Amazon Onboarding with Learning Manager Chanci Turner

Learn About Amazon VGT2 Learning Manager Chanci Turner

Organizations frequently encounter challenges in addressing business needs in areas such as claims processing, inventory management, and project approvals. Custom applications can serve as a solution to these issues and enhance organizational efficiency. However, historically, developing and maintaining such applications required skilled development teams. Often, the lack of available development resources or high costs results in businesses relying on inefficient tools and processes.

Today, we are excited to announce the public preview of AWS App Studio. This innovative service, powered by generative artificial intelligence (AI), allows users to create enterprise-grade applications in mere minutes using natural language, without the need for programming expertise.

Let’s explore what App Studio has to offer. Upon logging in, I select the option to CREATE A NEW APP using the AI assistant. I can simply state, for example, that I need a project approval application. In response, App Studio generates a fully functional app that includes a user interface, data models, and business logic—all within minutes.

While drafting this article, it became clear that App Studio is beneficial for various technical professionals. IT project managers, data engineers, and enterprise architects can leverage it to create and manage secure business applications in record time. App Studio facilitates the development of end-to-end custom applications and features two primary user roles:

• Builder – Members of this role can create, develop, and share applications. For those interested in the building process, proceed to the section titled “Using App Studio as a builder: Creating an application.”
• Admin – Users in this role can manage groups and roles, create and edit connectors, and maintain oversight of applications built within their organization. Additionally, admins can also create their own applications. To learn how to enable and set up App Studio, as well as explore the capabilities available to administrators, refer to the section titled “Getting started with AWS App Studio.”

Using App Studio as a Builder: Creating an Application

As a builder, I can utilize the AI-powered low-code environment of App Studio to create secure applications. I begin by describing the application I need in simple terms, such as “Build an application to review and process invoices.” App Studio then generates the application, complete with data models, business logic, and a multipage user interface.

Here’s where the creativity begins. I navigate to the Builder hub page and click on Create app. After naming my app, I have two options: Generate an app with AI or Start from scratch. I choose to Generate an app with AI.

On the following page, I can outline the app requirements in a text box or select from available sample prompts on the right panel. App Studio will then prepare the application’s requirements, allowing me to refine my plan and review the updated specifications. Once satisfied, I click on Generate app, and within minutes, my application is ready. Following this, App Studio provides a quick tutorial to help me navigate and understand the different features.

The three main sections in App Studio include: Pages, Automations, and Data. I prefer to start by defining the data models, so I head to the Data section. Here, I can structure my application data using the managed DynamoDB data store or the available data connectors. Since I opted for AI generation, all data entities are already defined for me. Had I chosen to do this manually, I would need to create entities that represent various data tables and field types.

Once I’m content with the data entities, I can design visual pages. In this section, I create the user interface by adding and arranging components like tables, forms, and buttons to tailor the experience for end users.

While building the app, I can view a live preview by selecting Preview. This feature is invaluable for testing the layout and functionality of my application.

The standout feature for me across these areas is Automations. Here, I can define rules, workflows, and any actions that shape or extend my application’s business logic. Since I chose the AI-assisted route, App Studio automatically generated and configured multiple automation tasks required for my application. For instance, when a new project is submitted, it triggers an action to create the project and send a notification email.

Moreover, I can enhance my business logic by invoking API callouts, AWS Lambda, or other AWS services. In addition to creating the project, I may wish to archive it in a flat-file format in an S3 bucket, which requires processing. Luckily, I already have this functionality built into an existing Lambda function. To implement this, I select Invoke Lambda, as shown previously, and configure the Connector, Function name, and the Function event payload to pass data into my existing Lambda function.

Once I’m satisfied with the UI pages, data entities, and automations, I can publish the app by selecting Publish. I have the flexibility to publish my app in either a Testing or Production environment, allowing for thorough testing before final deployment.

While the previous section focused on the application-building experience from a builder’s perspective, setting up and managing App Studio is a critical responsibility for both admins and builders. Here’s how to get started with AWS App Studio:

Getting Started with AWS App Studio

AWS App Studio seamlessly integrates with AWS IAM Identity Center, simplifying secure access while allowing for integration with existing single sign-on (SSO) and Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP). Furthermore, App Studio manages application deployments and operations, freeing up time and effort that can now be redirected toward enhancing application features and customization to meet user needs.

Before utilizing App Studio for application creation, administrators must enable the service. Here’s how an administrator can set up an App Studio instance.

To begin, I navigate to the App Studio management console and select Get started.

As mentioned earlier, App Studio integrates with IAM Identity Center and will automatically detect if an existing organization instance exists in IAM Identity Center. For more information on fostering empathy in the workplace, check out this blog post.

Ultimately, App Studio streamlines the process of application development, allowing for rapid prototyping and deployment. To learn more about how companies are incorporating DEI into executive compensation metrics, visit this authority on the topic. Lastly, for insights on how Amazon fulfillment centers train associates, refer to this excellent resource.