Low-code development as an opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises
The challenges that a conversion to digital work processes brings with it affect above all small and medium-sized enterprises. Some of these companies lack the concepts to exploit the full potential that digitalisation offers. In order to benefit from the positive effects, IT know-how and the corresponding infrastructure must be available.
With the possibility of low-code development, one has a method at hand that can support especially small and medium-sized enterprises in the topic of digitalisation. Low-code is about being able to develop helpful applications with little code and programming effort. The most important characterisation of low code is that development should be possible without extensive programming knowledge and according to the modular principle.
This is a good opportunity, especially for users in small and medium-sized enterprises, to drive forward the digital transformation according to their own individual criteria. In addition to the flexibility that companies gain in this way, it is also an advantage that low-code solutions can be easily integrated into an existing infrastructure via open interfaces.
In the meantime, most companies have a multitude of complex systems in use, from ERP and CRM to human resources software solutions of the most diverse kinds. The more modern approach would be to develop, run and manage the applications themselves. With low code development, it is possible to have applications (including mobile) created directly by internal staff, even with little training. A lack of know-how (one of the main reasons that stand in the way of digitalisation) can be compensated for very well in this way. Moreover, no large resources are needed.
Why is low-code development an advantage, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises and with regard to digitalisation?
In contrast to large companies, small and medium-sized enterprises lack concepts and a suitable IT infrastructure. Low code is a method that makes it possible for small and medium-sized enterprises to switch to digital processes more quickly. Up to now, digitalisation has usually been hindered by high costs or a non-existent digital infrastructure (including a lack of skilled personnel). At the same time, however, they are increasingly losing out to competitors who are correspondingly well positioned, which further exacerbates the problem. To put it in a nutshell: low code enables companies to develop software with a manageable amount of time and money.
Especially in times of digitalisation, low-code development and low-code development platforms are becoming more and more important. According to market research, the market for low-code platforms is growing rapidly and will continue to gain momentum in the near future.
Advantages of low-code for SMEs at a glance:
- The barriers that have prevented businesses from developing applications and going digital are falling.
- Even if the IT infrastructure is overloaded with many different and complex systems (ERP, CRM, etc.), low-code developments can quickly provide modern solutions
- SMEs are encouraged to work without external developers, graphical user interfaces and drag and drop logic can be used by all employees
- Own IT staff (if available) is relieved of workload
- One can adapt more flexibly and quickly to all circumstances
- Low-code solutions can usually be easily integrated into the existing infrastructure thanks to open interfaces.
- Prototypes can be created quickly, which greatly simplifies testing possibilities.
- The advantage of low-code is also that trained developers can concentrate on their work when other employees can develop applications.
Low-code development – also an advantage with HCL Notes:
Even the companies that have successfully relied on Domino applications for a long time are used to being able to quickly provide applications for their employees, even for the browser or for the smartphone. With Domino Volt (HCL Volt MX) as an extension for low-code development, it is now even possible to create applications that can be made available to many users immediately. In a nutshell, you can say that with HCL Volt you can solve certain app development problems in one fell swoop and no programming knowledge is required.