No-Code Citizen Development tools can fill a void caused by the Great Resignation

Quixy Editorial Team

August 10, 2023

This article was first published on ProjectManagement.com

Since the start of the COVID-19 epidemic and the arrival of the Great Resignation, in which hordes of people deserted their employment in search of better opportunities, no-code citizen development has experienced significant growth.

Software engineers are particularly hard to find, which has left businesses rushing to acquire skilled software specialists who can aid in business process transformation.

48.6% of respondents in a January poll of 380 businesses by research firm IDC said they were buying low-code or no-code platforms to bring innovation in-house. “Needs connected to the epidemic” was the second most common justification for purchasing software solutions (39.3%).

To respond quickly to needs prompted by the epidemic, organizations recognized the value of low-code and no-code platforms, according to IDC’s report.

Low-code software development platforms are increasing by over 20% annually. The no-code/low-code development technology industry generated $13.8 billion in sales in 2021. And by 2023, more than 50% of medium-sized to large businesses are anticipated to have implemented low-code development.

The COVID-19 pandemic’s economic effects, according to a report by Gartner’s research vice president Fabrizio Biscotti, “have proven the no-code/low-code value proposition.” No-code/Low-code features that enable remote work, such as digital forms and workflow automation, will be provided at more flexible prices because they are necessary to maintain operations.

As almost any business user can build applications without relying on the IT, no-code/low-code technology is intended to bridge that gap. According to Gartner, from less than 25% in 2020, 70% of new apps created by businesses would use low-code or no-code technologies by 2025.

Also Read: Business Process Automation – The Key to Stopping the Great Resignation

The Number of No-Code Low-Code Platforms is on the rise

According to Gartner research, business technologists or employees outside of IT typically modify or develop their data or technological solutions. By the end of 2025, 50% of all new low-code customers, according to Gartner, will come from non-IT business purchasers.

A global poll by Salesforce’s MuleSoft revealed that 93% of CIOs believe the Great Resignation has made it more difficult to find qualified developers. And 91% of firms claim they require solutions that automate crucial development processes to accomplish more with fewer resources.

IDC data shows that 39% of 380 enterprise respondents want to adopt low-code and no-code development platforms within the following two years, and 9% already use them.

In addition, the IDC poll found that the top three investment areas for platform-as-a-service providers were application platforms for business app development, including low and no code. 45.5%  of poll participants said they anticipated increasing their expenditure on app development during the following two years.

According to Gartner, all leading SaaS companies today offer capabilities that combine low-code development methods. The leading providers of low-code software are Appian, Retool, Salesforce Platform, Creatio, Oracle Application Express, and ServiceNow App Engine.

The adoption of these vendors’ platforms and the popularity of SaaS will drive growth in low-code application platforms and process automation tools, according to a report from Gartner.

Also Read: The Great Resignation – What is it, and how do you put an end to it?

No-Code Citizen Development is now a feasible option

An organization usually obtains business software through one of the following routes:

• Purchasing it from a vendor
• Leasing it from a SaaS provider
• Developing it internally

Internally developed business applications are designed to meet organizational requirements like a custom suit. Additionally, it often costs more and takes longer to produce than purchasing software off the market.

No-code low-code development tools use the frequently used codebase and the graphical user interface when building an application.

No-code Low-code platforms eliminate the need for typical app developers by allowing business people with little formal coding experience, like business analysts or project managers, to create apps.

Additionally, some individuals want to learn a new skill, work from home, and change careers. Many more people are interested in working in technology but face obstacles like lack of funding or access to suitable training and ignorance of available options.

Also Read: How to effectively choose and adopt a No-Code Platform

Let’s talk specifically about No-Code

Low-code development’s composable nature makes it possible to create anything- data model, business logic, workflows, or user interface (UI). No-code is a further evolution of development tools. 

Fundamentally something like “no-code” doesn’t exist, and it’s more of a layman. It suggests that amateur developers or business users should only use such tools. To speed up software creation, developers frequently employ no-code or low-code techniques.

Vendors of low-code or no-code tools constantly ping leaders in application and software engineering, promising speed and simplicity. Additionally, according to Gartner, business unit leaders are asking for more tools so that business technologists—also known as “technology producers”—who do not report to IT can create apps and automation to satisfy business needs.

No-code also does not imply that no technical knowledge is required. No-code tools aim to give users all the necessary building blocks, typically on an ongoing basis. These vendors try to offer small assembly blocks so business users or developers can put together a more prominent custom application component, if necessary, without writing a single line of code. 

Functions No-Code Development Platforms Support 

Business models are being altered or replaced to strike that balance between present capabilities and anticipated future demands. Organizations must significantly change how their business and technical teams function and develop. Organizations may transform their workforce into a network of highly effective, linked groups using no-code platforms, allowing them to innovate with technology and create custom apps for their most important goals. These essential components make no-code a must.

1. User Interface builder

Users can assemble pre-configured components to build websites or software with no-code platforms. They have to drag and drop modules into a logical chain. For example – users can build a comprehensive web page comprising a header, footer, dynamic forms, tables, and images – just by a simple drag and drop – within minutes.

2. Integration

No-code platforms have pre-built connectors that enable users to integrate their no-code applications with external systems seamlessly. From Twitter to Slack and everything in between, users can integrate various applications with their no-code apps.  

3. Workflow automation

Using the drag-and-drop functionality, non-programmers can create streamlined workflows (automation sequences) by choosing from a list of pre-configured steps and putting them in a logical flow. Ready-to-use workflow templates can also be used for specific triggers or actions.  

4. Reports and Dashboards builder

Business users can create customized reports and dashboards to convert real-time data into actionable data grids, visualizations, and metrics using the visual and intuitive drag-and-drop interface. 

Takeaway

While many manufacturers tout amateur and citizen developers, what matters most is that users can put together meaningful software to accomplish their goals. The quality of applications built using no-code tools depends on the business user. The bottom line is that low-code/no-code tools allow companies to quickly deploy solutions that are at par with fully programmed and optimized solutions. They are a must-have in an environment where quick deployment is essential.