Low code apps: what are they and why they matter

What low code apps are, why they matter and whether they are the right fit for your business.

Key takeaways:

• Low-code apps make it easy to build applications without needing to know how to code.

• Compared to off-the-shelf solutions, low-code gives you more flexibility. You can create apps that fit your specific business needs.

• If you’re looking for fast development, customization, and a way to get everyone involved, low-code might just be the perfect fit for your organization.

Contents:

1.     What are low-code apps?

2.     The advantages of low-code apps

3.     Types of low-code apps

4.     Developing low-code apps

5.     How we can help

Every company, whether a startup or an established enterprise, relies on software to streamline operations and enhance customer satisfaction. Traditional software development, however, is costly, time-consuming, and often rigid. On the other end of the spectrum, off-the-shelf solutions like Trello and Asana might seem convenient but can lead to integration challenges and don’t always align with unique business processes. This is where low-code apps come in. They bridge the gap by offering customizable solutions that reduce development time and cost while providing the flexibility to tailor software to specific needs. In this article, we’ll explore what low-code apps are, their key benefits, and how to determine if they’re the right choice for your organization.

What are low code apps?

Low-code applications allow users to create software with minimal manual coding, using visual tools like drag-and-drop interfaces. Designed for both developers and non-developers, these platforms simplify the app-building process, making it faster and more accessible. By eliminating the need for intricate coding knowledge, businesses can focus on bringing ideas to life more efficiently.

“Low-code isn’t just about speed – it’s about freeing up creative potential. What used to take months can now take days, giving businesses a real competitive edge. ”

Advantages of low-code apps

When businesses explore new software solutions, they're often met with a difficult choice: buy off-the-shelf software or invest in fully customized applications. Both options come with their own set of compromises. Off-the-shelf solutions can feel restrictive, as they offer limited customization, and custom builds can be time-consuming and expensive. This is where low-code platforms shine, offering a middle ground that combines flexibility, agility, and cost-efficiency.

1. Flexibility to adapt and scale

Low-code platforms give businesses the power to develop applications that fit their exact needs, without being locked into a pre-defined feature set. Unlike off-the-shelf software that often comes with unnecessary features or lacks critical functionality, low-code apps allow you to build precisely what you need. This means your app evolves with your business, not the other way around.

With low-code you can design solutions that address the specific pain points of your company. For example, if your business requires a portal for both customers and employees, you can build one app that accommodates both with user-friendly customization. Need to add new features or expand its capabilities? You can easily integrate additional functions or update the app to accommodate new business processes.

2. Reduced development time and faster time-to-market

One of the most attractive aspects of low-code development is the ability to bring an application from concept to deployment much faster than traditional coding methods. In fact, a recent global survey found that 29% of respondents reported low-code development is 40-60% faster than traditional development methods.

Low-code platforms typically offer visual development environments where users can create workflows and processes by dragging and dropping components. This dramatically reduces the time required to build even complex applications.

““By shortening the development cycle, low-code lets you turn great ideas into operational solutions before the window of opportunity closes.””

You can rapidly create prototypes to test functionality, gather user feedback, and make adjustments on the fly. This iterative process ensures that by the time the final version is launched, it has already been fine-tuned for user needs.

3. Cost efficiency

Developing custom applications traditionally involves hiring specialized developers or engaging with third-party software agencies, both of which can quickly rack up costs. Because low-code environments automate much of the coding process, businesses can reduce the need for large development teams. This makes app development accessible to smaller companies with tighter budgets.

Since most of the infrastructure and backend management is handled by the low-code platform, maintenance costs and effort are significantly reduced. Updates and improvements can be rolled out with minimal disruption. Off-the-shelf solutions often come with expensive monthly or annual fees, and many of these applications include features that you may never use. Low-code platforms allow you to build exactly what you need, and in many cases, you only pay for the resources you consume. This reduces the long-term costs of running the app.

4. Agility and continuous improvement

The beauty of low-code platforms is that they allow companies to continuously improve their applications without the need for a full redevelopment every time a new requirement arises.

