The Three C’s Of LowCode and NoCode Automation

In the field of automation there is a newish trend emerging where you no longer code by hand but instead develop a visual workflow and tweak it. Such things are not new, for example Microsoft Excel has for years allowed macro recording. What is new however is the addition of very simple graphical displays that encourage those without any skill in development to build their own applications.

Definition

Low Code Automation is designed for the developer. They build out their application much like recording the steps of a process and then they tweak the logic as needed to make everything work well together. This allows incredibly fast development of complex tools.

No Code Automation is designed for the business user. Such technology allows them to streamline their work without assistance. It might be a small app to help them remove cash from an account, or click a button whenever it appears. Very limited, but it still has its place.

The 3 C’s

Cost Benefits are derived from the ability for experienced developers to create applications quickly without having to code from scratch. In the field it is known as abstraction, and is key to future proofing application. An application that is future proof saves you time now, and later over its life by requiring less rework. Abstraction allows the underlying technology to change while the code is focused on the business case.

In the case of the business user, a full 40% of organizational tasks are not selected for development activity. While not every task is automatable your workers could remove a great deal of mundane work and focus on what you hired them for, making decisions.

Compliance is a key part of every business, not just those who operate in a regulated industry. Internal and external auditors are not likely to have development as a skillset. Visual workflows can easily be tied back to Standard Operating Procedures, and in many cases be used to generate or improve existing documentation. This allows transparency when sharing automations between business users.

Business Continuity hinges on good documentation of processes. Visual workflows with very little code allow minimal documentation requirements between developers and a clean picture for business users to follow. When a process changes, the application can easily be adjusted even when the people who built it have left the building.

In Summation

LowCode and NoCode applications have staying power. They are not a fad and should not be treated like one. This is not to say there is not a space for hand coded automation but the tradeoffs should be considered and here are two new options.

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Let’s consider the tradeoffs of your current automation solution

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