10 strategies for leveraging low-code development in businesses

It’s no secret that people constantly use applications and websites nowadays. That’s why businesses seek innovative and efficient solutions to gain people’s attention through those platforms.

Low-code development has emerged as a game-changing approach because it enables faster delivery of digital platforms with minimal coding. 

Gartner predicts the global low-code development market will grow to 20% in 2023. This comes as organizations use low-code technologies more to cater to growing demands for automation.

In this article, we’ll explore the transformative power of low-code development and its advantages over traditional methods. We’ll also discuss its potential to revolutionize software development.

What is low-code?

Low-code describes creating software that doesn’t need lots of traditional computer programming. 

Platforms that use low-code have drag-and-drop and graphical interfaces. This means people can build apps without writing a lot of code. 

Defining low-code development

Low-code development is a visual development approach that builds applications with minimal coding. It allows businesses to build software apps quickly and easily. This approach reduces the burden on IT departments and accelerates the time to market. 

Low-code development empowers citizen developers, subject matter experts, and business users to create applications. They can do so without extensive coding knowledge. 

With low-code, most people can design and develop software tailored to their specific requirements. 

Low-code development platforms provide an intuitive interface and pre-built components. The reusable resources enable anyone to build apps quickly and efficiently. All while maintaining security and governance.

Low-code development vs. No-code development

Low-code development is often confused with no-code development, but they have distinct differences.

Both approaches aim to simplify the software development process. However, low-code development offers more flexibility and customization options. It allows users to add custom code when needed, providing greater control and advanced functionality. 

On the other hand, no-code development is more limited in customization because it relies heavily on pre-built components and templates.

Low-code development vs. High-code (traditional) development

There is a clear difference when comparing low-code development to high-code/traditional development.

High-code development involves writing extensive lines of code from scratch to build applications. This requires deep technical knowledge and skills. 

In contrast, low-code development eliminates the complexity of coding. It focuses on visual interfaces and drag-and-drop functionalities. 

This enables a wider range of individuals to participate in the development process. It also reduces the dependence on highly skilled developers.

Low-code development: Features and benefits

Low-code development offers several key features and benefits that make it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes:

Rapid application development

Low-code development allows for faster software development due to its visual interface and pre-built components. This can significantly reduce the time to market for new applications or updates.

Operational efficiency

Low-code development frees up IT resources by letting non-technical users create applications. It allows for faster iteration and deployment of apps. This means using low-code helps boost efficiency and productivity.

Low on cost

Businesses can cut their software or app development costs by reducing the need for expensive resources. 

Low-code development also optimizes the use of existing talent within the organization. In fact,  tech companies are shifting to low-code developers to fill in the need for skilled developers.

Customization

Platforms that use low-code offer the flexibility to add custom code and features when needed. They provide the resources to build highly customized and specialized apps that meet unique business needs.

Scalability

Low-code development platforms let firms easily scale applications as their needs grow. This ensures the software can support increasing user bases and evolving business requirements.

Integration capabilities

Low-code platforms often come bundled with integration tools and connectors. They make it easier to connect applications to existing systems and databases. This streamlines work processes and improves overall efficiency.

User-friendly interface

Low-code development programs have intuitive interfaces that let even non-technical users build apps. This democratizes the development process. It also empowers a wider range of individuals within the organization.

Better collaboration

Development platforms with low-code often include collaboration features. It facilitates teamwork and communication between developers, business users, and stakeholders. This promotes better alignment, faster decision-making, and improved outcomes.

Agile development

Low-code development embraces agile methodologies, allowing for iterative development and continuous improvement. This approach enables companies to respond to dynamic user needs and market demands effectively.

Governance and security

Low-code development platforms come with built-in governance and security features. They are important to ensure regulatory compliance and protect sensitive data. This gives businesses peace of mind and reduces the risk of data breaches.

10 ways businesses can use low-code development

Low-code development can be applied to various scenarios and industries. Here are ten ways businesses can leverage the development approach:

1. E-commerce apps

Businesses can use low-code development to create e-commerce applications that are tailored to their specific needs. 

