What is Low-Code?

Low-code development accelerates time-to-market while saving money.
This is what it is and what it means to companies.

 

What if you could create the software you company needs to grow, tailored to your specific needs, rather than relying on third party, one-size-fits-all programs? And what if it could be ready in a matter of weeks without breaking the bank? Low-code has been making waves and reshaping the way applications are built for years now. It speeds what used to be long, complex, and expensive development processes, and makes creating applications much more exciting and democratic since many more people can partake. But what does this mean for companies?

What is low-code development?

Low-code development represents a paradigm shift in software engineering. It provides a framework where developers and citizen developers (everyone without a computer science degree or coding background) can create apps through visual interfaces and drag-and-drop functionality, rather than manual coding. At its core, it democratizes sophisticated software development, making it accessible to those without a technical background.

With low-code, intuitive tools and pre-built components come together to break down barriers of traditional and extensive coding expertise, empowering business users and IT professionals alike to contribute to create custom solutions tailored to their specific needs.

How low-code platforms work

Low-code platforms typically feature a visual development environment where users can build user interfaces, define logic, and integrate with external systems using a graphical interface rather than writing lines of code manually. These platforms leverage a combination of visual modelling, declarative programming, and code generation techniques to streamline the development process.

One of the key components of these platforms is the visual drag-and-drop interface, which allows users to assemble application components like building blocks. Users can select from a library of pre-built templates, widgets, and connectors to rapidly prototype and iterate on their applications. Additionally, low-code platforms often incorporate features such as workflow automation, data integration and application lifecycle management to further enhance productivity and collaboration.

For instance, in the financial services sector, low-code platforms enable banks and fintech companies to develop and deploy innovative mobile apps, loan systems, and regulatory compliance solutions quickly.

Similarly, in the healthcare industry, it facilitates the creation of electronic health record (EHR) systems, patient engagement portals, and telemedicine applications, empowering healthcare providers to deliver better patient care and streamline administrative workflows.

Advantages

The adoption of low-code development brings numerous benefits to organizations of all sizes, including:

Accelerated time-to-market

A significant 72% of IT leaders report that their strategic projects are hindered by a backlog of tickets, with a considerable amount of their resources devoted to the upkeep of legacy systems.

By reducing the time and effort required for application development, low-code platforms enable organizations to bring new products and services to market faster, gaining a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced business environment.

Cost-efficiency

By minimizing the need for custom coding and simplifying maintenance tasks, low-code platforms help organizations reduce development costs and total cost of ownership (TCO) over the application lifecycle.

Empowered citizen developers

Low-code platforms enable non-technical users to participate in application creation. This democratization fosters innovation and collaboration across departments, driving digital transformation initiatives forward.

Improved agility and flexibility

Low-code platforms provide the flexibility to modify or update applications rapidly in response to changing business conditions, customer feedback, or regulatory requirements. This agility means companies can stay ahead of trends, react swiftly to disruptions, and ensure their systems are always aligned with current needs, without embarking on lengthy development cycles.

Reduced dependency on IT

One of the most significant advantages of low-code platforms is the reduced dependency on traditional IT departments. Low-code allows other departments to take control of smaller projects, reducing bottlenecks and freeing up IT to focus on more strategic, high-priority tasks. This means that development isn’t constrained by limited IT resources, and more can be accomplished across the organization.

Future-proofing and scalability

Low-code platforms are designed with scalability in mind, allowing projects to start small and expand as they grow. This is particularly important for companies that anticipate evolving requirements or an expanding customer base. Additionally, many low-code platforms continuously update their offerings, integrating the latest technologies, such as AI, to ensure businesses can stay future-ready without needing to overhaul their entire tech stack.

Improved customer experience

Low-code platforms allow businesses to create customer-facing applications tailored to specific needs, often in a fraction of the time required with traditional methods. Whether it’s a mobile app, a portal, or a customized interface, these solutions enable businesses to deliver intuitive, user-friendly experiences that drive engagement, satisfaction, and ultimately, customer loyalty.

