Low-code is a modern approach that significantly simplifies and accelerates software development. At the heart of the concept is the use of graphical user interfaces and reusable building blocks to create complex applications efficiently. Unlike traditional software development, where every line of code often still has to be written manually – even though there are various mechanisms to assist with code generation – developers and subject matter experts work together to create and customise applications. This involves the use of visual tools for process design, utilising drag-and-drop functions or configurable tables.
The distinctive feature of low-code lies in the use of graphical models and building blocks with predefined meanings. These models not only serve to illustrate processes but can also be converted directly into working code. This creates a seamless link between technical requirements and business objectives.
Advantages of low-code
Low-code offers a wide range of benefits that transform and optimise the software development process in the long term:
- Greater speed: Thanks to features such as drag-and-drop, pre-built modules and reusable templates, applications can be developed in a significantly shorter time. This saves valuable resources and considerably reduces time-to-market.
- Easier collaboration: The graphical representation of processes facilitates communication between subject-matter experts and developers. This prevents misunderstandings and creates practical solutions that meet users’ requirements much more effectively.
- End-to-end digitalisation: With low-code platforms, entire work processes can be digitally transformed and automated from start to finish. This ensures efficiency and transparency within the organisation.
- Flexibility and adaptability: The visual development approach makes it straightforward to implement changes to processes or functions and test them immediately. This not only speeds up development but also ensures a high degree of adaptability.
Furthermore, low-code promotes close collaboration between the various departments within an organisation, as all stakeholders can be actively involved in the development process. This creates transparency and improves acceptance of the solutions developed.
Challenges of low-code
Despite its numerous advantages, low-code also presents challenges that should not be underestimated:
- IT security: The ease with which applications can be created can lead to the emergence of so-called ‘shadow IT’. This means that projects are implemented ‘just quickly’ outside the central IT department, which poses security risks when integrated into infrastructure requiring protection.
- Interoperability: The procedural and technical interaction with specialist processes or the electronic file system requires its own specific considerations and requirements, which cannot be circumvented even through the use of low-code approaches.
- Maintainability: Applications developed using low-code must be documented and tested just as thoroughly as traditional software. Otherwise, problems may arise during routine operation which, for example, could compromise the stability of the solution.
- Technical understanding: Even though low-code simplifies development, a fundamental understanding of software development and IT architecture is required. Particularly with more complex applications, business and technical expertise must go hand in hand.
- Staffing resources: The involvement of so-called ‘citizen developers’ requires sufficiently trained staff and appropriate capacity. This can pose a significant organisational challenge, particularly in public administration, where there is often a shortage of IT-savvy specialists.
To overcome these challenges, it is crucial to develop a clear strategy and select the right partners for implementation. With sound planning, potential risks can be minimised and the benefits of low-code fully realised.
Low-code in public administration
Public administration faces the urgent task of digitising processes in order to become more efficient and meet the growing demands of citizens. Low-code offers enormous potential in this regard, which can be utilised, for example, in the following areas:
- Application management: Digital application, approval and authorisation processes can be implemented quickly and in a user-friendly manner, thereby providing citizens with an improved service.
- Replacing shadow IT: As explained above, shadow IT also poses a challenge in the context of low-code. At the same time, however, it offers the opportunity to replace existing shadow IT. With low-code, unofficial tools such as Excel-based solutions can be replaced by professional, integrated applications.
- Modernisation: Outdated software can be replaced using low-code approaches with flexible and future-proof IT solutions, which can then, for example, be better integrated into existing system landscapes.
Integration platforms such as ServiceNow, Pega or Appian offer a suitable gateway to low-code approaches, particularly for the public sector. Such platforms incorporate low-code as a key feature, enabling users, for example, to develop business processes graphically, configure interfaces via spreadsheets or design user interfaces by dragging and dropping interaction modules. They offer numerous pre-built connectors that enable seamless integration with systems such as SAP, form management or e-files. This facilitates the end-to-end digitalisation of administrative processes.
Materna as a low-code partner
Materna has decades of experience in working with the public sector and extensive expertise in IT. This combination makes Materna an ideal partner for the implementation of low-code solutions and the roll-out of integration platforms. We support you from the initial consultation right through to successful integration into your IT landscape. In doing so, we work with clients to develop practical application scenarios tailored to their specific needs.
Our experts help you make the right decisions – from selecting the appropriate low-code platform to ensuring seamless integration with existing systems. Furthermore, we ensure that staff are fully engaged to guarantee the long-term success of the digital transformation.
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