Every manufacturing organization is striving for continuous improvement, and for that to occur the workforce needs to come with solutions to existing problems. These solutions usually require the usage of software-based technologies that necessitate the participation of IT specialists and developers, resulting in bottlenecks in the deployment of new solutions.<\/p>\n
Low code is gaining a huge traction and Gartner predicts\u00a0<\/a>that by 2024, 65% of application development activity will be powered by low code.<\/p>\n Low-code tools give an easy-to-use support for building software applications, eliminating the need for in-house coding specialists. Low code shortens the time it takes to build apps and speeds up the delivery of solutions. As a result, a broader spectrum of people, particularly those with an extensive understanding of the business area, may participate in the development of apps. Manufacturers can use low code platforms to address internal business challenges such as changing a business process or the improvement of operations across the shop floor. These platforms can also be used to enhance supply chain efficiencies<\/a> and even to find new routes to market.<\/p>\n I go way back with low code, when I started my career in accounts at a food and beverage manufacturer, I noticed that the business systems did not support or provide the visibility into the manufacturing operations to access information and enable decision-making. I then started working on a low code platform solution that would connect the accounting system to the business system and create new product standards, analyze information, identify operational inefficiencies, and inform decision-making. This also enabled collaboration within teams which in turn improved operations, productivity, compliance, and product quality. Therefore, embracing tools that assist organizations create solutions faster like low code should be a consideration to manufacturers.<\/p>\n In this blog we will unpack the pros and cons of low code and why it can be a smart investment for your business in securing a digital future:<\/p>\n Less need for specialized IT and shorter development cycles <\/strong>\u2013 The current supply of software engineers or coding specialists is unable to meet business demand, as we know experienced developers are hard to hire. Low code simplifies the development process, Mendix<\/a> states that 72% of low code users are developing apps in three months or less.<\/p>\n Faster implementation<\/strong> \u2013 Applications can be quickly deployed or updated to meet rapidly changing business or operational requirements.<\/p>\n Innovation <\/strong>\u2013 For any business undergoing digital transformation<\/a>, the low code approach empowers the workforce to build on innate creativity and execute ideas quickly. It allows people within the organization to become citizen developers.<\/p>\n Efficient workflows <\/strong>\u2013 Low code can enhance the entire workflow and propel your team\u2019s productivity by equipping them with the powerful tools for quick and smooth app creation. For manufacturers, low code tools can also be used to connect to other systems, such as an internet of Things (IoT)<\/a> device to collect information from machines across the factory floor to improve efficiencies. These tools are also useful for supplier insights into stock information and could even alert supervisors to potential stock out issues and help drive proactive behavior and prevent bottlenecks.<\/p>\n Needs to fit in your long-term strategy <\/strong>\u2013 Manufacturers should focus on configuring solutions to meet their unique business needs. Before deciding on low code tools, take the time to conduct a detailed needs analysis where you make sure the solutions you choose are fit for your organization today and into the future.<\/p>\n Security <\/strong>\u2013 Traditional development does mean there is greater control on the applications from the developers. Citizen developers could inadvertently introduce vulnerabilities. When using low code tools, it\u2019s important to think about security and access rights and ensure all your solutions are developed according to strict security standards.<\/p>\nWhat is low code development? <\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n
The pros of low code <\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n
The cons of low code <\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n