Low-code allows you to release new features or changes incrementally through sprints. Instead of waiting months or years for a completely new version of an application, you can make ongoing updates based on real-time feedback from users.

5. Risk reduction

Traditional custom app development can introduce security risks and compliance challenges, especially if businesses need to rely on external developers. Many low-code platforms offer secure environments with built-in protections like data encryption, access control, and regular security updates. This reduces the burden on your internal teams to ensure compliance and security protocols are always up to date.

6. Reduced vendor risk

With traditional off-the-shelf software, businesses can find themselves at the mercy of the vendor’s roadmap and updates. If a vendor discontinues a product or fails to meet your security standards, you could be left scrambling. Low-code puts control back in your hands.

Types of low-code apps

Depending on your business goals, there are a wide variety of solutions that you can create with low-code platforms. Let’s explore some of the most common types of low-code applications businesses are using today.

1. Customer portals

In a low-code-built portal, customers can review their profile, update their preferences, or download invoices – independently. These portals can also integrate features like FAQ sections, support ticket systems, and personalized recommendations.

2. Event apps

From guest registration to live feedback, low-code apps can be designed to manage every aspect of an event. For instance, an event app can allow attendees to register, view event schedules, and receive notifications about upcoming sessions or changes. You can even personalize the experience by showing users relevant sessions based on their interests or previous event attendance. You could also run a Q&A session or live poll during your event, with results displayed in real-time.

3. Training and HR apps

Managing employee training, onboarding, and performance reviews can be complex, especially in larger organizations. Low-code apps simplify these processes by offering tailored solutions that meet your specific HR needs. A low-code onboarding app can guide new hires through the process, from completing checklists to accessing essential training materials. It can automate tasks such as tracking compliance or sending reminders, ensuring that the onboarding experience is efficient. If your business needs ongoing skills training or certifications, a low-code app can provide an intuitive platform for employees to access learning materials, complete assessments, and track their progress.

4. Field service apps

Field service teams, such as auditors, technicians, or inspectors, often need specialized tools to work effectively on the go. With low-code platforms, you can create field service apps that support real-time data collection, task management, and reporting, even in remote locations.

For instance, a field worker that needs to complete an audit or inspection can tick off checklists, upload images, and generate reports on-site, all from a mobile device. As a result, tasks are completed accurately, and data is immediately available for review. These apps can be integrated with back-end systems to automatically update central databases or trigger follow-up actions.

5. CRM tools

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools are essential for tracking interactions, managing leads, and improving communication. However, many off-the-shelf CRM solutions come with unnecessary features or lack the customization needed for specific industries.

With low-code, you can build a CRM tool that perfectly matches your sales process, from lead nurturing to deal closure. The app can include custom workflows, automated reminders, and real-time analytics to help your sales team stay on top of their pipeline.

Low-code CRM apps can be easily integrated with existing systems like marketing automation tools or inventory management, ensuring that customer data is synchronized across the business.

6. Customer onboarding tools

Bringing new customers on board can be a bit of a challenge, with tasks like setting up accounts and getting them trained. Low-code onboarding apps make this process easier, guiding customer through each step with a smooth, automated experience. Low-code apps let you easily customize the onboarding process to match each customer’s needs or the products they’ve picked, making them feel more looked after and appreciated from day one.

7. Helpdesk systems

Helpdesk systems are key for handling customer questions and issues. With low-code, you can build helpdesk apps that speed up responses and make support easier to manage. A low-code app helps your team stay on top of customer issues, sending tickets to the right person and making it easy to track and fix problems. You can add self-service options like FAQs or chatbots, so customers can find answers on their own without waiting for support.

8. Inventory management systems

Managing stock levels, dealing with suppliers, and minimizing inventory mistakes are important for any business, especially in retail and logistics. A low-code app keeps you updated on your inventory, so you never run out of essential items. You can set alerts to let you know when stock is getting low, so you're always prepared. These apps can connect directly with your suppliers, simplifying reordering and keeping communication clear throughout the supply chain.

