Popular Examples of Low Code Platforms to Enhance Business Efficiency

Low code platforms offer rapid development and deployment of applications, making the process faster and more efficient. They are cost-effective by reducing the need for extensive coding resources and open up app development to non-developers, increasing participation. This article consists of top examples of low code platforms that can transform your business application development.

Low code platforms provide a range of features to support different development needs and scale with your business. They offer visual development tools like drag-and-drop interfaces, visual workflows, and pre-built templates for easy app creation. Integration capabilities enable smooth connections with APIs, connectors, and various data sources.

Workflow automation streamlines tasks with customizable workflows and triggers. Collaboration tools support real-time teamwork and version control. Platforms offer scalable cloud, on-premises, and hybrid options. Security features include data encryption and user authentication. Reporting and analytics provide built-in reports and dashboards, while mobile support ensures responsive, cross-platform access.

To know in-depth about these low code tools and which one might be the best fit for you, this article is for you. We have explained in detail their key features and use cases, and in which scenarios they perform the best.

Popular Examples of Low Code Platforms

There are numerous low-code platforms available, each with its unique strengths and offerings. Some notable examples include ProcessMaker, OutSystems, Joget, Appian, Budibase, Mendix, Saltcorn, and TrackVia. Let’s know in detail about these low-code tools.

Finance and Banking

These platforms streamline financial operations, enhance customer experiences, and ensure regulatory compliance with rapid application development.

1. ProcessMaker (Open Source)

ProcessMaker is an open-source workflow and business process management (BPM) platform that allows organizations to automate and streamline their workflows. It provides a user-friendly interface for designing and managing business processes.

Key Features

• Drag-and-Drop Workflow Design: Easy-to-use visual process designer for creating and managing workflows.
• Integration Capabilities: Connects with various third-party systems and APIs for seamless data exchange.
• Customizable Forms: Create and customize forms for data collection and user interactions.

Pros

• Being open-source, it offers a low-cost solution with extensive community support.
• High degree of customization for workflows and forms to fit specific business needs.

Cons:

• Initial setup and configuration can be complex and may require technical expertise.
• May lack some advanced features available in proprietary BPM solutions.

2. OutSystems (Closed Source)

OutSystems is a leading closed-source low-code platform designed for rapid application development and deployment. It offers a robust environment for building complex, scalable applications with minimal hand-coding.

Key Features

• Visual Development Interface: Drag-and-drop tools and pre-built templates for easy app design and development.
• Scalability: Supports enterprise-grade applications with high scalability and performance.
• Integration: Extensive integration options with various systems, APIs, and third-party services.

Pros

• Built to handle complex, large-scale applications with advanced functionality and scalability.
• Provides extensive support, documentation, and a dedicated support team for enterprise clients.

Cons

• Pricing can be expensive, particularly for smaller organizations or projects with limited budgets.
• As a proprietary platform, it offers less flexibility compared to open-source alternatives, especially in terms of customization and source code access.

Healthcare

Designed to improve patient care and operational efficiency, low code tools in healthcare enable quick development of patient management systems and telehealth solutions.

1. Joget (Open Source)

Joget is an open-source platform for developing workflow and business process management applications. It combines process automation with an easy-to-use app development environment, allowing users to build and deploy applications quickly.

Key Features

• Drag-and-Drop Interface: Simplifies application design with a visual development environment for workflows and forms.
• Process Automation: Automates business processes with built-in workflow management and task automation.
• Extensible Plugins: Supports various plugins and extensions to enhance functionality and integrate with other systems.

Pros

• Open-source model provides a low-cost solution with the flexibility to modify and extend the platform as needed.
• Intuitive design tools and a modular approach make it accessible for users with varying technical skills.

Cons

• While there is a community forum, it may lack the extensive support and resources available with commercial platforms.
• May not offer the advanced capabilities found in high-end proprietary BPM solutions, which can limit functionality for more complex use cases.

2. Appian (Closed Source)

Appian is a leading closed-source low-code automation platform designed for building and managing enterprise-grade applications quickly. It focuses on business process management (BPM), workflow automation, and data management.

Key Features:

• Unified Interface: Provides a single interface for application development, workflow automation, and data management.
• Process Automation: Robust tools for automating complex business processes and workflows.
• Integration and APIs: Extensive integration capabilities with various third-party systems, APIs, and data sources.

Pros:

• Enterprise-Ready: Suitable for large-scale, complex applications with advanced features and high scalability.
• Strong Support and Training: Offers comprehensive support, training resources, and professional services to assist with implementation and maintenance.

