For some time now, we are seeing an increase in platforms that are categorized as “low-code/no-code” software. They are gaining popularity due to their flexibility and capability to automate complex processes in a very simple way. But what does “Low-code/no-code” mean? And, how does it help your company?

Low-code/no-code development platforms are types of software that allow you to quickly develop applications, without the need to write a single line of code. This means that they enable Business Analysts, Department Heads, managers, or even company owners, to build and test applications by themselves. It gives the IT department air for them to work on more complex projects that require software development.

How can a Business Analyst develop and test applications on his own? Well, most low-code/no-code platforms count with a friendly user interface. Through the use of drag and drop features and graphical user interfaces, any user can easily manage to develop any kind of application.

Now that we properly understand what low-code/no-code means, we can dab into its application in the BPM world. The design and implementation of automated business processes must be as quick and agile as possible. But this is where it gets tricky. Not all the business process automation platforms that are called “Low-code/No-code”, are able to both design and deploy the processes in a simple way. Most often than never, when it’s time to execute the process, several development skills are needed. But don’t despair. There are a few incredible options that allow you to do as many things as you’ll like within the BPM suite.

So, in that order, here is a brief list of features you should consider in a low-code/no-code BPM platform.

• Storing data without coding:
  Every business process has different data associated with it. It is crucial that the BPM tool provides a form constructor that allows you to choose different types of fields to collect the necessary information. These fields should include attachment fields, configurable radio buttons, and so forth. What is more, you also should look for a BPM suite that supports internal databases from which you can collect data for the process form.
• Design a workflow without a single line of code:
  The visual representation of a specific process is one of the most important steps in business process automation. Visually seeing the steps of a certain process brings clarity and enables us to identify the specific tasks and stages a process must go through to perform efficiently.
• Getting into production (the tricky part):
  Not every BPM platform allows you to go from modeling into production in just one click. And this is a major feature to look for. This provides companies with agility, and gives them the ability to work faster, and gives a better answer to market changes.
  
  Using low-code/no-code BPM platforms, getting a process live is just a matter of clicking one button. This means that this also can be done by business users, giving more independence from the IT department.

In short, low-code/no-coded BPM platforms solve three main issues:

• The storage of relevant process data.
• The flow of the process, using a graphical notation.
• Deployment, going into production with one click.

This autonomy generates great benefits. On one hand, the business unit can quickly attend to the needs that arise, as well as respond to changes in the market or regulations.

On the other hand, the IT department, which usually already has a lot of work assigned to it, is not overloaded.

Thus, there is a collaborative synergy, in which IT supports, while the business unit builds its applications with autonomy.