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Throughout the history of humankind, we have been striving to facilitate the processes we need for our survival and well-being. People made all kinds of tools to gather resources, catch prey, and improve their households and leisure. Then, after some time of use and trying, upgraded them to accomplish the same tasks faster and more efficiently.
In the modern world, this part of human nature continues to drive innovation in science, technology, and other domains. Let’s take a look at the evolution of programming languages. It’s fascinating to see how building software was becoming easier and faster over two decades. Starting from the long lines of code that demanded a broad understanding of software engineering, programming language, and mathematics and moving towards the simplification of the software development process. And now, the evolution of software development is approaching its apotheosis - low-code/no-code development.
What are low-code and no-code development paradigms?
Low-code & no-code platforms are the SaaS solutions that allow facilitate the software development process. Both types of platforms can also help at the creation or complement the existing solution or some part of a system. It can be either front-end/backend parts of the software or just request-handling tools. The software you create depends on the approach you choose and the platform too. The major differences between them lie in the audience they serve well, and the complexity of the development process
Low-code development
Low-code development platforms require some coding knowledge from their users. Usually, low-code software builders’ graphical user interface has a component-based structure with a certain number of ready-made templates. At the same time, low-code provides you with more flexibility and customization capacity.
Low-code development platforms will require a solid budget not only to pay for the plan but also to hire some developers to build the app. Moreover, you will probably need a CTO to help you pick up the right framework, to begin with. If the framework wouldn’t able to provide you with the functions and integrations for your business needs, there’s no point to waste your time and money.
Pros of low-code platforms:
- Flexibility;
- Wider integration capacity;
- Ability to create unique functionalities;
- Serves middle and large enterprises;
- Unique styling options and white-labelling.
Cons of low-code platforms:
- Require CTO to choose the right platform along with at least Junior/Middle developers to build the app itself;
- May require more time and money to develop the app.
No-code development
No-code development platforms are accessible for non-tech savvy user types. Such platforms are like software constructors where you simply take the needed components and connect them to the no-code platform UI (canvas). The canvases of the no-code platforms usually have a strictly predetermined structure and allow stacking of the app components on top of each other, at times. The typical no-code platform user is a business manager who neither has any technical skills to create apps using low-code platforms nor the budget to hire developers and tech experts. Apps built with no-code platforms
Pros of no-code platforms:
- No coding skills required;
- Fast to build apps;
- Suits small business owners.
Cons of no-code platforms:
- Extremely limited integrations;
- No room for app customization;
- Fewer app features available.
Types of low-code/no-code tools
There are several distinctive types of low-code and no-code platforms that differ by the use cases they serve. Since low-code frameworks offer wider flexibility and customization capacity, the area of application of these platforms is wider than in no-code. But still, their application fields have pretty much in common. Here are the most widespread use cases of low-code/no-code development frameworks as of 2022.
General purpose frameworks
You can guess the use cases of this type of low-code platform by its name. General purpose frameworks allow you to develop almost any type of application be it mobile/web applications, workflow tools, etc. There are general-purpose low-code tools for both backend and frontend development.
Internal tools builders
Such low-code tools to focus on helping business owners to build process optimization software. With the internal tools builders, you can create workflows, and forms and integrate those with other elements of the system a business uses. Usually, business owners leverage low-code development to create a more convenient representation of the info they had in the form of excel tables.
Database management consoles
Platforms for creating apps that represent the data stored in the database and allow users to interact with it. These are the simple tools to manage the database information, get access to the internal business materials, and add new data to the storage. You can make such applications with the help of the front-end oriented low-code and no-code platforms.
Mobile app development platforms
Low-code and no-code platforms for creating native and cross-platform mobile apps for various devices. The logic of the app creation process is the same but the components are mobile-specific. Most often, businesses opt for the low-code frameworks for the wider customization capabilities so much needed for the branded mobile application.
Web app development
The same story as for the low-code/no-code mobile app builders except that there is slightly less need for unique components.
