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We invite you to an extensive tour of the low-code and no-code development world. Once you finish reading the article, you will enrich your understanding of the low-code platforms and learn how to use them properly. Here’s what's inside.
- Learn what the internal tool builders are;
- Internal building frameworks benefits;
- How to use internal tools builders right;
- 10 examples of top internal tools builders frameworks in 2022;
- How to choose the right ITB network for your business workflow.
What is low-code development?
Low-code & no-code platforms are like software constructors where you can drag and drop the UI elements and features you want to see in your app. Usually, low-code software builders’ graphical user interfaces have a component-based structure with a certain number of ready-made templates and connectors. Additionally, low-code platforms allow developers to add custom elements while writing code. Using them, you can build internal tools, mobile apps, or web apps and automate workflows in no time with little coding experience.
The type of software you can create depends on the low-code platform you are going to leverage. Some focus on a particular software type, while more complex platforms allow users to develop various software. Moreover, there are low-code platforms for making the digital infrastructure for their low-code applications.
Benefits of low-code platforms for businesses
The benefits of the low-code development approach revolve around its accessibility.
Faster development
Low-code platforms are the go-to choice for those who need to digitize their business activities quickly. Low-code platforms accelerate the development process in many ways. Firstly, they free you from the necessity to spend time searching for developers if you aim at a simple app or workflow tool. However, complex business systems and mobile/web apps require the help of low-code development experts that know how to work with the platform of your choice. Secondly, they include developer workflow tools, IDEs, and no-code app-building interfaces that accelerate the software development process. The app’s production time can be reduced from years to a couple of months when developing a sophisticated solution and from months to hours if you need simple workflow tools and applications.
Lower costs
The subscription to a low-code platform costs much less than a software development team. By building your app with low-code tools, you can get the same result for 50-100 bucks instead of paying thousands of dollars of salary for a team of developers, let alone all the related expenses on the law procedures, bonuses, and insurance.
Enhanced scalability
The low-code app building is quite flexible, thanks to the reusable components and code. It means that you can scale up your system easily. Depending on a low-code tool, you can add new functionalities, app pages, and other elements almost as quickly as copying and pasting. Of course, it may bring additional costs for the more expensive platform service pack. But anyway, scaling with low-code development platforms would be much faster than custom development from scratch.
Flexible architecture
With low-code platforms, you can easily adjust your app’s functionalities to comply with market changes and regulations. In the world of rapidly evolving technologies, it’s an extremely valuable asset to have. Outsourcing developers or employing them just to make minor code changes definitely won’t be cheap.
Business-focused applications
Low-code development platforms are concentrated on business logic and fast UI development. Such platforms have plenty of pre-built components and intuitive interfaces so you won't need front-end developers to create a UI for your app. Above that, most of the low-code tools allow developers to build custom business logic and user journeys.
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Retool
“Build internal tools remarkably fast”
At the moment, Retool is the most popular low-code platform on the market. The Retool platform has a wide range of templates, allows for multiple integrations, and offers many options in terms of internal tool development. You can integrate Retool’s software with almost any existing API. When we speak about such staples of low-code development, easy-to-use interfaces, single sign-on, and drag-and-drop functionality come as a must.
Also, the platform allows using custom code, so you can easily switch to manual coding to add unique components. Retool has an impressive range of customers that includes Amazon, Brex, DoorDash, and other enterprises that create their internal workflows using the platform.
Appsmith
“Build, ship, and maintain internal tools”
This low-code development tool stands at the forefront of the sphere being the first ever open-source low-code platform. Appsmith offers lots of pre-made components, a drag & drop interface, and many other great features to make effective internal tools. For the platform customization in terms of integrations and unique components, you will probably need to hire professional Appsmith developers.
Unfortunately, the platform offers no custom roles and permission to add to its internal tools. Among other flaws of the platform is the absence of audit logs.
DronaHQ
"Build stunning internal tools, blazing fast"
Another low-code internal tool builder that has more components than the mighty Retool itself. The platform offers a free plan that is enough to build a quick and simple app. Unfortunately, the DronaHQ platform is incapable of integrating with GraphQL which is detrimental to the app's range of functions and performance.
Also, the freedom of creativity is dimmed by the strictly positioned app-building canvas. But there’s compensation: developers can add overlap components on top of each other.
