Forem: Low-code Geeks

ERPs: Powerful software for organizations

Low-code Geeks — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 07:15:11 +0000

ERP software is designed to make everyday life for organizations easier. It accomplishes this by providing features and modules that address the requirements of every aspect of the day-to-day activities of organizations.

History of ERP software

ERPs have now been around for more than 60 years. The predecessor to the modern day ERP were the industrial ledgers used in the American manufacturing industry in the early 20th century. From there, a transition to huge mainframe software was made. These were the material requirements planning (MRP) solutions developed by J.I. Case, in collaboration with IBM. These solutions were followed by manufacturing resource planning (MRP II) systems. Eventually, the term ERP, enterprise resource planning, was coined for this type of software by Gartner in 1990.

Now, there are lots of organizations in the enterprise software market that provide comprehensive ERP software for businesses of all sizes. Some popular ERP vendors are:

Microsoft Dynamics
Oracle E-Business Suite
SAP Business One
NetERP from NetSuite

These ERP solutions offer a variety of feature sets, and each one has their own pricing structure.

Essential modules an ERP should possess

For optimal efficiency, any competent ERP should contain the following modules:

Supply chain management
Human resources management
Customer relationship management
Finance

Let's take a look at each of these essential modules in detail:

Supply chain management
From procuring to manufacturing to inventory management, effectively managing the supply chain of any organization is vital. This ERP module will ensure that bottlenecks in the supply chain are removed, and a seamless logistics interface is established for hassle-free flow in the organizational supply chain.

Human resources management
Personnel are the backbone of any enterprise. A human resources management module should effectively monitor the organization's personnel, including providing features for efficiency tracking, salary disbursal, and leave management.

Customer relationship management (CRM)
Though there are separate customer relationship management solutions available, ERPs also offer integrated CRM modules. This is a win-win for organizations, as the ability to monitor their relationship with their customers from within the integrated and unified confines of ERP software grants the ability to make informed decisions more easily and maintain a good rapport with customers.

Finance
ERP software integrates all enterprise data, making it easier to compute operational costs accurately. The finance module enables the powers that be to make the right financial transactions at the right time. This saves costs, cuts down on unnecessary expenditure, and enhances profits.

The state of contemporary ERP software
Earlier, we quickly went over the history of ERP software. The latest ERP iteration is the Cloud ERP—ERP software that's hosted on the cloud.

Though ERP software is potent, it comes with several limitations:
Licences are expensive, some costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
It takes dedicated subject matter experts to install ERP software for an organization. These subject matter experts are hard to find, and expensive to hire.
Organizational personnel need to be trained in the ERP software chosen. This consumes a lot of time, and protracts the ERP installation process.

So, is there a solution to circumvent these limitations of ERPs?

The answer is low-code platforms.

What is a low-code platform?

Low-code application development platforms offer a visual development environment, and supplement it with scripting, to build applications with ease. These platforms, modelled on the principles of rapid application development, empower everyone from citizen developers to professional coders to build powerful software solutions.

Architecting and deploying applications on LC (low-code) platforms is 10 times faster than conventional methods. This is accomplished by providing visual app building tools. A drag-and-drop interface allows you to rapidly build app components, such as front-end elements.

Businesses can automate complex business logic using simple scripting. Some LC platforms, such as Zoho Creator, even offer an IDE, which permits dragging and dropping code blocks to script application logic with ease. Most low-code platforms are hosted on the cloud, so all that's needed is a browser with an internet connection to build and deploy apps.

Using a low-code platform to build your custom ERP

So why use a low-code platform to build an ERP solution instead of utilizing existing ERPs?

i) Learning curve
Conventional ERP software has a steep learning curve. An example is learning ABAP for SAP's ERP solutions. It takes dedicated training personnel to coach users of this ERP software. It takes time and demands additional investment.

However, low-code platforms are much easier to learn to build on, as they provide visual WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) builders, and the drag-and-drop interface requires no training or learning, as it's intuitive. You can begin architecting ERP applications on LC platforms in no time.

ii) Technical expertise required
Conventional ERP solutions demand dedicated subject matter experts (SMEs) who are expensive to hire and hard to find. The technical expertise required is also high, because each ERP offering has its own back-end infrastructure and technical exigencies.

On the other hand, LC platforms require minimal technical knowledge to begin building apps. Scripting on them is easy, as the scripting languages in LC platforms are similar to natural language. Deluge is one such example with its guided scripting.

iii) Cost
ERP software licenses cost anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. They are prohibitively expensive for most small- and medium-sized businesses. LC platforms, though, offer cheap monthly or annual subscriptions, based upon the number of users and applications built. These licences are comparatively inexpensive and are vastly more flexible when compared to ERP software licences.

iv) Application portability
ERP software is not primarily portable out-of-the-box, especially across varied platforms such as iOS and Android. But LC platforms offer one-click portability, to the web, iOS, and Android. This is a welcome advantage, as you don't need to waste time and money to port ERP solutions across platforms.

