How low-code and no-code are reshaping enterprise software

author Peter Tobaco, Application Development Manager Messe München GmbH,as well as UFI Digital Innovation Working Group.

Traditionally, software design and development was associated with the artistry of professional developers and programmers, but digital transformation has opened up new possibilities. Low-code and no-code (LC/NC) platforms are tools that allow even people with less technical expertise to participate in the application development process.

In this article, our goal is to provide insights beyond the practical benefits of implementing and using such tools. We have brought together the perspectives of exhibition industry professionals to share their experiences in their respective businesses.

What are these solutions and what benefits do they bring?

Low-code platforms are tools that enable faster application development with minimal coding or programming knowledge. These tools provide a visual development environment that enables domain knowledge experts to easily drag and drop elements, set parameters, and create complex applications without requiring in-depth coding skills.

No-code platforms go a step further and aim to eliminate the need for coding. These tools typically offer pre-built templates and graphical editors that enable users to easily create websites, apps, and even automated processes without having to delve into the world of code.

Over the past decade, the LC/NC platform has experienced significant growth and development driven by the growing demand for faster, more accessible application development solutions.

“The convergence with traditional coding practices, the integration of emerging technologies, and the focus on collaboration and user experience highlight the key trends driving the continued growth of these platforms. The maturity of the ecosystem, the increase in community participation, and the shift towards enterprise-grade scalability further highlight their significant impact on modern software development.” explain Gabor SageHead of Project Delivery, BCA Hungary Ltd.

These platforms can be categorized by domain, based on the specific business functions they target. They often offer industry-specific solutions, such as those for finance, healthcare, or manufacturing, providing pre-built modules and templates to simplify development for these industries. They may also focus on areas such as marketing, human resources, and customer relationship management, enabling users to create applications based on the unique business needs of these specific areas.

The benefits of the LC/NC platform include saving time and resources, as the application development process is significantly accelerated. In addition, these tools allow fewer technical professionals to be involved in development projects, thereby increasing team flexibility and productivity.

In addition, these tools provide the opportunity to simplify and customize business processes. Business users can easily adapt to changing circumstances and create applications that meet their needs without going through a lengthy development process.

“In the exhibition industry, these tools can be used to streamline a variety of processes. The LC platform can facilitate the development of custom event management applications, providing features such as attendee registration, schedule planning, and exhibitor management. At the same time, the NC platform can provide event organizers with user-friendly tools that allow them to create engaging websites, mobile applications, or promotional materials without extensive coding, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the exhibition industry and the attendee experience.“Pointed out Mirko AmbergDirector of IT Construction at Messe München GmbH.

Coping with the headwinds: LC/NC platform limitations and threats

Developers also see the shortcomings of these platforms.

“While LC/NC platforms offer many advantages, it is important to note that not all application development tasks are amenable to these tools. For more complex and unique requirements, traditional development methods may still be necessary. However, due to their user-friendliness and simplicity, LC/NC platforms are increasingly becoming part of the toolkit of both enterprise and individual developers. From an enterprise perspective, it is critical to acknowledge and consider potential drawbacks during the decision-making process when selecting a new solution.” explain Peter Tobaco, Head of Application Development at Messe München GmbH.

Let’s look at the possible disadvantages in detail: 7

• Lack of IT governance/standardization: There is a lack of established policies and guidelines to regulate the development, deployment, and management of LC/NC platform applications. This can lead to fragmented practices.
• Limited customization: They often rely on pre-built templates and components. While they make development quick and easy, they can be limited in meeting highly specific or unique requirements.
• Limited performance: Applications built using LC/NC platforms may not achieve the performance levels of applications developed using custom code, especially when working with large data sets or complex algorithms.
• Dependence on platform providers: Users of LC/NC platforms are dependent on the platform provider. If the platform ceases to exist or changes significantly, migration and compatibility issues may arise.
• Limited control and visibility over code: With no-code tools, developers do not have direct access to the code. This means that developers have less insight into the details, which can complicate debugging and meeting specific requirements.
• Security Risks: Because LC/NC platforms often use pre-built components and templates, security risks can increase, especially if they are not regularly updated or poorly managed.

“These shortcomings highlight that while LC/NC platforms are essential for specific projects, it is important to carefully evaluate their alignment with project needs, taking into account the limitations of sustainability and strategic fit. It is often very tempting to achieve business results easily and quickly, but we must also consider sustainability. Therefore, introducing these platforms into the Hungexpo environment always requires a comprehensive assessment of all aspects of the enterprise..” explain Andras PotmarkChief Financial Officer at Hungexpo Budapest Congress and Fair Centre.

