Low Code – the accelerated way to extend applications Pritesh Pattni Low Code – the accelerated way to extend applications  Business efficiency is the order of the day. In challenging economic and market conditions, business growth relies on having visibility across the organisation and being able to manage day-to-day processes as efficiently as possible.   It’s common for businesses to have disconnected IT systems and disparate data sources. After all, growing businesses take on the technology they need, when they need it. This often translates to systems working in silos, without the connectivity that the business really needs in order to drive strategic growth.  This is a challenge that businesses know they have. The problem is that it’s seen as too time-consuming and expensive to fix. The thought of starting a huge IT transformation project puts many business leaders off.   There’s a cost-effective, high-performance alternative, though: Low Code Application Platforms – or LCAPs.  What is an LCAP?  LCAPs are a revolutionary shift in software development, enabling businesses to create applications with minimal hand-coding. Platforms use visual development environments, drag-and-drop features, and pre-built templates to simplify the app creation process. This ‘democratisation’ of application development drives faster and more accurate development and allows teams across the business to collaborate to build technologies that meet business needs.  LCAPs are useful on many levels – they are great for designing and building new applications, and also for extending or upgrading existing applications. This is important, because organisations are often using solutions that have been hastily put together to solve a particular problem – and a LCAP approach can help to extend that application into something more useful, more intuitive and able to flex as the organisation changes.  What are the attributes of an LCAP?  LCAPs shouldn’t be confused with ‘no code’ technologies. In our opinion, LCAPs are best used, not by citizen developers with no coding experience, but by developers who understand the principles of software design and development.   That understanding means that your application is in good hands from the very beginning, and developers can take advantage of the attributes of an LCAP without compromising the fundamentals of good application product design. The key attributes of an LCAP include:  Drag-and-drop features  Pre-built templates  User-friendly visual development environment  Easy customisation  Reduced need for coding expertise  Easy to modify for continuous improvement  Security and compliance built in  Scalability to support business growth  LCAP use cases   The versatility of LCAPs makes them useful in a wide range of scenarios. In the healthcare sector, for example, LCAPs may be used to develop patient management systems, telehealth applications, or compliance tracking tools. In the financial sector they can be used to build customer onboarding platforms, fraud detection systems, and regulatory compliance solutions. Retail businesses can leverage LCAPs to develop inventory management systems, e-commerce platforms, and customer loyalty programs.   LCAPs are valuable for businesses who want to build internal applications that streamline processes or allow the business to gather, analyse and report information in a particular way. They can also help with building external applications which help to improve customer experience, give suppliers an easier way to manage their relationships or allow investors to stay up to date.  In short – there’s very little that an LCAP can’t do to help your business.  The OutSystems LCAP  OutSystems is one of the world’s foremost low code platform providers and is regularly recognised as leading the way both in technological innovation and the results it delivers for its customers.  As an OutSystems partner, we know just how good the company’s enterprise LCAP offering is. Earlier this year, it was named by Gartner as a ‘Leader’ in Gartner’s 2023 Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Low Code Platforms (LCAP).  OutSystems is consistently a leader in this field because it focuses on allowing developers to manage high-performance software development at pace. Developers and can design and build without any of the hold ups often associated with hand coding. And, because OutSystems can easily integrate with other systems, it can be used to address a wide range of business needs without disrupting day-to-day operations.  Most importantly – and one of the main reasons that LCAPs are seeing such a high adoption rate – is the ability to continuously evolve, improve, extend and update applications. This flexibility and scalability means organisations can stay ahead of the game without committing to large budgets or timescales – and get a far superior outcome. Contact us to find out more. 