Key features every low-code platform should have
1. Pre-built code blocks with drag-and-drop ability
Pre-built code blocks with drag-and-drop functionality are the primary feature of any low-code platform for 2 reasons:
- These preconfigured elements allow developers to easily create applications by simply dragging and dropping them into place. This feature saves significant time and effort, making the development process more efficient.
- Pre-built code blocks increase the reusability of code, as they can be easily replicated across different projects. This ensures consistency across all applications.
This feature is the core base to make low-code technology work.
2. Design templates
Another crucial feature of a high-quality low-code platform is the number of designed templates. These templates help create applications with a professional and polished look without requiring extensive design knowledge. Access to a library of design templates is a huge plus, as developers don’t need to start from scratch. And, of course, the larger the library, the better!
In addition, it’s also crucial for a low-code platform to allow for the customization of these templates. This means you can alter the colors, fonts, layout and add/remove elements to match your branding.
3. Compatible with multiple systems and devices
A low-code platform that can launch multi-device applications is an absolute game-changer for productivity and efficiency. This low-code feature allows users to conveniently access the same applications from different devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Now, you and your teammates can work on the go or from remote locations without any constraints.
Moreover, this feature ensures that the user experience is consistent across different devices and operating systems, which enhances usability and reduces the learning curve for users. It also ensures that businesses can cater to the diverse needs of their employees and customers, who may use different devices and operating systems.
4. Access control
Low-code platform is made for everyone. Because of this, its ease of use can sometimes backfire. Everyone can change the application by simply dragging and dropping elements. Thus, if a tiny change is made daily, one day, it won’t be the same application and will be a mess for everyone.
To prevent this, access control ability is needed. With this low-code feature, you can:
- Control who has access to specific applications, data, and functions within those apps.
- Authorize certain users to view, edit, or manage their applications and data, which helps prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.
- Facilitate a citizen developer program, where non-technical employees can create and modify applications without compromising data security and integrity.
5. Flexible hosting: On-premises, Clouds or Hybrid
These low-code features allow users to choose the best deployment option for their organization’s needs. Depending on your technical resources and specific requirements, a low-code application should be able to host on-premises, in the cloud, or in a hybrid environment.
- On-premises hosting offers the highest level of control and security, allowing organizations to store their data locally and manage their infrastructure.
- Cloud hosting provides scalability and accessibility, enabling users to access their applications from anywhere in the world.
- Hybrid hosting offers the best of both worlds, balancing control and scalability and allowing organizations to deploy applications across multiple environments.
The flexibility of hosting options also means that low-code platforms can accommodate many organizations, from small businesses to large enterprises. Organizations can choose the hosting option that best suits their budget, security, and compliance requirements.
6. Customization
The dearth of customization options is a common complaint about low-code programming platforms. Many people (incorrectly) believe that the produced business apps cannot be modified.
This notion is false. Those were restricted resources, but now we have better options. Most modern low-code products are open for any customization if required.
A few questions to ask your vendor and test the customization ability of your low-code tools.
- What methods exist for modifying the resulting software? Is there a GUI designer available in this tool?
- Can adjustments be made to the HTML and CSS if required?
- How about white labeling?
- Can the final product be altered to reflect your company’s branding?
- Can we implement our unique business reasoning into the programs we create?
7. Automation ability
An excellent low-code platform should allow users to automate simple and complex processes. This low-code key feature includes:
- Workflows allow users to define the sequence of steps required for a task.
- Triggers enable automation based on certain conditions or events.
- Integration with other systems or APIs to automate data exchange and other processes.
- In addition, powerful automation should be accessible to non-technical users, and low-code platforms are designed to excel at this. It is designed to democratize development and enable citizen developers.
Our tips: Opt for an automation low-code tool with an intuitive, user-friendly interface. The more it is, the faster your user gets onboard to use the apps.
8. Platform control
What if one day you stop using the low-code platform? What will happen to all your applications?
To find the solution to exactly how much lock-in you will experience from your current vendor, we need to examine the program from several perspectives:
- Who has access to the records? Where does it live? On our computers or theirs? Make sure there’s an easy method to transfer and retrieve your info from their computers if you ever need to. You might lose control of your applications, but always make sure to regain your data.
- Does the framework allow for the development of membership-free software, or do all apps need a license to function? It stands to reason that you’d prefer apps that don’t need the programming environment to launch. In this manner, they’ll continue to operate even if you physically separate yourself from the source.
