Low-Code Caveats

Now let’s talk about what to avoid when adopting Low-Code. Over the last few weeks, we have discussed the vast array of information and applications surrounding Low-Code solutions, and now it’s time to understand the cautions.

Low-Code Alone Isn’t Always the Answer

Yes, Low-Code can provide quick, cost-effective solutions for nearly every application need. This is especially true for applications automating workflows with explicit objectives and clear structure.

Not only can you develop these types of applications quickly and securely with Low-Code, but you also don’t have to worry about ending up with a bunch of shelf-ware. That’s because the Low-Code vendor maintains the code so you don’t have to. It will always be up-to-date and operational.

When you leverage a Low-Code platform, a huge chunk of the work is already done for you by the platform. The flip side of this is you don’t own a huge part of the tech stack. Everything from the database, the code governing workflows or any microservices, and all or part of the front-end are owned by the platform. This can make it challenging to move from one platform to another, and for projects and products that power your core business that can be scary. What happens if the Low-Code platform goes End-of-Life? Or the vendor is acquired? Or goes out of business?

Now, of course everyone today entrusts their data to systems they don’t own.  Think of all the external services we depend on every day for messaging, infrastructure, and finances. Still, sometimes it’s best to develop core systems and products in a full-stack environment in which you own the code. The only way to make that decision is to perform a cost-benefit analysis weighing all the pertinent factors. It often helps to have an expert — someone who thoroughly knows both Low-code and full stack development — help make that decision. If you’re in this situation, let’s talk.

Be Sure You’re Ready

It’s imperative that you know the end goal for the project as well as the exact workflow that needs to be in place to make Low-Code an effective solution as well as the kind of user experience you want your project to deliver.

Your Low-Code project — and any real digital transformation, for that matter — can only happen if all stakeholders are in agreement with the goals and the scope of investment. This is another place when advice from an expert can help.  Defining your objective, envisioning your user experience, and understanding the required investment are all key, not just between IT and the business, but all relevant departments who will in some way interact with this new solution. Having the advice of an expert with a broad view and an extensive skill set can be vital for this kind of communication.

Center the User Experience (UX) 

You’ve finally made a decision about  which Low-Code solution will work for your businesses’ needs, but it’s never a good idea just to grab something off the shelf. After all, this is a massive investment and undertaking that, if done correctly, will fundamentally change your team’s productivity and profitability — why try to cut corners now and risk it all?

Working with a white glove Low-Code solution partner will set you and your entire team up for success with the tools and expertise necessary to make sure this investment is successfully adopted and utilized at a very early stage. Plus, partnering with a dedicated UX expert will come in handy in the future as well, particularly if your solution needs to change over time or scale with your business.

Low-Code can open your business up to a whole new world of possibilities — but the decision-making process can be overwhelming. See how Tresbu Digital’s expert business application engineers can help you to develop a real roadmap for your company’s digital transformation, powered by a Low-Code solution like Mendix, as well as provide guidance on opportunities that may call for full-stack development.

Not quite ready to jump in head-first? Let’s have a conversation first.