Low-Code is revolutionising software development and changing the way businesses approach application development. The market for low-code technology is expanding rapidly and the advantages are perceived to greatly outweigh the risks. This is primarily due to the increased project speed and improved satisfaction among both developers and business leaders According to Gartner, by 2025, 70% of new applications developed by companies will use low-code or no-code technologies, compared to less than 25% in 2020.
Benefits of Low-Code
Low-code technology allows for a wide range of customisation capabilities in software applications, such as:
- custom forms, screens, and layouts for the user interface;
- custom workflows, rules, and calculations for the business processes;
- integration of data from multiple sources, creation of custom reports and dashboards for analytics;
- deployment on various platforms like web, mobile, and desktop, and customisation of access control and security settings.
Additionally, it also facilitates integration with other systems and platforms such as social media, email, and other services.
Agile Ways of Working with Low-Code
Low-code technology also enables more agile working methods that are better aligned with end-user expectations. When the same low-code platform is used across multiple use cases and departments within an organisation, it simplifies documentation and maintenance compared to traditional software development. The use of SaaS services further enhances this advantage.
The relationship between the IT, business departments, and companies/service providers is also redefined with the low-code approach. Various models exist where the IT department's scope of responsibility in relation to the business departments can vary, whether it's applications managed by the business departments, a collection of SaaS services created by a power user, the involvement of freelance consultants, the establishment of a digital factory or a support center of expertise, etc.
Deliveries are now faster, and a first level of application can be built directly within the business department. The technical level required from the "developer", sometimes referred to as a "citizen developer", is significantly lower and for some, the pleasure of work is higher - two aspects that are not negligible when IT recruiting is difficult.
Concrete Examples of Low-Code in Action
Here are some concrete examples of the low-code implementation carried out for our clients:;
- A financial controller at one of our customers was able to automate the cost breakdown process by using a no-code solution that Orange Business recommended. This resulted in saving almost 2 days of work per month, as they no longer have to rely on numerous Excel formulas.
- A proof of concept (POC) carried out by Orange Business (of which Orange Bis a member) at a major industrial company demonstrated that using a low-code platform could reduce the workload for a critical application by 30%.
- Last year, a team dedicated to low-code applications at Orange Business successfully deployed a mobile application for maintenance technicians. The application's ergonomics were evaluated by a third-party company and received praise, despite the demanding criteria.
Challenges of Implementing Low-Code
Low-code technology has the potential to revolutionise software development by allowing non-technical users to create and deploy applications quickly and easily.
However, as with any new technology, some challenges must be addressed to fully realize the benefits of low-code. One of the main challenges is ensuring optimal application licensing and data security management throughout the development process.
Ensuring optimal application licensing requires a clear understanding of the specific needs of the organisation and the available options in the market. This can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it is necessary to ensure that the companies are getting the most value out of their investment in low-code technology.
Additionally, security is a critical concern, as data breaches can have serious consequences for companies. Ensuring that data is handled and transferred securely is crucial to protecting against cyber threats and ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations.
Another challenge that companies may face is the need to implement global governance and management of low-code technology. This includes creating a clear roadmap for the implementation of low-code and establishing clear roles and responsibilities for different teams involved in the process. It also includes developing a comprehensive plan for training and support to ensure that all users can make the most of the technology.
At Orange Business, we understand the challenges of implementing low-code technology and we help companies successfully navigate these challenges to fully unlock the power of low-code.
We can assist you throughout the entire process, from initial planning and implementation to ongoing support and training. Our goal is to help organisations streamline development, boost productivity, and achieve a higher ROI from their low-code technology.
Contact our experts for more information.
