In this digital era, companies from various sectors are competing to accelerate their digital transformation. However, one major obstacle often gets in the way: limited software developer resources. Here it is low-code/no-code platforms (LCNC) present as a revolutionary solution. This technology allows anyone, even without a technical background, to develop applications quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively.

In this article us will discuss more deeply about what Low-Code No-Code is, see this information to the end.

Apa Itu Low-Code/No-Code?

• Low-Code Platforms: Uses a visual interface with a little extra code to enable complex app development. Example: OutSystems, Microsoft Power Apps.
• No-Code Platforms: Uses a fully visual interface, without the need for programming. Example: Appgyver, Bubble.

With LCNC, anyone, from small business owners to marketing teams, can create applications without in-depth technical experience. The development process is based on drag-and-drop, membuatnya cepat dan intuitif.

Perbedaan Low-Code dengan No-Code

Kategori	Low Code	No Code
Definition	Need sedikit coding to customize the application, especially on complex features or specific logic.	No coding is required at all, everything is done through a visual interface (drag-and-drop).
user	Intended for developers who have a basic coding, but want to speed up application development.	Designed for Non-technical users (non-programmer) such as small business owners or operational staff.
Customization	More flexibility: Users can write additional code for features that are not supported by the platform.	Limited to built-in features platform, as there is no option to add manual code.
Application Complexity	Able to handle complex applications, such as enterprise applications or multi-user applications with custom business logic.	Suitable for simple applications, such as registration forms, internal portals, or application prototypes.
Case Examples	Microsoft PowerApps, Mendix, OutSystem	Bubble, Wix, Glide Apps

Key Benefits of Low-Code/No-Code for Companies

1. Development SpeedThe LCNC platform accelerates the application development process that previously took months to just weeks, even days. With this capability, companies can quickly adapt to market changes.Example:
   A logistics startup built a cloud-based shipment tracking app in two weeks using OutSystems, allowing them to compete with larger competitors.
2. Cost-effectiveWith LCNC, the company does not need a large development team. This reduces labor costs and allows for a greater focus on innovation.Fact:
   Small companies can save up to 70% on development costs by using this method to create in-house applications such as inventory management.
3. Demokratisasi TeknologiPlatform ini memberdayakan tim pemasaran, SDM, atau operasional untuk membuat aplikasi tanpa harus menunggu pengembang IT. Setiap karyawan dapat menjadi inovator.Example:
   Tim pemasaran di perusahaan ritel menggunakan Bubble untuk membuat aplikasi promo khusus pelanggan tanpa melibatkan departemen IT.
4. Flexibility and ScalabilityLCNC allows companies to start small solutions and easily scale them up as the business grows.Fact:
   With Microsoft Power Apps, a bank built a simple customer service application that eventually grew into a service platform serving thousands of customers.

Benefits of this technology

1. Implementation Speed: The visual interface allows for rapid prototyping.
2. Better Collaboration: Non-technical and technical teams can work together in a single platform.
3. Flexibility: LCNC supports the development of simple to complex applications.

challenge

1. Limitations of Functionality: Not all complex business logics can be supported by this platform.
2. Data Security: Reliance on vendor infrastructure can be a risk.
3. Vendor Dependencies: Migrating to another platform can be difficult if the vendor discontinues the service.

LCNC Implementation Steps

1. Identify Needs Start with small projects like an inventory management system or an internal form application.
2. Choose the Right Platform
   • OutSystems: For complex applications with large-scale integrations.
   • Bubble: For simple apps with no additional code.
3. Trial Build a small prototype to understand the platform's features and limitations.
4. Engage Non-Technical Teams Provide basic training to marketing, HR, or other teams to leverage LCNC in their work.

Implementation Examples

Neuronworks, which has subscribed to Microsoft, for that we leverage Microsoft Power Apps to improve internal efficiency such as LCNC implementation. Here are the steps to use this platform to create a simple app, based on a video tutorial:YouTube

1. Creating a New App:
   • Open Microsoft Power Apps and select "Create an App".
   • Select an app type, such as "Canvas App" to start from a blank interface.
2. Interface Design:
   • Use drag-and-drop to add elements such as input fields, dropdowns, and buttons.
   • Example: Add a form to enter "Product" data with fields such as "Product Name", "Quantity", and "Price".
3. Connecting to a Database:
   • Click "Data" and connect the app to Microsoft Dataverse or another data source such as Excel, SharePoint, or SQL Server.
   • Create a table with the columns "ID", "Product Name", "Quantity", and "Price".
4. Adding Business Logic:
   • Use Power Fx to create application logic. Example code to store data:Patch(Products, Defaults(Products), { Name: txtProductName.Text, Quantity: Value(txtQuantity.Text), Price: Value(txtPrice.Text) })
5. Testing and Debugging:
   • Run the app to test if the data can be stored and displayed correctly.
   • Use the preview feature to see how the app will look on your device.
6. Publication:
   • Once the test is complete, click "Publish" to publish the app.
   • Share the link with your internal team to get started.

With these steps, we are able to accelerate the development of internal applications such as inventory management systems, improve collaboration between teams, and reduce reliance on external developers.

Future Trends

1. AI and IoT integration:
   LCNC will support smart technologies such as AI analytics and IoT device management.
2. Penggunaan di Sektor Publik:
   Government services are starting to use LCNC to accelerate the digitization of public services.
3. Better Customization:
   The LCNC platform will further support complex business logic and advanced integration.

Example:
An agricultural company uses LCNC to monitor soil moisture and automatically activate irrigation systems.

Multiple LCNC Platforms

Platform	Ease of Use	Customization	Workflow Automation	Data Management	API Integration	Responsiveness	Self-hosting	Free Tier	Demo	Target Audience
Bubble	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌	✅ (terbatas)	✅ (Free version)	Non-teknis & developer
Webflow	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅ (Free version)	Developer
Retool	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌	✅ (terbatas)	✅ (Interactive demo)	Developer
Appsmith	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅ (open-source)	✅ (self-host option)	Developer
Airtable	✅	❌	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅ (Free version)	Non-teknis
Budibase	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅ (open-source)	✅ (Self-host option)	Developer
Softr	✅	❌	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅ (Free version)	Non-teknis
Orange	✅	❌	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅	✅ (open-source)	❌	Data Scientist & Peneliti
KNIME	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅ (open-source)	✅ (Interactive demo)	Data Scientist & Developer
OutSystems	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌	✅ (Limited)	✅ (Free Trial)	Developer
Microsoft Power Apps	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌	✅ (Limited)	✅ (Free Trial)	Non-teknis & Developer
Codemagic	✅	❌	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅ (Free version)	Developer
DronaHQ	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅ (Free version)	Non-teknis & developer
Stacker	✅	❌	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅ (Free version)	Non-teknis
NocoDB	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅ (open-source)	✅ (Self-host option)	Non-teknis & developer
Zoho Creator	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌	✅ (Free Trial)	✅ (Free Trial)	Non-teknis & developer
Appian	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌	✅ (Free Trial)	✅ (Free Trial)	Enterprise/Developer

Conclusion

Low-code/no-code platforms offers a revolution in software development. With this technology, companies can accelerate digital transformation, empower non-technical employees, and save on development costs. Despite the challenges, the benefits offered are far greater, making them an essential tool for companies in the digital age.

Referensi

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