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Understanding and Utilizing Enterprise Low Code Platform

These platforms enable both technical and non-technical users to create, modify, and deploy applications with minimal coding expertise.

Mordi GoldsteinMordi Goldstein

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Understanding and Utilizing Enterprise Low Code Platform

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, businesses are under immense pressure to innovate and adapt quickly to changing market demands. Traditional software development methods can be cumbersome and time-consuming, often resulting in missed opportunities and slower responses to customer needs. Enter the enterprise low code platform—a game-changing solution that empowers organizations to accelerate their digital transformation journeys. By simplifying the application development process, these platforms enable both technical and non-technical users to create, modify, and deploy applications with minimal coding expertise.
In this blog post, we will delve into the fundamentals of enterprise low code platforms, exploring their significance in the modern business environment. We will examine why they are essential for driving digital transformation, enhancing speed and efficiency, and providing the customizability and flexibility that businesses crave. Furthermore, we’ll guide you through the process of selecting the right platform for your organization, implementing it effectively, and showcasing real-world case studies of successful deployments. Whether you're a business leader looking to innovate or an IT professional exploring new tools, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to understand and utilize enterprise low code platforms to their fullest potential.

Understanding the Basics of Low Code Platform

Low code platforms have emerged as a transformative technology in the software development landscape, enabling organizations to streamline and enhance their application development processes. Understanding the basics of low code platforms is essential for businesses looking to leverage their capabilities effectively. In this section, we will explore what low code platforms are, how they differ from traditional development methods, and the key components that make them a valuable tool for enterprises.

What is a Low Code Platform?

A low code platform is a visual software development environment that allows users to create applications through graphical user interfaces and configuration instead of traditional hand-coded programming. These platforms provide a set of pre-built templates, drag-and-drop components, and reusable modules to simplify and expedite the development process. This approach significantly reduces the amount of manual coding required, making it accessible to a broader range of users, including business analysts, product owners, and citizen developers.

Key Features of Low Code Platforms

Low code platforms come with several hallmark features that make them attractive to organizations:
  1. Visual Development Interface: Users can design applications using a visual interface that allows for easy manipulation of elements, enabling quicker development cycles.
  1. Pre-built Templates and Components: Most low code platforms offer libraries of templates and components that can be easily customized, reducing the need to start from scratch.
  1. Integration Capabilities: These platforms often include built-in connectors for various data sources, APIs, and third-party services, which facilitates seamless integration with existing systems.
  1. Collaboration Tools: Many low code platforms support collaborative development environments, where teams can work together in real-time, share feedback, and iterate on designs.
  1. Deployment and Management Tools: Users can deploy applications with a few clicks and manage them through centralized dashboards, allowing for quick updates and maintenance.

Low Code vs. Traditional Development

Understanding the distinction between low code and traditional development is crucial for organizations contemplating their approach to application development:
  1. Speed: Low code platforms allow for faster development cycles, enabling organizations to respond swiftly to market demands. Traditional development often involves lengthy coding processes that can delay project timelines.
  1. Skill Requirements: Low code platforms democratize application development, allowing individuals with limited coding knowledge to participate. In contrast, traditional development typically requires specialized skills and expertise in programming languages.
  1. Cost Efficiency: With reduced development time and lower reliance on specialized developers, low code platforms can lead to significant cost savings for businesses.
  1. Flexibility: Low code solutions allow for rapid prototyping and iteration, enabling organizations to pivot quickly based on user feedback. Traditional development methods may be less adaptable to changes in project scope or requirements.

Types of Low Code Platforms

Low code platforms can generally be categorized into several types based on their primary focus:
  1. General Purpose Platforms: These platforms, such as OutSystems and Mendix, enable users to build a wide variety of applications, catering to different business needs.
  1. Process Automation Platforms: Tools like Appian and Kissflow are designed primarily for automating business processes and workflows, providing specific features for managing tasks and approvals.
  1. Database Management Platforms: Platforms such as Airtable focus on data organization and management, allowing users to create applications that revolve around data handling and reporting.
  1. Mobile Application Development Platforms: Low code solutions like Thunkable and Adalo specialize in building mobile applications, offering features tailored for mobile users.

