How to choose the best low-code platform for your business
Businesses continually look for ways to streamline operations and increase efficiencies and return on investment. Check those tips to find the best solution for your needs.
Cathy
28 November 2023
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4
min
Businesses continually look for ways to streamline operations and increase efficiencies and return on investment. Using digital options to transform paper-based or other manual processes can save you both time and money. But where do you begin to solve your business challenges?
Hiring a professional developer can be expensive, and off-the-shelf software often doesn’t fit your organization’s specific needs. So, you’ve discovered low code as a way to create a custom solution, and wisely so.
But first you need to pick the right platform. Wondering where to start? Check those tips to find the best fit for your needs.
1. Identify your objectives and requirements
Before diving into the selection process, outline your business requirements and objectives. Are you aiming for rapid application development, scalability, or integration with existing systems?
Define the scope, complexity, and nature of applications you intend to build.
2. Evaluate the ease of use and accessibility
A core advantage of low-code platforms is their ease of use and their ability to empower non-technical users to create applications. Ensure the platform has an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, easy customization, and minimal coding requirements.
Assess the accessibility across various devices and browsers, essential for collaborative work.
3. Assess the scalability and performance
Ensure the platform can accommodate your business’s growth and adapt to evolving needs without compromising on performance or functionality.
Evaluate the platform’s capability to handle increased workloads, user volumes, and evolving business demands without significant setbacks.
4. Evaluate the customization possibilities
Look for platforms that strike a balance between pre-built functionalities and the ability to tweak or customize code when necessary to meet your unique needs.
5. Consider the deployment and management
Make sure the platform integrates seamlessly with your existing tech stack. The compatibility with databases, APIs, and third-party services is crucial for a smooth workflow and data consistency across applications.
Don’t underestimate the platform’s deployment process and its management features. Easy deployment and centralized app management will streamline the application lifecycle without additional charges.
6. Evaluate Security and Compliance
Security is paramount when developing applications. Ensure the platform complies with industry standards for data encryption, access controls, and regulatory requirements (such as GDPR, HIPAA…) and provides regular security updates. Ensure the platform provides robust security protocols to safeguard your data and applications.
7. Examine the level of support and the community
Examine the level of support provided by the platform vendor. Responsive customer support, comprehensive documentation, training resources, and an active user community can significantly aid in overcoming challenges and maximizing the platform’s potential.
8. Test the platform
Before committing, take advantage of free trials or demos offered by the platforms. Test the platform’s functionalities and usability by building a prototype or a small-scale application to gauge its suitability for your business needs.
You can involve key stakeholders and end-users in the evaluation process to gather diverse feedback.
9. Evaluate the cost
Determine the total cost of ownership and assess the potential returns in terms of efficiency gains and time savings. Beyond the initial licensing fees, consider expenses related to additional features, training, maintenance, support, and scalability.
10. Check the vendor reliability
Research and gather insights from other businesses or developers who have used the platform. User reviews, case studies, and testimonials provide valuable real-world perspectives and help you gauge their track record in delivering successful low-code solutions.
Lastly examine the platform’s roadmap for future updates and enhancements. A platform committed to innovation and regularly updating will ensure your custom app stay up-to-date and competitive.
Even if low code is known for its ease of use, navigating the various marketplace options isn’t always easy. That’s why you need to ask the right questions, evaluate the platform’s core design, and consider the strength of the platform’s resources, scalability, and support to find the best solution that aligns with your business goals, accelerates development, and drives innovation.
> Check the infographics for a sum up of the tip to find the right fit for you!