Faster digital transformation

Low-code platforms provide a fast track to digital transformation. They empower businesses to move away from legacy systems, introducing digital solutions that automate workflows, integrate data, and streamline operations. Low-code is particularly valuable in complex, large-scale environments where shifting to digital processes can seem daunting.

Challenges and limitations

While it offers a multitude of benefits, it is not without its challenges and limitations. These are some potential drawbacks.

Scalability concerns

While low-code platforms excel at rapid application development, they may struggle to accommodate growing user bases, complex business processes, or increased data volumes – especially if best practices of building low-code apps are not being considered from the start. Organizations must carefully evaluate the scalability capabilities of their chosen low-code platform and ensure it can support their long-term growth objectives.

Vendor lock-in

Adopting a specific low-code platform can potentially lead to vendor lock-in, where organizations become reliant on a single vendor’s tools, technologies, and services. This dependence can limit flexibility and autonomy, making it challenging to transition to alternative solutions or migrate applications to different platforms in the future. To mitigate the risk of vendor lock-in, organizations should assess the interoperability and portability features of low-code platforms and consider strategies for vendor diversification.

Complexity of customization

While low-code platforms offer a range of pre-built components and templates to accelerate development, customizing applications to meet specific business requirements can sometimes be complex. Balancing the speed of development with the need for customization requires careful planning and expertise.

Security and compliance risks

Security and compliance are paramount concerns in software development, and low-code applications are no exception. While low-code platforms typically incorporate security features such as role-based access control and data encryption, organizations must ensure that their applications adhere to industry standards and regulatory requirements. Additionally, the use of third-party integrations and external data sources introduces potential security vulnerabilities that need to be addressed through robust testing and security protocols.

Low-code vs no-code: understanding the key differences

Low-code and no-code may seem similar, but they cater to different needs and skill levels. Here’s a breakdown of their main differences.

Feature	Low-Code	No-Code
Coding requirement	Minimal coding; some customization available	No coding required; purely visual development
Target audience	Developers and tech-savvy business users	Business users without technical backgrounds
Complexity of applications	Supports complex applications with rich features	Best for simpler applications
Flexibility and customization	Highly customizable with coding options	Limited customization; relies on templates
Use cases	Ideal for enterprise applications (e.g., CRM, ERP)	Great for straightforward tools (forms, surveys)
Speed of development	Faster than traditional methods, but slower than no-code	Very fast; perfect for quick deployment
Integration capabilities	Robust integrations with APIs and existing systems	Fewer integration options, but still effective

8 low-code app types for businesses

Here are some of the most common applications businesses are building using low-code.

1. Customer portals

With low-code, companies can quickly whip up portals that give clients access to everything they need – accounts, orders, support tickets – without the constant back-and-forth via email, calls or direct messages. This makes customers happier and frees up time for your support teams to focus on bigger issues.

Operational gains

• Enhanced customer experience: Clients can help themselves, reducing frustration and waiting times.
• Operational efficiency: Handles a high volume of customer requests without overloading your team.
• Customizable: You can easily tailor the portal to match your brand and specific customer needs, keeping everything aligned.

2. Employee onboarding applications

Onboarding new employees can be tiresome, especially when the process varies across departments. With a low-code platform, you can build an app that standardizes the process – collecting documents, assigning training, and getting new hires set up with everything they need. This means faster onboarding, fewer mistakes, and a better experience for your new team members.

Operational gains

• Consistency: Ensures every new employee gets the same onboarding process, no matter their role.
• Time saver: Automates repetitive tasks, allowing HR to focus on more strategic initiatives.
• Better engagement: A well-organized onboarding app gives new employees a positive first impression and helps them hit the ground running.

3. Field service applications

For companies with teams out in the field, such as repair techs, maintenance crews, or delivery drivers, low-code is perfect for creating mobile-friendly field service apps. These apps can manage schedules, track jobs, update customer details, and report issues on the spot – in real time.