Conclusion

Understanding the basics of low code platforms is the first step for organizations seeking to harness their potential for innovation and efficiency. By breaking down the barriers to application development, these platforms empower a diverse range of users to participate in the creation of digital solutions. In the following sections, we will explore why enterprise low code platforms are essential, how to select the right one for your organization, and best practices for successful implementation.

Why Enterprise Low Code Platforms are Essential

In an era where digital transformation is no longer just an option but a necessity, enterprise low code platforms have emerged as essential tools for organizations striving to stay competitive and agile. This section explores the compelling reasons why businesses should consider adopting low code platforms, focusing on how they address the challenges of modern software development and drive significant value.

Need for Digital Transformation

As businesses face increasing pressure to innovate, the need for digital transformation has become paramount. Companies are realizing that digital solutions can enhance customer experiences, improve operational efficiency, and drive revenue growth. Low code platforms facilitate this transformation by enabling faster application development and deployment, allowing organizations to respond more swiftly to market changes. For instance, companies like Siemens have utilized low code platforms to automate their processes, resulting in a more streamlined workflow and improved productivity.

Speed and Efficiency

In a competitive marketplace, speed is critical. Enterprises often struggle to keep up with the demand for new applications and features, leading to bottlenecks in development. Low code platforms address this challenge by significantly accelerating the development process. By leveraging visual development tools and pre-built components, teams can create applications in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional coding methods. For example, the insurance company Aviva reported a reduction in application development time from several months to just weeks after adopting a low code platform. This increased efficiency allows organizations to launch products and services faster, gaining a critical edge over competitors.

Customizability and Flexibility

One of the key advantages of low code platforms is their ability to provide customized solutions tailored to specific business needs. Organizations can easily modify applications to meet evolving requirements without extensive rework. This level of flexibility is particularly important in industries that experience rapid change, such as finance and healthcare. For instance, organizations like Deloitte have leveraged low code platforms to create bespoke applications that adapt to regulatory changes, ensuring compliance while maintaining operational efficiency.

Bridging the Skills Gap

The tech industry faces a significant skills shortage, with many organizations struggling to find qualified developers to meet their application development needs. Low code platforms help bridge this skills gap by enabling non-technical users, often referred to as "citizen developers," to participate in the application development process. This democratization of development empowers employees from various departments—such as marketing, sales, and operations—to create applications that address their specific challenges. By fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, companies like Unilever have successfully harnessed the talents of their entire workforce, leading to more diverse and innovative solutions.

Cost-Effectiveness

Cost is always a consideration for businesses, and low code platforms can deliver substantial savings. By reducing development time, requiring fewer specialized resources, and minimizing the need for extensive maintenance, organizations can optimize their IT budgets. According to a study by Forrester, businesses using low code platforms can achieve a return on investment (ROI) of up to 500% within three years. This cost-effectiveness makes low code platforms an attractive option for organizations looking to maximize their technology investments.

Enhancing Collaboration Between IT and Business Teams

Low code platforms foster collaboration between IT and business teams, breaking down silos that often hinder innovation. With a shared visual development environment, both technical and non-technical stakeholders can contribute to the application development process. This collaboration leads to better alignment between business objectives and IT capabilities, resulting in applications that more accurately meet user needs. Companies like Coca-Cola have embraced this collaborative approach, utilizing low code platforms to ensure that their IT department and business units work together seamlessly to develop solutions that drive value.

Conclusion

Enterprise low code platforms are essential in today's fast-paced business environment. They enable organizations to embrace digital transformation, accelerate application development, customize solutions to meet specific needs, bridge the skills gap, and enhance collaboration between IT and business teams. As more companies recognize the benefits of low code platforms, they are poised to become a cornerstone of modern software development strategies. In the following sections, we will discuss how to select the right low code platform for your organization and best practices for successful implementation.

How to Select the Right Enterprise Low Code Platform

Selecting the right enterprise low code platform is a critical decision that can significantly impact an organization’s ability to innovate, respond to market demands, and optimize internal processes. With numerous options available in the market, organizations must carefully evaluate their needs and the features of various platforms. This section provides a comprehensive guide on how to select the right enterprise low code platform by considering several key factors.

