What Happens After Business Users Build Low-Code Apps?

In recent times, low-code and no-code platforms have revolutionized application development. Lately, we find even business users utilizing low-code development tools to build business applications to suit some of their specific needs. Low-code development has emerged as an effective way of transforming business "ideas" into actual applications. Along with predefined libraries, low-code tools provide user-friendly interfaces with drag-and-drop functionality. This visual development tool is suited for use by any business user. 

As compared to "traditional" approaches, low-code development can help in building efficient applications more quickly. But while  low-code development  is a welcome addition, it also comes with a few limitations and pitfalls. The question then is, "what happens after business users build low-code apps?"  

Let's look at some common issues that arise after business users build low-code apps and how a technology expert like Novigo can help address these issues. 

1. Customization 

Among the major limitations, low-code applications are not easy to customize for specific business requirements. Business users are not skilled in handling the customization of low-code applications beyond the basics. 

Thus, low-code applications do require developers to write code (even as it is lesser than traditional coding methods). Some low-code tools offer customization facilities even though they are limited. Limited customization and flexibility in low-code apps require the technical expertise of app developers to write customized code. 

Low-code applications  also need validation when customized and integrated with third-party applications through APIs.  

2. Integration 

Every low-code tool or platform does not offer functionalities to integrate external data and services. Some of them may offer out-of-the-box integrations. However, organizations must verify if they can build custom integrations and reuse them across applications. 

Business applications require an underlying layer of backend and database services, along with an integrated interface with third-party applications. Even with predefined libraries and built-in components, low-code apps may not work during the integration process. 

Application integration experts ensure that low-code applications work seamlessly across all APIs, databases, and web services. 

3. Testing 

Low-code development has empowered business users to perform both application development and testing. Business users can test their business logic through user interfaces. 

At the same time, it's noteworthy that, with a low-code visual IDE, organizations can expose data from their database or form builder tools. Hence, application developers need a formal testing strategy to avoid future problems in low-code applications. Here are some of the focus areas for low-code app testing: 

• Regression testing to check if any new application features impact the existing functionality 
• Omnichannel testing to ensure a consistent user experience across different channels and devices 
• End-to-end testing to ensure a smooth user journey with the low-code application 
• Test automation to validate the final delivered product 

As such, low-code application testing does entail the expertise of a professional QA team. 

4. Compliance and Security 

Business users often believe that low-code platforms are handling application security and that low-code apps do not require additional security-related validation. While security is embedded into low-code tools, low-code developers must also look for any security issues or vulnerabilities. 

Organizations also have limited oversight over what business users are developing. With no visibility, they can lose track of security requirements in their business apps. Security testing is important to comply with regulatory standards in highly regulated industries like healthcare and automotive.  

In these scenarios, practices like vulnerability assessment and penetration testing play a crucial role. Besides, only qualified testing professionals can test low-code apps for security and regulatory compliance. 

5. Maintenance 

Application maintenance is a crucial part of any software development process. Organizations often fail to think about long-term maintenance when investing in low-code platforms. Typically, maintenance includes application updates or upgrades, product documentation, and following coding standards and naming conventions. 

Additionally, over time, low-code applications can require high maintenance due to factors like functional complexity, lack of compliance, or Shadow IT. While citizen developers can create low-code applications, they could fall short when it comes to maintaining these applications. This may require the technical skills of a low-code development team. 

How can Novigo Solutions help in addressing these common issues with low-code development? Let's discuss it next. 

How Novigo Can Help Address Low-Code App Issues 

As an enterprise application development expert and a low-code solution provider of note, Novigo Solutions can provide organizations with the necessary technical expertise for customizing and integrating low-code applications. Novigo is the implementation partner for  Outsystems, a leading player in the domain of low-code application development. 

Here is how Novigo, in partnership with OutSystems, can address the issues with low-code development: 

• Team of experienced low-code professionals with expertise in developing and maintaining low-code applications 
• Extensive knowledge of cross-platform integrations 
• Exposure to implementing low-code development projects across industry domains and markets 
• Wide range of low-code development skills, including OutSystems experts, web developers, mobile developers, and solution architects 

Additionally, we provide powerful low-code process automation solutions with  Nintex  K2 software. This enables companies to achieve their desired business outcomes without technical expertise. We can also empower non-technical business users to develop new business models and build robust and sustainable solutions. 

The Final Word 

Low-code development approach makes it convenient for organizations to build fast and efficient business applications without any technical expertise. But what happens after business users have built low-code apps? How can organizations address long-term issues like customization and integration? 

This is where Novigo Solutions comes to the fore to help address your low-code development issues. With our low-code platform, you can now build and maintain business applications that can reshape your digital experience. Here is an  explanation  of how low code can help in driving enterprise automation. 

Looking for a technical partner to elevate your benefits from low-code development? We can assist you. Get in touch  with us.