Understanding low code business process automation
Grasping the essence of low code
Low code business process automation is more than a buzzword—it's a practical approach changing how companies develop software. At its core, low code allows users, primarily those without extensive coding experience, to create applications through graphical interfaces and visual models.
Why low code matters
The allure of low code is simple: it democratizes app development. According to Gartner, at least 65% of application development will be low code by 2024. This shift isn't just good news for IT departments but for entire organizations looking to streamline operations, enhance agility, and cut costs.
Understanding the mechanics
Think of low code as the ultimate DIY toolkit for creating business applications. Platforms like OutSystems and Appian provide drag-and-drop tools, enabling business users and citizen developers to build apps without diving into complex code. The result? Faster development cycles and more innovative solutions tailored to specific business needs.
How low code platforms work
Low code platforms bring several capabilities to the table. They offer pre-built templates, components, and connectors that integrate seamlessly with existing systems. For instance, SAP's low code offerings help integrate with its ERP solutions, while tools like Nintex specialize in workflow automation, simplifying everything from approval processes to compliance checks.
Case study: low code in action
A telling example is Pegasystems' data integration with APAC headquarters. They leveraged low code to consolidate data from disparate systems, eliminating data silos and providing unified insights across departments. This case highlights how low code solutions are not just hypothetical trends but practical tools delivering tangible business value.
The rise of low code platforms
Low code platforms gaining ground
The past few years have witnessed a noticeable surge in the adoption of low code platforms. According to Gartner, by 2024, low code application development will be responsible for more than 65% of application development activity. That's huge! 🏢 Businesses are jumping on board because these platforms offer a more efficient, faster, and cost-effective way to develop enterprise applications.
The driving force behind low code
The simplicity and speed of low code platforms are the main reasons they’ve become so popular. A 2021 Forrester study revealed that businesses using low code development platforms see a 56% increase in development speed. Drag-and-drop interfaces and reusable components dramatically reduce the time spent on coding, making it accessible to a larger pool of developers, including those with limited coding skills.
How enterprises are leveraging low code tools
Enterprises are adopting low code for various reasons. For instance, Pegasystems' data suggests that these tools help in automating complex business processes with minimal effort. Big names like SAP have incorporated low code into their ERP solutions, helping streamline operations for businesses worldwide. Moreover, the growing ecosystem of low code platforms like Mendix, Appian, and OutSystems provides businesses with numerous options tailored to their unique needs.
A pivotal moment for citizen developers
One of the most transformative impacts of low code platforms is the rise of citizen developers—non-IT professionals who can now build applications without having to rely solely on traditional developers. This democratization of app development empowers different business units to innovate faster. It's a game-changer! 🚀
The low code market's evolving landscape
A recent report from ResearchAndMarkets projects that the low code development platform market will grow from $13.2 billion in 2020 to $45.5 billion by 2025. This shouldn't be a surprise considering how many companies are eager to reduce IT backlog, lower development costs, and boost efficiency through automation.
A look towards the future
The trend is clear: low code is set to reshape the future of software development. For more insights into how these platforms are changing the game, check out our detailed exploration on Appian’s transformative impact on enterprise application development.
How low code tools empower business users
Empowering professionals with low code tools
It's no secret that low code development is a game changer for businesses. These platforms are designed to be user-friendly, allowing even non-technical users to create applications without having to write extensive code. This aspect of low code business process automation is truly transformative, breaking down barriers and putting the power of automation into the hands of business users.
Take the example of citizen developers. These are employees who don’t have formal coding training but use low code platforms to develop custom applications that solve specific business problems. A study by Gartner predicts that by 2024, 65% of all application development activity will involve low code platforms, making these tools invaluable for empowering business users and driving innovation.
An insightful case study comes from the healthcare sector. An organization used a low code platform to streamline their patient management processes. With a drag and drop interface, they were able to create a workflow automation system that significantly reduced patient wait times and improved the overall care experience. This is proof of how code tools are democratizing the development process, allowing those closest to business problems to create effective solutions.
Bridging the gap between IT and business
Low code platforms don't just empower business users; they also help bridge the gap between IT and business departments. This is particularly crucial in organizations where there's often a backlog of IT projects. By enabling employees from various departments to develop their own applications, IT teams can focus on more complex tasks that require their expertise.
Consider the example of SAP, which offers a low code platform that allows business users to automate processes without waiting for IT intervention. This not only speeds up development times but also fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration across departments.
