The demand for software developers is growing, but the supply of qualified developers is not keeping pace. Low code/no code solutions may help to bridge this gap by making it easier for businesses to develop their own software or not?

Low code/no code solutions are a new way of developing software that does not require traditional coding skills. These solutions use graphical user interfaces and drag-and-drop functionality to allow users to create complex applications without writing any code.

Demand for certain skills in the labour market is increasing as a result of rapid technological development. In particular, there is a severe shortage of people with software development skills. However, the current labour force is insufficient to meet this demand. Companies are forced to delay the development of new software or resort to more expensive solutions due to a lack of skilled workers or available resources.

Rise of low-code/no-code technologies

Low-code/no-code is a software development methodology that streamlines the software development process and allows users to create applications without writing code, facilitating the creation of complex applications and the automation of business processes. It helps programmers and business analysts create software faster, more effectively, and at lower cost.

Many commercial applications are available on low-code or no-code platforms. Examples of software-based activities include websites, mobile applications, email marketing campaigns, workflow automation, forms, and reports.

Low/no code can be a powerful tool to meet the software development and automation needs of businesses. However, it is important to note the limitations of low-code/no-code development. Complex applications are beyond the scope of low-code/no-code platforms. In addition, choosing the best low- or no-code platform for your purposes requires an understanding of the limitations of these options.

The key to increased productivity: Automation-orientated approach

Businesses can cut costs and boost productivity by adopting automation, a strong strategy and set of tools focused on automating business activities. 

Business process automation improves efficiency and frees up time for more strategic endeavors. as a result, firms are able to save expenses and boost output.

Role of ERP and Citizen Developers

Casual developers are people who have only a basic understanding of how to build software. They can build simple applications using low-code or no-code development environments. They can use the drag-and-drop capabilities of these platforms to build their own applications with little or no programming knowledge. 

Citizen developers impact ERP applications in a number of ways, including technology and knowledge transfer, localisation and social embedding. This hampers the implementation of ICT initiatives, particularly in less developed countries. Potentially, citizen developers can make significant theoretical contributions to our knowledge of the relationship between technological innovation and socio-economic ideas and practices. Work that is specific to the context of each citizen developer's country, such as community resource development, is included alongside more general issues such as failure, outsourcing and the strategic value of ICT. 

Citizen developers have a major impact on enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems through their role in digital innovation and transformation. New products and services are what digital innovation is all about, while digital transformation involves the cumulative effects of multiple innovations. It challenges, changes or adds to the status quo by influencing the behaviour of actors (and combinations of actors), structures, practices, values and beliefs. It is well known that citizen coders make a significant contribution to digital innovation and transformation. 

ERP applications can be used more effectively by citizen developers with the help of these platforms. For example, a citizen developer can create an ERP report using a low-code platform. This saves time and money by eliminating the need to hire a software developer to build the report for the citizen developer. Low-code platforms can enable citizen developers to automate the business operations of ERP applications. This helps citizen developers streamline their operations.

Low-code/no-code solutions can now be part of many challenges, so letting citizen developers loose on essential ERP software could complicate business processes and affect productivity. The focus of this solution should be to automate as much as possible.

Importance of innovation and speed

In today's fast-paced corporate environment, creativity and quickness are essential. The ability to quickly and creatively solve problems is a competitive advantage for businesses. Businesses can benefit from low code/no code platforms by increasing their agility and creativity.

Improving efficiency while reducing expenses is the ultimate goal. The term "purpose-driven speed" describes this perfectly. It's all about setting goals and using resources effectively. 

Knowing the constraints of low code/no code platforms will help you pick the best one for your project.

Would no-code or low-code alternatives help bridge the IT talent gap?

Low code/no code solutions can play a potential role in filling the skills gap. However, it should be noted that these solutions have limitations. Low code/no code solutions are not designed to develop complex applications. Remember, 'Every tool has a job and every job has a tool'. 

To develop more complex applications, businesses inevitably need developers experienced in writing code.  In addition, to ensure efficient operation, it is important to understand the limitations of low code/no code platforms and choose the right platform to meet your needs.

Therefore, before using low code/no code solutions, it is critical to determine exactly what your needs are and choose the right platform. This is the easiest way to increase productivity while helping you save time and money.

Low code/no code solutions have the potential to fill the skills gap in the IT industry and help businesses to be more innovative and agile. However, it is important to understand the limitations of these solutions, such as their inability to develop complex applications. Businesses should also choose the right platform for their needs and carefully consider the security risks associated with zombie apps. Just don't complicate things that shouldn't be complicated.

Sources

1. Gamification for health and wellbeing: A systematic review of the literature

2. Information Systems in Developing Countries: A Critical Research Review, Chrisanthi Avgerou, 2008)

3. Digital innovation and transformation: An institutional perspective, Bob Hinings, Thomas Gegenhuber, Royston Greenwood, 2018)

4. A Theoretical Extension of the Technology Acceptance Model: Four

5. Longitudinal Field Studies, Viswanath Venkatesh ve Fred D. Davis, 2000

6. The Zombie Manifesto: The Nonhuman Condition in the Era of Advanced Capitalism, Sarah Juliet Lauro ve Karen Embry, 2008

Featured image source: Pexels