How to choose a low code platform partner

If you have a technology project or digital transformation programme, you are probably considering a low code solution. Low code offers a range of benefits when compared with traditional hand coding. These benefits include speed of development, cost-effectiveness and easier maintenance. If low code is the option you choose, you’ll need to find a partner to work with, and you’ll want to know as much as you can about which low code platform they use and why. 

What is a low code platform?

In recent years, the Low Code revolution has transformed the way applications, software and solutions are developed. The first thing to understand is that Low code development is platform based. The number of low code platforms on the market is increasing, with both well-known brand names and new entrants vying to offer the best solution for development teams.

The most common low code platforms are:

• OutSystems
• Quickbase
• Airtable
• Appian
• Caspio

In addition, well-known tech brands like Microsoft and Salesforce have developed their own low code platforms, and there are plenty of other suppliers out there.

Like all technology platforms, this competition means that it can be quite tricky to decide which platform will be best for your needs. When you approach a potential development partner, they will have a set of questions for you, to help determine the scope of your project and so that they can tell you how they can design and build your software using low code.

How to prepare to choose a low code platform partner

In order to make the process as easy as possible, it’s best to be prepared for the questions your target suppliers might ask. This means you need to take a step back from ‘I need to hire a development team’ to think about questions like ‘What do we want the software to achieve?’

This consideration takes two forms: the practical things you need from the software, and the relationship and service you need from your supplier. So here are some things to think about:

How to choose the right low code software for your business

Are you replacing existing technology? 

For example, a company may have a critical process that is currently managed via a complex Excel spreadsheet. Spreadsheets have their place, but they are not the best technology for many agile processes, so the company might want to introduce an app instead. 

If you’re replacing existing technology, don’t forget that you need to think further than how your current process works today – you need to think about how it might be able to accommodate your business growth, or work across multiple locations, or manage changes in teams.

Do you know who your users are? 

Developments often fail because no one has thought about the end user. But if you want your software to promote collaboration, open communication and efficiency, you need to have a really clear idea of who will be using it, including their technical capabilities and how it fits with their current work environment and processes.

Have you already mapped out the functionalities you want your project to deliver?

If your planning is not far beyond “we need a new solution”, then part of the development phase should involve thorough planning. Otherwise, if you go straight into choosing platforms and development without truly knowing your requirements, you could end up needing to do more work (with additional costs) later on. 

Does low code meet your needs? 

Very complex or bespoke software might be better approached through hand coding. This takes longer – and is therefore more expensive – but it can deliver a completely specialised result. Low code platforms can meet the needs of most process automation, app development, integration and digital transformation projects, but a professional development partner will want to make sure that it will meet your needs.

How to choose the right Low Code Development Partner

Which low code platform will your developer use? 

This is a key question, because not all low code offerings are equal. Platforms that offer good integration, flexibility and scalability are likely to be best for your business if you are looking for reliable technology that will support your business as it grows. There are plenty of online articles about low code platforms – do some research and list the platforms that seem to offer the features you need.

Who will own the technology? 

Depending on the type of software you are developing, you need to make sure that you will own the technology once it is complete. There are various licensing options available, so it’s worth understanding what these are and working out what is best for your business.

How will they support you? 

We’ve already said that you will want your technology to scale with your business. So how will that work with your development partner? Will your technology be easy to scale and how will your developer manage new features that become available after your project is finished?

These are just some of the things to consider when choosing a low code development partner. Be clear about what you want the software to achieve, and what you want from a partnership and then arrange to chat to a few development teams that have the experience and expertise you need.

As an OutSystems partner, we have years of experience in using low code technology to deliver digital transformation solutions to businesses around the world. 

Our team has even used OutSystems to build our own commercial waste management software, Waste & Recycling One.

So we’re always happy to talk about your project to see if OutSystems and our development approach is right for you – why not give us a call to find out more?

Contact us today to find out more.