Cons:

• High Cost: Pricing can be steep, making it less accessible for smaller organizations or those with limited budgets.
• Less Customization: Limited flexibility in terms of backend customization and access to source code compared to open-source alternatives.

Retail and E-commerce

There are many examples of low code platforms available in retail and e-commerce that facilitate the creation of dynamic customer-facing applications, streamline inventory management, and enhance the shopping experience.

1. Budibase (Open Source)

Budibase is an open-source low-code platform designed for rapid application development and automation. It provides a streamlined environment for building custom web applications with minimal coding.

Key Features

• Visual Builder: User-friendly drag-and-drop interface for designing and customizing applications.
• Automated Workflows: Built-in tools for creating and managing automated business processes.
• Data Integration: Easy integration with various data sources, including databases and APIs.

Pros

• As an open-source platform, it offers a low-cost solution with the ability to modify and extend the code as needed.
• Simplifies and speeds up the development process with its intuitive design tools and pre-built components.

Cons

• May have a smaller community and less extensive support compared to more established platforms.
• May lack some advanced features and enterprise capabilities found in larger, proprietary solutions.

2. Mendix (Closed Source)

Mendix is a closed-source low-code platform designed for rapid application development and digital transformation. It provides a comprehensive suite of tools for building complex, scalable applications efficiently.

Key Features

• Visual Development: Drag-and-drop interface for designing applications with minimal coding.
• Process Automation: Tools for automating workflows and business processes within applications.
• Scalability and Performance: Built to handle large-scale applications with high performance and scalability.

Pros

• Ideal for developing robust, enterprise-level applications with extensive features and support.
• Offers a wide range of pre-built components, integrations, and professional services to support complex use cases.

Cons

• Can be costly, particularly for larger organizations or projects with significant requirements.
• As a proprietary platform, users have less access to the underlying code and may face limitations in backend customization.

Logistics and Transportation

These platforms optimize supply chain management, enhance fleet tracking, and improve logistics coordination through agile, customized application solutions.

1. Saltcorn (Open Source)

Saltcorn is an open-source low-code platform for building web applications with a focus on ease of use and flexibility. It allows users to create custom applications without extensive coding by leveraging a simple, user-friendly interface.

Key Features

• Visual Interface: Drag-and-drop tools for designing forms, views, and workflows.
• Customizable Data Models: Ability to define and manage custom data structures and relationships.
• Plugin System: Extensible with various plugins to enhance functionality and integrate with other services.

Pros

• Offers a no-cost solution with the flexibility to modify and extend the platform according to your needs.
• User-friendly design tools make it accessible for non-technical users to create and manage applications.

Cons

• May not have the advanced features and scalability required for large enterprise applications.
• A smaller user base and community might result in less support and fewer resources compared to more widely adopted platforms.

2. TrackVia (Closed Sources)

TrackVia is a closed-source low-code platform designed to help businesses create custom applications and automate workflows without extensive coding. It focuses on providing a flexible environment for building and managing business processes.

Key Features

• Custom App Builder: Drag-and-drop interface for creating tailored applications and workflows.
• Advanced Data Management: Tools for managing and analyzing data, including custom reports and dashboards.
• Integration Capabilities: Connects with various external systems and APIs to integrate data and processes seamlessly.

Pros

• Provides robust tools for customizing applications to meet specific business needs.
• Offers extensive support and training resources for users, along with professional services for implementation.

Cons

• Can be expensive, particularly for small to mid-sized organizations or projects with limited budgets.
• As a proprietary platform, users have less control over the underlying code and system customization compared to open-source alternatives.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Low Code Platform

When selecting a low-code platform, it’s essential to evaluate several factors to ensure it meets your specific needs and requirements. Here’s a detailed look at the key considerations:

1. Scalability

Evaluate the platform’s ability to handle growth without performance issues. For instance, OutSystems supports large enterprises with complex applications and high user volumes, while Webflow might struggle with scalability for very large or complex sites due to limited access to source code and backend customization.

2. Integration Capabilities

Check how well the platform connects with other systems, databases, and third-party services. Appian offers robust integration options and API support for seamless connectivity with existing systems. In contrast, Budibase has limited integration options, which can be a drawback if you need to connect with multiple external services or legacy systems.

3. Customization Options

Assess the level of customization the platform allows. Mendix provides extensive customization, enabling developers to tailor workflows, interfaces, and logic to specific business requirements. Webflow, however, offers limited backend and server-side customization, restricting full control over site functionality and performance.