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The synergy of design, code, and development Pritesh Pattni The synergy of design, code, and development Like all disciplines, digital development works best when all the various elements are used collaboratively, and where new approaches are created based on the input of experts in each area. Depending on the type of development, new technologies can be expensive and time-consuming to create, and this is only exacerbated when some parties are consulted late in the day, or assumptions are made. That’s why uniting design, code and development is seen as the best approach for a successful technology project. In this article, we look at why this synergy is important. What is design? For technology projects, design is the process of creating visual and functional concepts that  are focused on delivering a great user experience. This often covers a range of design expertise, including graphic design, user interface design and user experience design. Working together, these designers use their experience and understanding of aesthetics, usability and psychology to build a visual approach that attracts users while accurately representing the end brand. What is code? Code, in the context of software development, refers to the instructions written in a programming language to define the behaviour and functionality of a system or application. It covers both frontend code, which is focused on the user interface and interaction, and backend code, which manages data storage, processing, and communication with servers and other systems. Code is used to translate design concepts into executable software, employing algorithms, data structures, and software architectures to bring ideas to life. There are usually two approaches to coding: traditional hand coding and low code. Hand-coding is where every element of the code is written by a professional developer and is often used on complex projects. Low code is an approach that uses a drag-and-drop interface to create certain elements of a project, reducing time and cost, and ensuring reliability. The type of coding used on a technology project will be determined by the type of project, timescales and budget. What is development? Development is the term given to the broader process of creating, deploying, and maintaining software solutions. It is often used just to describe the technical aspects of coding, but it also involves the strategic planning and management required to deliver successful products. Ideally, development teams will collaborate across disciplines, including design, engineering, quality assurance, and project management, to build software solutions that meet user needs and business objectives. Why collaboration matters To run a successful technology project, all these elements must come together. Design, with its focus on aesthetics, usability, and user experience, lays the foundation for intuitive interfaces and engaging interactions. Whether it’s crafting visually compelling layouts or mapping out user journeys, design serves as the initial touchpoint, drawing users into the product. Design – both for aesthetics and for usability – is a critical part of the process, giving coders the direction they need to create a workable solution. But ‘design’ and ‘code’ shouldn’t work in a vacuum. Of course, coders could wait until the design process is complete, and then take over, but the project will be far more efficient when designers and coders work together from the very beginning. This is where creativity and technical understanding can work together to create not just a functional and high-performing solution, but to manage the project in the best way from end to end. Designers provide developers with the blueprint for innovation, while developers empower designers with the tools to realize their vision. This synergy fosters a culture of creativity and refinement, where ideas evolve organically through continuous feedback and open conversations. Beyond individual projects Of course, collaboration helps individual projects to succeed. Sometimes, all the elements of design, code and development are based within internal teams, which makes this teamwork easier. On other projects, the project development team may be internal, while the design and coding is outsourced. In cases like this, it’s essential to bring teams together regularly to establish and build good relationships to help the project run smoothly. Beyond individual projects, this focus on collaboration is being encouraged across the technology industry. Leaders understand both the commercial benefits of working more collaboratively, and the fact that this approach delivers better outcomes for users. Agile methodologies, using iterative development and cross-functional teams, has blurred the lines between design and code, removing the risk of siloed thinking, and producing more efficient and effective results. Why low code is a good collaborative option In the context of uniting design, code, and development, low-code platforms offer several advantages over hand-coding approaches. First, they enable rapid prototyping and iterative development cycles. This helps to bring technologies to market faster, and results in more reliable end applications. Low code also streamlines the development process by eliminating complex technical details. This means the development team can focus on high-level functionality and business logic, rather than getting tied up with every small detail. By reducing the amount of hand coding required, using low code can increase productivity and efficiency, and drives faster, more cost-effective delivery. At ISB Global, we are a proud OutSystems partner. OutSystems is regularly named as a platform of choice for collaborative teams. It’s an open platform that accelerates development without compromising quality, and leaves room for easier adaptation and scalability. We use OutSystems low code both for our own market-leading application, Waste and Recycling One, and for the development projects we work on for clients. Contact us to find out more about how low code and collaborative working could help your business to build stronger technologies. Recommended Posts​ What is the true cost of technical debt? What is the true cost of technical debt? Pritesh Pattni What’s the true cost of technical debt?  