Identifying Your Business Requirements

Before diving into platform options, it is vital to clearly define your organization’s specific business requirements. Consider the following aspects:
  1. Business Objectives: What are the primary goals you wish to achieve with a low code platform? Common objectives include improving operational efficiency, accelerating time-to-market, enhancing customer experience, or enabling digital transformation.
  1. Type of Applications Needed: Identify the types of applications you plan to develop. Will they be web-based, mobile, or both? Will they be used for internal processes, customer-facing services, or a combination of both? Understanding your application needs will help narrow down platform options.
  1. User Base: Assess who will be using the platform. Are you targeting professional developers, business analysts, or citizen developers? The user base will influence the complexity and features required in the platform.
  1. Scalability: Consider the growth potential of your applications. Will the platform support an increase in users, data volume, or application complexity? Ensure that the chosen platform can scale alongside your business.

Evaluating the Platform's Scalability

Scalability is a fundamental aspect of any enterprise solution. As your organization grows, your low code platform must accommodate increased demands. Here are some factors to evaluate:
  1. Performance: Investigate the platform's performance under load. Can it handle simultaneous users and large datasets without degradation in performance? Review case studies or request performance benchmarks from vendors.
  1. Infrastructure: Consider whether the platform is cloud-based, on-premises, or hybrid. Cloud-based solutions often provide better scalability options, while on-premises platforms may require more investment in hardware and maintenance.
  1. Customization and Extensibility: Assess how easily the platform can be customized and extended to meet future needs. Does it support custom coding for more complex functionalities? Can it integrate with other enterprise systems seamlessly?

Verifying the Platform's Security

Security is paramount, especially when dealing with sensitive data or compliance requirements. When evaluating low code platforms, consider:
  1. Data Protection: Inquire about the measures the platform employs to protect data, including encryption, access controls, and backup solutions. Ensure that it complies with industry standards and regulations, such as GDPR or HIPAA.
  1. User Authentication and Authorization: Verify the platform's capabilities for user authentication and role-based access control. Ensure that it allows for secure user management and protects against unauthorized access.
  1. Audit Trails and Compliance: Look for features that provide audit trails for application changes and user activities. This is essential for compliance and to maintain accountability within your organization.

Assessing the Platform's Integration Capabilities

Integration is a critical consideration, as most organizations rely on multiple systems and applications. A low code platform should seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure. Key factors to evaluate include:
  1. Pre-built Connectors: Examine the availability of pre-built connectors for popular applications and services, such as CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), ERP solutions (e.g., SAP), and databases (e.g., MySQL).
  1. APIs and Custom Integrations: Determine whether the platform supports APIs for custom integrations. This flexibility is essential for connecting to legacy systems and ensuring data flows smoothly across the organization.
  1. Middleware Support: If your organization uses middleware solutions (e.g., MuleSoft, Dell Boomi), check if the low code platform can integrate seamlessly with these tools to facilitate data exchange and process automation.

Considering Vendor Reputation and Support

Finally, the reputation of the vendor and the level of support they provide can significantly influence your experience with the low code platform. Consider:
  1. Market Presence: Research the vendor’s reputation in the market. Look for reviews, testimonials, and case studies from other organizations in your industry. A vendor with a strong track record is more likely to provide reliable support.
  1. Customer Support: Evaluate the level of customer support offered. Is it available 24/7? What channels are available for support (e.g., phone, email, chat)? Ensure that the vendor provides adequate resources, such as documentation, training materials, and user communities.
  1. Future Roadmap: Inquire about the vendor’s product roadmap. Are they continuously improving their platform and adding new features? A vendor that invests in its product is more likely to meet your evolving needs.

Conclusion

Selecting the right enterprise low code platform requires a thorough understanding of your business requirements, scalability needs, security considerations, integration capabilities, and vendor reputation. By carefully evaluating these factors, organizations can make informed decisions that align with their strategic goals and drive successful application development initiatives. In the next section, we will discuss best practices for implementing the chosen low code platform effectively.

Implementing the Enterprise Low Code Platform

Implementing an enterprise low code platform is a pivotal step in transforming how organizations develop and deploy applications. Successful implementation requires careful planning, collaboration, and adherence to best practices to ensure that the platform meets business needs and delivers value. In this section, we will outline the key steps involved in implementing a low code platform, from initial planning and design to deployment and management.

