Low- and no-code

Only a few years ago, the development of new applications for business and private users was inextricably linked to one thing: Programming. New code had to be written to create new possibilities. Since the rise of low- and no-code, programming is not entirely a thing of the past. The fact is, however, that platform technologies significantly facilitate the digitalisation of companies that have less capacity in terms of personnel and technology thanks to their modular structure.

Low-code and no-code: Rethinking software development

Low-code and no-code aim to create applications with significantly reduced programming effort. While traditional software projects often require extensive programming knowledge, low-code and no-code platforms enable development via visual user interfaces and predefined modules. With low-code platforms, the focus is on visual modelling, but more complex requirements can be supplemented by adding manual code - in JavaScript or Python, for example. This method is primarily aimed at developers who want to work faster and more efficiently, but still want to be able to implement customised logic.

No-code platforms go one step further: they also allow users without prior technical knowledge, so-called "citizen developers", to create applications - completely without programming. Everything is done via simple configuration, drag-and-drop interfaces and ready-made functions. Such tools are primarily used in a business environment, for example to automate internal processes or create small web applications.

From HyperCard to PowerApps

The basic idea behind visual software development can be traced back to the 1980s, for example with tools such as HyperCard or later Visual Basic. However, the term "low-code" itself was not coined until 2014 by the market research company Forrester Research. In the following years, the term "no-code" also became increasingly common, although corresponding platforms already existed before that.

Early and still significant low-code platforms include companies such as OutSystems (founded in Portugal in 2001) and Mendix (founded in the Netherlands in 2005). Appian and Salesforce (with the Lightning platform) and Microsoft with PowerApps (from 2016) also shaped the market. In the no-code sector, tools such as Zapier (2011), Webflow (2013), Glide and Bubble (2012) are among the most important providers.

Possible applications for SMEs

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can use low-code and no-code platforms in a variety of ways to drive their digitalisation forward - without the need for large IT budgets or extensive development teams. Here are the most important areas of application and benefits:

Process automation

SMEs often have many repetitive, manual tasks - e.g. data transfers between systems, email notifications, quotations or invoicing. No-code tools such as Zapier, Make (formerly Integromat) or Microsoft Power Automate make it possible to automate such tasks without having to write a single line of code.

Example: A new contact form on the website automatically triggers a confirmation email, creates the contact in the CRM database and creates a calendar entry for a consultation.

Develop your own applications

Instead of commissioning expensive customised software, SMEs can use low-code or no-code platforms to build their own solutions - for customer relationship management (CRM), warehouse management, internal tools or ordering processes, for example.

Tools such as Airtable, Glide, AppSheet or Bubble offer simple interfaces with which, for example, an employee without an IT background can create a functional app for employee planning or order tracking.

Internal tools & dashboards

Many SMEs struggle with scattered data in Excel spreadsheets, emails or old systems. With low-code platforms such as Retool, Budibase or Microsoft Power Apps, customised interfaces can be created to display this data in a centralised and user-friendly way.

Example: An internal dashboard for management that displays stock levels, sales data and open customer enquiries from various sources in real time.

Customer portals & self-service solutions

With no-code web builders such as Webflow, Softr or Thunkable, companies can create online portals, booking systems or support areas themselves - without agency costs.

Example: A small hotel uses a no-code tool to create its own customer portal, which guests can use to book, manage their data and retrieve invoices.

Faster prototypes and minimum MVPs

Especially for SMEs with innovative ideas or new digital business models, it is worth getting started quickly with a prototype or a minimum viable product (MVP). With no-code tools, these can be realised and tested on the market within days instead of months.

Advantages for SMEs

The use of low-code and no-code platforms offers numerous advantages for SMEs - especially in times of increasing digitalisation pressure and limited IT resources. One of the biggest advantages is the ability to develop software solutions significantly faster and more cost-effectively than with traditional programming approaches, even without IT specialists. This enables SMEs to digitalise their business processes independently, for example with individual tools for customer management, warehouse management, internal application processes or simple web applications.

The use of such platforms also ensures greater flexibility: adjustments or extensions to existing applications can be made at any time - without long development cycles or expensive external service providers. At the same time, collaboration between specialist departments and IT is improved as both sides are more closely involved in development. For many SMEs, this not only relieves the burden on internal IT, but also means greater personal responsibility and innovative strength in the operational teams.

The challenges

Despite these advantages, there are also some challenges to consider. One key hurdle is selecting and introducing the right platform: not every solution is suitable for a company's individual requirements, existing IT systems or regulatory requirements. Particularly when it comes to data protection - for example in relation to the GDPR - SMEs need to carefully check whether the tools selected are compliant and where the data is processed. Even with very complex or highly integrated system landscapes, no-code or low-code solutions quickly reach their limits. In such cases, traditional software development may still be necessary.

Another important point is the issue of governance: if specialist departments start to build their own applications without IT involvement, there is a risk of shadow IT, uncontrolled data processing or security gaps. Companies should therefore define clear rules and processes for the use of low-code and no-code platforms and involve the IT department at an early stage.

Overall, these technologies offer SMEs a great opportunity to implement digital solutions independently and efficiently. However, the prerequisite is that the introduction is strategically planned, technically supported and takes regulatory aspects into account.