The Advantages and Limitations of Low-Code Platforms
Low-code platforms are becoming increasingly popular, with many managers viewing them as a cure-all for their IT needs. But what exactly are they good for, and where do they fall short?
What Can a Low-Code Platform Do?
Low-code platforms are excellent for digitizing smaller, short-term, and isolated processes. They are particularly effective for addressing minor business problems because they are easy to learn and use without requiring a background in IT or programming. With these platforms, business users (non-IT staff) can handle development tasks with minimal assistance from IT professionals. This makes it easier for companies to support and maintain any development done on the platform.
Low-code platforms also help prevent the spread of “Shadow IT” within an organization. Shadow IT occurs when business departments attempt to solve IT problems without involving the often overburdened internal IT team. These solutions, often built in tools like Access or Excel, can become critical over time but lack proper documentation and support, leading to potential crises when the original developer leaves the company. Low-code platforms can provide a more controlled and sustainable solution.
What Are Low-Code Platforms Not Suitable For?
Low-code platforms are not ideal for building complex solutions that require extensive functionality and cover large-scale business processes without having extensive experience of Solution architecture design, Business domain knowledge and Software product design. Without this expertise, projects can quickly turn into nightmares, especially if the development team lacks sufficient enterprise experience.
Professional software companies like ApPello have decades of experience in designing robust data models and architectures. This level of expertise cannot be quickly acquired and is essential for managing long-term and large-scale projects. Fresh graduates or inexperienced developers are unlikely to develop sustainable and scalable solutions without this deep knowledge.
Building the Best Enterprise Solutions
Some successful companies build their software products on their own low-code platforms or use third-party platforms like Mendix or Salesforce. With nearly 30 years of experience, Appello has built banking software solutions on its own low-code platform, giving them complete control over the architecture and avoiding limitations often encountered with third-party platforms.
What is a Low-Code Platform?
Low-code platforms vary widely. Some streamline the developers’ workflow by handling repetitive tasks, others function as smart workflow engines, and some serve as a bridge between low-code and no-code platforms. The key advantages of these platforms are their flexibility and ease of configuration, allowing business users to adapt applications to changing needs without writing new code.
At Appello, we have built our platform around several core components:
- Data Modeler: Helps design data structures.
- Screen Designer
- Workflow Designer: Uses the Camunda workflow engine.
- Decision Engine: For designing, testing, and executing complex calculations.
- Interface SDK.
- AI Engine: Supports all components with AI capabilities.
For more information about Appello’s Low-code platform, click here: Appello Low_Code Platform
The Appello team is ready to help you find the best solution for your business needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us!