No-Code App as a success factor for agile process optimisation in industry.

Content

Definition No-Code.
Use cases of no-code apps.
Advantages of no-code platforms.
No-code apps for more agility and better process optimisation.
No-Code in practice.
Conclusion.

What is “no-code”?

No-code means that users can design programmes without having to interact with the backend (i.e. the programme code).

“No code means configuration instead of programming.”

In principle, no-code means that digital procedures and processes do not have to be programmed. Instead, they can be configured and set via an administration screen.

In this way, anyone can develop a digital process. And not in the language of software developers, but via a user interface that is easy to understand. 

In short: With No-Code, apps can be designed without writing a single line of code.

Difference no-code to low-code.

The terms no-code and low-code are often used identically – in fact, this is not the case. Because while low-code still requires programming knowledge, no-code is exactly what the name suggests: Designing apps without programming knowledge.

In a nutshell: For low-code, users still need programming knowledge. No-Code, on the other hand, does not require any code at all and can be configured via a user interface as described above.

No-code platforms and apps.

Mostly, we speak of “no-code platforms” or “no-code apps”.

These development platforms give workers from all disciplines and sectors the opportunity to design solutions to the problems they face every day.

In no-code platforms, there are usually two access points: one for the staff:in, who designs the digital process. Here, settings can be selected and processes developed.
And then there is the access for the end users. Simplicity is the key here. The user interface should be as simple and self-explanatory as possible.

Examples of use cases for no-code apps.

Two ingredients are needed to start no-code app development in the company: a no-code software toolkit and a use case.

There are many use cases. We have compiled a small list of the most common use cases (in the manufacturing industry):

• Digital work instructions
• Shopfloor management
• Quality controls
• Machine maintenance
• Release processes
• Field Service
• EHS audits
• Audit instructions
• Analysis dashboard

In the No-Code App, the appropriate content can be compiled here and functionalities can be added.

What are the advantages of no-code platforms for industrial companies?

Developing solutions. Directly at the scene of the action.

With No-Code, the development of digital processes is put in the hands of those who are closest to the processes and operational tasks themselves.

The advantage here is that professionals usually understand the challenges and problems in their field best. They are directly involved in what is happening and therefore know best what solutions and improvements are needed.

If you now put a tool in the hands of these professionals with which you can build the solutions yourself according to your ideas, spectacular things happen. Because combining specialist expertise and app development leads to efficient, custom-fit solutions!

Fewer IT resources.

IT specialists and programmers are scarce and expensive. Therefore, companies need to decide wisely how best to use these resources.

No-code as a solution: Since no-code platforms do not require any special IT or programming skills, skilled workers and employees from other departments can be empowered to digitise processes independently.

This way, they can use their IT resources where the IT experts are actually needed.

More agility. Less rigid processes.

The VUCA world challenges many companies to keep up with the fast-paced environment. Agility is the key for companies to adapt quickly to new requirements.

A no-code app can be an enabler for all companies striving for more agility! Fast iterations and decentralised innovations are promoted. Changes can be reacted to more quickly on site. Without long communication channels and waiting times.

One concern that some companies have is that during the transition to a more agile way of working, security cannot be guaranteed. With the right no-code platform, however, this is not a problem. A clean database and documentation, transparency can be ensured. Release processes and information flows can also be mapped in no-code apps.

Thus, agility and stability do not contradict each other, but go hand in hand.

No-code as a success factor for more agility and better process optimisation.

A digitisation project without no-code usually looks like this: A complex IT project is started. The employees of the specialist department describe the required solution to the IT department or an external app developer in many long meetings.

Often the end product is not optimal because the app developers lack proximity to the operational tasks and problems. Or wrong features are developed due to miscommunication. Changes to the solution are usually also tedious procedures.

With No-Code, things look different: No long communication channels. Changes can be made quickly and practically. Entirely without having to rely on the IT department or external developers.

This means that even small, iterative improvements can be made more quickly.

Make good decisions for process optimisation. Based on data analytics.

Replacing the classic paper-based way of working with no-code apps brings many advantages. One of the most important advantages is that information is immediately recorded and available via the app. No more delays due to typing information. Data can be merged via apps. And display it in analysis dashboards.

The data from real-time analytics dashboards provide a good basis for decision-making in operations. Real-time dashboards allow changes to be detected and acted upon quickly.

But above all, this data is valuable for process optimisation. It can be seen where most problems occur, where there are redundancies and where there is potential for improvement.

With the No-Code platform, operations managers can view user-defined KPIs at any time to see if process changes are having a positive impact on business goals.

The findings for process optimisation can then also be implemented immediately in practice. There is no need to plan an elaborate IT project, but the digital processes can be carried out directly by the specialist department.

This is what no-code can look like in practice:

One example of a no-code platform is Testify’s software.

No programming skills are needed to develop checklist processes, work instructions, workflows and so on. According to the guiding principle: configure instead of programme.

In the picture you can see an example of the interface of a no-code platform.

Testify is a modular construction kit that enables you to digitally control, document and analyse all kinds of mobile testing and quality processes. The modular system follows the guiding principle of No-Code.

Conclusion.

In the fast-moving environment in which companies have to operate, No Code is a crucial success factor.

No-Code empowers employees to design digital processes themselves. It offers the opportunity to inspire employees for (digital) process design.

This means that rapid adjustments can be made at any time directly on the spot. Processes are more agile and can be optimised more quickly. Company resources are thus used optimally.

Welcome to the world
of digital checklists.