Low code application development: a boon for business users
One of the main benefits of low code tools is their ability to make application development accessible to a wider audience. These platforms come with pre-built templates, visual development tools, and a user-friendly interface that makes software creation as simple as dragging and dropping elements onto a canvas. This can be incredibly empowering for business users who have intimate knowledge of their workflows and can design applications that directly address their needs.
A fantastic example of this can be found in the retail industry. A company used a low code platform to develop a custom inventory management system. The business user who created the app had a deep understanding of the company's inventory challenges, and with the help of low code tools, they were able to develop an application that perfectly suited their needs. The result was a streamlined process that significantly reduced stock shortages and overages.
Real-world examples of business transformation
The impact of low code business process automation goes beyond individual applications. Companies like Nintex are using low code platforms to transform entire business processes. By automating repetitive tasks, low code solutions can free up employees to focus on more strategic activities, ultimately driving more value for the business.
An inspiring case study involves a financial institution that implemented a low code platform to automate their loan approval process. This led to a 30% reduction in processing time, more accurate data handling, and improved customer satisfaction. Such results highlight the power of low code in delivering tangible business outcomes.
For more information on how low code platforms are reshaping the future of software development, visit our comprehensive comparison.
Benefits of low code solutions for enterprises
Increased speed and efficiency
Imagine slashing your development time by almost 90%. With low code business process automation, this isn't just wishful thinking. Forrester's DPA report highlights that companies adopting low code platforms can decrease their development cycles by an average of 70-90%. How? Through intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces, reusable components, and automated workflows that streamline the coding process.Cost savings
Low code solutions can drastically cut costs. According to Gartner, the use of low code application development platforms reduces traditional hand-coding expenses associated with software projects, saving businesses upwards of 40-60%. Platforms like Nintex and Pegasystems enable businesses to build applications at a fraction of the cost, sparing the need for extensive developer resources.Improved collaboration and accessibility
One game-changer in the realm of low code tools is their ability to democratize app development. Business users, or 'citizen developers,' who traditionally couldn't contribute to coding due to lack of technical knowledge, can now actively engage in the app design process. According to a study by SAP, this ease of use leads to a 50% improvement in collaboration and project completion rates.Better agility and flexibility
Adapting to changing business requirements is easier with low code. The low code platforms offer a flexible environment that supports iterative development, allowing businesses to continuously improve and adapt their applications quickly without the need for extensive coding changes. Gartner reports that 78% of businesses using low code platforms like Appian confirm that their ability to adapt to change has significantly increased.Reduced dependency on IT
Low code platforms reduce the need for extensive IT intervention. This enables IT departments to focus on more critical, high-level tasks. A 2022 report by Pega revealed that businesses using low code experienced a 30% drop in demand for IT support, freeing up resources and shifting focus towards more strategic initiatives.Stronger data integration and management
Being able to integrate various data sources efficiently is crucial for business workflows. Low code platforms enhance data integration, providing a unified system that seamlessly connects various data points. For example, SAP’s Integrated Data Fabric and Pega’s data integration capabilities can eliminate data silos and offer a more coherent data management strategy. These benefits are only scratching the surface. As companies continue to embrace low code business process automation, they are not just saving time and money but transforming the very way they operate and scale.Case studies: successful low code implementations
Real-world scenarios of low code success
Diving into the nitty-gritty, we find fascinating tales of companies that have embraced low code platforms to face their business challenges head-on. Let's peek at these success stories that paint a picture of what's possible with low code business process automation.
Pega systems: revolutionizing financial services
Pega Systems, a leader in business process automation, has been pivotal for financial companies wanting to streamline their services. By utilizing Pega’s low code approach, organizations like Santander have witnessed a 30% improvement in customer service metrics. Pega’s drag-and-drop interface allows even those without development experience to build comprehensive applications tailored to customer needs.
The nintex advantage in construction
Construction giant Fluor Corporation turned to Nintex for its workflow automation needs. By adopting Nintex’s low code platform, Fluor digitized their paper-heavy processes, reducing processing times by 50%. The ease of use of Nintex’s tools enabled business users to create applications that previously required significant IT intervention.
Sap and the healthcare spectrum
SAP has demonstrated the potential of low code through its integration with Connected Care Enterprises, encompassing an Integrated Data Fabric that eliminates data silos. In healthcare, this has meant a 25% enhancement in patient record accessibility and management. SAP’s tools offer business users the capability to develop workflows without in-depth technical knowledge.
Bic's educational leap
Education provider BIC faced issues with manual data handling and slow process times. BIC leveraged Forrester DPA to automate its back-office operations via low code solutions, achieving a 40% reduction in operational costs. By empowering citizen developers to craft solutions, BIC streamlined its enrollment and administrative processes significantly.
