What is low-code?
Think for a second about whatever IT project you’ve got underway—whether it’s revamping your CRM system or building a new customer portal. How long has it been in development? How many people and departments are involved? Now imagine if you could bring a pilot version of it to market as soon as next week, and improve it week by week, for as long as it was needed. What kind of impact would that have on your business?
This radical shift in the development mindset—focusing on speed, iteration, and adaptability—is at the very core of low-code. Low-code is a development approach that allows you to build applications with minimal hand-coding. Instead of writing every line of code manually, you use visual tools to create your app, like drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built components. The idea is to speed up the development process by eliminating much of the complexity of traditional coding.
Also, it’s designed to make app development accessible to both developers and non-developers alike. For businesses, this means you can quickly build or modify software without complex coding languages. But the advantages don’t stop there.
Why low-code development is a smart investment
Low-code is an attractive investment for a number of reasons. Here’s why it’s gaining momentum in boardrooms everywhere.
Flexibility
With low-code platforms, you can customize applications quickly. You don’t have to worry about rigid software solutions that don’t quite fit your needs. Need to tweak a feature, change the user interface, or adjust a workflow? Low-code platforms give you the power to modify applications without needing to rewrite endless lines of code. This means you can build apps that work the way you need them to, and adapt as your business evolves.
Speed
Low-code development slashes the time it takes to create and deploy apps. For businesses under pressure to innovate or scale quickly, rolling out functional applications in a fraction of the time is invaluable.
Cost-effective
Hiring a full team of developers to build software from the ground up isn’t cheap. Low-code platforms drastically reduce the need for specialized coding skills and extensive development resources, cutting both development time and costs. For businesses with tight budgets, this is a major win. Plus, you can often find low-code solutions with flexible pricing that can scale with your company’s growth.
Lower risk of overcomplication
Traditional software development can get bogged down in complexity, leaving you with a solution that’s either over-engineered or missing the mark. With low-code, you can focus on the core functionality you need without over-complicating things. It’s about getting results, not perfection.
Limitations of low-code development
While low-code development offers several benefits, it’s not without its drawbacks. Here’s where you need to tread carefully.
Limited customization for complex solutions
While low-code is great for quick, basic applications, some coding may be required to deliver highly customized, complex solutions. If you’re building something that requires intricate features or deep system integrations, you can still use low-code but you’ll likely need an expert set of hands to guide you along the way.
Security risks
Low-code platforms often come with built-in security features, but that doesn’t mean they’re foolproof. When using low-code, it’s essential to evaluate the security measures of the platform and ensure it aligns with your business’s compliance standards. A breach could cost far more than a traditional development project.
Scalability issues
Low-code apps are great for rapid deployment, but as your business grows, the demands on your software might grow as well. While low-code platforms can handle many use cases, they might not be able to scale as efficiently as a fully custom solution would. Be sure to assess whether the platform can handle your long-term growth.
Vendor lock-in
Low-code platforms often tie you to a single vendor, making it harder to move your app to a different platform if needed. This could lead to higher costs in the long run, especially if your business outgrows the capabilities of the initial platform.
How to make low-code development a smart investment
So, we’ve looked at the pros and cons of low-code development. But how do you make it work for your business? Here’s how to do that from a strategic perspective.
Start with an MVP
Don’t aim for perfection straight out of the gate. Low-code platforms are perfect for creating a minimum viable product (MVP) – a lean version of your app that allows you to test, gather feedback, and iterate quickly. By starting small, you can validate your idea and avoid sinking too much time or money into something that might not work in the long run.
Define the essential features
Keep it simple. Low-code platforms are great when you focus on the core functionality of your app. Get clear about what your business really needs and avoid feature creep. The simpler, the better – especially when you’re working with a low-code platform that might not have all the bells and whistles of traditional development.
Understand platform and ongoing costs
While low-code platforms can be cost-effective, don’t forget about the ongoing costs. There’s the subscription fee for the platform, potential fees for adding extra features, and costs associated with maintaining the app as it evolves. Be sure to evaluate the total cost of ownership, including any future upgrades, before making a commitment.
Think long-term
Low-code is a fast way to get started, but you need a long-term plan. Consider the scalability of the platform and whether it will be able to grow with your business. If you foresee needing more complex solutions down the line, you may want to balance your low-code apps with custom-built solutions as part of your global strategy.
Involve key stakeholders
Make sure everyone’s on the same page. From product managers to business leaders, get input from all the key stakeholders early on in the process. The success of a low-code project relies on having a shared vision of what the app should achieve. Collaboration between the technical and business teams is crucial for avoiding pitfalls.
Consider hiring professional help
If your in-house team is unfamiliar with low-code, consider partnering with a development team, like Near Partner. We can offer additional expertise and help with scaling or overcoming challenges in the development process, ensuring that you’re getting the most out of your low-code platform without losing your edge.
Low-code: the right investment if done right
Low-code development can absolutely be the right choice for businesses that need fast, flexible, and cost-effective solutions. But just like any other technology, it’s not a one-size-fits-all fix. The key to making it a smart investment is aligning it with your business needs, carefully managing its limitations, and planning for the future. Get in touch and let us help you explore how low-code can improve your business.