Operational gains

• Real-time updates: Teams can update progress on the go, speeding up service and improving response times.
• Resource management: Optimize schedules and routes to get more done with fewer delays.
• Better customer experience: Timely, well-informed service improves customer satisfaction and loyalty.

4. Project and task management applications

With low-code, you can easily create customized project and task management apps that fit your company’s specific workflows – even if different departments have their own tools and processes. Keep track of deadlines, allocate tasks, and monitor progress all in one place, without needing to rely on generic off-the-shelf solutions.

Operational gains

• Custom fit: Build a management tool that works exactly the way your teams need it to.
• Improved collaboration: Keep everyone on the same page with shared updates, files, and progress tracking.
• Accountability: Clear task assignments and deadlines mean less chance of things slipping through the cracks.

5. Internal workflow automation apps

Many businesses still rely on manual processes for things like approvals, document routing, and compliance checks. However, these processes that can be easily automated with a low-code app.

Operational gains

• Efficiency improvement: Automates repetitive processes, speeding up operations and reducing human error.
• Scalability: As your business grows, these apps can grow with you, adapting to new needs without major overhauls.
• Cost savings: Reduces the need for manual intervention, cutting down on wasted time and resources.

6. Inventory management applications

Low-code platforms are great for building inventory management apps that track stock levels, manage supplies, and handle orders in real-time. These apps can integrate with existing ERP systems, giving you a complete view of your inventory across multiple locations and helping you avoid stockouts or over-ordering.

Operational gains

• Accuracy: Real-time tracking means fewer discrepancies between actual stock and what’s on the system.
• Operational efficiency: Streamline inventory management to reduce manual work and errors.
• Cost control: Prevent over-ordering and ensure stock is available when needed, cutting down on excess costs.

7. CRM applications

Low-code can help businesses create custom CRM system. These can handle specific customer data needs that your off-the-shelf CRM might not cover.

Operational gains

• Customization: Tailor your CRM to fit your exact processes and workflows.
• Better insights: Track customer behaviour and interactions more closely for improved sales and service strategies.
• Perfect integration: Connect with other internal systems for a more widespread view of your customer base.

8. Customer feedback and survey apps

Low-code platforms make it easy to build apps for collecting, analysing, and acting on feedback through surveys or direct customer interaction. These apps can be quickly customized to target specific customer segments and provide valuable insights that can drive improvements.

Operational gains

• Quick deployment: Get feedback apps up and running fast, and deploy them across different channels.
• Actionable insights: Real-time data helps you respond quickly to customer concerns and opportunities.
• Engagement: Regularly gathering feedback shows customers that you value their input, which can increase loyalty.

Use cases and applications

Low-code development has gained traction across various industries and use cases, empowering organizations to innovate faster, streamline processes, and deliver value to customers more efficiently.

Enterprise applications

Low-code is widely used to develop mission-critical enterprise applications, such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, and supply chain management (SCM) applications. These applications help organizations automate business processes, improve operational efficiency, and enhance collaboration across departments.

Business process automation

About one in every four executives consider low-code platforms as the most critical investment in automation. Why? Because low-code facilitates the automation of repetitive tasks and workflows, streamlines business processes and reduces manual effort. From approval workflows and document management to invoice processing and employee onboarding, low-code platforms empower businesses to automate a wide range of processes to drive efficiency and productivity.

Digital transformation initiatives

Low-code plays a pivotal role in digital transformation initiatives, enabling organizations to modernize legacy systems, connect distributed teams, digitize paper-based processes, and innovate at scale. By leveraging these platforms, businesses can accelerate their digital transformation journey, embrace emerging technologies, and stay competitive in today’s digital economy.

Mobile app development

Low-code offers robust capabilities for mobile app development, allowing organizations to create cross-platform mobile applications for iOS, Android, and other mobile platforms. Whether building customer-facing mobile apps, employee productivity tools, or field service applications, low-code development streamlines mobile app development.

