The development of business apps is traditionally believed to be a time-consuming process that requires huge resources, effort, and exclusive expertise. Nevertheless, this opinion can be true only partially as it refers mainly to custom software development from scratch. For companies that are looking for optimization of the tasks related to business software, the market can offer low code solutions. If you want to learn more about what they are and what value they can bring to you, we recommend you read this article. We are going to focus on the concept of low-code process automation and explain how you can benefit from it.
What is low code automation?
This term refers to the practice of using visual, drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built components to create apps, automate workflows, and simplify business processes. Such an approach helps to eliminate the need for extensive coding, which leads to significant savings of time and resources.
Thanks to these peculiarities of low code development, non-technical professionals along with programmers can design, build, and successfully deploy software solutions to address their business needs.
Today there are a lot of low code platforms that can meet the requirements of companies with various expectations. For example, at Akveo, we work with Retool, UI Bakery, Webflow, Appian, Appsmith, and Airtable. You can read about different platforms of this kind and their functionality in this article.
Key features of low-code process automation
Want to better understand why low code business solutions can become an excellent choice for you? It will be helpful to have a closer look at the top features that users of low code tools can leverage.
- Drag-and-drop workflow design. With visual workflow builders, users can design and automate processes in just a couple of clicks. It will be enough to choose the necessary block and move it to the required area or connect it with another block. Such simple actions can replace many hours of coding.
- Pre-built components. Low-code platforms traditionally offer a wide range of ready-made elements, such as forms, user interfaces, and connectors. Thanks to this, automation logic can be assembled unexpectedly quickly.
- Integrations with external systems. Platforms of this kind often provide a lot of opportunities for seamless integration of your low code business solutions with various external apps and services (databases, CRM systems, collaboration tools, etc.). The connection with these solutions can be performed through pre-built APIs. This means that developers do not need to write any complex integration code.
- Customization. Such tools have a lot of pre-built reusable components. However, developers can still add custom code to meet some specific business requirements. This allows companies to inject their custom business logic into workflows when predefined templates can’t cover all the desired use cases.
- Scalability. Applications and workflows built with low code tools can be expanded to cope with increased demands and loads. These platforms are usually equipped with all the necessary features and infrastructure for seamless scaling of the created apps.
- Collaboration features. The majority of modern platforms for low-code process automation offer convenient features for collaboration between IT and business teams. At the same time, they make it possible to introduce role-based access control, which can ensure proper security. Moreover, version control tools enable teams to revert to previous versions when needed.
- Workflow automation. With low code business solutions, you can automate the assignment of tasks to appropriate users or systems, as well as build conditional logic into workflows. Thanks to this, it is possible to initiate processes with the help of specific triggers, like receiving an email or a form submission.
- Monitoring and reporting. Such platforms can efficiently track the progress of workflows in real-time, identify bottlenecks, and help optimize performance. Quite often they also can generate reports and analytics dashboards to provide insights into task completion and resource utilization.
How low-code automation can simplify business processes
To understand better what is low code business process automation and why is it good for business, let’s explore its main benefits.
- Shorter development cycles. Automation tools allow businesses to avoid the necessity of writing thousands of code lines to create an app or a workflow. Instead, users can rely on pre-built components and visual interfaces to develop and deploy their solutions. As a result, it is possible to solve all the tasks much faster, without traditional coding cycles.
- Reduced dependency on IT teams. As even non-technical professionals can easily interact with low code platforms to build and maintain business solutions, it is possible to eliminate constant IT support.
- Increased agility. Low code development enables organizations to quickly adapt to changing business needs. This approach allows rapid modifications and iterations of automated workflows. And all this is possible with minimal disruption.
- Higher efficiency and productivity. With automated processes, companies can get rid of manual, repetitive tasks, reduce human error, and achieve better efficiency. Low-code platforms help automate workflows across departments. This ensures smoother operations and quicker task completion.
- Enhanced control and visibility. Low-code automation platforms traditionally include features like dashboards, reporting, and workflow monitoring. It means that companies can gain real-time insights into how their processes are performing. This lets them make more informed decisions, faster define possible issues, and introduce more proactive process management.
Low-code automation: Real-life applications
Today low-code automation is adopted across various industries and domains. Let us mention at least some of them.
Banking and financial industry
Banks and organizations that provide financial services can use low-code platforms to automate the customer onboarding process. This helps to reduce the time that is required to open accounts, perform KYC checks, and approve loans. Workflow automation also reduces the risk of human error and improves customer experience.