Planning and Designing the Low Code Application

The planning phase is crucial for laying the groundwork for successful application development. Here’s how to approach it:
  1. Define Objectives and Scope: Clearly outline the objectives of the application you want to build. What specific problems will it solve? Who are the target users? Establishing a clear scope will help guide the development process and keep the project focused.
  1. Gather Requirements: Collaborate with stakeholders across the organization to gather detailed requirements. Involve business analysts, end-users, and IT staff to ensure a comprehensive understanding of needs and expectations.
  1. Create Wireframes and Prototypes: Utilize low code platform tools to create wireframes and prototypes of the application. Visual representations allow stakeholders to visualize the application and provide feedback early in the process, reducing the likelihood of costly changes later.
  1. Establish Governance and Best Practices: Set up governance structures to manage the development process. Define best practices for application design, development, and deployment, including coding standards, version control, and documentation protocols.
  1. Select Development Teams: Identify the team members who will be involved in the application development process. This may include professional developers, citizen developers, and business stakeholders. Ensure that team members have the necessary training and resources to work effectively with the low code platform.

Building and Testing the Application

Once planning is complete, the next step is to build and test the application. This phase involves several key activities:
  1. Utilize Low Code Development Tools: Leverage the visual development tools provided by the low code platform to build the application. Use pre-built components and templates to accelerate development while adhering to established design standards.
  1. Incorporate Feedback Iteratively: Develop the application iteratively and incorporate feedback from stakeholders at each stage. This agile approach ensures that the application evolves based on user input and meets business requirements effectively.
  1. Conduct Thorough Testing: Testing is critical to identify and resolve issues before deployment. Implement various testing methodologies, such as unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing (UAT), to ensure the application functions as intended and meets quality standards.
  1. Engage End-Users in Testing: Involve end-users in the testing phase to gather their insights and feedback. Their perspectives can provide valuable information about usability, functionality, and overall satisfaction with the application.
  1. Address Bugs and Issues: Document any bugs or issues encountered during testing and prioritize them for resolution. Ensure that the development team is equipped to address these issues promptly to avoid delays in deployment.

Deploying and Managing the Application

Once the application has been built and thoroughly tested, it’s time to deploy it into the production environment. Here’s how to approach this phase:
  1. Plan for Deployment: Develop a deployment plan that outlines the steps involved in launching the application. Consider factors such as user training, data migration, and communication strategies to inform stakeholders about the new application.
  1. Conduct User Training: Provide training sessions for end-users to familiarize them with the application’s features and functionalities. Well-prepared users are more likely to adopt the application and leverage its capabilities effectively.
  1. Monitor Performance and Usage: After deployment, monitor the application’s performance and usage metrics. Utilize analytics tools available within the low code platform to track user engagement, identify bottlenecks, and assess overall effectiveness.
  1. Gather Ongoing Feedback: Establish a process for collecting ongoing feedback from users post-deployment. Continuous improvement is essential for ensuring that the application remains relevant and effective in meeting business needs.
  1. Plan for Maintenance and Updates: Develop a maintenance plan that outlines how the application will be updated and maintained over time. This includes regular updates to address bugs, enhance features, and ensure compatibility with other systems.

Leveraging Community and Support Resources

To maximize the benefits of the low code platform, organizations should also take advantage of community and vendor support resources:
  1. Engage with User Communities: Many low code platforms have active user communities where developers share tips, best practices, and solutions to common challenges. Engaging with these communities can provide valuable insights and foster collaboration.
  1. Utilize Vendor Support: Leverage the support resources provided by the platform vendor. This may include documentation, training materials, and technical support to address any issues that arise during development and deployment.
  1. Stay Informed about Updates: Keep abreast of updates and new features released by the platform vendor. Regularly reviewing product updates and enhancements can help organizations optimize their use of the platform and stay ahead of industry trends.

Conclusion

Implementing an enterprise low code platform is a systematic process that requires careful planning, collaboration, and ongoing management. By defining clear objectives, building iteratively, deploying effectively, and leveraging community resources, organizations can successfully harness the power of low code development to drive innovation and achieve their business goals. In the next section, we will explore real-world case studies of successful enterprise low code platform implementations, providing insights into best practices and lessons learned.