Internet of Things (IoT) solutions

Companies are glowingly using low-code to develop IoT solutions that connect devices, sensors, and systems to collect, analyse, and act on data in real-time. This can include monitoring equipment performance, optimizing energy usage, or managing smart home devices. Low-code simplifies IoT application development and accelerates time-to-value in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Educational technology (EdTech)

In the education sector, low-code facilitates the development of e-learning platforms, student information systems, and administrative tools to support teaching, learning, and administrative functions. By leveraging low-code development, educational institutions can enhance student engagement, personalize learning experiences, and improve administrative efficiency.

Healthcare solutions

Healthcare industry is being transformed by the creation of electronic health record (EHR) systems, telemedicine platforms, and patient engagement applications. These solutions improve access to healthcare services, streamline clinical workflows, and enhance patient outcomes by leveraging technology to deliver more efficient and personalized care.

Financial services

Low-code platforms are revolutionizing digital banking solutions, insurance applications, and fintech innovations. From mobile banking apps and robot-advisors to regulatory reporting systems and fraud detection tools, low-code development accelerates innovation in the financial services industry while ensuring compliance and security.

Take a look at 2 success stories from our customers showcase.

How to create low-code apps: 7 essential steps

Building a low-code app might be faster and more accessible, but it still requires careful planning and execution to make sure the solution fits your business needs.

1. Initial planning and ideation

The first step is to define the business problem you’re trying to solve. What are the key challenges, and how can a low-code app help address them? You’ll also need to determine who the app is for (customers, employees, or another group) and what success looks like.

Key questions to ask:

• What business processes are we trying to improve or automate?
• Who will be using the app, and what are their pain points?
• What are the key outcomes we want to achieve?

2. Define use cases and requirements

Once you’ve identified the problem and the app’s purpose, it’s time to map out the specific use cases. What are the core functionalities the app needs to have? You’ll want to list out the features, interactions, and workflows that will deliver the best user experience and solve the identified issues.

Key actions:

• Create a list of use cases for the app (e.g., customer portal, internal task management).
• Prioritize the most important features for version 1.
• Consult with the end-users or stakeholders to ensure their needs are met.

3. Wireframing and designing

With the use cases defined, the next step is to create wireframes. These are basic visual layouts that show where each element will appear on the screen. Wireframes help in visualizing the user flow and ensuring a smooth experience before any development begins. Once wireframes are approved, move on to detailed design, focusing on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI).

Key actions:

• Create wireframes to map out the user flow and screen layouts.
• Get feedback from stakeholders to refine the designs.
• Move on to detailed design, focusing on ease of use and a clean interface.

4. Develop a pilot or MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

Rather than building the entire app from scratch, it’s often better to start with a pilot or MVP – a smaller version of the app that includes the core features. This allows you to test the concept with real users, gather feedback, and make improvements before rolling out the full version.

Key actions:

• Build the MVP with essential features.
• Test the MVP with a select group of users to gather feedback.
• Iterate on the design and functionality based on feedback.

5. Roll out remaining functionalities

Once the MVP has been tested and refined, it’s time to roll out the full(er) version of the app, including any additional features or functionalities that were initially left out. This step involves scaling up the app for wider use across the organization or with your customers.

Key actions:

• Add the remaining features to the app.
• Ensure the app is fully integrated with other systems, if applicable.
• Launch the full version for all intended users.

6. User onboarding and training

After rolling out the app, it’s important to ensure that users understand how to use it effectively. User onboarding materials, such as tutorials, guides, or even live training sessions – it can help ease the transition and maximize adoption.

Key actions:

• Provide users with training materials, guides, or tutorials.
• Offer support channels for questions or issues.
• Collect feedback to further improve the app experience.

7. Continuous improvement

Even after the app is launched, the work doesn’t stop. Continuous monitoring and updates are essential to address any issues, improve performance, and add new features as your business needs evolve.

