{"id":12812,"date":"2020-07-15T14:01:31","date_gmt":"2020-07-15T19:01:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mrc-productivity.com\/blog\/?p=12812"},"modified":"2022-11-22T16:10:39","modified_gmt":"2022-11-22T22:10:39","slug":"10-essential-elements-of-low-code-software","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mrc-productivity.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/10-essential-elements-of-low-code-software\/","title":{"rendered":"10 essential elements of low-code software"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"development\"Summary: As the low-code market grows, so does the confusion. Potential low-code users find that comparing options is like comparing apples and oranges. What key elements should you look for in a low-code development platform? We explore some ‘must-have’ features in this article.<\/em><\/span>
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\nPhoto by Simon Abrams<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/em><\/span>
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\nLow-code development software<\/a> has a problem. Since the phrase was coined back in 2014, we\u2019ve seen an explosion of low-code tools. These days, you\u2019ll find over 200 options. <\/p>\n

The problem: They\u2019re all different. Since \u201clow-code\u201d is such a vague term, low-code software is all over the map. <\/p>\n

For instance, some low-code tools focus on specific functions. Others let you create anything. Some are basic. Others are enterprise-class. Some require a fair amount of coding. Others need no coding at all but still provide the option. <\/p>\n

To make matters worse, software vendors slap the term on anything remotely related to low-code. If their offering has any low-code element, they market it as a low-code solution.<\/p>\n

The result: Confusion. Low-code software buyers must wade through a jumbled mess of options. Different low-code solutions offer different approaches and capabilities. They find that comparing options is like comparing apples and oranges.<\/p>\n

Today, I\u2019d like to cut through some of this confusion. Sure, most low-code tools are different. But, what should you look for? What are the \u201cmust-have\u201d elements that every low-code platform should include? While I\u2019m sure the list could be longer, I\u2019ve rounded up the top 10 below.<\/p>\n

1. Transparency<\/h3>\n

Low-code tools let you create web applications without coding. They should provide a clean, point-and-click interface. <\/p>\n

But, they shouldn\u2019t be a \u201cblack box\u201d. <\/p>\n

What does that mean? A good low-code tool provides transparency. It lets you \u201cpull back the covers\u201d, giving you access to the generated code if needed. You should be able to edit and customize your applications through the interface, or at the code level. <\/p>\n

Why is this so important? As explained below, transparency improves trust, provides more flexibility, and helps you troubleshoot issues should a problem arise.<\/p>\n

\n\u201cThe absolute most important feature of low-code software is transparency,\u201d says Jesse Spencer-Davenport, Marketing Director at BIS<\/span><\/a>. \u201cThe defining value of low-code is easier results but if the validity of results is uncertain, or worse, they are proven to be wrong, the solution won\u2019t be trusted. So by providing a layer of transparency, results are verifiable, and users gain an understanding of how the tool works in the background. This enables users to learn the platform better, and what \u201cknobs\u201d and \u201cbuttons\u201d to use to achieve desired results.\u201d\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

2. Automation<\/h3>\n


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\nIn a digital world, automation is the name of the game. It improves efficiency. It reduces errors. Automation is often the difference between top performing companies and those that lag behind.<\/p>\n

Yet, a recent study found that inefficient processes are the biggest source of wasted time in the average workday. <\/p>\n

Why do so many businesses struggle in this area? It usually boils down to the fact that their applications and processes weren\u2019t built for a digital era. Their applications don\u2019t integrate with each other. They don\u2019t use data changes to trigger workflows. The result: Employees must fill in the gaps manually.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why automation is such a critical part of modern low-code tools. They must be able to pass data between other applications and services. They must be able to trigger workflows when data is added or changed. <\/p>\n

Most importantly, they must include a workflow automation designer. Workflow designers let users automate business processes using a drag and drop interface. They let users set workflow triggers that fire when data is added or changed. These triggers can start all types of workflows, ranging from email notifications to API calls and everything in between. <\/p>\n

\n\u201cThe tool should be intuitive enough to be able to execute automation workflows based on event-generated triggers, drastically reducing human intervention,\u201d says Murali Palanisamy, chief solutions officer, AppViewX<\/span><\/a>. \u201cAny tool can perform linear task automation, but only truly intelligent tools can accomplish end-to-end process orchestration with minimal prodding.\u201d\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

3. Environment flexibility<\/h3>\n


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\nWhere\u2019s the best place to host your low-code platform? On-premise or in the cloud? <\/p>\n

There\u2019s no one answer that applies to every situation.<\/p>\n

Rather, I believe in development freedom. If that calls for on-premise hosting, so be it. If that means you move your application development to the cloud, that\u2019s fine too. <\/p>\n

Environment flexibility is a critical aspect of low-code platforms. Applications should deploy anywhere and port easily. Be wary of any platform that locks you into their cloud, or a single deployment location. A good low-code platform gives you options. <\/p>\n

Here are a few questions to ask the vendor before licensing a solution: <\/p>\n