Low-code and no-code platforms: a strategic guide

Low-code/no-code (LCNC) platforms promise to revolutionize app development, offering a simple, drag-and-drop interface that suggests anyone can tackle complex business challenges. By 2025, it's estimated that 70% of new applications will be developed using LCNC technologies, a sharp rise from less than 25% in 2020.

But the glossy websites and slick demos often mask the full picture, software experts caution. 

Many companies are caught off guard, finding they need way more tech support than they thought. While these tools are great for automatically scaling up on the tech side—like handling more traffic or data—they're not always up to snuff when it comes to dealing with more complex business needs or customization. So, while they handle the basic scaling stuff pretty well, when things get intricate, it's a whole different ball game.

“The minute anyone says, ‘don't look behind the curtain, this just works,’ that’s a red flag,” advised Tom Nightingale, Test Double staff software consultant. “The results may immediately be impressive, but it's probably very shallow.”

This article aims to pull back the curtain, offering a realistic assessment of LCNC platforms' strengths and weaknesses. Our goal is to empower you to make well-informed decisions about the best platforms for your business and team needs.

The benefits of low-code app platforms

Low-code/no-code platforms are best for straightforward, routine tasks that benefit from quick execution without the need for deep customization or complex inputs.

They can also benefit non-technical teams who need flexibility for rapid response based on changing performance or market trends. 

Examples of where these low-code or no-code tools can shine: 

‍Workflow automation: For instance, using Zapier to trigger Slack notifications based on specific events simplifies communication processes.

‍Form creation: Tools like Google Forms and Microsoft PowerApps facilitate rapid development of feedback and event registration forms, accommodating swift data collection.

‍Appointment scheduling: Platforms such as Calendly and Microsoft Bookings integrate smoothly into existing systems, ensuring efficient scheduling solutions are in place.

‍Marketing websites: At Test Double, we use Webflow to enhance our website and blog management. This allows our in-house marketers to update content independently, minimizing the need for intricate coding, even when building out new pages We also have the flexibility of full design/code access when needed.

‍Email service providers: While there are development teams making mobile-responsive, seemingly never faulty LCNC templates work, marketers no longer have to spelunk in the HTML behind the WYSIWYG editor to fix the darn div that broke.

“These low-code, no-code tools optimize the early and most simple phases of building out a system of sorts,” said Joel Helbling, a Test Double delivery partner. “So you get these really early quick and easy breakthroughs — and I say that even as someone who loves writing code.” 

The limitations of low-code/no-code platforms

But this initial ease can be misleading, giving the impression that these tools can handle complex tasks or growing demands without additional expertise — often not the case. 

“After a quick and easy start, the complexity curve goes way up, and it doesn't come back down,” Helbling said. "It gets increasingly difficult as you move forward and scale up.” 

Our team at Test Double often steps in to assist with LCNC platforms that falter under scaling demands. Clients frequently discover that the perceived simplicity and scalability of these tools were overestimated.

• For example, one client chose a popular AI integration platform for its easy integration capabilities. Initially successful with simple tasks, they soon hit a roadblock with more complex requirements, leading them to hire a Test Double developer to set up and manage the integrations. Ultimately, the platform failed to meet their evolving needs, forcing them to abandon the tool altogether.
• Another client used a no-code platform to revamp their customer service phone operations. Initially, it seemed to improve efficiency — but as the system expanded, what started as a streamlined process quickly became a labyrinth of complexities. Simple changes that once took minutes began requiring days, or even more than a full business week, as the system's simplicity gave way to confusion. This shift from clarity to complexity was exacerbated by the lack of testing and version control, turning every update into a precarious operation to avoid causing disruptions or outages.

These scenarios underscore how tasks that appear manageable can quickly morph into complex projects requiring significant technical input. 

Test Double Senior Software Consultant Mavrick Laakso compares low-code, no-code tools to graphical programming languages. Despite their user-friendly interfaces, these tools still require a sophisticated approach to effectively map out the logic and workflows.

"While these platforms might change the nature of coding from syntax to visual blocks, they do not eliminate the need for thorough systems thinking and problem-solving skills," he said.

The risks of low-code: Increased costs, unmet business needs

Many businesses jump on low-code/no-code platforms hoping to slash their engineering budgets, but they often bump into a hard truth: these platforms demand a level of technical finesse that they hadn't anticipated. 

This gap can lead to spiraling costs in implementation and training, not to mention the stark mismatches between what the business needs and what their teams are equipped to deliver.

Jed Schneider, a senior software consultant at Test Double, offers a programming perspective: "We follow the 'rule of three' in traditional programming to avoid premature abstractions that don't meet future needs. Yet, low-code platforms are already so abstracted that they often corner developers into a mess of workarounds to align with business requirements."

Ultimately, developers often prefer access to their full toolkit to address these challenges effectively. 

"Eventually, devs had to start maintaining it, and then they realized, okay, if we have to have the devs do it, why don't we just let the devs do what they want?" Laakso adds, highlighting a common sentiment among technical teams when faced with the constraints of low-code app platforms.

Strategic planning: what to consider before investing in low-code/no-code

Choosing to invest in an LCNC platform requires careful consideration and planning to avoid surprise frustrations and unmet needs: 

Skill requirements and training: Ensure your team has or can develop the necessary skills to effectively use the platform. This includes technical proficiency not just in using the platform but in integrating it with existing systems.

Support and customization needs: Anticipate the need for ongoing support to address complexities that may arise as your system evolves. Consider whether you have the resources to handle significant customization or if you will rely on external consultants.

Vendor stability and exit strategies: Evaluate the stability of the platform provider and have a contingency plan for potential discontinuation. This plan should include data export capabilities and documentation that supports transitioning to another system if necessary.

Outage tolerance and updates: Assess how critical uptime is to your operations and your ability to manage potential outages due to updates. It's also important to consider the platform’s limitations in testing and version control. 

Many LCNC platforms lack robust testing and version history tools, which can complicate maintaining stability and rolling back changes. Ensure your chosen platform provides the necessary capabilities to safeguard your operations.

Budgeting for documentation and onboarding: Allocate budget not just for initial setup but for ongoing documentation, maintenance, and staff training, which are vital for maximizing the platform’s value.

Ensuring compliance and data security: Make sure the platform can meet stringent data security and compliance requirements, especially if you operate in a regulated industry. This often means bolting together SaaS tools which layers on complexity and maintenance.

Think about both the immediate benefits as well as the potential downstream impacts on other business operations. 

For example, embedding tools like a Calendly widget directly into your website might streamline appointment scheduling, but it could also obscure vital site analytics. Such integrations can interfere with tracking conversions, making it challenging to determine the effectiveness of marketing efforts. 

Understanding and planning for these indirect effects is essential for maintaining comprehensive insight into your business operations and ensuring that new tools enhance rather than hinder your ability to gather and analyze important data.

Low code, no code or custom code? 

Choosing a low-code/no-code platform is more than convenience—it's about finding the strategic fit for your business. 

While low-code and no-code platforms can boost productivity and reduce costs for some, they aren't a one-size-fits-all solution. For businesses relying on tailor-made solutions that need to grow and adapt, the limitations of off-the-shelf platforms could be a dealbreaker.

At Test Double, we align technology with your business strategy to drive real, efficient outcomes—ensuring your software investments deliver real business results, without the waste. 

We have hands-on experience with low code, no code and custom code. Chat with our experts to align your technology with your business strategy effectively. Book a free consultation with us today.