7 Key Benefits of Low-Code Development for Enterprise Projects

Low-code platforms are transforming enterprise software development. They allow businesses to create applications faster, cut costs, and improve collaboration between IT and business teams. Here's a quick look at the key benefits:

• Faster Development: Build apps up to 90% faster compared to traditional methods.

• Cost Savings: Reduce development and maintenance costs by up to 70%.

• Improved Collaboration: Visual tools bridge gaps between IT and business teams.

• Scalability: Easily grow and adapt apps as business needs change.

• Built-in Security: Pre-configured tools ensure compliance and data protection.

• Quick Updates: Roll out changes and updates faster to stay competitive.

• Market Advantage: Respond to customer demands and market shifts quickly.

Why You Should Start Using Low-code Platforms

1. Speed Up Development and Launch Time

One of the biggest advantages of low-code development is how it dramatically shortens the time it takes to deliver applications. Thanks to visual tools and pre-built components, what used to take months can now be done in weeks - or even less.

Traditional development often takes 6–12 months, but low-code platforms can deliver fully functional applications in under a month [4]. This speed comes from several standout features:

• Visual Development Environment: Drag-and-drop interfaces let developers create applications visually, cutting out much of the manual coding [5].

• Pre-built Components: Ready-made modules and templates handle common features, so developers don’t have to start from scratch [6].

• Automated Integration: Built-in connectors and automation tools make it easier to integrate with existing systems [5].

This faster development process not only helps businesses get to market quicker but also allows them to respond faster to changing demands.

Real-World Examples

Here are a couple of success stories that show how low-code platforms save time:

• Stone Coast, a fund administration firm, developed and launched their first application in just 6 weeks using a low-code platform [2].

• Kyocera revamped their paper-based Special Pricing Approval process with Bizagi’s low-code platform, cutting the processing time from 10 days to just 1.5 days [2].

Expert Insight

Valério Matias, Group Manager of Low-Code Experts at Bosch, sums it up perfectly: “OutSystems is ideal when we need quick and flexible development. It allows us to just build it instead of pushing it into a two-year backlog” [7].

Looking ahead, analysts estimate that by 2025, 70% of new applications will be built using low-code or no-code platforms [4]. This kind of flexibility not only speeds up development but also lays the groundwork for cost savings and better collaboration.

2. Lower Development Costs

Low-code development helps businesses cut expenses in a big way. For example, IDC reports that Appian customers enjoy a five-year return on investment of 509% [8]. Let's break down both direct savings and some less obvious cost benefits.

Reduced Development and Maintenance Costs

Companies using platforms like Appian and Mendix see major savings. Development cycles for new features can be up to 72% faster, and accelerated development has saved organizations as much as $8.1 million [8][9]. Additionally, cloud-based low-code solutions require only 30–60% of the maintenance costs compared to the 70–90% typically needed for traditional on-premises software [11].

Hidden Cost Factors

• Platform Investment
  Consider costs like platform subscriptions, migration (which can range from $100,000 to $1,000,000, depending on complexity [10]), add-ons, scaling, and integration.

• Team Structure Changes
  Low-code platforms reduce the need for highly specialized developers (who often cost over $150,000 annually [10]), lower training expenses, and improve collaboration across teams.

The low-code market is expected to hit nearly $30 billion by 2025 [12], highlighting how these cost advantages are driving its rapid adoption for enterprise projects.

3. Better IT and Business Team Communication

Low-code platforms make it easier for IT and business teams to work together by using visual interfaces that bridge the gap between these departments.

Visual Tools That Simplify Collaboration

With visual tools, both technical and non-technical team members can actively contribute to application development. This ensures that the final product meets business needs without technical hurdles. The visual design process also speeds up feedback, helping teams align on goals and outcomes more effectively. This approach lays the groundwork for smoother collaboration and improved workflows.

Real-World Example: Coca-Cola UNITED

Coca-Cola UNITED offers a great example of how low-code platforms can improve team communication. Using Microsoft PowerApps in 2014, they developed thousands of solutions through close collaboration between IT and business teams [15]. Here's what they achieved:

• Cut order processing time from hours to seconds.

• Managed workloads equal to 10 full-time employees - without increasing labor costs.

• Developed user interfaces that matched their brand design effortlessly.