Gartner's insights on low code platforms
A Gartner report highlights that by 2024, 65% of all application development activity will be on low code platforms. Low code and no-code platforms are becoming key in addressing the talent shortage in the software industry while ensuring rapid application deployment. This is echoed by the rise in adoption rates across industries, from finance to healthcare, where companies are reaping the benefits of speed and flexibility.
Forrester's approach to low code in integration
Forrester’s research points to the impactful use of low code automation in integration scenarios. Companies using Forrester-backed RPA systems have experienced up to 70% faster integration times across different applications and platforms.
Navigating challenges and embracing opportunities
Despite their successes, some companies face initial cultural resistance and challenges in skill adaptation. However, with progressive training and incremental approaches, these hurdles can be overcome, unlocking the full potential of low code business process automation. The future is bright for firms willing to pivot and innovate in their process automation strategies.
The stories of Pega Systems, Nintex, SAP, and BIC are vivid examples of how low code solutions are transforming businesses worldwide. Stay tuned for the next part where we’ll dive into the challenges and controversies surrounding low code adoption.
Challenges and controversies in low code adoption
Security concerns and data integrity
One of the major hurdles in the adoption of low code business process automation is security. According to a 2021 Stack Overflow survey, 62% of developers expressed concerns about security when working with low code platforms. Given that many low code tools allow business users with little to no coding experience to create applications, there's an increased risk of creating vulnerabilities that can compromise sensitive data.
Along these lines, it becomes pertinent for companies to ensure they follow best security practices and involve IT professionals in the oversight of app development. Gartner predicts that by 2025, 70% of new applications developed by enterprises will use low code or no code technologies. This prediction underscores the urgency of addressing security issues and implementing robust measures to protect data integrity.
Performance issues and scalability
Another issue often raised pertains to performance and scalability. While low code tools are excellent for rapid prototyping and creating simple applications, they sometimes struggle with complex workflows and large-scale implementations. According to a Forrester report, 60% of enterprises reported performance glitches when scaling their low code applications.
For this reason, enterprises must evaluate their needs carefully before opting for low code platforms for larger projects. Performance testing, regular updates, and involving experienced developers in refining and optimizing the applications can mitigate these problems.
Limited customization options
Customizability is another controversial aspect. Many citizen developers might find that despite the coding freedom low code platforms offer, there are still limitations. For highly specific business processes, the drag-and-drop interfaces might not provide the necessary flexibility. Even though platforms like Appian and Pegasystems have made substantial advancements, there are still some scenarios where traditional coding is irreplaceable.
Resistance from professional developers
Low code development platforms sometimes face resistance from traditional developers, who believe these tools could diminish the value of their expertise. A 2020 survey from Pegasystems highlighted that 45% of seasoned developers view low code tools as a threat to their job security. While it’s more about augmenting their capabilities than replacing them, the tension remains palpable in certain work environments.
In light of this, successful low code implementation requires a cultural shift within the company and clear communication about how these tools serve as an empowering extension, not a replacement, of traditional coding skills.
The future of low code in business process automation
Emerging trends in low code automation
Low code business process automation is quickly becoming indispensable for enterprises. According to Gartner, the global market for low-code development technologies is projected to be around $13.8 billion in 2021, up by 23% from the previous year. With businesses more focused on agility, low code tools enable faster, more efficient workflows.
AI and ML integration in low code platforms
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) integrated with low code platforms have shown incredible potential. For example, Automation Anywhere offers advanced AI capabilities that allow non-developers to build sophisticated applications and improve business processes effortlessly using their drag and drop interface.
Growth of citizen developers
Citizen developers, business users who create applications without involving IT departments, have fueled the growth of low code platforms. A study by Forrester found that 84% of firms use low code development tools for some or all of their applications. Thanks to platforms like Mendix, citizen developers can efficiently build and deploy business-critical applications—isn’t that cool?
Global adoption and advancing ecosystems
The global acceptance of low code business process automation is a clear indicator of its effectiveness. The APAC headquarters of platforms like Microsoft Power Apps see growing adoption rates. According to a report by Automation Anywhere, 67% of enterprises claimed that integrating low code solutions helped them eliminate data silos and streamline their operations.
Innovations in workflow automation
Workflow automation is seeing a surge as well. Pegasystems offer robust automation solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing enterprise systems. This kind of integration, an essential use case, makes data more accessible and workflows more streamlined, ultimately leading to better business outcomes. Real-world examples indicate enterprises have cut down processing times by up to 50% using workflow automation.
