

AI Agent Implementation Details

• Vertex AI Deployment: The AI agent is deployed in Vertex AI.
• REST API Invocation: Apps Script uses REST API to communicate with the AI agent.
• LangChain Integration: The demo utilizes LangChain in Vertex AI SDK for agent development.
• Agent Capabilities: The agent can update carts, place orders, and access inventory information.

Apps Script Details

• Purpose: Acts as the bridge between AppSheet and the AI agent.
• Functionality: Uses REST API to invoke artifacts deployed in Vertex AI.
• Task Specification: Script execution is specified as a task within AppSheet.

Inventory Management

• Threshold Trigger: When inventory drops below a set threshold, the replenishment process is initiated.
• Automated Updates: Online shopping carts are automatically updated to start the replenishment process.
• Notifications: Caitlyn and Ann receive email notifications regarding low-inventory levels.

Dynamic Emails

• Functionality: Allow users to take action (e.g., approve requests) directly from their email.
• Implementation: Powered by AppSheet and used to notify Ann and allow her to approve updated carts.

Conclusion

AppSheet, enhanced with AI agents and streamlined integrations, empowers businesses to automate workflows, improve efficiency, and make data-driven decisions. The Cymbal Shops demo illustrates how AppSheet can digitize processes like employee onboarding, leveraging AI for inventory management and automated stock replenishment. The integration with Google Workspace, Vertex AI, and tools like LangChain provides a powerful and flexible platform for building intelligent solutions.