The world of business has changed significantly over the past few decades. The innovation and development of technology is driving this transformation and placing huge demands on organisations to ensure that they are flexible and have the ability to adapt to this constantly evolving environment.
However, with access to flexible, intuitive enterprise low-code platforms that enable organisations to build, manage and deploy next generation applications and portals in one place, even small to medium businesses can meet the demands of an increasingly complex and dynamic business world.
What is a low-code platform?
Creating a new application these days isn’t actually as difficult as many fear. Low-code platforms have removed many of the barriers preventing businesses developing their own applications and even made it possible for those with limited knowledge in the art of coding to be able to build and roll out basic applications.
A low-code app development environment makes the entire process of developing, deploying and managing applications simple. User interfaces can be generated automatically, freeing up resources to concentrate on building the actual application. Additionally, templates and drag and drop tools make things even faster, so even semi-technical users can build enterprise level web applications.
The technology available also reduces the risk of migration, keeps costs to a minimum and enables organisations to create an application that is flexible, scalable and one that can address their business requirements.
What is the ROI for using low-code?
One of the main benefits of using low-code technology is the speed in which applications and web databases can be built and rolled out. With a wide range of tools and templates available, an intuitive UI and wizard-driven approach to building, applications and database software can be created in hours not days. Simply importing an Excel spreadsheet or Access database can start the entire process of creating a usable, flexible and secure web application.
Reducing development time and eliminating the reliance on bespoke coding, makes low-code platforms extremely cost effective, with initial capital expenditure often incredibly low. This is extremely beneficial if an organisation needs to quickly resolve a particular business process or wants to go to market quickly.
Developing applications in-house and via a software-as-a-service platform will help a business further reduce initial capital costs by eliminating the need to purchase software licenses, hardware, equipment, maintenance plans etc.
Low-code platforms provide a number of commercial advantages:
- The organisation benefits from a 100% fit application or portal
- Speed up time to market or roll out
- Intended users can easily give input and feedback
- Applications can be enhanced or modified rapidly
- Organisations can get further ROI from their existing applications
- Cost effective - reduced development time and capital expenditure
- Automate data management workflows etc.
- Significant barriers are removed from internationalisation
- Initial capital expenditure is often incredibly low
- Fully flexible and scalable
What are the benefits of low-code web apps?
To build the perfect application an organisation needs to listen to its primary users – to find out what their actual needs are and what they want. Utilising low-coding platforms, intended users can easily give input and feedback into the application throughout its development cycle because of the speed prototypes can be rolled out and used. This results in the organisation being able to create an application that is a 100% fit and completely resolves the business process required.
However, it’s also a good way to experiment with applications. Organisations can quickly build solutions for different processes, roll them out and then identify whether and application is being adopted or not. If users start using it frequently then it’s a good sign for further investment into the application, if required.
This approach to building applications can create a completely different mindset within an organisation; removing the common divide between the IT department and employees within the business and replacing it with cross-collaboration; actually building applications and solutions together. Employees can have the freedom to build and develop ideas and IT will still have the administration and governance controls to oversee the final applications and make sure that they adhere to security and compliance measures.
The benefits of low-code platform integration
Building applications with low-code platforms also makes them extremely flexible and scalable. Applications, databases and portals can be easily enhanced, modified rapidly or rolled back if required. This means that it is possible to effortlessly scale cloud-based applications up or down to provide a 100% fit with business requirements, making businesses much more agile. Organisations can also get further ROI from their existing systems by developing specific add-ons or extensions that can enhance their business processes.
This is largely possible due to the fact that low-code platforms usually provide a wide-range of pre-built connectors that enable integration with other business systems, such as Epicor, Microsoft, Oracle, Sage, SAP, SYSPRO, eCommerce platforms, courier services etc. Data can be easily pushed and pulled between the app and an existing system thus providing each system with up to date, real-time information.
These integration capabilities, which are essential in a low-code development environment, also enables organisations to design and build digital overlays across existing enterprise systems. It is possible to easily create a single interface, such as a portal, web or mobile app, that provides controlled, yet seamless access to business information stored in multiple databases and business systems. This means that even non company employees can be given access to information without the organisation incurring repetitive administration.
Discover Applications Platform – a powerful low-code platform
Low-code rapid application development has shaken up the way businesses think about purchasing business software. The option to not only build an application that fits 100% of requirements rapidly, but has the ability to modify and adapt equally as quick, is a refreshing alternative to the traditional procurement of business systems.
Applications Platform makes the entire process of developing, deploying and managing applications simple. User interfaces can be generated automatically, freeing up resources to concentrate on building the actual application.
To learn more about Applications Platform and the benefits of low-code technology for yor business, please contact us via +44 (0)330 99 800 50 or email sales@applications-platform.com