Technical debt comes in a variety of guises, and occurs for many different reasons. 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An evolutionary approach to software engineering Pritesh Pattni Evolution. The gradual development of something to make it even better. It’s this approach that underpins the low code software development revolution, and that drives the progression of market leader OutSystems, one of the most respected low code platforms in use today. What is low code? Software development has seen significant changes in recent years, and rather than relying on traditional coding for every project, developers and businesses have been looking for more accessible, cost-effective and efficient methods. The main alternative to traditional coding is low code, which has emerged as people look for ways to get to the same development goals without the challenges of traditional coding – high costs, protracted development cycles and the need for highly skilled developers, for example. Low code still requires development expertise and experience, but its drag-and-drop nature helps to reduce project timescales, eliminate common errors and speed up time to market. Part of the low code ‘revolution’ is the fact that it allows developers to have an ongoing relationship with an application or programme. This allows changes, updates and improvements to be made quickly, affordably and with usability in mind – helping organisations to always deliver the best experience to their users. The key benefits of low code development include: Speedier, more agile development – low code platforms simplify complex development tasks. Drag-and-drop interfaces allow developers to build applications quickly, reducing long project timescales and delivering faster time to market.   Integration capability – low code development promotes good integration across systems including varied data sources, APIs and existing systems. This helps to build new applications that reduce downtime and business disruption, thereby reducing costs. AI and automation – like it or loathe it, AI and machine learning are important developments that will change the way we do things. Today’s leading low code platforms understand this, and have space for these capabilities to be introduced. From automating common tasks to improving decision making, ow code development can help organisations to take advantage of these opportunities. Scalability – many organisations need software applications that can change and grow with them. This means scalability and adaptability – something that low code development offers as a matter of course. Why is OutSystems a leader in this field? There are some big players in the low code market – and many smaller companies too. If you are looking for low code development, you’ll probably start by researching the various platforms available and evaluating which might be best for your needs. In fact, that’s exactly what our team did when we wanted to take advantage of low code development for our own market-leading software product. We chose OutSystems. And now we’re a proud OutSystems partner. So what can we share with you about why we think OutSystems is the platform of choice? To start with, we’re not the only ones. In fact, in 2023, OutSystems was as a market leader for Enterprise level low code application platforms by the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ report. It’s the ‘enterprise’ element of this that is important to us. This means that the platform is set up to support a wider range of scenarios than just ‘building something faster’. Another crucial aspect that sets OutSystems apart is their ‘no lock-in’ policy. This means that you can feel confident knowing that you have the flexibility to separate your code from the platform, all while keeping your application running smoothly and without any disruptions. This freedom empowers you to make strategic decisions for your business, ensuring that you are always in control of your software and ready to adapt to changing needs, knowing that your application is not tied down to any specific platform. OutSystems recommends that you cover at least the following areas when you are evaluating platforms – and these help to identify whether the platform can truly support enterprise-level projects: High quality omnichannel experiences Breadth of app types you can build Security automation and built-in DevSecOps Licensing clarity and predictability Reusability, composability and governed innovation Platform engineering and DevOps integration Of course, there are many aspects to compare in each of these areas, so your evaluation criteria should include: Is the provider an established leader in its field? Is the platform scalable, so solutions can support your growth plans? Can you easily deploy your apps in leading app stores? Does the platform support multi-experience user journeys? Can you use the platform without having to expand your current tech stack? Can the platform integrate with your existing business workflow and systems? Does your provider support security mechanisms and allow your team to scan for vulnerabilities? Is the pricing model realistic, transparent and suitable for your needs? Is the platform designed to help your team build to best practice guidelines? Can the platform co-exist successfully with traditional coding teams? OutSystems ticks all these boxes and more. But what does that mean for you? It means that your application is being built to give you the best outcome at the best