Benefits of low-code platforms

LC platforms come with a slew of benefits.

i) Deep customization
An ERP built on an LC platform is highly customizable, down to single fields in the forms of a module in the solution. Conventional ERPs are hard to customize, if they're able to be modified at all. Thus a business' processes have to be modified to fit the conventional ERP. This is not the case with ERPs built on LC platforms, where apps can be configured to fit a business' processes.

ii) Rapid return on investment
Conventional ERP software installation takes years to realize a return on investment, as the cost of these solutions is prohibitively high. ERPs architected on LC platforms provide a tangible ROI quickly, as fully functional solutions can be deployed in a matter of days or weeks.

ii) Automatic updates
Developers of conventional ERP software issue patches periodically. These patches, in most cases, have to be manually installed. This requires enlisting the help of, again, SMEs. On the other hand, an ERP solution built on an LC platform is automatically patched by the developer, because the platform is updated instead of the app.

iv) Simplicity and ease of use
Conventional ERP solutions are software behemoths. They may have scores of features out-of-the-box, however this makes them complex to understand and complicated to use. LC platforms offer a minimalistic interface, and are easy to understand and intuitive to use.

Low-code platforms: A viable alternative for engineering ERPs

The numerous advantages and strengths of LC platforms over conventional ERP solutions make them a strong contender for architecting enterprise solutions. By harnessing the capabilities of these versatile platforms, enterprises can reap innumerable rewards by building their own, fully customized ERP solutions on them.

3 recent trends in low-code & year-end events you can't miss!

Low-code Geeks — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 07:19:52 +0000

Low-code has steadily gained prominence among developers, showing that they appreciate low-code's visual builders that make complex use cases easier, with fewer lines of code.

If you're a tech enthusiast, here's why you should be jumping on the low-code bandwagon:

3 recent trends in low-code

Robotic process automation (RPA) - Low-code is now used to develop RPA elements that make it easy to build, deploy, and automate processes that are repetitive, high-volume, and rule-based.

Internet of things (IoT): IoT apps are complex to build, as they need to manage data from devices like sensors, communication devices, cars, and more. Low-code helps developers seamlessly build applications that can sync reams of data into context-aware visuals for end users.

Augmented reality (AR): Low-code has already enabled many device experience for users. And recent progress has made even multi-interaction feasible. Users can now interact with applications via AR, VR, and more.

If you love low-code, or are interested in knowing more about it, here are a few developer events you can check out:

OutSystems: Outsystems is conducting an event for the developer community, to showcase their low-code platform, with feature-specific sessions, such as integration builders, plus discussions of various use cases. Click here to join: https://www.outsystems.com/nextstep/osdc/#
Zoho Creator: Zoho Creator is hosting their virtual hackathon, inviting amateur and experienced developers to build apps on their low-code platform. They've made it even more attractive, with $10k in prize gift vouchers for the top 3 winners. Click here to register: https://www.zoho.com/creator/low-code-hackathon

Conclusion

With low-code solidifying its place as the future of software development, attending events for various platform providers helps to connect with like-minded developers and better understand the trends in this space.

5 low-code platform myths debunked

Low-code Geeks — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 07:44:17 +0000

Did you know that the worldwide low-code development technologies market is expected to reach $13.8 billion in 2021?

While the consumption of low-code platforms is steadily increasing among tech-savvy organizations, a large number of businesses still consider this technology as niche. That's why we decided to debunk 5 of the most common low-code myths.

Myth 1: Low-code platforms can't be used to build complex apps

Most low-code platforms have a two-pronged approach to reduce the complexities involved in software development. The drag-and-drop UI components help tackle front-end complexities, while the back end is supported by English-like scripting languages for complex workflow automation. This means that the software-building activity is only limited by the user's imagination and not the tool itself. Don't let a myth like this stop you from exploring these platforms and experiencing their true capabilities.

Myth 2: Low-code is a misnomer — it requires expert coding abilities

The technical expertise needed to build applications with low-code platforms is based on business needs and application complexity. While traditional coding platforms require complex lines of code, low-code platforms possess ready-made code snippets, requiring fewer lines of code. Most low-code platforms borrow elements from open-source/open-standard languages, such as C, Java, JavaScript, Python, and more. The critical factor, however, is the logical reasoning required to utilize the code for specific uses case within the application. There are multiple open-source resources one can use to tweak code for their needs, and most low-code development platforms have debugging tools that provide suggestions and throw errors.

Myth 3: Low-code and legacy systems are mutually exclusive

Many firms refrain from rocking the boat and choose to hold on to their legacy systems. However, with improvements in digital transformation, relying only on legacy systems will inevitably hinder scalability. Low-code platforms provide cross-platform accessibility and can integrate with multiple third-party tools with the help of built-in connectors or code-like API calls. This means that low-code software can enhance existing legacy systems, rather than replace them.