Benefits of the low-code/no-code development for businesses
The low-code and no-code development platforms share their primary purpose. Thus they bring very similar benefits but to different groups of users. That’s
Faster development
Low-code and no-code platforms are the go-to choice of businesses that seek to digitize their business at short notice. Internal tools builders accelerate the development process in many ways. Firstly, they free you from the necessity to spend time searching for developers.
Lower costs
The subscription for 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 the 50-100 bucks subscription instead of thousands of dollars of salary. Let alone all the related expenses on the law procedures, bonuses, and insurance.
Enhanced scalability
As long as the low-code app building is a fast process, you can also scale up your system easily. Depending on the low-code tool, you can add on new functionalities, app pages, and other elements. Of course, it may bring additional costs for the platform subscription. But anyway, scaling with low-code development platforms would be a faster process than the full custom development.
Flexible applications
Using low-code platforms, you can easily adjust your app’s functionalities to comply with various market changes and regulations. In the world of rapidly evolving technologies, it’s an extremely valuable asset to have. Outsourcing developers or, even, keeping them on salary just to make all the code changes definitely won’t be cheap.
How to choose the right low-code/no-code development platform.
Clarify your business needs
Make a list of features you’ll need to have in your app. It’s crucial the selection of the right development platform. If you don’t need a complex app then a no-code platform would be enough. On the contrary, to cover the need in the more complex app, custom branding, and unique integrations you will need some kind of a low-code platform. Clearly define your goals, plans, and budgets to make the first step towards your new application.
Get professional assistance
Once you have the proper perspective of your business needs, you should decide whether to look for professional help or not. As you can understand, no-code platforms can be used easily by a non-tech person. At the same time, you may need a brief consultation with a pro to choose the platform to create all the necessary functionalities for your app.
With the low-code platforms, things get much more complex. You will need professional advice if you don’t have any understanding of the low-code platforms or a CTO in your team. Moreover, low-code development process There are many options to get professional support for various budgets and project scales:
Outsource low-code development companies
Low-code development is a rare service at the moment but a rapidly developing one. At the moment, the market in the initial stage of its expanding, so you can find only some low-code development companies opposing the incrisingly rising demand. As the demand for custom low-code development rises, the value of the specialists that have a broad outlook on low-code tools and can produce software using them does too. Thus, this is the option for SMBs as well as large enterprices with a solid budgets. But for the price of professional low-code development come the same benefits like custom components, integrations, fast development, and a bug-free application or tool.
In-house low-code development team
Alternatively, you can hire a CTO and developers to become a part of your team. This option is for you if you’ll need developers for a relatively long period to support and customize your low-code app. However, recruiting and hiring take time, especially when it comes to a good developer or a software engineer. Thus, we recommend making sure you have enough time to hire low-code developers and onboard them.
Freelancer low-code developers
You can hire only CTO and freelance developers from any trusted freelancer platform like Upwork. It can be the most cheap way to get low-code development done if you have no coding skills. Hiring freelance developers can cost much less if they are based in Eastern Europe or other countries where the low-code development services have the lower rates as in USA. Anyway, it demands some time for finding the developers.
P.S. If you decided to call for the assistance of professional low-code developers, you can start here. Akveo has much experience helping companies use the potential of low-code for creating unique and branded applications and tools using the top low-code development platforms like Retool, Appsmith, UI Bakery, etc. Meet our CTO watching the video below and contact us if you are ready to start your low-code app development.
Billing Automation for a SaaS Company with Low-Code
Our client needed a robust billing solution to manage hierarchical licenses, ensure compliance, and automate invoicing for streamlined operations.
The solution:
We developed a Retool-based application that supports multi-tiered licenses, automates invoicing workflows, and integrates seamlessly with CRM and accounting platforms to enhance financial data management.
The result:
- Achieved 100% adherence to licensing agreements, mitigating penalties.
- Automated invoicing and workflows reduced manual effort significantly.
- Dashboards and reports improved decision-making and operational visibility.
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.
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.
