Why No-Code can’t build a Batmobile
Written by me, not AI..
No-code solutions have evolved from the 90’s team intern bypassing IT departments with a few Excel macros to the fully fledged No-code platforms of today.
In this article I’ll focus on corporate firms, rather than nimble startups.
There are huge advantages for corporate business departments that want to democratize getting software solutions to just WORK.
But with great power to self-generate software, comes great responsibility to manage the tech.
It isn’t free and simple …. the stuff at the edges causes the challenges…which is why you drive a mass-produced Toyota and not a state of the art Batmobile.
Customization
No-code solutions thrive on pre-built templates, and simplicity. Easy to choose and consume just like your local McDonalds menu
However, the moment you decide to make a significant customization to the platform or functionality, you will start to test the edges and additional costs of the No-code platform.
Expansion
If your No-code platform has a subscription model, then you need to pay attention when you wish to scale up or out:
Features, user numbers, activity counters, volume, tiers can all hit the cost equation. Will you be able to authorize the costs?
Interfacing
Your No-code solution will be fed by data via software interfaces at some point. Usually the data has to be pre-processed to ensure that it conforms to certain formats and types.
If the software interfaces, versions or specifications change, you automatically get an additional job title: Release manager and you will have to reconfirm that your No-code solution continues to function correctly with the changes.
And what about interface governance and user access management?
Security
No-code solutions enable anyone to build and deliver solutions but don’t typically include security features, monitoring or reporting for customized requirements, generally needed for production environments. Security and risk management is left to the firm (I mean “you”) deploying the solution.
Who will do that?
What happens to the data within, or generated out of the no-code platform? Should it be backed up. If so, when?
Continuity
No-code solutions are best when they are self-documenting, so that “anyone” can quickly get started.
They are great for conceptual work and spinning up functionality test platforms. But by nature, software needs business or tech owners.
But if the No-code builder leaves the firm, does anyone else have to be trained, or is the solution handover seamless?
Summary
While No-code platforms offer a quick and easy way for businesses to create software solutions, they come with added responsibilities and costs.
No-code does not mean free!
Customization, expansion, interfacing, security and continuity must be carefully managed when using No-code platforms, as opposed to traditional, dev-created code which typically includes built-in testing, security and all the IT management features that business does not handle.