UI Bakery
“Internal tools built with ease”
UI Bakery is one of the fastest-growing low-code platforms for internal tools development. This year, the tool was the product of the day on Product Hunt and got into the Q2 2022 quadrant of the most rapidly evolving low-code platforms. The Bakery platform focuses on robust front-end development and offers drag-and-drop functionalities along with several dozens of pre-made templates. UI Bakery will suit beginners as well as professional software developers, offering an intuitive user interface along with vast customization capabilities.
Unlike all the other low-code platforms in this top, UI Bakery offers a white-label app creation option. Another feature that makes this platform stand out is the ability to use ready-made webhooks.
Appian
“Unlimited possibilities”
Appian is a low-code BPM tools development platform for creating applications, workflows, and automation tools. The platform allows developers to boost their development speed up to 10x fast owing to the accelerated learning curve and user-friendly interface. The Appian platform provides businesses with an opportunity to connect all their data sources, bots, and AI to orchestrate multiple business processes from a single application.
The platform has a version history feature that allows developers to compare the different states of an application and restore the features of the previous versions. Above that, you can create custom plugins for other 3rd party systems and connect them in a matter of a few clicks. Appian apps can be deployed in the cloud, mobile, and on-premise. Finally, the platform provides developers with the CI/CD and custom UI components creation using JS programming language.
Mendix
“Go make it”
Mendix has an extremely wide range of app development capabilities. You can create web-based customer portals, B2C mobile applications, workflow automation tools, and project management environments. The Mendix platform provides a large number of data sources to integrate including REST and GraphQL APIs, databases, and SDKs. The development process is quite smooth and easy with reusable components, automated development backup (prevents losing code clusters), and a visual drag-and-drop interface. For large teams, there is a functional IDE (Integrated Development Environment) for more productive collaboration and integration activities.
You can deploy Mendix low-code apps anywhere you want - cloud, on-premise, or as SaaS.
OutSystems
“Low-code - high performance. Let’s go.”
OutSystems has detailed app creation guides that make it very easy for citizen developers to start creating their software fast. The platform is mostly used for customer service and case management. The Outsystems platform has over 400 pre-built connectors with drag-and-drop functionality to create apps rapidly. The user interface is powered with AI automation, visualization tools, and a console for extensible C# code for a smooth app development experience. Additionally, the platforms have separate runtime environments for development, testing, and deployment.
You can host either on OutSystems’ cloud environment or on-premise. OutSystems is a high-performer that offers elite-level CI/CD, vast integration capacity, and the ability to build sophisticated apps on short notice.
Internal
“Build any internal tool fast”
Internal is a great platform to save time while creating workflow tools for data representation and management. Low-code developers leverage internal when they want to connect different databases, APIs and 3’d party tools in a single application and automate processes around those elements. The platform is accessible to non-technical business staff having the beginner-friendly UI and pre-made elements. At the same time, customization is quite simple so you can only customize some modalities regarding business logic.
Zoho Creator
“Build powerful solutions faster”
The platform aims at process-based apps, routine task automation, and business data management. The visual drag-and-drop interface allows you to create various BPM tools that can serve businesses of all sizes. It’s also easy to scale Zoho low-code apps with new features, adding new elements on top of the previous ones. It significantly reduces expenses on maintenance with its system health analytics system. Zoho Creator low-code tools can be deployed on-premise, cloud, and in mobile environments.
You can integrate Creator’s apps with REST APIs by augmenting them with the old and new system parts. The platform offers exceptional support with knowledge bases, developer training courses (included in the more advanced pricing plans), and 24/7 customer service.
Service Now
“Dream big, work with a purpose”
ServiceNow is a SaaS platform that employs low code for the creation of process automation, and web and mobile applications. At the same time, customization capacity allows the developers to build other applications. ServiceNow is a cloud-based solution that makes it easy to integrate with the businesses’ legacy systems. To enhance the internal operations of an enterprise, the ServiceNow platform has a large number of integrations with APIs, online services, and other vital business applications. It has tools for no-code, low-code, and pro-code development that enable corporate workers with tech expertise to manipulate the system at their level of competence.
As ServiceNow caters to businesses, it has a proper level of security for its applications, introducing app-side data encryption, and SecOps tools, along with complex authorization and permissions.