price, without compromising technical good practice, and with a focus on ensuring it works with other systems in your business, now and in the future. What do you get if you unite great design, coding and development? You get an application that’s completely fit for today’s purpose while also being ready to update for tomorrow. This evolutionary approach to software engineering results in better products that are ready faster and with a lower budget. It means access to quality software without the huge investment or lumbering timescales often associated with development. It means you get to market faster, with a secure, advanced product that can easily adapt to meeting your users’ changing needs. It’s why we chose OutSystems – and it’s why we believe it’s the best choice for your next project. Why not get in touch with us today to find out more. Recommended Posts​ How to choose a low code platform partner How to choose a low code platform partner Pritesh Pattni

What does it mean to work with an OutSystems Partner? Pritesh Pattni What does it mean to work with an OutSystems partner? When you’re planning a software project, you want to look for a development team that has your project’s best interests at heart. You will need to stick to timescale and budget so that you can get your software either out to market at the right time, or set up and running internally to bring more efficiency to your business. And if you’re considering low code development options, such as OutSystems, partner developers may turn out to be the best match for your project. Why choose an Outsystems partner? There are lots of developers out there, although there is a growing shortage of expert developers, particularly if you think you need your project to be hand coded. This more traditional approach to developing software usually requires more developers and more time – and of course, that means more cost.  There are certainly projects where this is still your best option, but for many commercial software projects, you can look at working with a low code development team. Low code is a less time-consuming way to design and build your software, and it can handle a wide range of applications and complexities.  Learn more about Low Code vs. Traditional Development.  But this is your money and your time – so you want to be sure that you’re working with experts who not only understand the technology but have a track record of delivering great software on time and on budget. That’s why it’s worth taking the time to find a platform partner – a business that is trusted by the platform to deliver quality work. At ISB Global, we are an OutSystems partner, using it not just for commercial client applications, but as a pillar of our own software offering, Waste & Recycling One Waste Management Software. What does this mean for you? First, OutSystems is globally recognised as one of the leading low code platforms on the market. Working with developers for more than 20 years, it has a sound track record of delivering high quality solutions. ISB Global has a team of highly experienced OutSystems developers – they know what works well, and what doesn’t. We’ve chosen to work with OutSystems because we know it has the capability and flexibility we need to develop agile, scalable applications that help organisations perform at a higher level. The main benefits that this partnership between OutSystems & ISB Global provides are: Business innovation and application modernisation – because low code software development is faster, we can devote the right amount of time to experimenting, collaborating and iterating. This helps us to develop smarter software that improves user experience and software performance.  Process automation –  low code is a great solution for organisations that want to automate processes to gain efficiencies. OutSystems has easy-to-use visual workflow tools, and these allow us to set up automation for repetitive processes quickly and easily.   Development lifecycle support – OutSystems has been designed to support the entire development process, from initial strategy to version control. This results in smooth project management, more manageable project timescales and the ability to maintain the software after initial release.   Standardised system architecture – one of the things we love about being an OutSystems partner is the fact that the platform promotes best practices. The end result is consistent and maintainable application design and development. OutSystems’ support of non-proprietary technologies enables leveraging of existing technical infrastructure and integration. Security – this should be top of the list for any IT department or organisation investing in new technology. OutSystems prioritises the security and safety of the data held within it, through built-in features such as two-factor authentication, security controls, and data encryption, along with secure data transfer. Seamless integration – this is important across projects of all shapes and sizes. OutSystems has several out-of-the-box integrations, along with prebuilt tools that cater to multiple integration situations. This allows integrations to be rolled out faster, without extensive customised setup. If you think an OutSystems partner might be a good option for your next development project, contact us today to find out more about how we can work together. Contact us today to find out more. Recommended Posts​ How to choose a low code platform partner How to choose a low code platform partner Pritesh Pattni If you have a technology project or digital transformation programme, you are probably considering a low code solution. Low code offers a range… Read More What is low code technology? And why should you consider it? What is low code technology? And why should you consider it? Pritesh Pattni The demand for new and upgraded technology isn’t going anywhere. 