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The Low-Code / No-Code Trend: How your employees can become "Citizen Developers" - without programming knowledge!

The Low-Code / No-Code Trend: How your employees can become "Citizen Developers" - without programming knowledge!

Low code and No-code - What is there?

In the past, you had to have specialist knowledge to be able to write lines of code. Today, this has changed fundamentally. You no longer have to be a professional coder or developer to create an application or platform. You can become a so-called "citizen developer". According to Gartner, a citizen developer is an employee who creates applications for their own use or the use of others, using tools that are not actively prohibited by IT or business units. A citizen developer is a persona, not a title or a specific role.

So amazing things are possible with low-code or no-code platforms - even without programming knowledge.  

Low-code / no-code platforms, such as Microsoft Power Platform, have revolutionized today's software development. They are transforming app and software development by attracting new users with a low barrier to entry and a flat learning curve. With features like pre-built templates, easy drag-and-drop functionality and rapid deployment, Microsoft Power Platform helps users of all backgrounds - whether IT teams, business analysts or citizen developers who are IT-savvy but don't have coding skills. Everyone can feel inspired, excited and innovative as they learn.

Satisfied employees through technical further training

This sense of satisfaction increases as users continue to adopt these platforms and discover new possibilities. Their user-friendly model means an effective and profitable training experience that gives even those without a traditional software background confidence and demonstrates the value of their work to team success. In arecent Microsoft study have 82 percent of low or no-code users surveyed agreed that technology provides software users with the opportunity to improve their development knowledge and technical skills. In addition, the use of no-code or low-code platforms or apps has been shown to have an 83 percent positive impact on users' job satisfaction and workload and an 80 percent positive impact on user morale.

Further training opportunities are in high demand

 

The learning opportunities offered by low- or no-code platforms are exactly the kind of professional development that today's workers are looking for. More than 80 percent of users and potential users of low-code or no-code platforms say they would be more willing to work for a company that invests in their technical training. 

 

By using technologies such as Microsoft Power Platform, business leaders can foster a strong learning culture that engages and develops employees. These benefits also directly address the key concerns of business decision makers - fostering innovation and attracting and retaining talent.

 

The path to employee retention

The call for investment in employee development is urgent: 71 percent of potential users are more likely to doubt their future in a company that not invests in their technical skills. Leaders and decision makers need to critically examine the opportunities they offer their employees and how they support their IT teams, business analysts and developers of all identities to turn them into citizen developers who can quickly turn new ideas and concepts into market-ready applications. When it comes to providing meaningful learning opportunities and a clear career path, low-code or no-code development platforms could be the answer they've been looking for. 

 

Programming for all

The introduction of low-code or no-code platforms can also help to combat the gender imbalance in the IT industry. Currently, less than 20 percent of cloud computing professionals are women. This could attribute to the fact that currently many women in the industry - less often than men - feel that they are at the cutting edge with their technical skills - and yet the survey found that Women are four times more likely to report limitations in purchasing or testing new technologies for their professional growth. Investing in Microsoft Power Platform is one way to support these women in their professional development and promote gender equality within the organization. 

 

Lack of awareness of the benefits 

If low-code and no-code platforms have such great potential for corporate culture, why aren't they more widely adopted?

An overwhelming majority of decision makers and users(71 percent and 76 percent respectively) say there is a lack of awareness of the potential use cases of Microsoft Power Platform or other programs. Concerns about cybersecurity and the cost and training required for employees to maximize the benefits of these platforms or applications also top the list of concerns. As with any business investment, executives want to be sure they are getting a meaningful return. The decision to adopt a new development platform will impact people and processes across the organization - a restructuring that must be given due consideration and truly wanted by all before it is implemented.

 

Once introduced, the results quickly speak for themselves and set an innovation cycle in motion - but the initial investment proves to be an obstacle. Decision makers know best how to steer the decision-making process in their organization; they play a key role as intermediaries between users to prove the need for the company's investment. Given the clear cultural benefits and the success stories of various users, decision makers have a compelling case for adoption that they can present to senior management.

 

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Cooperation between decision makers and users users is crucial for effective use cases

Decision makers should also recognize the value of meeting with developers and low- or no-coders to explore new use cases for Microsoft Power Platform. Events like the Microsoft Build are great opportunities to engage with peers, experts and others from a variety of industries, share success stories and make a compelling case for investing in low and no-code platforms. Microsoft Build offers a series of live programs and other exciting experiences showcasing the latest innovations and tools for a trusted, integrated data platform. So if you have the opportunity to attend any of these Microsoft events, we highly recommend it.

Employees at all levels and entities are looking for an organization worth getting involved with, and demonstrating mutual engagement is a positive indicator of a healthy workplace culture. By enabling Microsoft Power Platform and other low-to-no-coding options as a development opportunity, decision makers have the ability to foster a loyal, innovative and inclusive workforce within the organization.

More information about the methodology and target group definition of the Microsoft Low Code Trend Report can be found here.

Are you looking for a digital partner? Do you also want to integrate digital solutions into your existing corporate structure, but don't know how? Or do you have general questions?

Our industry experts at INKUBIT will be happy to help you! Book a free consultation with one of our experts here or write to us at info@inkubit.comWe look forward to exchanging ideas with you!

 

Sources:

1- The Business Benefits of Gender Diversity, Gallup

2- COVID-19 and gender equality: Countering the regressive effects, McKinsey & Company

3- Low-Code Trend Report 2022: Building a learning culture on a low-code platform

4- Gartner Glossary - Citizen Developer

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