Tips for Building Stronger Collaboration

To get the most out of low-code platforms, consider these steps:

• Empower Business Users: Train team members to create and manage applications on their own [15].

• Define Clear Rules: Set up governance policies to manage platform usage and access [15].

• Encourage Feedback: Create processes that allow for quick updates based on user input [13].

Improved collaboration is becoming essential. Analysts estimate that by 2024, 66% of large companies will use at least four low-code platforms [14]. This trend highlights how crucial teamwork is for creating applications that are both functional and aligned with business goals [13].

4. Easy Growth and Changes for Enterprise Apps

Low-code platforms make it simple to adjust and expand applications as business needs evolve. This approach allows companies to stay ahead of the competition while cutting down on development time and complexity. It’s all about making quick updates that help businesses adapt and thrive.

Built for Quick Changes

Low-code platforms come with tools that simplify updates:

• Visual modeling tools for fast, intuitive changes

• Pre-built components to ensure consistency across applications

• Cloud integration for smooth and scalable operations

• Over-the-air (OTA) updates to skip lengthy app store approval cycles

Gartner predicts that by 2025, 70% of applications will be built using low-code or no-code platforms [17].

Real Results from Enterprise Implementation

Take UK insurer SCOR, for example. When remote work became a sudden necessity, they rolled out an automated claims assessment app in just six weeks [2]. This quick turnaround ensured their operations stayed on track during a challenging time.

Best Practices for Scalable Applications

To get the most out of low-code platforms for enterprise growth, follow these strategies:

• Plan for growth: Choose platforms with built-in cloud and load-balancing features to handle increasing data and user demands [16].

• Use pre-built components: Save time and maintain consistency by relying on tried-and-tested components [2].

• Gather feedback regularly: Continuously improve your applications by acting on user feedback to align with real-world business needs [17].

Comparing Development Approaches

Low-code platforms offer the flexibility businesses need to keep up with changing demands, new technologies, and shifting strategies [1]. For instance, e-commerce companies can quickly roll out new features during busy shopping seasons, ensuring smooth customer experiences [16].

5. Strong Security and Compliance Tools

While speed and cost savings are major reasons for adopting low-code platforms, having reliable security and compliance features is just as important for enterprises. Low-code platforms come with built-in tools to safeguard sensitive data and meet regulatory standards, which appeals to 48% of software buyers [18].

Built-in Security Features

Low-code platforms simplify security by including features that once required significant coding effort:

These features not only enhance security but also align with the platform's focus on fast development and cost efficiency.

Real-World Cost Impact

Data breaches are expensive. In 2023, the average cost of a breach reached $4.45 million [19]. This makes strong security measures a necessity, not an option.

Simplifying Compliance

Low-code platforms make compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2 easier. They do this by offering:

• Pre-configured frameworks: Tools that align with regulatory standards right out of the box.

• Real-time audit trails: Automatically track system changes and access.

• Automated governance: Centralized control over permissions and roles.

• Regular security updates: Ongoing protection against emerging threats.

These features reduce the need for manual oversight while ensuring compliance remains a seamless part of your operations.

"Using a low-code platform that adheres to industry standards helps us meet regulatory requirements more efficiently and confidently." - VP of Engineering, Healthcare Industry, >1000 employees [18]

Security Best Practices

To make the most of your low-code platform's security features:

• Choose verified platforms: Opt for providers with a proven track record in security.

• Set strict access controls: Ensure only authorized personnel have system access.

• Perform regular security testing: Include penetration testing and code reviews.

• Document everything: Keep detailed records of your security configurations.

"Standardization in low-code platforms helps mitigate human errors and ensures that security best practices are consistently applied." - CTO, Software Industry, >500 employees [18]

Automated Protection

Low-code platforms automate many critical security tasks, such as input validation, preventing injection attacks, and securing third-party integrations. With 72% of IT leaders identifying backlogs as a major obstacle to innovation [19], this automation helps teams stay focused on their core objectives while maintaining strong security.

6. Faster Digital Updates

Digital transformation requires quick and efficient updates. IDC reports that new applications now experience a 62% faster software development lifecycle [21]. Let’s look at how this speed translates into real business outcomes.

Success Stories in Action

Low-code platforms have proven their ability to speed up digital updates in various industries. Here are some notable examples:

Shorter Development Cycles

Low-code platforms can cut development time by up to 90%, bring products to market 50% faster, and reduce maintenance and update efforts by 70% [21][22].