Myth 4: Niche technology, like low-code, has a steep learning curve

Low-code platforms thrive on ease of use, quicker app builds, and economical benefits. With drag-and-drop functionalities, visual builders for automation, and other user-friendly features, deploying a simple app takes a few days, or sometimes just hours. One of the successes of low-code is that people with varied technical expertise—from novice business users to hardcore technical developers—have been able to build apps with astonishing ease. This indicates that the learning curve is a function of complex business requirements and not technical expertise. Even with complex business requirements, low-code platforms still have an edge over traditional coding platforms.

Myth 5: Data privacy and storage is a concern with low-code

A majority of low-code platforms, such as Appian, Caspio, Outsystems, and Zoho Creator, store data securely on the cloud. Caspio, Outsystems, and Zoho Creator provide on-premise data storage, as well. With digital advancements and many organizations adopting cloud-based solutions, regulations, such as GDPR compliance, ensure that low-code platforms providers take data security and privacy seriously.

In conclusion

Low-code platforms help build powerful, business-critical applications. Rather than rely on off-the-shelf products, business users, as well as expert developers, can tweak their applications to suit their exact needs. With visual builders and out-of-the box coding components, automating processes on low-code platforms is easier, and saves you both time and money.

What are low-code development platforms and their benefits?

Low-code Geeks — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 05:14:29 +0000

A PTC report states that nearly 60% of companies that have a digital transformation strategy have created new business models.
This indicates that digital transformation is integral to the scalability of businesses and that many of these businesses are in search of the right technology that can help them make this transformation a hassle-free process. This is where low-code development platforms can help.

What are low-code development platforms?

Low-code development platforms rely on an easy graphical user interface to build applications rather than laborious traditional computer programming/coding.

Low-code development platforms are used by businesses to automate their operations, go remote, and extend capabilities for economies of scale. Most low-code development platforms are available to run on the cloud as well as on-premise.

Who can use low-code platforms?

The beauty of low-code platforms is that they can be used by businesses of all sizes, and across all industries, to solve business challenges. Having a drag-and-drop UI lets you start building your app immediately, and view the changes visually and in real time.

Both decision makers and employees of varying technical expertise can use low-code to build and utilize applications based on their needs.

Users can be citizen developers (those with no significant technical skills, but with an inclination to IT), IT developers (skilled IT/coding personnel), or business function developers (skilled personnel handling business operations with limited IT skills).

The technical expertise needed to build applications with low-code platforms will be based on the business needs and application complexity.

So while an amateur can build an online spreadsheet with the bare minimum low-code tools, a full-fledged developer can build an entire ERP on the same platform.

A business needs low-code when they want to:

Track and share information with multiple stakeholders
Move from paper to mobile devices
Store data securely on-the-cloud, without any hardware/software disruptions
Take the business online
Automate or improve existing business operations

Low-code can help in any of these cases, or all of the above. With current global events, businesses that have been able to go remote/online have thrived. Businesses with just a few employees to conglomerates with 10,000+ employees have had to transform digitally to keep up with these uncertain times and low code empowers this transformation.

6 benefits of low-code development platforms:

Implementation speed: With drag-and-drop functions, visual tools for automation, one-click deployment, and other user-friendly features, deploying a simple app takes only a few days. John Rhymer, ex-vice president and lead analyst with Forrester states, “... they have the potential to make software development as much as 10 times faster than traditional methods.”
DIY builds: Empowering all users with varying technical skills to build their own app allows synergy between business challenges and IT solutions.
Agility: Low-code development platforms allow for multiple iterations and adaptations, and can be deployed in a test environment before moving to a production deployment scenario. Rapid prototyping of solutions is possible with low-code, but not with traditional software.
Device compatibility: Low-code platforms on the cloud have the advantage of being accessible on the move, as they're compatible with multiple devices—laptops, tablets, and phones.
Integrations with existing systems: Many businesses are reluctant to phase out their pricey legacy systems completely, with the reasons being familiarity and fear of employee pushback. Low-code platforms work with third-party connectors and microservices to allow for seamless integrations.
Cost savings: Businesses incur costs while using traditional means of managing data that hinder employee productivity and is detrimental to efficiency. Low-code platforms provide a lot more features and benefits for a fraction of the price, resulting in cost savings.

What are some low-code platforms?

There are many players you can choose from, based on your business needs. Here are a few prominent ones:

OutSystems: Built for medium and large enterprises, and hence aimed at users with better technical prowess, OutSystems has features like maps, an experience builder, case management frameworks, and more. Pricing for the basic plan starts at $4,000 per month.