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The OutSystems low code platform guide – an introduction Pritesh Pattni If you’re considering using a low code solution for your next software project, you’ll want to know all about the various platforms and what they offer. Here, we’ll give an overview of the platform, why we’ve chosen to work with it, and how we use it. ISB Global is a proud OutSystems low code platform partner, using it on our own proprietary waste and recycling software solution as well as helping other organisations develop the applications they need to manage their processes more efficiently. What is OutSystems? Founded in 2001, OutSystems is one of the leading low code platforms. Businesses around the world use OutSystems to develop, digitise and automate processes, with minimal coding required.  Outsystems has more than 400,000 community members, around 350 partners, and customers in almost 90 countries. Why is OutSystems so successful? Founder and CEO, Paulo Rosado, says it’s because the company hasn’t changed its original vision – to enable every company to innovate through the power of software. With around 1500 employees, the company is constantly striving to offer developers and their customers the very best low code experience, allowing them to be innovative and creative without having to spend hundreds of hours hand coding. OutSystems describes its platform as ‘high performance low code’. It says: “This is the low code that enables you to develop serious applications with serious productivity fast – the kind that eliminates waste and overhead so professional developers can get on with the creative business of designing and deploying uniqueness.” Learn the benefits of Low Code vs. Traditional Development Why did we choose OutSystems? Low code platform choices are many and varied. Many of the biggest names in IT and software offer a low code solution – and they are among many more dedicated low code offerings. So, with all this market choice, why did we choose OutSystems? ISB Global’s founder and CEO, Chris Williams says: “OutSystems is an advanced application platform designed to accelerate the development of software applications. It does this while delivering unrivalled levels of flexibility and efficiency. For ISB Global, this means we are able to develop and manage software in a faster, more efficient and cost-effective way. And these benefits can be passed on to our customers in the form of better service at a lower price.” OutSystems is one of three partners that we use for our flagship software, Waste & Recycling One. Alongside global technology leaders SAP and Amazon Web Services, OutSystems gives us an easy-to-use, easy-to-maintain, flexible way to build software for complex use cases.  Being an OutSystems Partner demonstrates that we have high levels of expertise and competence across the platform, and it also gives us access to the exclusive tools and resources that can help us to build successful projects with our clients. We also collaborate with other OutSystems low code platform partners, giving us access to a wide pool of creativity and innovation, contributing to our continual learning and development and allowing us to share our own expertise across the community.  To learn more about how OutSystems works and its benefits, take a look at the OutSystems low code platform website, where there’s a library of useful articles and information to get you started on your low code journey. If you’d like to find out more about how OutSystems low code could help deliver your project faster, with reduced costs and a quicker route to market, why not contact us for a chat today?  Or sign up for a free demo of the OutSystems platform in action. Recommended Posts​ How to choose a low code platform partner How to choose a low code platform partner Pritesh Pattni If you have a technology project or digital transformation programme, you are probably considering a low code solution. Low code offers a range… Read More What is low code technology? And why should you consider it? What is low code technology? And why should you consider it? Pritesh Pattni The demand for new and upgraded technology isn’t going anywhere. The human race continues to adopt new technologies to… Read More What does it mean to work with an OutSystems Partner? What does it mean to work with an OutSystems Partner? Pritesh Pattni What does it mean to work with an OutSystems partner? When you’re planning a software project, you want to look for a development… Read More Where next? I’m an OutSystems Customer looking for Applications to accelerate my journey → I’m an OutSystems customer looking for patterns & features to accelerate my journey → I’m an OutSystems Customer using SAP and looking for an advanced integration engine → I’m an OutSystems customer and I need additional development support for my team →