Moreover, banks can rely on low-code automation to build systems that continuously monitor transactions for fraud.
To see how it might work, check out our project – Billing Application for SaaS Company.
Healthcare
With low code tools, healthcare providers can automate patient registration, appointment scheduling, and follow-ups. This not only improves the accuracy of patient data but also decreases administrative workload.
In their turn, insurance companies can utilize such tools to automate claims submission and approval processes, which enables faster decision-making.
Retail and eCommerce
Low code business solutions can be helpful for automated inventory management. For example, they can trigger reordering when stock runs low.
eCommerce businesses can also build low-code applications to organize support workflows and introduce personalized marketing campaigns based on customer data. See how we did it for one of our clients, a gifting marketplace.
Government and public sector
Low-code platforms can be applied to build and automate citizen service portals that deal with paying taxes or accessing public records. Government agencies can streamline many document-heavy processes, for example, application reviews and regulatory filings, to reduce delays and improve efficiency.
Education
There is also a wide range of low code automation use cases for educational institutions (check one of our cases – Retool CMS Marketplace for School Programs). They can introduce specialized tools to work with student admissions, enrollment, and financial aid processes. They can also automate course creation, class scheduling, as well as student attendance tracking.
When it comes to interaction with students, such tools can be also implemented to collect and analyze their feedback. This helps schools and universities better understand student needs and improve the quality of education.
For more use cases, you can also explore our case studies.
Low code development: Challenges and considerations
At Akveo, we have been successfully working with low code solutions for quite a while. This allows us to accumulate unique expertise in this domain. Despite the fact that we see a lot of benefits in this approach to building business apps, we always stay objective. Such solutions also have some limitations and we always warn our clients about them when they turn to us for low code consulting services. That’s why if you are considering the use of low code tools, it will be useful for you to think about possible pitfalls in advance.
Potential customization limitations
Low-code platforms often provide a wide range of predefined templates and components that can be customized. Nevertheless, the degree of changes that can be introduced is usually limited. These issues are obvious when it comes to complex or unique business requirements. That’s why organizations with highly specific needs might find it difficult to implement features that are not included in the platform’s native capabilities.
Integration challenges
As a rule, low-code tools provide seamless integrations with the most commonly used business tools and services via APIs. But if you rely on some legacy systems or not very popular solutions in your work, it can be rather challenging or even hardly possible to integrate them. It means that before making a final choice, businesses need to ensure that the platform offers robust integration options and check whether it will work with their tech ecosystems.
Vendor lock-in
Many low-code platforms are proprietary. It means that applications created within them can run exclusively on the platform itself. As a result, even if a company needs to migrate it away, it may be too hard to do it. Given this, we always recommend companies opt for platforms that provide flexibility and allow users to export and import their apps.
Security risks
Of course, today a lot of high-quality no-code and low-code tools introduce strong security measures. However, these measures may not be as robust as in custom applications. Especially, it may be relevant in relation to sensitive data and cybersecurity threats. It means that while analyzing different options, you need to make sure that the platform adheres to stringent security practices and offers role-based access, encryption, and audit logs. Moreover, different jurisdictions often have their own specific compliance requirements. And the platform under consideration should meet them.
Performance issues
Applications built using low-code platforms may face performance limitations. Such problems may arise especially in the cases of inefficient code generation by the platform or a lack of control over the back-end infrastructure. To avoid this, it is vital to choose platforms that allow code optimization and performance tuning.
Cost implications in the long-term
Low-code platforms do not require significant upfront investments. Moreover, they are generally considered to be rather cost-effective, especially in the short term. However, licensing and storage costs can increase when you scale your solutions. It is always necessary to perform a thorough cost analysis. You should take into account not only the initial investments but also the long-term costs, including maintenance. If you need any assistance with this, you can either turn to us for low code consulting services or find helpful information on our blog. In one of the recently published posts, we explained the details of Retool pricing.
Final word
For businesses that are looking for the most feasible ways to automate their workflows, it is vital to analyze different options. While considering low code development, it is necessary to answer not only the question “What is low code automation?” but also “What benefits can it bring to us?”. It is crucial to understand all the pros and cons of this approach and be ready for potential limitations.
Looking for the most appropriate solutions for your business? Do not hesitate to contact our low code consulting experts and get valuable recommendations.
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.
