IT departments are often overwhelmed with requests: application errors, cybersecurity scares, website downtimes, developing new applications or products. These are only a few of the tasks IT teams and software developers deal with daily, with other critical tasks often left on the back burner.
Luckily, new technologies are making software development and deployment easier, faster, and democratized — allowing workers and managers (business users) to create technical solutions and software applications easily with little to no programming (coding) knowledge.
Platforms that make this possible are called low code or no code development platforms. The business users who build applications using low code no code tools are called citizen developers.
What is low code no code?
Low code no code is a term for visual software development environments that enable anyone to easily create applications and technical solutions using a drag-and-drop user interface and simple commands.
These platforms, designed primarily for users with minimal coding knowledge, also help experienced software developers and IT teams speed up their work and achieve more in less time.
Low code no code environments provide speed, control, convenience, and extended development capabilities at a fraction of the cost of hiring technical talent. They increase productivity and efficiency and are increasingly valuable as companies ramp up their digital transformation goals.
A recent survey by KPMG shows that 100% of enterprises that have implemented a low code no code platform have seen return on these investments. Low code no code provides customizable, affordable means of solving problems, improving processes and workflows, building applications, and achieving development goals without overburdening the IT team or recruiting more developers.
The history of low code no code
The evolution of low code no code platforms began with Rapid Application Development (RAD) tools such as Microsoft Excel and Access. These were the first tools to put development-like capabilities into the hands of users who were not programmers. Their only user requirements were an understanding of the applications and their development environments to use the advanced capabilities.
Low code no code development platforms are advanced, more robust versions of the early RAD software. With simple Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) and reusable templates, citizen developers can create functional applications and automate tasks and other critical, recurring aspects of their business.
What is the difference between no code and low code?
Low code platforms require some coding knowledge, while no code platforms don't require any. Low code platforms target developers looking to build quickly. They are configured to work in hard code and visual development environments, connected to managed back-end systems, databases, web services, and APIs.
On the other hand, no code platforms simplify development to a tee, providing a visual interface that requires no coding. No code platforms target non-programmers and manage everything concerning operating systems, web services, and scalability requirements.
With the ability to change some of its underlying code, a low code platform offers more freedom in configuring application functionalities and appearance. In contrast, no code platforms provide preset templates to simplify application design and development.
How does no code improve internal processes?
Productivity in every organization depends on the systems and processes in place. No code improves internal processes by enabling faster development and enhanced capabilities for business users.
Business users working with their team know their domain better than anyone. This gives them an edge in designing the best solutions to improve workflows and processes and hit their targets.
Citizen developers should brainstorm with their teams and continually get feedback to build the business-critical applications they need. Working with no code tools, managers can ensure that the best processes are developed. Other ways no code improves internal workflows include:
- Improving workflow management and collaboration between cross-functional teams
- Automating tasks, queuing reminders, and integrating with other work applications
- Saving time and resources by authorizing business users to build solutions instead of waiting on the IT team
- Developing operational excellence through consistent business process management
- Creating an environment of business agility by creating and testing software solutions quickly
- Fostering productivity and efficiency by allowing the right amount of autonomy for innovation and creativity within teams
The ideal scenario is to have all team members contribute to improving business processes and products. When employees can independently build software solutions for their needs, it encourages creativity, innovation, and engagement, while lessening the pressure on the IT team.
How does no code help automation?
According to research by McKinsey & Company, tasks that occupy 45% of employee time could be automated by adopting proven technologies. Automation is increasingly crucial in today's digital-first workplace to scale production and efficiency and maintain quality.
No code provides an intuitive visual development environment to set up automation rules that lighten your team's workload and strengthen collaboration. Using automation, teams can:
- Set lead nurture programs on auto-pilot
- Streamline the work intake process
- Improve collaboration, notifying teammates when their input is needed
- Distribute reports on a schedule
- Centralize data and information in a single source of truth
- Templatize repeatable patterns
- Leverage APIs to integrate with business applications
There are many ways to use no code to set up automation. You could use dynamic request forms, connect to APIs, or develop a customized solution for your specific case.
Benefits of using no code for automation include:
- Reducing human errors
- Speeding up business processes
- Limiting boring and repetitive work, so there's more time for valuable, strategic, and creative work
- Enhancing collaboration across teams and departments
- Bridging the skills gap in software development and technical skills
How does no code help workflows?
The lack of streamlined workflows can cause stress and bottlenecks in teams, disrupting collaboration and progress. Low code no code helps teams codify and build their workflows into a repeatable system, using custom applications and integrations to other work tools.
Citizen developers can get input from teammates, draw their workflow using flow charts, and deploy the finished product as a workflow management application for the team. Benefits of creating a workflow management application include:
- Mitigating avoidable risks
- Gaining comprehensive insights into the progress of each project
- Assessing performance metrics of projects and processes
- Improving team collaboration, fostering productivity
- Increasing efficiency and the chances of completing a project on time
- Facilitating collaboration with clients
- Increasing client satisfaction as more time is spent on work directly benefiting clients
Altogether, no code helps teams leverage technology to plug gaps in their workflows and maintain a standardized system of getting things done, creating consistent quality output.
Why use Wrike as your no code workflow management platform?
No code fosters environments for faster digital transformation, creating the opportunity for teams to build solutions quickly without depending on the IT team. Business users can attend to needs as they arise and improve their processes and workflows.
As a workflow management tool, Wrike provides a secure, collaborative workspace where teams can share updates, map out workflows, automate business processes, and keep track of ongoing IT projects.
Ready to join the no code movement and improve efficiency? Get started with a two-week free trial of Wrike today.