Key actions:

• Monitor app usage and performance.
• Collect ongoing feedback from users.
• Regularly release updates to enhance functionality or fix bugs.

The power of AI and low-code: a winning combination

One of the most exciting developments in low-code platforms is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI).

1. Enhanced automation

Low-code platforms are already great for automating manual processes, but when you add AI into the mix, you can automate even more complex tasks. For example, many low-code platforms now allow you to describe the app you want using human language and generate the data structure and screens based on that. They also integrate with the latest AI tools, so you can acces say ChatGPT directly from the app.

2. Improved decision-making

AI can analyse massive amounts of data in a fraction of the time it would take a human team. When integrated into low-code apps, AI can help businesses make better, faster decisions. For example, you could build an app that analyses customer feedback, automatically prioritizes issues, and recommends solutions, all in real-time.

3. Democratizing AI

The beauty of low-code is that it democratizes the development process, enabling teams without advanced coding skills to build applications. By embedding AI tools directly into these platforms, companies can harness its power without needing a dedicated AI team, making it a game-changer for smaller businesses or those just starting to explore AI.

The best low-code platforms

If you’re curious about the top players in the low-code game, we’ll break down some of the best platforms – OutSystems, Salesforce Lightning, Microsoft Power Apps, Mendix, and Appian.

1. OutSystems

OutSystems is a leading low-code platform designed for rapid application development, particularly well-suited for enterprise-level solutions.

Key features:

• Visual Development Interface: A slick visual development interface that lets you drag and drop your way to a finished app.
• Integration Capabilities: Super easy integration with your existing systems. If you’ve got APIs, they’ll fit right in.
• Custom Code Support: You can add custom code if you want to get a bit fancy.

Strengths:

• Scalability: Scalable for those big projects that need to grow.
• Strong Community Support: A wealth of resources and a vibrant user community can help businesses troubleshoot and innovate.
• Mobile App Development: Offers advanced tools for creating responsive mobile applications.

Weaknesses:

• Investment: Can be more expensive compared to other platforms, which may be a consideration for smaller organizations.
• Learning Curve: Users may need some time to fully harness its capabilities.

2. Salesforce Lightning Platform

If you’re already in the Salesforce ecosystem, the Lightning Platform is a natural fit for building apps.

Key features:

• Component-Based Framework: A component-based framework that’s all about reusability. Build once, use everywhere.
• Seamless Integration: Connects effortlessly with other Salesforce products and third-party applications.
• AppExchange Marketplace: Provides access to a wide range of ready-made applications and components.

Strengths:

• Perfect for businesses already utilizing Salesforce, facilitating quick deployment.
• Strong analytics and reporting features that keep you informed.
• A large ecosystem of partners and third-party applications adds value.

Weaknesses:

• If you’re not a Salesforce user, you might feel left out.
• The complexity of licensing and pricing can be a barrier for some users.

3. Microsoft Power Apps

Microsoft Power Apps is part of the Power Platform, designed to enable users to create custom applications quickly using Microsoft services.

Key features:

• User-Friendly Interface: A user-friendly interface with templates and connectors to get you started.
• Integration with Microsoft Services: Works seamlessly with Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, and Azure.
• AI Features: Incorporates artificial intelligence capabilities for enhanced functionality.

Strengths:

• Affordable and accessible, making it suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
• Familiarity for organizations already using Microsoft tools.
• A strong community and extensive learning resources available.

Weaknesses:

• Performance may be an issue for larger applications.
• Limited customization compared to more powerful platforms.

4. Mendix

Mendix is a low-code platform focusing on collaboration, making it suitable for teams working together on application development.

Key features:

• Collaboration Tools: Facilitates cooperation between business and IT through a shared development environment.
• Cloud-Native Architecture: Supports deployment in the cloud, on-premises, or in hybrid environments.
• Extensive Marketplace: Offers a wide range of templates and pre-built components to speed things up.