9. Loyalty program and rewards applications

Loyalty programs are a great way to keep customers happy and encourage them to come back for more. With low-code platforms, you can create loyalty apps that offer personalized rewards based on how customers engage with you. Low-code apps let you build unique reward systems, like points for purchases, special discounts, or tiered memberships, that fit perfectly with your strategy. Customers can easily check their rewards, get updates about new offers, and redeem points right in the app, all while enjoying a user-friendly experience.

10. Resource allocation and staff scheduling tools

For businesses with large, spread-out teams – like those in healthcare, retail, or logistics – managing staff schedules and resources can be daunting. Low-code platforms make it easier with scheduling apps that help you allocate resources efficiently in real time.

A low-code scheduling app can take care of assigning shifts, balancing workloads, and considering employee availability automatically. The app also lets managers tweak schedules on the fly, like moving staff to different locations or tasks based on what’s needed at the moment.

Developing low-code apps

Creating low-code apps can be a straightforward process. This is how to do it.

1. Goals and requirements

Start by pinpointing what you want your app to achieve. Are you aiming to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, or manage resources better? Create a list of your main objectives, like improving response times or increasing user engagement, and outline the specific features you need to accomplish those goals.

2. Use cases

Think about how your app will be used. Who are the target users, and what tasks will they be performing?  Write down different scenarios in which users will interact with the app. For instance, if you’re developing a helpdesk app, consider use cases like submitting a support ticket, tracking an issue, or accessing FAQs. This will help clarify the essential functionalities you need to incorporate.

3. Design wireframes

Now it’s time to get creative. With the goals in place, the design phase begins. Wireframes are created to sketch out the app’s layout, showing where buttons, menus, and key features will be. These wireframes act as blueprints to ensure the design is intuitive and user-friendly before moving further into development.

4. Create the main screens

After the wireframes, the main screens are designed, focusing on clarity and ease of use. Consistent colours, fonts, and styles are applied to create a clean, professional interface. Feedback from potential users can be invaluable here to make sure the design hits the mark.

5. Data structure

The next step is to structure the app’s data, deciding how it will be stored and accessed. By mapping out how the data flows through the app, it's easier to manage and retrieve when needed.

6. Functional prototype

With your designs and data structure in place, a functional prototype is built. This initial version focuses on core features, allowing for early testing to see how the app performs in real-world scenarios.

7. Testing

Once the prototype is ready, real users test it and provide feedback. This helps identify any areas for improvement, refining the app to deliver an optimal user experience

8. Launch and update

After testing, and refining your app, it’s time to launch with its core features. Regular updates and new functionalities are planned based on user feedback, following an agile approach to keep improving and evolving the app over time.

"Starting small with a pilot ensures you’re on the right track. Then, you can scale it up based on user feedback, maximizing both speed and accuracy." – Nome

Final thoughts: are low-code apps right for you?

As we’ve explored, low-code development offers a flexible and efficient way to create apps that meet your business needs without the hassle of traditional coding.

But is it the right fit for your organization? Here are a few questions to consider:

• Do you need rapid development? If your business demands quick solutions and you want to adapt to changing needs fast, low-code is an excellent choice.

• Do you have limited technical resources? Low-code platforms are designed for users with varying levels of technical skills, making it easier for non-developers to get involved in app creation.

• Are you looking for customization? If off-the-shelf solutions don’t quite fit your unique requirements, low-code allows you to tailor your apps to your specific needs.

• Do you want to involve your team? Low-code development fosters collaboration across different departments, enabling teams to work together in building solutions that address real challenges.

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, low-code could be what you need. It’s all about finding the right balance between speed, customization, and user involvement. So why not give it a try? With low-code, the possibilities are endless, and you might just discover new ways to innovate and drive your business forward.

Take the next step with us

If you’re want to explore potential of low-code app development, we’re here to help! Our expertise includes designing fully customized applications that fit your specific business needs, streamline your workflows to make everything run smoother, and integrate with your data sources for hassle-free management.

Plus, we ensure your apps work on all platforms, are designed to grow with your business, and are thoroughly tested to keep everything running. Get in touch.