{"id":14723,"date":"2023-04-13T09:28:58","date_gmt":"2023-04-13T14:28:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mrc-productivity.com\/blog\/?p=14723"},"modified":"2023-04-13T09:29:39","modified_gmt":"2023-04-13T14:29:39","slug":"what-are-the-most-common-low-code-use-cases","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mrc-productivity.com\/blog\/2023\/04\/what-are-the-most-common-low-code-use-cases\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the most common low-code use cases?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Low-code development usage is growing fast. According to Gartner<\/a>, the low-code market will grow 20% this year. They expect it to grow even more next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, you\u2019ve probably heard these stats a thousand times. The low-code market has grown steadily for years. No one will argue that point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bigger (and more important) questions: We know that adoption is on the rise, but\u2026how are these businesses using low-code? What are the practical use cases? What can you build with low-code?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

These are great questions, and ones that we hear a lot. In this article, we\u2019ll explore this topic in more detail and provide some concrete answers. But first, there are a couple of things you need to understand about low-code before I can explain the use cases:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

a. All low-code tools are different<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most confusing parts about low-code is the fact that every tool is different. They have different interfaces, features, capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, Product X might focus on mobile apps while Product Y focuses on workflow. The primary use cases for each are much different. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet, they both fall under the \u201clow-code\u201d umbrella.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even more confusing is the fact that many \u201clow-code\u201d tools aren\u2019t even in the same category. For instance, I see low-code articles comparing website builders with enterprise application development tools. That\u2019s like comparing a bicycle to a car since they\u2019re both methods of transportation. It doesn’t make sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For sake of this article, we\u2019ll focus on enterprise low-code application development software. These are multi-purpose tools that create data-driven web applications over a database. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

b. Low-code goes beyond what you can build<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest myths about low-code tools in general is the idea that they limit customization. Many people think that low-code trades development speed for flexibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The facts: <\/strong>This is true for some tools, but not all. Some low-code tools do limit your customization options. Others let you do anything. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You need to consider this when discussing use cases. How much control does the tool give you over what you build? Can you customize them to fit your exact needs? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, Product X and Product Y may both let you create a custom CRM system<\/a>. But, Product X limits your customization options so it doesn\u2019t quite fit your needs. While they both have the same use case, they deliver different results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s the big difference you\u2019ll find as you explore different low-code tools. Some are very restrictive while others allow for complete customization. In terms of use cases, it\u2019s an important point to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Low-Code Use Cases<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Now that we have those points out of the way, let\u2019s get on to the main event: Low-code use cases!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to use cases, I break it down into two categories: Applications and Goals. Let me quickly explain the difference:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An application use case is a specific application you\u2019d like to build, like a CRM system, database front-end, customer portal, etc\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A goal-based use case means that you don\u2019t have a specific application in mind, but have a goal(s) that you\u2019d like to achieve. For instance, you might want to improve time to market, allow for citizen development, or bring outsourced development in-house. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Goal-based use cases of low-code<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s start with the goal-based use cases. Low-code development platforms are often used to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Improve time to market<\/strong>: Low-code platforms can reduce development time by 50-80%. In my experience, this is one of the most common use cases for low-code development. The business wants to improve overall development time, and low-code is the answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eliminate SaaS user fees<\/strong>: Many companies use dozens of different SaaS tools, all with separate user fees. More and more are realizing they can create custom web apps with a low-code platform and replace some of their SaaS tools. The best part: They eliminate the SaaS user fees they were paying, and actually save money with their low-code purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bring outsourced development in-house: <\/strong>I know of many businesses that used to rely on outside developers for their software development. They adopted low-code as a way to create apps in-house, using their current team and skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Automate business processes<\/strong>: Low-code platforms are used to automate business processes such as document approval workflows, invoice processing, or customer onboarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modernize legacy systems<\/strong>: Organizations use low-code platforms to modernize their legacy systems. They either build brand new applications to replace their legacy apps, or build new apps that integrate with existing systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enable citizen development<\/strong>: Sometimes businesses just want to offload simple development tasks to business users. Low-code platforms help non-technical users build applications without any coding knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Help with digital transformation<\/strong>: The sudden move to remote work during the pandemic forced many organizations to finally address digital transformation. Many turned to low-code platforms as a way to quickly create these digital solutions without falling behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, this certainly isn\u2019t a comprehensive list of goal-based use cases. However, these are some of the most common goals behind low-code adoption in my experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Application-based use cases of low-code<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, let\u2019s explore a few application-based use cases of low-code platforms. Most often, we see businesses use low-code to create data-driven applications that are custom to their business needs. These use cases vary widely by the business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mention that because it\u2019s hard to say exactly what your business will create with low-code. Every business is different. But, that\u2019s one of the great things about low-code tools. They\u2019re used to quickly create custom solutions to address your unique needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That being said, here\u2019s a short list of application types commonly created with low-code platforms: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customer relationship management (CRM) systems<\/strong>: These applications help businesses manage interactions with customers and automate various customer-related processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Workflow management applications<\/strong>: These applications automate workflows, helping businesses improve their operational efficiency and reduce errors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project management tools<\/strong>: These applications help businesses manage projects by providing tools to plan, track, and collaborate on tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Data dashboards<\/strong>: These applications display data from various sources in a visual format, helping businesses monitor key performance indicators (KPIs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Budgeting\/Forecasting applications<\/strong>: Low-code helps businesses who need custom budgeting and\/or forecasting applications to fit their requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Human resources (HR) management systems<\/strong>: These applications help businesses manage employee information, automate HR processes, and track performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inventory management systems:<\/strong> These applications help businesses manage inventory levels, track shipments, and forecast demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Financial management applications<\/strong>: These applications automate financial processes, such as invoicing, accounting, and budgeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Business intelligence (BI) tools:<\/strong> These applications provide insights into business operations by analyzing data from various sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Event management applications:<\/strong> These applications help businesses plan, organize, and manage events, such as conferences, trade shows, and webinars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Web-based portals: <\/strong>Organizations create web portals as a way to securely deliver applications to their customers, employees, or partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, this is only a partial list of applications that low-code tools often create. I couldn\u2019t possibly list every option here. Remember, the true power of low-code lies in its ability to quickly create custom business applications that fit your exact needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Summary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These are just a few common use cases of low-code tools, but the list could me much longer. That’s really the great thing about low-code: It’s used to create all types of applications…each of which is custom to your business!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Low-code development usage is growing fast. According to Gartner, the low-code market will grow 20% this year. They expect it to grow even more next year. But, you\u2019ve probably heard these stats a thousand times. The low-code market has grown steadily for years. No one will argue that point. The bigger (and more important) questions: …<\/p>\n

What are the most common low-code use cases?<\/span> Read More »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","slim_seo":{"title":"What are the most common low-code use cases? - mrc's Cup of Joe Blog","description":"Low-code development usage is growing fast. According to Gartner , the low-code market will grow 20% this year. They expect it to grow even more next year. But,"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[111],"class_list":["post-14723","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-education","tag-low-code"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mrc-productivity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14723","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mrc-productivity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mrc-productivity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mrc-productivity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mrc-productivity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14723"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.mrc-productivity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14723\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14770,"href":"https:\/\/www.mrc-productivity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14723\/revisions\/14770"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mrc-productivity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14723"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mrc-productivity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14723"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mrc-productivity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14723"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}