Case Studies of Successful Enterprise Low Code Platform Implementation

As organizations increasingly turn to enterprise low code platforms to accelerate application development and drive innovation, several real-world case studies highlight the successful implementation of these solutions. In this section, we will explore a selection of case studies that demonstrate the versatility, effectiveness, and impact of low code platforms across various industries.

Case Study 1: Siemens – Accelerating Digital Transformation

Background: Siemens, a global leader in engineering and technology, faced challenges in managing its extensive portfolio of applications and processes. The company needed a solution that could help streamline operations and enhance collaboration across its diverse business units.
Implementation: Siemens adopted Mendix, a prominent low code platform, to develop applications that address specific operational needs. The platform allowed teams to quickly create and iterate on applications without extensive coding, enabling faster deployment and reducing reliance on traditional development methods.
Results: With Mendix, Siemens was able to develop applications in a fraction of the time previously required. For example, a project that would typically take months to complete was reduced to just a few weeks. This acceleration in application development facilitated better collaboration between departments and contributed to the company’s broader digital transformation strategy.

Case Study 2: Aviva – Enhancing Customer Experience

Background: Aviva, a leading insurance provider, recognized the need to improve customer engagement and streamline its internal processes. The company aimed to create customer-facing applications that could deliver a seamless experience while also enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation: Aviva implemented a low code platform, OutSystems, to rapidly develop and deploy applications tailored to customer needs. The platform’s visual development environment allowed business users to collaborate with IT teams, ensuring that applications aligned with customer expectations.
Results: The use of OutSystems enabled Aviva to launch new applications quickly, reducing time-to-market by 50%. One notable application improved the claims process, allowing customers to submit and track claims more efficiently. This enhancement led to increased customer satisfaction and a reduction in operational costs.

Case Study 3: Coca-Cola – Empowering Business Units

Background: Coca-Cola faced challenges in managing multiple applications across its global operations. The company aimed to empower its various business units to develop their own applications while maintaining consistency and governance.
Implementation: Coca-Cola adopted the low code platform Appian to enable its business units to create applications tailored to their specific needs. The platform provided essential governance features, ensuring that applications adhered to company standards while allowing flexibility for customization.
Results: By leveraging Appian, Coca-Cola successfully empowered its business units to develop over 300 applications in a year. This approach not only accelerated application development but also fostered a culture of innovation within the organization. The streamlined processes led to improved efficiency and enhanced data visibility across the company.

Case Study 4: Unilever – Bridging the Skills Gap

Background: Unilever, a multinational consumer goods company, sought to address the skills gap in its workforce while accelerating digital transformation initiatives. The company needed a solution that would enable non-technical employees to contribute to application development.
Implementation: Unilever implemented the low code platform Betty Blocks, which is designed to empower citizen developers. The platform’s intuitive interface allowed employees from various departments to create applications without extensive coding knowledge.
Results: The adoption of Betty Blocks resulted in a significant increase in application development capacity within Unilever. Non-technical employees created applications that optimized workflows, enhancing productivity across teams. The initiative not only bridged the skills gap but also fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration within the organization.

Case Study 5: Mayo Clinic – Improving Healthcare Delivery

Background: Mayo Clinic, a leading healthcare institution, needed to improve its patient management processes while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The organization sought a solution that could enhance operational efficiency without compromising patient care.
Implementation: Mayo Clinic adopted a low code platform called Quick Base to streamline patient management applications. The platform allowed healthcare professionals to develop applications tailored to their specific workflows, ensuring that the tools met the unique needs of clinicians and administrators.
Results: The implementation of Quick Base led to a 40% reduction in the time spent on administrative tasks related to patient management. This improvement allowed healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care, ultimately enhancing the quality of service provided to patients. The flexibility of the platform also enabled rapid adjustments to meet evolving regulatory requirements.

Conclusion

These case studies illustrate the transformative potential of enterprise low code platforms across various industries. From enhancing customer experiences to empowering non-technical users, organizations that successfully implement low code solutions can achieve significant operational efficiencies, accelerate innovation, and foster a culture of collaboration. As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of digital transformation, the insights gained from these case studies can serve as valuable lessons for organizations looking to harness the power of low code development. In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, embracing low code platforms may be the key to staying competitive and meeting the demands of the future.

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Mordi Goldstein

Written by

Mordi Goldstein

Founder of Arena Studios