Maximizing Productivity: Exploring Real-World Low-Code Use Cases
Did you know a recent Gartner prediction says that 70% of new applications developed by organizations will use low-code or no-code technologies by 2025, up from less than 25% in 2020?
In just five years, low-code tools have gone from being a minor element in the software development process to becoming a major driving force. Nearly every industry and sector are trying to implement this technology to stay ahead in the race to digitization.
In this blog post, we will delve into the transformative power of low-code and showcase real-world use cases that highlight its growing significance in today's business environments.
What is Low-code?
Low-code development is a method of software development that allows developers and non-technical users to build applications with minimal coding. Low-code platforms provide a visual interface builder with pre-built components and easy integration options that enable users to design, develop, and deploy applications more quickly and efficiently than traditional coding methods. Access management features are also commonly included for secure and controlled application usage.
Low-Code Use Cases
Low-code development has gained popularity across industries due to its ability to accelerate app development and streamline business processes. Here are some key use cases where low-code has been successfully applied:
1. Customer Experience
Organizations are using low-code platforms to enhance customer experiences by building web-based portals and self-service applications. These portals allow customers to perform various tasks, such as submitting claims, making payments, and generating quotes, all in a user-friendly and intuitive manner. Low-code enables the rapid development of these portals, allowing organizations to deliver value-driven solutions with less coding and in less time.
For example, the City of Rotterdam implemented a low-code platform to improve their digitization efforts and bridge the gap between business and IT. They developed a range of applications, including a COVID-response digital service counter, a parking reservation mobile app, and an internal portal to manage incoming subsidies. By leveraging reusable components, working in an agile manner, and empowering citizen developers, the City of Rotterdam has successfully delivered over 100 low-code applications supporting over 100,000 users.
2. Native Mobile Apps and PWAs
Low-code platforms are revolutionizing mobile app development by enabling the creation of native mobile apps and progressive web apps (PWAs) without the need for specialized mobile developers. These platforms provide frameworks like ReactNative that allow organizations to build cross-platform apps that deliver rich user experiences across different devices and operating systems.
Erie Insurance, a Fortune 500 insurer, used a low-code platform to build their first native mobile application without employing any mobile-specific developers. The app provides customers with biometric login, access to policy information, payments, and ID cards, streamlining the customer experience. By leveraging low-code technology, Erie Insurance was able to create a mobile app that meets the needs of their customers and enhances their overall satisfaction.
3. IoT-Enabled Apps
Low-code platforms enable the integration of applications with IoT platforms, enterprise systems, and third-party services, allowing organizations to create IoT-enabled apps. These apps can leverage data from connected devices to provide actionable insights and enhance customer experiences.
WRSTBND, an entertainment production company, used a low-code platform to develop a custom ERP system and an app integrated with IoT turnstiles. By implementing IoT turnstiles at their events, WRSTBND improved transparency for employees and regulators, resulting in a $700,000 increase in single-day ticket sales. This demonstrates how low-code can be used to create innovative solutions that drive business growth.
4. New Business Models
Low-code platforms are empowering organizations to build new applications that enhance their core products or services. These applications can be sold commercially, opening up new revenue streams and helping organizations capture new markets.
Collin Crowdfund, a lending platform, used a low-code platform to build their own fit-for-purpose lending solution. They were able to manage back-office processes, banking transactions, and vetting and approving entities, all without extensive coding. In just five months, Collin Crowdfund delivered an end-to-end low-code lending platform, which has placed €235,354,500 in loans since its launch. This demonstrates how low-code can enable organizations to create innovative solutions and disrupt traditional business models.
5. Replace, Migrate, or Extend Legacy Systems
Low-code platforms provide a seamless way to modernize existing legacy systems. Organizations can either build modern applications on top of their core systems or incrementally replace them with low-code applications. This allows organizations to address the inefficiencies and faults of antiquated systems while leveraging their existing functionality.
BDC, a government-owned bank that supports Canadian businesses, used a low-code platform to dramatically accelerate their loan processing times. By creating a new Core Lending System, BDC reduced loan processing time to 20-30 minutes, making funds available to applicants on the same day. This demonstrates how low-code can enable organizations to modernize their systems and improve operational efficiency.
6. Microservices
Low-code platforms allow developers to create microservices, which are app components that serve specific business functions. These microservices can be combined to build complex applications. Low-code platforms make it easy to deploy updates to microservices without disrupting the rest of the system.
PostNL, the national postal carrier of the Netherlands, rebuilt their core order management system using a low-code platform and implemented a microservices architecture. This allowed them to process over 1 million parcels daily, clear their two-year backlog in six months, and offer a 99.95% uptime guarantee. By leveraging low-code and microservices, PostNL was able to modernize their system and improve their operational efficiency.
