Introduction
Navigating the intricate maze of today’s technology isn’t just a challenge—it’s a necessity for SMEs aiming to remain competitive. At Emerge Digital, we see this daily; businesses grappling with the need for robust software solutions, but facing budget and time constraints that make traditional development routes unfeasible. Enter low code development – a transformative approach that is democratising the world of software. Our role, as a seasoned digital innovation agency, is to offer you low-code solutions that are custom-fit for your specific business needs and objectives.
The Business Case for Low-Code
Cost-Efficiency
When we talk about investing in technology, the conversation often zeroes in on costs. It’s not a trivial matter; balancing the financial books is crucial for any SME. Low code development inherently challenges the costly status quo of traditional software development. According to a Forrester report, Microsoft’s low-code Power Platform can reduce development costs by 24%. In real terms, this means freeing up capital that can be reallocated to other essential business operations.
Speed to Market
Time, they say, is money, but in the fast-moving world of digital business, time is also opportunity. Utilising low-code solutions doesn’t just save you pennies; it saves you time. A study by OutSystems reveals that low code development can speed up application delivery of web applications, with developers 11% more likely to deliver in 4 months or less. In an era where market trends pivot at breakneck speeds, this rapid deployment is not just a convenience; it’s a strategic advantage.
Scalability
Scaling a business isn’t merely about adding resources; it’s about doing so intelligently. Here’s where low code development shines. The modular nature of low-code platforms makes it easier to adapt to growing business needs without having to reinvent the wheel each time. In a guest blog post on SAP’s website, IDC outline that low-code tools make it simpler to change an application based on the requirements of a business.
We understand the plethora of challenges and opportunities that SMEs face in today’s digital age. Through low-code solutions, we are not just offering a service; we’re offering a tailored path for your business to be more agile, efficient, and ready for whatever the future holds.
The Role of Managed Service Providers (MSPs)
Expertise
At Emerge Digital, our mastery of low-code platforms isn’t something that’s merely ‘nice-to-have’—it’s an indispensable asset. We understand the intricacies involved in implementing low-code solutions, tailoring them to suit specific business needs. An MSP brings this level of surgical precision to low code development, ensuring that the finished product isn’t just functional but optimised for peak performance.
Security
The question of cyber security is no longer an ‘if’ but a ‘when’. Cyber threats are a genuine concern for businesses, especially SMEs, who often lack the resources for a dedicated in-house security team. That’s where MSPs step in, weaving a tapestry of cyber security measures around low-code development. Our meticulous approach ensures that your low-code environment is as secure as a fortified castle, mitigating risks and vulnerabilities.
Ongoing Support
The real magic of working with an MSP like Emerge Digital lies in the continued service you receive. We aren’t in the business of fire-and-forget. Our ongoing support encompasses regular updates, performance reviews, and proactive measures to ensure your low-code solutions continue to serve your business goals.
Real-world Applications – A Case Study
Introduction
It’s one thing to talk about the theoretical advantages of low-code; it’s another to see it in action. Our engagement with Cazoo Wholesale offers a tangible illustration of how targeted automation can dramatically improve efficiency while reducing costs.
The Client and Challenge
With over three decades of experience in remarketing and managing vehicles, Cazoo Wholesale handles a voluminous flow of vehicles each week. The manual process of filing and retrieving V5c vehicle log book documents was not just laborious but also fraught with human error. Our mission was to streamline this process, helping the team to operate more efficiently and eliminate unnecessary costs.
Our Solution
We harnessed the capabilities of Power Automate, part of the low-code Microsoft Power Platform, to automate the cumbersome task of managing V5c documents. The manual labour of scanning and emailing these crucial files was replaced by an automated system that not only scanned the documents but also used artificial intelligence to extract and store key data. This process then relocated the files to an easily accessible SharePoint library.
The Outcome
The benefits of this automation were immediate and substantial. Team members now enjoy instant access to data regardless of their location, obviating the need to physically search through a cabinet or rely on onsite colleagues. Moreover, by limiting human interaction with these documents, we have drastically reduced the likelihood of misplaced or lost files.
Remarkably, the setup required just one day, and the ongoing cost of maintaining this automated solution is a mere £30.20 a month for 5000 credits.
Through this real-world application, we’re not just stating what low code solutions can achieve; we’re demonstrating it. It’s a vivid example that encapsulates our belief that strategic application of technology isn’t an expense but an investment—one that pays tangible dividends.
How Does Low Code Evolve with Your Business?
Adaptability
Change is the only constant in business. As your company grows, so too will your technological requirements. Herein lies another forte of low-code development: its remarkable adaptability. Its modular structure allows for easy customisations and alterations, enabling your software to evolve in tandem with your business goals.
Future-Proofing
In a digital age defined by rapid transformations, the concept of ‘future-proofing’ can almost seem like a pipe dream. But low-code solutions are inherently geared for longevity. Their upgradable structure means that as the tech landscape evolves, your low-code applications can adapt swiftly, ensuring you’re not left behind wrestling with obsolescence.
When you partner with us, what you’re investing in isn’t just a technological solution but a dynamic strategy for sustainable growth. The future is unknown but planning for it shouldn’t be a gamble; it should be a calculated strategy, and that’s precisely what we offer with our low-code solutions.
Why Emerge Digital Is Your Ideal Low Code Partner
Tailored Solutions
Your business is unique, and your technology should be too. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. At Emerge Digital, we put in the legwork to understand your business, dissect its challenges, and envisage its growth trajectory. This enables us to provide low code solutions that are precisely tailored to meet your distinct requirements and aspirations.
Experience
There’s no substitute for experience, and we have it in spades. Our proven track record spans not only low code development but also a comprehensive suite of services—from cyber security to data visualisation. When you partner with us, you’re gaining the benefit of years of expertise, channelled into creating solutions that fit your business like a glove.
Conclusion
The digital realm is constantly evolving, making the demands on SMEs all the more challenging. However, low code development stands out as a flexible, cost-effective, and secure solution to meet these challenges head-on. From saving costs and speeding time-to-market to offering scalability and robust security measures, low code solutions represent a potent tool for SMEs looking to thrive in today’s business landscape.
Your choice of partner in this journey is critical. At Emerge Digital, we offer more than just technical expertise. We bring a nuanced understanding of your business needs to the table, crafting solutions that propel you toward your objectives without compromise.
The way forward is clear: it’s time for SMEs to consider how low code can serve their long-term objectives. We invite you to leverage our expertise and services in making that transformative shift. Let’s build your future, today.