This can include:

• Customer-facing websites
• Shopping carts
• Payment gateways
• Inventory management systems

With low-code, these apps can be developed and deployed quickly. Therefore, it allows enterprises to capitalize on online sales opportunities.

2. Customer portals

A well-designed customer portal can enhance the customer experience by providing self-service options. 

With low-code development, companies can create customer portals that:

• Enable users to access their account information
• View purchase history
• Request support
• Perform other self-service functions

This reduces the burden on customer support teams and improves overall customer satisfaction.

3. Social network

Low-code development can be used to build social networking platforms that connect individuals with shared interests. 

These platforms can facilitate:

• Collaboration
• Knowledge sharing
• Community building

It lets organizations create custom social networks that cater to specific target audiences or niche communities.

4. Social media

Enterprises can build social media management tools to streamline their social media efforts. 

These tools can assist with:

• Content scheduling
• Analytics tracking
• Social listening
• Engagement management

Using low-code, businesses can create personalized social media workflows for their marketing strategies.

5. SaaS development

With low-code development, companies can create Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) apps to serve specific industries or verticals. Firms can then quickly develop and deploy SaaS solutions to meet market demands.

6. Supply chain management

Low-code development can build supply chain management software. 

They can streamline processes such as:

• Inventory management
• Procurement
• Logistics
• Order fulfillment

These apps can provide real-time visibility into the supply chain. In turn, businesses can make informed decisions and optimize their operations.

7. IoT integration

Low-code development programs can simplify the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices into existing business applications. 

This means organizations can build or integrate IoT functionalities into their existing systems. It facilitates leveraging the power of IoT to improve operational efficiency. 

Additionally, low-code IoT integration helps gather valuable data and creates new revenue opportunities.

8. CRM apps

Low-code development platforms can create customized customer relationship management (CRM) software. 

These apps can be tailored to meet specific business needs, such as:

• Lead tracking
• Sales pipeline management
• Customer support
• Marketing automation

Enterprises can then design CRM apps that align with their unique processes and workflows.

9. Listing directories

Low-code development can be employed to build listing directories. It can include job boards, real estate directories, or business directories. These directories provide a place to list and promote services, products, or opportunities. 

Firms can use low-code to easily create highly customized listing directories that cater to specific industries or niches.

10. File management

Low-code development platforms can make efficient file management software.

These apps can include features like:

• Version control
• Document collaboration
• Access control
• Search capabilities

Organizations can easily create file management solutions that streamline document-centric processes using low-code.

Choosing a low-code development platform

Businesses should consider these factors to ensure the low-code development platform aligns with their requirements:

• Ease of use. Look for a platform that offers an intuitive interface and drag-and-drop capabilities. It should be easy to use so that even non-technical users can create apps.
• Customization options. Consider the level of customization the program allows. It should have the ability to add custom code when necessary.
• Integration capabilities. Evaluate the platform’s integration capabilities to ensure seamless linking with existing systems, data sources, and APIs.
• Scalability. Check the program’s ability to handle increasing app complexity and user load. Make sure it can support the dynamic needs of your business.
• Collaboration features. Look for collaboration features easing teamwork and communication among developers, business users, and stakeholders.
• Security and governance. Ensure the platform has built-in security and governance features to protect sensitive data and comply with regulations.
• Vendor support. Validate the quality and availability of vendor support. This includes documentation, training resources, and responsive customer service.

Future trends of low-code development

The low-code development landscape is continuously evolving, and several trends are emerging:

• AI-powered development. AI helps low-code development platforms automate repetitive tasks and provide intelligent suggestions during the development process.
• Mobile application development. Low-code development is becoming increasingly popular for building mobile apps. It lets businesses create native or cross-platform apps without extensive coding.
• Process automation. Low-code development platforms are leveraged to automate complex business processes, reducing manual errors and increasing efficiency.
• Citizen development culture. The adoption of low-code development is expected to drive a culture of citizen development. It would empower business users to take an active part in the development process.
• Expanded ecosystems. Low-code platforms are expanding their ecosystems by partnering with other software vendors. They also provide a marketplace for pre-built components and integrations.