Recommendations for Enterprises

Introducing them in a complex enterprise environment requires careful planning and a strategic approach to minimize the downsides. Here are some suggestions:

• Strategic Planning and Governance: Clearly define the specific projects and tasks that will use the LC/NC platform, and develop a strategic plan to ensure that the combination of these tools is aligned with corporate goals.
• Training and Awareness: Provide comprehensive training to all employees (both technical and non-technical) and increase awareness at the company level on the strengths and limitations of the LC/NC platform.
• Choose the appropriate tool: Select an LC/NC platform that meets your company’s requirements and safety standards, and evaluate the selected platform’s scalability and integration capabilities.
• Security and Data Privacy: Address security concerns by ensuring that LC/NC platforms meet corporate security requirements and examine how these tools handle sensitive data and comply with legal requirements.
• Integrate with existing systems: Verify that LC/NC applications can seamlessly integrate and communicate with current enterprise systems and leverage APIs and other integration solutions to enhance interoperability.
• Monitoring and maintenance: Establish systematic processes for regular monitoring and maintenance of LC/NC applications and monitor performance, while responding promptly to any identified issues or security risks.
• Collaborative Community: Facilitate communication and collaboration between developers, application builders, and business users, and create designated community spaces to collaboratively share experiences and address challenges.
• document: Maintain comprehensive documentation of the LC/NC development process, application functionality and configuration as a vital reference for developers, ensuring clarity, collaboration and effective maintenance.

according to Andrewthink,”With proper planning, training, tool selection, and ongoing monitoring, LC/NC platforms can be effectively integrated into complex environments, minimizing potential pitfalls and maximizing benefits.”

How to avoid the emergence of shadow IT when introducing LC/NC platforms?

As Peter Highlights:One potential risk when introducing these platforms is the emergence of shadow IT, which is the use of information technology systems or applications that are not supported, controlled or understood by the official IT department or organization.”

This phenomenon can cause a variety of problems for companies, including security risks, data loss, and IT infrastructure fragmentation. Here are some ways to minimize the presence of shadow IT during the introduction of an LC/NC platform:

• Communication and Awareness: Inform employees and application builders of the company’s accepted IT policies and rules, and clearly communicate guidelines for using the LC/NC platform and its integration into the corporate IT strategy.
• Formal Approval Process: Establish a formal approval process for creating and deploying LC/NC applications and involve the IT team in the validation and approval process.
• Asset Monitoring and Auditing: Monitor all application development projects, including those using the LC/NC platform, and conduct regular audits to ensure control of applications and compliance with regulations.
• Follow safety guidelines: Ensure LC/NC applications comply with company security guidelines and regularly evaluate the security posture of applications.
• Central IT Support: Provide central IT support and resources for LC/NC applications and provide developers with adequate tools and assistance to reduce the need to create shadow IT.
• Joint Assessment and Feedback: Establish forums and conduct regular evaluations with developers and business users of LC/NC applications to listen to feedback and resolve any potential issues.

Through strict guidelines, formal processes, and transparent communication, the presence of shadow IT can be minimized while fully leveraging the benefits of the LC/NC platform for the company.

Shifting focus from technical skills to domain knowledge

If these solutions gain more and more space, how will they change the current development process?

according to Gaborthe focus in the future will be elsewhere.”Domain knowledge will play a critical role in the future as professionals will need to have a deep understanding of industry-specific nuances and challenges. Combining technical skills with domain expertise improves problem-solving capabilities and ensures that technical solutions are closely aligned with business goals.”

Professionals with a deep understanding of the nuances of specific fields will become indispensable. This shift not only redefines the required skill sets, but also emphasizes the importance of closely aligning technology solutions with business goals to achieve continued innovation and success.

Key Takeaways

In summary, leveraging LC/NC platforms in software development requires careful consideration of their strengths and limitations. Industry insights highlight the transformative potential of these tools, providing a realistic glimpse into their applications and the evolving software development landscape. Organizations can maximize the benefits of LC/NC platforms through strategic planning, consideration of potential drawbacks, and ensuring sustainability. The ongoing shift from technical skills to domain knowledge heralds a paradigm shift, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach that integrates a variety of skill sets for continued innovation and business success.

To learn more about UFI Digital Innovation Working Group, Click here.