The biggest development blockers.
A low-code platform must be able to do all this.
There are challenges in application development that slow down this process, sometimes massively. The task of a low-code platform is to minimize these showstoppers.
On this page, you will learn about the most important showstoppers and how a low-code platform should solve them.
1. Too many tools in place
Many different tools are used by different employees from the idea to the finished application.
Use of a platform that covers the complete application lifecycle – from conception and creation to maintenance and optimization of the application
Too many tools in use
Idea and mockups
The life cycle of an application already starts with the idea, which is further elaborated in the following conception. In this process, first “tangible” drafts are often implemented in the form of mockups to find out whether the idea works and how both handling and use feel in practice.
Implementation & Deployment
Unfortunately, these mockups can usually not be processed further during the following implementation, because a different tool is used for this purpose and the technical basis is completely different. This is where low-code platforms come into play, as they allow small, functional applications (mockups) to be created very quickly. The transition to the implementation of the “real” app is smooth, since it is done in the same tool and often by the same person.
Testing and optimizing
An application must be tested for bugs extensively before it is released. In the classic procedure, a separate testing tool is often used. Any bugs found must then be adapted in the development tool and reimported into the testing tool. If testing tools are already available in the platform, it is possible to react and optimize much faster.
Conclusion
Compared to the often very different tools, a platform has a consistent operation and look and feel. This reduces the training period, because instead of several tools, you only have to learn one. In many cases, working steps that would otherwise be done by different people due to the required know-how can then be realized by a single person.
2. Complex data integration
Integrations of systems are often very individual and therefore time-consuming.
All common business interfaces must be standardized and individually customizable and delivered within a platform .
Complex data integration
Unused potential
There is a lot of potential in unused data. – which almost every company possesses. The integration of different data sources is usually very difficult and in addition time-consuming and expensive, which is why this is rarely done to the required extent.
The result is that most of the data that a company collects during its operations, which in its entirety would add value to any company, cannot be used for all common software solutions. This is why a standard is needed that allows data sources to be connected and used faster than usual.
The challenge is to create interfaces that can be adapted as quickly and easily as possible so that they are suitable for the different system environments. The functionality is the same for all of them and can be compared to a data pipeline. It therefore represents the access path to the data.
This means for your business applications…
… which often only receives real added value through the use of data. The data can be displayed directly in the application, making processes more efficient and avoiding redundancies. A low-code platform should provide a multitude of interfaces that can be adapted to all individual requirements.
Thanks to the use of standardized connectors and the most modern interface technologies, system landscapes can be integrated particularly flexibly with Simplifier.
Another advantage:
This high level of integration flexibility ensures that existing transactions in SAP and non-SAP systems, as well as shop floor systems and data sources, are secured.
3. Missing overview
Due to high complexity and individual programming style, time is spent unnecessarily on understanding written source code or linked logic.
Thanks to low code, the source code is generated in a standardized way, making it easy to read. The associated logic is easy to understand and to extend thanks to visual representation.
Missing overview
When writing program code, problems of readability and consistency often occur. It is common that the effort to create software is like a race against time. As a result, bugs occur frequently, which in turn leads to dissatisfied users. If several developers are working on an application at the same time, it is time consuming to interpret the partially uncommented and therefore difficult to read code of other developers. Maintenance and extensibility are then a problem.
In extreme cases, it may even be that the better economic solution is to have an application built from scratch rather than to “grow” into the very complex, undocumented and difficult to read code. These cases occur, for example, when the author of the code is no longer available, because he has left the company.
In terms of code quality, several questions arise for the developer:
- How much experience does the developer have?
- Does he develop in the necessary programming languages?
- What methods does he use?
- Is the structure of his program code meaningful?
- Last but not least: Does he write complete and understandable documentation?
Low-code platforms standardize the development procedure. They reduce the complexity and error rate of the source code. As a result, less qualified developers are quickly enabled to take on tasks and implement them reliably.
4. Collaboration errors
When applications are developed simultaneously, merging the created code lines can lead to so-called merge conflicts.
A real-time collaboration mode, which saves every change immediately and updates other developers without delay, completely prevents merge conflicts.
Collaboration errors
Shared work is half work – this of course also applies to application development. If a platform offers the possibility that several people can create an application at the same time, this has advantages:
- Merge and versioning conflicts are a thing of the past
- Applications can be created faster because there is no need to wait for each other
Note that the changes made by one user are actually updated in real time for all others. In addition, it must be possible to see at any time what each user is doing. A platform must be visually and technically flawless in this context to ensure that simultaneous use offers added value and does not lead to confusion that ends in mistakes.
5. Lack of flexibility
Applications for different end devices and operating systems often have to be created from scratch or adapted in a time-consuming process.
Published applications must automatically adapt to the respective end device (Responsive Framework) and run on all common operating systems.
Lack of flexibility
Business applications must also be usable on different end devices without restriction. This guarantees that, for example, the worker in the factory can use the same application on his tablet as the department manager in his office on his PC.
There are several ways to ensure the so-called multidevice capability of an application on desktop, tablet, smartphone and/or Smartwatch:
- Multiple applications
A separate application is created for each desired device. The multiple creation represents a waste of time, money and resources and is also no longer up to date. - Retrospective Responsive Design (manual)
An application can be created first for a mobile device. Afterwards, an attempt is made to adapt the application for other mobile devices using code that is inserted later. - Responsive Framework (automatic)
The development platform creates applications based on a response framework. Here, the behavior of elements on different mobile devices is already defined, so that the applications created automatically adapt to the mobile device.
Simplifier uses the JavaScript framework OpenUI5, which offers “Responsive on All Devices”. This open source project was especially developed by SAP to create operating system-independent business applications and is open for extensions. The OpenUI5 kernel is based on JavaScript, jQuery, and LESS.You can solve all these challenges – with Simplifier.
- Faster time-to-market through shorter development cycles
- More flexibility in integration, operating system and end devices
- Sustainability by using future-proof web technologies and avoiding vendor lock-in.
- Know-how, data security and personal contact – Made in Germany
