Andrew Speight • 27 October 2020 |
We've already seen how Google Docs stormed the world with free cloud-based applications, prompting Microsoft to change its Office 365 business model. Now, we're going to see another tech industry jolt.
Unlike other transformations that disrupt traditional markets, low-code and non-code tech promise to make tech more prevalent than it is today. Understanding the market and the consequences of non-code and low-code software would be critical, whether or not you are in the software industry.
Low-code software is a software that can be completely customised with a "low" (minimum) amount of programming. Although low-code software still needs coding by someone knowledgeable about programming, it is simpler and cheaper than ever before. Salesforce and Zoho are some examples of low-code platforms.
No-code tech, on the other hand, brings the low-code idea to a new level, allowing anyone to customise an application to their needs without any programming experience whatsoever. Pipedrive and Airtable are examples of non-code systems. However, both types of software are often grouped in the "low-code" category. Still, no-code software can emerge as its market category and strength in the coming years, as no-code software enables anyone, even those with zero technical knowledge, to customise their business processes and dashboards.
Low-code and no-code platforms allow companies to meet the demand for new enterprise applications without overburdening IT, depleting capital, or filling high-cost talent shortages. With both low-code and non-code platforms, companies can quickly turn mere ideas into practical, time-saving applications. The effect is incredible speed and stamina while increasing the overall quality of work.
When most people think of business applications, they immediately think of critical recording systems, such as CRM, ERP, and HCM solutions. These systems, albeit broad in scope, represent just a small part of the digital environment through which workers communicate regularly.
In practice, employees use hundreds of apps designed to meet unique, niche-based applications in broader domains. Marketers, for example, do not only use CRM. They need a broad range of tools, including those that can control their unique KPIs, automate email marketing, conduct data analysis and reporting, manage social media preparation, track content journeys, manage campaigns and events, and more.
According to Blissfully's 2019 SaaS Trends survey, the average company employee uses eight apps a day. Organisations of between 501 and 1,000 employees use an average of 151 apps, while organisations with more than 1,000 employees use 203 apps. This is one reason why low-code and no-code resources have emerged as critical assets. As the need for modern, specialised applications arises, companies can develop highly tailored, scalable and stable in-house solutions at low cost with low-code and no-code platforms.
Let's go over a couple of examples:
Effective marketing requires high-level data analysis, continuous development and fast delivery. Low-code and no-code platforms that help marketers reduce their dependency on IT would eventually allow them to achieve the speed and customisation they need. For example, non-code frameworks that enable them to plan, operate and monitor cross-channel marketing campaigns with all the workflows and reporting required will empower them to become more self-sufficient and successful in pursuing their objectives.
As the digital toolbox of employees continues to grow, a host of new technical, company and consumer problems have emerged. The integration of a high volume of complex and disparate structures is a major technological challenge. And while companies recognise the need to empower workers with new digital skills, they often ignore how an excess of resources can potentially hinder efficiency and lead to fatigue.
For example, low-code and non-code software that integrates with existing apps can streamline information exchange and simplify workflows. This is the fastest way to satisfy the increasing need for new skills while alleviating the impact of digital fragmentation.
Even though developers have the skills and experience to create complex code applications, they may benefit from low-code or no-code software that lets them work faster and cut out time-consuming processes. Low-code and no-code capabilities can cut lots of time off of developer work, enabling them to prototype, test, and deploy tools at higher speeds. These frameworks accelerate progress by allowing developers to bypass routine, routinize work and automate technical tasks.
Visual modelling helps developers to gain a clearer understanding of specifications, produce better designs, and eventually build more efficient systems.
Today, IT requires smart enterprise system management, which increasingly means building a custom-made digital ecosystem. However, as companies continue to invest in digital transformation technologies, they need to consider which applications and frameworks can meet their unique needs at the lowest expense, with the least amount of internal IT capital, and with minimal disruption.
Enterprise Application Managers, IT Team Leaders, CIOs, CTOs, and Department Managers can level up their IT infrastructure by implementing low-code and non-code application platforms. Low-code and no-code technology allows companies to resolve the usual barriers to business applications and meet specific needs. Departments around the enterprise can create, test and use software without relying on IT.
After alleviating some of this demand, companies will benefit from improved bandwidth for custom applications, lower costs, quicker rollout and smoother transitions from outdated systems to new applications. Some businesses have already started to recognise the importance of low-code technology, but have not realised how the incorporation of non-code resources to business users will further improve such benefits. For both, developers can concentrate on high-quality work, while business users appreciate the freedom of creating and developing applications to suit their own needs.