How to customize your low-code software
Regardless of all the simplicity low-code frameworks provide, there are several instances where low-code development gets complex. Often, it happens when a company already has an internal system but needs to level it up with a few additional apps or services. In this section, we will review the ways you can pair your low-code application with your existing system.
Choose the right integrations
Installing the internal tools and adjusting them for your business goals is definitely not a trivial task. It requires the meticulous and informed choice of a framework, a deep understanding of how the frameworks work, and the ability to adjust your tool with code and integrations.
Seek professional help
The main challenge in pairing a low-code tool with your existing app is that it demands advanced coding skills along with experience with low-code development. Ideally, you need to find professional low-code developers that specialize in the custom of low-code tool creation.
Consider your legacy system
If you are going to integrate new solutions with your previous system you should carefully consider its metrics during the platform selection. Keep in mind the programming language, platform’s integration capacity, scalability, and deployment options. So, check the table at the beginning of the previous chapter to get your low-code development right.
Professional low-code development services
If you feel like you need a deeper consultation regarding your particular project and what platform will be the best option for you, contact us. We are an international software development company with more than 7 years of experience in low-code development. Some of our developers actively participated in the development of the UI Bakery low-code platform you’ve read about previously in the article. We work with all the listed platforms to provide various low-code app development services, legacy system modernization, PoC development, and low-code consulting.
Retool Dashboards with HubSpot Integration
Our client needed a centralized tool to aggregate account and contact activity, improving visibility and decision-making for the sales team.
The solution
We built a Retool application integrated with HubSpot, QuickMail, and Clay.com. The app features dashboards for sorting, filtering, and detailed views of companies, contacts, and deals, along with real-time notifications and bidirectional data syncing.
The result
- MVP in 50 hours: Delivered a functional application in just 50 hours.
- Smarter decisions: Enabled data-driven insights for strategic planning.
- Streamlined operations: Reduced manual tasks with automation and real-time updates.
Lead Generation Tool to Reduce Manual Work
Our client, Afore Capital, a venture capital firm focused on pre-seed investments, aimed to automate their lead generation processes but struggled with existing out-of-the-box solutions. To tackle this challenge, they sought assistance from our team of Akveo Retool experts.
The scope of work
The client needed a tailored solution to log and track inbound deals effectively. They required an application that could facilitate the addition, viewing, and editing of company and founder information, ensuring data integrity and preventing duplicates. Additionally, Afore Capital aimed to integrate external tools like PhantomBuster and LinkedIn to streamline data collection.
The result
By developing a custom Retool application, we streamlined the lead generation process, significantly reducing manual data entry. The application enabled employees to manage inbound deals efficiently while automated workflows for email parsing, notifications, and dynamic reporting enhanced operational efficiency. This allowed Afore Capital's team to focus more on building relationships with potential founders rather than on administrative tasks.
Learn more about the case
Retool CMS Application for EdTech Startup
Our client, CutTime, a leading fine arts education management platform, needed a scalable CMS application to improve vendor product management and user experience.
The scope of work
We developed a Retool application that allows vendors to easily upload and manage product listings, handle inventory, and set shipping options. The challenge was to integrate the app with the client’s system, enabling smooth authentication and product management for program directors.
The result
Our solution streamlined product management, reducing manual work for vendors, and significantly improving operational efficiency.
Building Reconciliation Tool for e-commerce company
Our client was in need of streamlining and simplifying its monthly accounting reconciliation process – preferably automatically. But with a lack of time and low budget for a custom build, development of a comprehensive software wasn’t in the picture. After going through the case and customer’s needs, we decided to implement Retool. And that was the right choice.
The scope of work
Our team developed a custom reconciliation tool designed specifically for the needs of high-volume transaction environments. It automated the processes and provided a comprehensive dashboard for monitoring discrepancies and anomalies in real-time.
The implementation of Retool significantly reduced manual effort, as well as fostered a more efficient and time-saving reconciliation process.
Creating Retool Mobile App for a Wine Seller
A leading spirits and wine seller in Europe required the development of an internal mobile app for private client managers and administrators. The project was supposed to be done in 1,5 months. Considering urgency and the scope of work, our developers decided to use Retool for swift and effective development.