Zoho Creator: Built for SMBs as well as large enterprises, and allows for customization of apps based on business needs. Has features like visual workflows builder, AI, customer portals, and prebuilt apps, and can readily integrate with more than 500 solutions that include other Zoho products and third-party tools. The professional plan starts at $25 per user per month for 5 apps

Mendix: Has a no-code WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) IDE, as well as a low-code IDE with bidirectional sync between the two. Mendix provides a data hub that facilitates data preparation and specialized integrations.The basic pricing starts at $59 per month.

Microsoft PowerApps: Microsoft's low-code platform catering to medium and large enterprises. Data is stored on Microsoft Dataverse on-premises, or online, with sources such as SharePoint, Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, SQL Server, and more. Priced at $10 per user per month for 1 app.

Appian, Caspio, Quickbase, Kissflow, and Salesforce Lightning are few other examples.

Conclusion

Low-code platforms help automate processes, remove redundant manual tasks, and save time and costs for businesses. Decision-makers and executives who are looking to evolve business operations or implement digital transformation as a strategy should seriously consider opting for low-code—it merges varied technical expertise with rapid implementation.

Low-code—the future of app development

Low-code Geeks — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 09:21:09 +0000

Introduction to low-code platforms

Low-code can be traced back to the 1980s, when technology thinkers conceptualized ways to make application development easier and more accessible to people. This was done using either 4th generation programming languages or rapid application development tools. But the lack of industry standards, looming security threats, and limited capabilities, made low-code platforms stay dormant until the 21st century.

With the rise in cloud computing, form-based applications entered the market with a whole new visual app-building experience. This was the advent of low-code application development platforms (LCAP) in their current form, with Forrester Research defining the term "low-code" for the first time in 2014.

Today, low-code application development is a methodology that tries to incorporate both UI-based app building and backend development using pro-code languages to make applications more powerful. These platforms are powered by cloud technology and hence follows the "write once, use anywhere" approach.

What's pro-code, no-code, and low-code?

Pro-code development has been and will always be, a part of software development. The most powerful software is hand coded by developers using the latest practices. But the question is, do we really need to put in the same effort for building applications that could run a business by configuring the backend, checking security threats, and manually updating each component?

No-code development is predominantly form-based. These platforms promote visual app building using drag-and-drop techniques, wherein the backend of each component is already configured by the platform provider. Although no-code boasts a very short learning curve and helps citizen developers and non-programmers build high quality applications, the applications are not feature-heavy and powerful. This leads to a rise in demand for other legacy software that can supplement the use case. This is where low-code comes into play, with the best of both worlds.

Low-code platforms not only offer a visual app-building interface, like no-code platforms, but also accommodate compilers and interpreters, which gives these platforms pro-code capabilities. They're compliant with the latest data privacy and protection laws and provide unmatched security through audit logs and automated threat assessments. Applications built on low-code platforms are also mobile-ready; meaning you can build an application on the web and deploy it on your mobile device in a few clicks. Ready-to-use code snippets, built-in connectors, and automatic upgrades make low-code platforms an infinitely scalable solution.

Integrating low-code applications

Low-code application development platforms can seamlessly integrate with almost any third-party application. These platforms have a "one-click configure" rule for APIs and setting up connectors to different services, which bypasses the need for excessive scripting. And if such a platform is part of a broader business suite, then the benefits can be tremendous. Integrations, once set up, can be used for all applications on an account. This saves considerable time, money, and effort.

Why developers are moving to low-code

Pro-code development is here to stay, and there's no 100% replacement for it. But most problem statements can be tackled more efficiently using low-code methodologies. This logic applies not only to pro-code development but also to spreadsheets. For example, there are processes on spreadsheets that cannot be substituted—but that doesn't mean spreadsheets are the only tool!

This void between pro-code and no-code development is seeing a flow of developers heading to low-code platforms.

Some of the reasons why developers prefer to have a low-code platform on hand:

-> Zero maintenance
From automatic updates to one-click server and API configurations, low-code platforms take care of all the middleware.

-> Security and reliability
Security is handled by the service provider, which gives the developer ample time to focus on getting the apps market-ready and flawless.

-> Easy collaboration
Data is stored on the cloud, and this allows developers from all over the world to collaborate in real time.

-> Platform independence
All apps built on low-code platforms are not only mobile and tablet ready but also can be white labelled and made available on iOS and Android marketplaces.

Two cents

Long story short, low-code development is on the rise and is showing no signs of slowing. Even the giants of the tech world are trying to make inroads into low-code application development. Analysts predict this market to reach $187B by 2030 from a mere $10B in 2019.

Cloud companies like Microsoft, Google, and Zoho offer platforms that can integrate with their multi-app business suite, as well as with an array of third-party services, in order make it a one-stop solution for businesses. This is in addition to standalone low-code companies like OutSystems, Mendix, and Quickbase, that aim to target specific markets, like business-IT and citizen development.