7. Workflow Automation
Low-code platforms enable organizations to automate manual back-office tasks by developing apps that streamline workflows. These apps can automate processes such as invoice processing, budget requests, and approvals, reducing manual effort and improving efficiency.
PVH Europe, the parent company of brands like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, used a low-code platform to automate various processes across their retail supply chain. By digitizing processes such as managing external employees, processing returns, and tracking global budgets, PVH Europe achieved significant time savings and improved data accuracy. Low-code technology allowed them to streamline their operations and drive business value.
Industries That Benefit From Low-Code
Low-code development has the potential to benefit a wide range of industries. Here are a few examples:
1. Education
One area where low-code platforms can make a significant impact is in the development of online learning platforms. With the increasing popularity of e-learning, educational institutions are constantly looking for ways to provide students with flexible and accessible learning options. Low-code platforms allow for the rapid development of feature-rich online learning platforms that can cater to the diverse needs of students.
Furthermore, low-code platforms can be used to create applications that facilitate effective communication between teachers, students, and parents. These applications can include features such as messaging systems, attendance trackers, grade trackers, and assignment submission portals. By utilizing low-code, educational institutions can streamline administrative processes, reduce paperwork, and enhance communication channels, resulting in a more efficient and productive learning environment.
“ToolJet has really helped us build Byju’s Tuition Centre and scale it in a very quick time. The easy customization and crisp UI have made it very friendly for the operations team.” - Siddhartha Chakraborti, Associate Director of Product, Byjus
2. Retail and E-commerce
The retail and e-commerce industry can use low-code platforms to develop complex applications for inventory management, order processing, and customer engagement. These applications can enhance the overall shopping experience, improve operational efficiency, and drive sales.
3. Healthcare
Low-code platforms can help healthcare organizations develop applications for patient management, appointment scheduling, and electronic health records. These applications can improve patient care, streamline administrative processes, and enhance communication between healthcare providers and patients.
The National Maternity Hospital of Dublin has 5 custom applications built on low-code. From an incident management application to a quality improvement registry. They have streamlined many of their manual processes.
4. Manufacturing
Manufacturing companies can leverage low-code platforms to build applications for supply chain management, quality control, and equipment maintenance. These applications can improve operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance product quality.
With customizable forms and improved process automation, Australia based Redfirn Flinn has seen a reduction in administration costs. All with their custom asset management application, built on low-code.
5. Government and Public Sector
Government agencies and public sector organizations can use low-code platforms to develop applications for citizen services, permit management, and document processing. These applications can improve the delivery of public services, streamline administrative processes, and enhance citizen engagement.
Why You Should Choose ToolJet for Your Unique Use-case
When it comes to low-code development platforms, ToolJet stands out as a reliable and comprehensive solution. With its powerful features and intuitive interface, ToolJet empowers users to create fully functional applications with ease, regardless of their technical background.
One of the key advantages of ToolJet is its drag-and-drop interface, which allows users to build applications by simply dragging and dropping components onto the canvas. This eliminates the need for extensive coding and makes app development accessible to a wider range of users.
ToolJet also offers a wide range of pre-built templates and components, enabling users to quickly get started with their app development projects. These templates cover various industries and use cases, providing a solid foundation for building customized applications.
Another notable feature of ToolJet is its seamless integration capabilities. The platform allows users to connect their applications with external systems, databases, and APIs, enabling them to leverage existing data and functionalities. This integration capability ensures that users can build applications that seamlessly integrate with their existing IT infrastructure.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a low-code development platform that offers a wide range of features, ease of use, seamless integration capabilities, and robust security, ToolJet is an excellent choice. With ToolJet, you can accelerate your app development projects, streamline your business processes, and deliver value-driven solutions to your users.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is low-code the future?
Low-code development is gaining significant momentum and is poised to shape the future of software development. With its ability to accelerate application delivery and empower citizen developers, low-code platforms are revolutionizing the way software is built. As organizations strive to meet the increasing demand for digital transformation, low-code offers a promising solution to bridge the gap between business requirements and IT capabilities.
2. What are low-code tools?
Low-code tools are software development platforms that enable users to build applications with minimal coding knowledge or experience. These platforms provide visual interfaces, drag-and-drop functionality, and pre-built components to simplify application development. Low-code tools typically include features like visual modeling, workflow automation, data integration, and easy deployment, empowering users to create robust applications quickly and efficiently.
3. Will low-code replace developers?
While low-code platforms empower citizen developers and reduce the reliance on traditional coding skills, it is unlikely that they will completely replace professional developers. Low-code tools are designed to augment the development process and enable rapid application delivery. However, complex and specialized projects often require custom coding and advanced programming skills. Developers will still be needed to handle intricate logic, optimize performance, and integrate complex systems. Ultimately, low-code platforms and developers can work hand-in-hand to accelerate application development and deliver innovative solutions.