4. User Support and Community

The quality of user support and the platform’s community size and activity are crucial. Joget offers strong user support and has an active community, essential for troubleshooting and finding best practices. Saltcorn, on the other hand, has a smaller community and less extensive support, making it harder to find solutions to complex problems or insights from other users.

5. Pricing Model

The pricing model affects your overall cost based on the platform’s features, usage, and application scale. TrackVia offers flexible pricing tailored to user needs and application complexity. In contrast, ProcessMaker has a more rigid pricing structure, which might be less adaptable if your needs change or if you're seeking more cost-effective options.

One Tool, Many Use Cases: Use Nected To Build Different Systems

If you're looking for a versatile tool that can be useful across different sectors, consider using Nected. Nected is a low-code/no-code platform that enables users to create various systems and applications with minimal coding. This makes it accessible to users with little to no programming experience while still being powerful enough for more complex projects.

Key Features of Nected

The tool offers you different features, which include:

1. Intuitive Drag-and-Drop Interface: Easily build applications by dragging and dropping components, making the platform accessible even for users without coding skills. Create application layouts and workflows visually, accelerating the development process.

2. Pre-built Templates and Modules: Utilize a diverse array of pre-designed templates and modules that can be effortlessly customized to meet specific requirements, significantly reducing development time. Templates cater to various use cases, from business applications to personal projects.

3. Seamless Integration Capabilities: Integrate seamlessly with popular third-party services and APIs, enabling your applications to connect with existing tools and systems. Support for a wide range of integrations allows for the creation of comprehensive solutions.

4. Effortless Data Management: Easily create and manage databases, with options for data import, export, and real-time synchronization. Streamlined data handling simplifies application data management.

5. Workflow Automation: Automate repetitive tasks and business processes to enhance efficiency and reduce manual effort. Tailor workflows to suit organizational or project-specific needs.

6. Customizable User Interfaces: Design user interfaces that deliver an optimal user experience, tailored to the preferences and requirements of your audience. Customize every aspect of the interface to ensure alignment with your brand.

7. Robust Collaboration Tools: Features such as real-time editing, version control, and user permissions facilitate seamless teamwork and collaboration. Teams can work together efficiently, sharing updates and changes effortlessly.

8. Cross-platform Application Development: Develop applications that function seamlessly on both mobile devices and web browsers, ensuring broad accessibility. Create applications that adapt to different screen sizes and devices.

9. Built-in Security and Compliance: Incorporate built-in security features to safeguard sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations, providing users with confidence in the security of their applications and data.

10. Scalability: The platform supports scalable infrastructure, enabling applications to expand as user demand grows. Maintain fast and reliable performance even with increased scale.

11. Advanced Analytics and Reporting: Generate detailed reports and analytics to gain insights into application performance and user behavior. Utilize analytics to make informed decisions and continuously enhance applications.

12. Comprehensive User Support and Community: Access customer support and join a community of users who share knowledge and solutions. Benefit from a supportive community and resources to overcome challenges and enhance skills.

Conclusion

Low code platforms offer a range of benefits that make application development more accessible and efficient. They accelerate development processes, reduce costs, and enable both technical and non-technical users to contribute to app creation.

These platforms provide flexibility, integration capabilities, and scalability, which are essential for adapting to evolving business needs and technological advancements. Looking to the future, low code development is poised to become even more integral to how applications are built and maintained.

As technology evolves, these platforms will likely offer even greater functionality, enhanced user experiences, and broader integration options. For a versatile solution that can cater to various sectors and use cases, Nected stands out as a comprehensive tool. It offers a robust set of features that can support diverse business applications.

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FAQs

Q1: How do low code platforms differ from traditional development methods?

Low code platforms use visual interfaces and pre-built components to speed up development, reducing the need for extensive coding.

Q2: Can low code platforms handle complex applications?

Yes, many low code platforms can manage complex applications, though capabilities can vary by platform.

Q3: What are the key benefits of using low code platforms?

Key benefits include faster development, lower costs, accessibility for non-developers, and ease of integration with existing systems.

Q4: How do low code platforms support integration with existing systems?

They offer built-in connectors, APIs, and integration tools to link with other systems and data sources seamlessly.

Q5: What are some common use cases for low code platforms?

Common use cases include automating workflows, creating customer apps, managing business processes, and developing internal tools.

Q6: What are some common examples of low code platforms?

Common examples of low-code platforms include OutSystems, ProcessMaker, Mendix, Appian, Microsoft Power Apps, Quick Base, Zoho Creator, TrackVia, Bubble, Betty Blocks, Joget, etc.