Insights

Most organisations understand that software development can be complex and costly. Sometimes basic, working software is enough to enable a team or department to become more productive and deliver more value to an organisation.

This is where low-code platforms can be an ideal solution for businesses to develop their own applications. These platforms provide a secure environment that encourages agile and reliable deployment.

What is a Low-Code Development Platform

A low-code platform is a visual approach to software development that supports rapid, iterative development cycles. These platforms eliminate traditional development and operations inefficiencies by introducing an integrated set of tools that streamline the complete application life cycle and break the traditional silos of business and IT to promote continuous collaboration.

There are several leading low-code platforms available on the market today, however, you might already have access to one right now. If you have an Office 365 licence than you have access to Microsoft’s “Power Platform” which according to Gartner is one of 2020’s leading Enterprise Low Code Platforms.

The Power Platform is a collective term for four Microsoft Products: Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate and Power Virtual Agent. These products provide users with a vessel to easily manipulate, surface, automate and analyse data.

Overview of the Products

Power Apps- A low-code approach to custom app development, allowing you to quickly create apps with a ‘point and click’ approach.

Power Automate – Allows you to create workflows which automates repetitive tasks, save valuable time, and removes human error.

Power Virtual Agent – Allows you create chatbots that can answer questions posed by your customers, employees, or visitors to your website or service.

Power BI – Allows you to easily connect to data sources, create visual dashboard, reports, and gain valuable business intelligence quickly.

How Are Clients Using These Products

Here are some examples of how these products are being used in organisations today:

• Collecting data from the field – A mobile app that enables field workers to log repairs or results of a site inspection.
• Employee Onboarding – An application that can be used to drive efficiencies and make new starters feel welcome, in turn supporting better employee retention.
• Project Management – Tracking a project through its life cycle and capturing data at key points to report results to the executive team through visualisations.
• IT Asset Tracking – A system for IT departments to track assets such as hardware, mobile devices and software licenses.
• Marketing Automation – Automation tools to follow up with clients based on their interactions and responses.
• Requests and Approvals – A tool that helps process leave requests, book travel, or order lunch for client meeting.