Strengths:

• Strong emphasis on collaboration and governance.
• Versatile enough for both small projects and large-scale enterprise applications.
• Built-in security and compliance features to keep your data safe.

Weaknesses:

• It might take a bit to get used to all its features.
• Pricing may be a concern for smaller organizations.

5. Appian

Appian focuses on business process management (BPM) alongside low-code application development, making it ideal for organizations looking to optimize processes.

Key features:

• Process Automation: Provides built-in tools for automating workflows and business processes.
• Integration Capabilities: Supports integration with various systems and databases.
• Data-Driven Applications: Allows for the creation of data-centric applications easily.

Strengths:

• Excellent for organizations focused on optimizing their workflows.
• Strong performance in industries such as finance and healthcare.
• User-friendly interface simplifies the development of complex applications.

Weaknesses:

• May lack the flexibility for applications needing heavy customization.
• Pricing can be on the higher side for smaller companies.

As you weigh your options, here’s a concise comparison of the key features and considerations for each low-code platform.

Feature/ Platform	OutSystems	Salesforce Lightning	Microsoft Power Apps	Mendix	Appian
Target Audience	Enterprises	Salesforce Users	Microsoft Ecosystem	Businesses of all sizes	Process-driven organizations
User Interface	Visual drag-and-drop	Component-based	User-friendly	Collaborative	User-friendly
Integration	Extensive APIs	Salesforce Ecosystem	Microsoft Services	Cloud-native	Various integrations
Customization	High	Moderate	Limited	High	Moderate
Community Support	Strong	Strong	Strong	Growing	Moderate
Pricing	Higher-end	Complex	Affordable	Variable	Higher-end

FAQs about low-code platforms

Let’s clear up some common doubts about low-code platforms.

1. Do I need programming skills to use low-code platforms?

Not necessarily! While low-code platforms are designed to simplify the development process, having some programming knowledge can help you customize applications further. Many users can build functional apps using the visual tools alone.

2. What types of applications can I build with low-code?

Low-code platforms are versatile and can be used to create a range of applications, including customer portals, employee onboarding systems, project management tools, and more complex enterprise applications.

3. How secure are low-code applications?

Security can vary by platform, but most reputable low-code solutions come with built-in security features and compliance with industry standards. It’s essential to review the security measures of the specific platform you choose.

4. Can low-code platforms integrate with existing systems?

Yes! Most low-code platforms are designed to easily connect with existing software and APIs, enabling seamless integration with your current systems and workflows.

5. How long does it take to develop an application using low-code?

One of the significant advantages of low-code is speed. Depending on the complexity of the application, you can often develop and deploy a functional app in a matter of weeks or even days.

6. Are low-code platforms suitable for large enterprises?

Absolutely! Many large organizations use low-code platforms to streamline processes, reduce bottlenecks, and enable faster project delivery without relying solely on IT resources.

Is low-code right for your company?

If you aim to accelerate application development, empower your teams, and optimize costs, low-code platforms could be the solution you’ve been looking.

With low-code, your teams – regardless of their technical background – can build tailored applications quickly and efficiently, reducing the dependency on IT resources. This means faster turnaround times for projects and the ability to respond to changing business needs without the usual delays.

Before making a decision, think about your organization’s specific goals, the complexity of the applications you want to create, and the skill sets of your team. Going for the right low-code platform can help you work smarter, inspire innovation, and make sure you’re keeping up with the rapid changes in business.

Near Partner, your trusted partner

Most users will find low-code platforms like OutSystems (a Gartner leader and one of the most powerful low-code platforms around) quite intuitive and useful for prototyping simple apps. Building enterprise grade projects or complex systems, on the other hand, is another story. In most cases, it requires an experienced team to drive the development process, ensure the ultimate business goals are achieved, and that security and scalability concerns are correctly addressed.

Ready to unlock the full potential of low-code for your organization? You are in the right place. Get in touch and let’s build something utterly amazing!