Low-code and no-code platforms are changing how we create applications. Kissflow says low code will account for over 65% of app development by 2024. Gartner adds that 80% of non-IT people will soon build IT products using low/no-code platforms. These platforms are more than a trend. They’re changing how we develop and use technology. They make software development easier and speed up digital change in every sector.
In this blog, we’ll explore low-code and no-code platforms. We’ll look at their impact, benefits, challenges, and future opportunities for innovation and making technology more accessible.
Low-Code and No-Code – An Overview
Low-code and no-code platforms are development environments that enable the creation of software applications through graphical user interfaces and configuration instead of traditional hand-coded programming. While they share similarities, they cater to slightly different audiences:
- Low-code platforms are designed to expedite the development process for professional developers by minimizing hand-coding, thus reducing the time and complexity involved in creating applications.
- No-code platforms, on the other hand, target non-technical users, allowing them to build applications without any coding knowledge, relying entirely on visual development tools.
The Driving Forces Behind the Adoption
Several factors contribute to the rising popularity of these platforms, including:
- Digital Transformation: The urgent need for businesses to digitize processes and enhance customer experiences drives the demand for rapid application development.
- Skill Gap: The scarcity of skilled developers and the high costs associated with traditional software development.
- Agility: The need for businesses to quickly adapt and respond to market changes.
Benefits of Low-Code/No-Code Platforms
- Speed: Dramatically reduces development time, enabling businesses to bring products to market faster.
- Accessibility: Opens up application development to a wider range of people, fostering innovation and collaboration across different departments.
- Cost Efficiency: Reduces the need for a large team of developers, lowering development costs.
- Flexibility: Allows for quick iterations and adjustments, enabling businesses to refine applications in response to feedback or changing requirements.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite their advantages, low-code and no-code platforms come with their own set of challenges:
- Customization and Complexity: While suitable for building a wide range of applications, there may be limitations when it comes to highly complex or specific customization requirements.
- Integration: Ensuring seamless integration with existing systems and databases can be challenging.
- Governance and Security: Establishing proper governance policies and ensuring the security of applications built on these platforms is crucial.
Real-Life Success Stories with Low-Code/No-Code Platforms
1. ADP: Making HR Solutions Better
ADP, a prominent business that delivers software services for managing human resources, has used low-code tools to speed up the creation of its digital HR solutions. ADP has been able to quickly test and roll out new applications by using these platforms. This has improved service delivery to millions of workers around the world.
2. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: Improving Operations and Customer Service
A low-code tool was used by KLM to create an app that speeds up the return of planes. The app, called “Appronto,” was made in less than three months, and ground teams use it to keep an eye on the loading and dumping process and make it run more smoothly. As a result, they have improved their on-time performance and are increasingly making the customers happier.
3. City of Oakland: Streamlining Government Processes
Because its old procurement system was giving them trouble, the City of Oakland went to a low-code platform. Oakland was able to ease its buying process by creating a new system with a low-code solution. This made it more efficient, clear, and open to vendors, which made the city’s operations much more efficient.
4. Legal & General: Accelerating Digital Transformation
A low-code tool was used by the global financial services company Legal & General to simplify its pension risk transfer process. This smart move cut the time it took to set up new pension plans from months to just a few weeks, which greatly sped up their work and made customer service better.
5. Rabobank: Fostering Innovation in Banking
Rabobank, a global bank and financial services company, started using low-code to encourage new ideas within the company. Using low-code platforms, Rabobank has created many apps, such as a way to handle agricultural funding, which has sped up processes and made it easier for its farm clients to get services.
The Future Landscape
The low-code and no-code movement is poised to continue its growth, with predictions suggesting that by 2024, a significant portion of application development will be done on these platforms. As technology advances, we can expect these platforms to become even more powerful, offering greater flexibility, more sophisticated customization options, and enhanced integration capabilities.
Bottom Line
The revolution of low-code and no-code platforms is reshaping the software development landscape, offering a more inclusive, efficient, and flexible approach to software development. By understanding the potential and limitations of these platforms, businesses can leverage them to accelerate digital transformation, foster innovation, and gain a competitive edge in the digital era.
In conclusion, the low-code/no-code revolution is a fundamental shift in how we approach software development. As we move forward, embracing these platforms will be key for businesses looking to innovate and adapt in the rapidly changing digital landscape.