- How simple is it to change services? What, for instance, would happen if you decided to bring all your apps back in-house rather than keeping them in the cloud? This might be fine right now
9. Compatible with multiple frameworks and coding languages
Why is this important? To boost your flexibility.
Low-code platforms can be used to build many applications, from mobile apps, cloud software to an on-premises system. Therefore, a low-code that can work with multiple tech stacks will invoke cross-platform development and ensure your application’s ease of use.
10. Scalability
One of the primary benefits of low-code development is the ability to create applications quickly and efficiently. However, as the number of applications and users increases, the platform must be able to handle the increased workload. A scalable low-code platform can handle the additional load without sacrificing performance or reliability.
Scalability can be achieved through various methods, such as using cloud-based infrastructure that can be easily scaled or microservices architecture that breaks applications into smaller, more manageable components. This low-code platform feature helps organizations grow and adapt to changing business needs by providing scalability.
It’s a plus if your low-code platform also supports data analytics
1. Document management
With this low-code feature, you can ensure your data and information are stored, retrieved, and used securely with ease. Document management features should also include:
- Version control to track document changes over time.
- Access control ensures that users only have access to the documents they are authorized to view.
- Integration to connect documents and data across systems.
Some low-code platforms combine document management features with automation capabilities, enabling users to automate document-related workflows, such as document approval and review processes. This can help improve efficiency, reduce errors, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
2. Ability to deal with many types of data
A good low-code platform should allow users to work with a wide range of data types, including structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data.
One crucial feature that can help low-code platforms deal with any data type is the ease of digitizing data received. You can analyze data from various sources, including paper-based documents and forms, without requiring any coding or specialized knowledge. This can help improve efficiency, reduce errors, and ensure that all data is captured accurately and on time.
Another essential one is integrating third-party data sources such as CRM, ERP, and other applications to build a comprehensive database and more accurate analytic tools. This can also reduce duplication and errors.
3. Data analytics and dashboards
Most low-code platforms can store and show data in a simple report, while only some excel at analytics, generate insights, and create impactful custom dashboards.
An essential feature of low-code platforms that support data analytics is the ability to perform complex data analysis and queries without requiring specialized coding or knowledge. By allowing users to perform sophisticated analytics on their data, identify trends, and obtain insights, low-code platforms can help them make informed decisions.
Another key feature supporting data analytics is the ability to create custom dashboards that display data in different formats, including tables, graphs, and charts. These dashboards can be customized to display key performance indicators, monitor progress toward goals, and identify areas that require attention.
Other low-code features in integration
1. Custom API & Integration
With custom API and integration features, users can connect their low-code applications with various external services, applications, and databases, making it easier to streamline their workflows and reduce manual tasks.
Other than that, there are some reasons why integration ability is essential:
- You can build a comprehensive organizational system that can work on multiple devices and systems for ease of use and instant access
- Enhance your internal software security and reliability
- Better control over what tools your employees are using
- Easy to maintain and upgrade. Since all applications are developed and kept in one low-code platform, your IT departments can upgrade them seamlessly without waiting for a vendor, like using a separated tool.
2. Protect your data with security regulation
Once you decide to use a low-code platform for internal development, keep in mind that lots of data will come in and out of the application. Thus, besides security, make sure the platform complies with data standards such as SOC II or ISO/IEC 27001/02.
3. Centralized data centers is a must
Private and encrypted data centers within the low-code platforms will be a huge plus for your security. Discussing this low-code feature with your vendors, as it can ensure quick access and fully secure data transactions.
4. Technical & training support from vendor
Your vendor should provide comprehensive technical support and onboarding process to users, including documentation, tutorials, and other resources to help users get the most out of the platform.
Technical and training support can also reduce the burden on IT teams by enabling business users to manage and maintain low-code applications without relying on IT. Organizations can streamline their workflows by providing users with the tools and training to manage low-code applications independently.
If you are still wondering what low-code platform or low-code features to prioritize, Synodus provides in-depth consultation to find the best one that aligns with your requirements and helps them attain their business objectives.
Wrapping up
With so many low-code platforms in the market today, Synodus hopes the list of key low-code features can help you decide what to choose. Other than basic design features, integration, and management tools, you should also keep in mind about data analytics, scalability, customization, compatibility, and support from the vendor itself.
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