"Growth in digital data, low-code development tools and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted development are among the many factors that enable the democratization of technology development beyond IT professionals."
– Rajesh Kandaswamy, Research Vice President at Gartner [4]

Tips for Speedy Updates

To make the most of low-code platforms’ speed, companies should focus on:

• Continuous Feedback: Actively monitor and gather feedback to keep applications running smoothly. For example, the City of Rotterdam developed over 100 applications in 8–12 weeks, serving more than 100,000 users [23].

• Preview Environments: Test prototypes before launching to ensure quality. Erie Insurance created native mobile apps without needing specialized developers [23].

• Automated Workflows: Automating workflows can further accelerate updates. WRSTBND’s use of automated IoT turnstiles boosted single-day ticket sales by $700,000 [23].

Integration That Scales

Quick updates are even more effective when paired with seamless integration. Collin Crowdfund, for instance, built a lending platform in just 5 months. This system handles back-office operations, banking transactions, vetting, approvals, and loan tracking. Since launch, it has facilitated over $235 million in loans [23].

Gartner forecasts that by 2024, low-code will drive 65% of all application development [20]. In today’s fast-moving business world, the ability to quickly roll out digital updates offers a strong competitive edge.

7. Market Leadership Through Quick Changes

Market leadership today depends on the ability to adapt quickly to changes. Low-code development is reshaping how businesses respond to shifts, allowing them to act faster and stay ahead of competitors. This speed not only improves internal processes but also positions companies as front-runners in their industries.

Revenue Impact

Businesses using low-code platforms can deliver solutions faster and respond to customer needs more effectively, directly boosting their revenue and overall performance.

Real-World Transformation Stories

Here are a few examples of companies that have used low-code platforms to excel in their markets:

Strategic Advantages

Low-code platforms provide several clear benefits for staying competitive:

• Faster Market Response: Quickly adapt to market changes and new opportunities.

• Efficient Resource Use: Create solutions without needing large developer teams.

• Boosted Innovation: Shorter development cycles free up time for strategic projects.

"Faster time to market delivers significant business advantages: lowering costs through streamlined development cycles, unlocking innovation by freeing up resources, and enhancing agility to adapt to market shifts and seize opportunities." - Anthony Daly, Bizagi [25]

Practical Implementation Tips

To fully leverage low-code platforms for market leadership:

• Encourage Collaboration: Build strong partnerships between IT and business teams [24].

• Focus on Customer-Facing Apps: Prioritize projects that directly impact revenue.

• Measure Speed: Keep track of deployment timelines to maintain a competitive edge.

For instance, SCOR UK used a low-code platform to roll out a claims assessment automation system in just 6 weeks, addressing the challenges of remote work [2]. This kind of quick action is becoming essential for staying on top in today’s fast-changing markets.

Conclusion

Low-code development is reshaping enterprise software creation, driving digital progress in a way that's hard to ignore. The market's expected growth to $187 billion by 2030 [3] highlights its growing role in enterprise tech strategies.

Impact on Enterprise Development

Low-code platforms are proving their worth by significantly cutting down process times [2]. Real-world applications show how businesses are using these platforms to streamline operations and boost efficiency.

Quantifiable Benefits

Industry data highlights the measurable advantages of adopting low-code:

These numbers underline the transformative potential of low-code in enterprise environments.

Future Outlook

By 2025, more than 70% of new enterprise applications are expected to rely on low-code or no-code technologies [26]. This shift is being driven by several factors:

• Wider Access to Development: By 2025, citizen developers are predicted to outnumber professional developers 4 to 1 [3], changing how businesses create applications.

• AI Integration: Platforms are incorporating artificial intelligence to build smarter, more responsive applications [26].

• Business Agility: Companies can adapt to market changes and regulations faster than ever.

These trends highlight low-code's ongoing importance in driving enterprise digital transformation.

"Low-code and no-code tools are a way to mitigate talent shortages because they allow companies to build software systems without the need for large teams of developers." - Amitha Pulijala, Vice President of Product, Cloud Platform Services, CX, API, and AI at Vonage [3]

With 66% of organizations identifying digital transformation as their main reason for adopting low-code [3], it's clear that these platforms are no longer just a trend - they're a key part of the future of enterprise software development.