Read how low code for small businesses can help bring maximum benefit in the next years
According to a study by KfW, SMEs / SMBs spent around 15 billion Euros on digitization projects in 2017. However, many in the SME sector are still struggling with this new wave called “digital transformation”. Only around half of the primarily family-owned companies use individual applications like data storage or communication tools, of those, only a quarter have a valid and comprehensive digitization strategy in place. Many people like to say: “Time is money” and therefore, those who continue to wait on fully embracing digitization gamble away valuable potential to transform sustainable business models into sustainable competitive advantages. The lack of experienced specialists, a lack of own know-how or even uncertainties in the selection of much-needed software that fits perfectly are increasingly becoming an unbeatable challenge to set sail for the future. But the solution is so close and simple, and right in front of everyone’s eye: it’s low code development.
Low Code for Small Businesses Relieves Application Chaos
In the course of digitization, time passes much faster for medium-sized businesses. Ideally, more and more applications need to be implemented in the shortest possible time. Additionally, different technologies and systems, which have to be integrated enterprise-wide, raise the bar even higher for process requirements, budgets and role profiles. A low code programming approach creates a clear relief for many IT Heads. Developing web and mobile applications using low code tools has never been easier. With the help of professional low code platforms, applications can be created and adapted not only by specialized software developers but also by other IT employees. With low code in place, there is no need to resort to scarce IT specialist personnel or become dependent on external service providers. After a short training period, internal developer resources can become proactive without the need for specific programming knowledge or years of experience and training.
Low Code for Small Businesses Relieves Resources
If you work with a low code development platform you do not have to deal directly with the source code. Rather, the focus is on graphical development tools and reusable building blocks, which in turn drastically reduce your programming efforts. Complex applications such as business structures or databases no longer have to be programmed in a cumbersome manner, but can be easily developed using a “Drag & Drop” approach. At the same time, professional low code platforms offer the possibility of touching the source code as required, so that development experts continue to enjoy full access if and when necessary. Parallel to the application development, the application’s user interface (UI) is created and in return shortens the development time even more. The general efficiency is enormously increased with the help of low code. Open interfaces allow existing technologies to be easily integrated and edited and employees can, therefore, continue to use existing systems they are familiar with.
Low Code for Small Businesses Promises Maximum Agility
Agility is one of the most important strategic issues for optimizing internal processes today, asserting oneself in the face of increasing competitive pressure and responding to changing customer requirements. Application templates can be used as a basis and adapted to individual requirements. Whether desktop or mobile device, the agile feasibility of the applications creates valuable potential. Experts assume that low code applications can be developed up to ten times faster. Therefore, digital processes and applications can be already developed in a few days or even within a few hours. In the past, small changes required the necessity to familiarize oneself intensively with the respective code. Nowadays, this is no longer necessary when leveraging a low code platform
Conclusion: Unlimited Possibilities with Low Code
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises have gained a great advantage with low code development – with a small investment, they receive the same diverse possibilities of digitally advancing processes, products, or services as Fortune 500 companies do. Intelligent technologies have paved the way for the development of new products and data-based services. Digital customer communication via social media, responsive order formats, or simplified payment processes open up new avenues for all departments, whether marketing or sales, and ensure long-term growth. Many of these needs and growth targets can be quickly responded to with low code and integrated into the enterprise’s own IT landscape. If agile procedures and cross-functional teams are used at the same time, the low code platform of choice becomes a bridge between business and IT, and a competitive advantage.
Key Takeaways
An unmanageable number of systems, technologies and data models can accumulate quickly
The standardization of application development has many advantages
Central platforms offer the CIO all the freedom to direct and implement the entrepreneur’s requirements
Want to know more about how Neptune Software can help with low code processes? Then get in touch with us:
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About the Author
Christoph Garms: Managing Director for Neptune Software Germany
For Christoph, the key to successful digital change lies in the right technical tools. His vision as Managing Director of Neptune Software in Germany is to bridge the gap between business and IT and to move the DACH market towards a true digital transformation. With his cross-industry expertise, Christoph is certain that this is a question of digitalizing from process to process, creating a new work culture with agile methods and cross-functional teams. As a graduate software architect and with an extensive background in pre-sales for Neptune Software, he knows the importance to supporting partners and customers from the first demo to implementation, onboarding and expert training.
