I’m sure you’ve all been hearing all the hype lately about no-code and low-code software platforms, so should you be paying attention?
Ian Brown, CEO of Aycliffe Business Park tech firm Excelpoint, has spent over 20 years working in the no-code sector and is ideally positioned to demystify the subject.
Ian explains: “Although there is hype around the no-code and low-code movement, no-code technology is a revolution.
“In today’s organisations, there are portfolios of software applications deployed for a variety of business purposes.
“Bespoke developments come with millions of lines of programmers coding, and although you may think that off-the-shelf products do not, very often, code is written to make these products ‘talk to each other’ or to fill gaps in functionality that the business needs.
“From the day the software is deployed, this code becomes a burden, requiring maintenance, additions, and upgrading to meet new challenges, accommodate upgrades and emerging technologies, and enable business strategies.
“As technology waves come about, often programmers have to redevelop the code to stay current or even continue operating at all. It is a similar case with low-code technologies that still require coding around the edges.
“This burden is ‘technical debt’, a cost lurking in the background that will need addressing at some point. Any software system requiring code is hard to build, flex and maintain and will cost valuable time and resources.
“In comparison, no-code technologies enable non-technical people to create powerful software systems without writing a single line of code. Because of this, it is revolutionalising the digital transformation era.
“No-code provides a solution that delivers measurable and rapid results with lower effort, cost and resource input through software tools with easy to use and understand capabilities allowing you to automate enterprise-wide business processes and workflows with ease.
“It replaces manual and paper-based work, multiple standalone spreadsheets and can complement or replace outdated legacy systems while providing powerful real-time KPI reporting to drive decision making and continual improvement.
“All these well-documented benefits are leading IT leaders to embed no-code technology into their digital strategies.”
Ian also addresses the well-publicised shortage of experienced developers.
“Using no-code technologies enables businesses to overcome the reliance on a highly-skilled role which is currently experiencing a talent gap between supply and demand,” he says.
“Organisations can look within and identify individuals with no prior programming skills, simply problem solvers able to apply their skills and knowledge to create powerful applications.
“Using no-code, they can accelerate the digitalisation of business-critical processes and workflows. These ‘citizen developers’ have always existed but previously have been a burden to the IT department.
“Now the IT function can leverage these resources while retaining centralised control, governance, security and quality.”
Ian goes on to explain: “Excelpoint’s nocode software offers ease of use and rapid onboarding.
“With in-depth training and support from our business consultants, admin users quickly gain experience in building business applications and can seamlessly integrate them with other internal information repositories.”
Is there any wonder Gartner is predicting that by 2024, 65 per cent of software development will include no-code or lowcode platforms?
So, what does this all mean for businesses based on Aycliffe Business Park?
Ian adds: “Many organisations we speak to don’t understand no-code technology and how to realise the many benefits while gaining competitive advantage and enhanced user and customer experience.
“We explain that systems can be configured into any solution required, whether for ERP, logistics, CRM and sales management, customer service, health and safety or training and competency.
“In truth, it can digitally transform end-to-end business processes and workflows to address a wide range of organisational challenges and realises a faster time to value.”
For more information about Excelpoint, please visit excelpoint.co.uk or contact 01325 375930.