Fast, reliable low code: OutSystems Pritesh Pattni Why ISB Global builds its low code solutions in OutSystems You may have already decided that a low-code solution is for you. In all but the most complex development projects, you’re right – this is a lower-cost, faster and more effective way to build the application you need. So now, you need to research the various platforms that support quality low code. OutSystems will quickly become a familiar name once you’ve started looking – it’s often at the top of the developer-recommended lists, and in this article, we’ll tell you why. A quick bias disclaimer: We are an OutSystems partner, and we think it’s a powerful platform. We’ve built our own commercial solutions using it – so we’re happy to put our money where our mouth is. What is Outsystems Low Code?  Over the past decade there has been a low-code revolution. Like most other low code solutions out there, OutSystems offers developers a library of code templates, modules and connectors to act as building blocks for the apps and software they want to build. This enables faster time to launch because everything does not need to be developed from scratch. But to better understand why OutSystems is a leader in this market requires a look back at the company’s history.  Introducing OutSystems OutSystems was founded around 20 years ago – so it’s got great market presence and brand awareness. Founder Paulo Rosado started the company because he could see that, not so far in the future, businesses would want to build their software in a different way – a way that was faster, easier and more efficient. As mobile technology has become the way most people run their lives, Rosado’s vision has been justified – once the only company to offer low code, OutSystems started a trend that was adopted by some of the biggest names in the software industry. “While software development used to be done by some elites about 10 or 15 years ago, today every company needs to build their own software,” Rosado told the CUBE Conversation video podcast. “It’s just too much — you need that speed and you don’t have enough talent. More than 65% of new software that’s going to be built in the next three to five years is going to be done with a no-code or low-code platform.” Developing the proof Software developers aren’t traditionally easy to please. They know how good software development works – from initial design to ongoing maintenance – and so when they evaluate low code platforms, they want something that reflects the thought and effort they would put into hand coding, and offers them the flexibility, integration and scalability they know their clients need. Reviews from developers are overwhelmingly positive. Like us, they love working with an intuitive platform that understands they already have skills, and replicates many of the approaches they would take with traditional programming. Apps built using OutSystems have streamlined negotiations in the renewables energy space in Australia, improved a major construction firm’s operations by replacing a packaged ERP and CRM system, speeded up innovation for a Malaysian government agency and delivered an AI-powered claims management solution for Ricoh. So OutSystems can definitely handle complex requirements, and experienced developers like ours love that. Why we low code with OutSystems OutSystems’ low code offering provides a wide range of benefits to a development team like ours, which embraces low code for its extensive features and the clear value it brings to our clients. These include: A huge code library – running into the thousands – of prebuilt templates, connectors and modules. This, alongside other features, allows us to build any type of application, from rebuilding an internal spreadsheet process to producing a complex customer-facing app. A focus on innovation – digital companies can’t afford to stand still. OutSystems works with its partner communities and its internal teams to make sure the platform is always innovative, offering more options and features to help developers build better. A core focus on security and safety – no developer forgets the importance of data and application security. OutSystems focuses on high quality architecture that gives confidence to developers, customers and end users. The company’s security-by-design approach sets it apart from many other platforms. Add to this the fact that applications can be designed, built, tested and released in a fraction of the time of traditional hand coding, and you can see why organisations are increasingly moving towards high-quality low-code. OutSystems is powerful, innovative and highly functional.  Why not find out how it can support your project by contacting us today? Learn more about ISB Smart Solutions in our Overview Brochure. Recommended Posts​ How to choose a low code platform partner How to choose a low code platform partner Pritesh Pattni If you have a technology project or digital transformation programme, you are probably considering a low code solution. Low code offers a range… Read More What is low code technology? And why should you consider it? What is low code technology? And why should you consider it? Pritesh Pattni The demand for new and upgraded technology isn’t going anywhere. The human race continues to adopt new technologies to… Read More What does it mean to work with an OutSystems Partner? What does it mean to work with an OutSystems Partner? Pritesh Pattni What does it mean to work with an OutSystems partner? When you’re planning a software project, you want to look for a development… Read More Where next? I’m an OutSystems Customer looking for Applications to accelerate my journey → I’m an OutSystems customer looking for patterns & features to accelerate my journey → I’m an OutSystems Customer using SAP and looking for an advanced integration engine → I’m an OutSystems customer and I need additional development support for my team →