The scope of work
Our developers built a mobile application tailored to the needs of the company's sales force: with a comprehensive overview of client interactions, facilitated order processing, and enabled access to sales history and performance metrics. It was user-friendly, with real-time updates, seamlessly integrated with existing customer databases.
The result? Increase in productivity of the sales team and improved decision-making process. But most importantly, positive feedback from the customers themselves.
Developing PoC with Low Code for a Tour Operator
To efficiently gather, centralize, and manage data is a challenge for any tour operator. Our client was not an exception. The company was seeking to get an internal software that will source information from third-party APIs and automate the travel itinerary creation process. Preferably, cost- and user-friendly tool.
The scope of work
Our experts ensured the client that all the requirements could be covered by Retool. And just in 40 hours a new software was launched. The tool had a flexible and easy-to-use interface with user authentication and an access management system panel – all the company needed. At the end, Retool was considered the main tool to replace the existing system.
Testing New Generation of Lead Management Tool with Retool
Our client, a venture fund, had challenges with managing lead generation and client acquisition. As the company grew, it aimed to attract more clients and scale faster, as well as automate the processes to save time, improve efficiency and minimize human error. The idea was to craft an internal lead generation tool that will cover all the needs. We’ve agreed that Retool will be a perfect tool for this.
The scope of work
The project initially began as a proof of concept, but soon enough, with each new feature delivered, the company experienced increased engagement and value.
We developed a web tool that integrates seamlessly with Phantombuster for data extraction and LinkedIn for social outreach. Now, the company has a platform that elevates the efficiency of their lead generation activities and provides deep insights into potential client bases.
Building an Advanced Admin Portal for Streamlined Operations
Confronted with the need for more sophisticated internal tools, an owner of IP Licensing marketplace turned to Retool to utilize its administrative functions. The primary goal was to construct an advanced admin portal that could support complex, multi-layered processes efficiently.
The scope of work
Our client needed help with updating filters and tables for its internal platform. In just 30 hours we've been able to update and create about 6 pages. Following features were introduced: add complex filtering and search, delete records, styling application with custom CSS.
Together, we have increased performance on most heavy pages and fixed circular dependency issues.
Creating MVP Dashboard for Google Cloud Users
Facing the challenge of unoptimized cloud resource management, a technology firm working with Google Cloud users was looking for a solution to make its operations more efficient. The main idea of the project was to create an MVP for e-commerce shops to test some client hypotheses. Traditional cloud management tools fell short.
The scope of work
Determined to break through limitations, our team of developers turned Retool. We decided to craft an MVP Dashboard specifically for Google Cloud users. This wasn't just about bringing data into view; but about reshaping how teams interact with their cloud environment.
We designed a dashboard that turned complex cloud data into a clear, strategic asset thanks to comprehensive analytics, tailored metrics, and an intuitive interface, that Retool provides. As the results, an increase in operational efficiency, significant improvement in cost management and resource optimization.
Elevating CRM with Custom HubSpot Sales Dashboard
Our other client, a SaaS startup, that offers collaborative tools for design and engineering teams, was on a quest to supercharge their sales efforts. Traditional CRM systems were limited and not customizable enough. The company sought a solution that could tailor HubSpot to their workflow and analytics needs.
The scope of work
Charged with the task of going beyond standard CRM functions, our team turned to Retool. We wanted to redefine how sales teams interact with their CRM.
By integrating advanced analytics, custom metrics, and a user-friendly interface, our developers provided a solution that transformed data into a strategic asset.
In 40 hours, three informative dashboards were developed, containing the most sensitive data related to sales activities. These dashboards enable our customer to analyze sales and lead generation performance from a different perspective and establish the appropriate KPIs.
Building a PDF Editor with Low-Code
Our client, a leading digital credential IT startup, needed a lot of internal processes to be optimized. But the experience with low-code tools wasn’t sufficient. That’s why the company decided to hire professionals. And our team of developers joined the project.
The scope of work
The client has a program that designs and prints custom badges for customers. The badges need to be “mail-merged” with a person’s info and turned into a PDF to print. But what is the best way to do it?
Our developers decided to use Retool as a core tool. Using custom components and JavaScript, we developed a program that reduced employees' time for designing, putting the data, verifying, and printing PDF badges in one application.
As a result, the new approach significantly reduces the time required by the internal team to organize all the necessary staff for the conference, including badge creation.