Why You Should Use OutSystems to Extend Your SAP System Chris Williams We often talk to SAP customers, partners, and consultants who are worried that OutSystems competes with SAP. But the exact opposite is the case. OutSystems is a complementary tool that you can leverage to extract more value from your SAP platform with less effort. Table of contents: Built-In Flexibility and Integration SAP and OutSystems in Practice Keeping Data in Sync Every business needs to keep up with changing market conditions and new innovations. You need to stay competitive and focused – particularly in tough economic circumstances. From industrial or governmental regulation to global market forces, there are always pressures on your business to be leaner, stronger, and more efficient. To meet these demands, organizations must be flexible – all while maintaining standards in enterprise governance, financial reporting practices, corporate reporting and auditability for stakeholders. And so you need a reliable system that is working with you, not against you. From our perspective, the combination of SAP S4HANA best practice and OutSystems low-code gives you the best of both worlds. Or as defined by Gartner: SAP S4HANA is a world-class “system of record” and OutSystems allows the development of apps, which reflect the “system of differentiation and innovation”. Built-In Flexibility and Integration Why do we think this? Because both software platforms come with best practices, and can work together to give you a more rounded, agile solution — built for purpose, but ready for change. SAP is the original modern-day ERP. It boasts best practices for financial management, including procure to pay, order to cash and master data governance, to name a few. Years of innovation from SAP across all industries allows projects to focus on implementing best practices for budgeting, accounting processes, managing accounting and corporate reporting. Using the SAP configuration system allows customization, setting different business rules within business processes. This in turn allows businesses to implement best business practices in a short time. Organizations benefit from the experience of other users, and the continual development that’s part of the way SAP delivers its product. So, the obvious question is, if SAP is so great, why do you need OutSystems? Simply put, the OutSystems low-code platform delivers additional, ongoing innovation that helps your organization to become more competitive. It allows businesses to rapidly build and test new ideas and business processes without impacting the backbone of the business model. SAP integration with OutSystems is made easy with SAP’s well-defined integration models, processes and structures in SAP BTP. And OutSystems has the ability to orchestrate new business processes with multiple integrations easily – and often multiple applications – through the OutSystems Service Studio. To provide a user with the right information, right level of security to data, system processes for their job role, and to ensure auditable document flow without having to jump between multiple systems is why SAP and OutSystems compliment each other. SAP and OutSystems in Practice When we were designing our waste and recycling solution, Waste & Recycling One, we wanted a loosely-coupled application integration. Our aim was for bi-directional integration of both master data and transactional data. It made sense to use an industry-leading ERP platform – SAP – for the core finance, order to cash and procure to pay systems of record and compliance. We then leveraged OutSystems to build the unique logistical business scenarios and processes that are relevant to the fast-changing waste and recycling industry. You can read the full case study here → This allowed us to build a system that can manage the sector’s compliance, governance and legislation requirements without affecting the core SAP processes. Keeping Data in Sync In this example, if we add a new business partner, the payment terms attributed are important to SAP and are managed there. The NAICS code is important to OutSystems. So we built bi-directional integration to keep the data in sync. When a new business partner service agreement is created, it starts in OutSystems. The partner data is automatically sent to SAP, so by the time the new contract is ready for billing, all the details are in SAP and up to date with the finance data. The order can then be sent to the cash processes and the contract invoice number goes back into OutSystems. It’s a simple but very effective setup. Keeping the data in sync is easy. SAP records changes to the business objects it processes and submits via BTP. OutSystems web application framework uses its API adapters framework to send and receive data during the business process. Importantly, both SAP and OutSystems have very complementary code management between environments. This makes changes, updates, and bugs easy to manage – something we’ll talk about in a separate blog. Find out more about how we can use OutSystems low-code to work alongside your SAP system and deliver even more efficiencies, streamlining your business for the future. Originally posted here: https://www.outsystems.com/blog/posts/extend-sap-system/ Recommended Posts​ How to choose a low code platform partner How to choose a low code platform partner Pritesh Pattni If you have a technology project or digital transformation programme, you are probably considering a low code solution. Low code offers a range… Read More What is low code technology? And why should you consider it? What is low code technology? And why should you consider it? 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