What is Low-code automation? Benefits & Use Cases

In the ever-evolving realm of software development, the need for swift application delivery and effective testing processes has spurred the emergence of low-code automation. 

What is low-code automation, what are its benefits and use cases? This article will help you dive into the realm of low-code and answer the question of why low-code is one of the burgeoning trends in the technology environment.

Low-code automation platforms aim to simplify and accelerate the process of creating software applications.   

The name "low-code automation" speaks for itself: such solutions enable you to automate in-app operations with almost no code usage. Thus, this approach is focused in particular on reducing the amount of manual coding and testing. This makes such "almost no-code" platforms more accessible to a wide range of people, including those with limited programming experience. 

Competition has forced companies to bring products to market at a quick pace, thus requiring speedy development. Furthermore, back in those days, numerous companies grappled with dysfunctional processes, as a result of inadequate in-house expertise and technical staff. 

Therefore, in response to these challenges, developers started creating "visual coding" tools. For simplified and accelerated development. Hence, in 2014, thanks to Forrester, the concept of low-code platforms first emerged. 

The point is that low-code automation platforms provide a visual interface with pre-built components and drag-and-drop functions. Instead of coding from scratch, citizen developers can leverage pre-built components, employing a "brick method" to build applications. Low-code applications prioritize configuration over coding. 

This allows developers to implement complex functionality using configurations, thus minimizing development time. Besides, the low-code approach implies that pre-built modules can be used, but still leaves the possibility of creating code from scratch for more complex and customized functionalities. At such times, technical knowledge is essential.

The demand for low-code solutions is on the rise. Gather predicts that low-code application platforms will dominate the low-code development technology market, projecting a 25% growth to reach almost $10 billion by 2023. 

In the context of software testing, low-code automation software involves using low-code platforms to create and execute test scripts. Testers can visually develop test scenarios, which reduces the need for extensive coding.  

Also, low-code test automation platforms allow testers to quickly create test scripts, making it easier to work with frequently updated software.

Agile + low-code automation = ideal combo 

Low-code development reduces sprints and improves collaborative efforts, fostering a more agile product development culture throughout the entire product design journey. Many organizations are noticing that their low-code teams naturally embody agile best practices, often outperforming their “high-code” counterparts, making the adoption of low-code a catalyst for agile transformation. According to Forrester, “Low-code platforms and agile values, principles, and practices all fuel each other.” 

The terms "low-code" and "no-code" automation platforms are frequently used interchangeably, suggesting little difference. However, there are distinct nuances between the two concepts.

Automation based on low-code code helps to optimize processes and significantly save time and money. In summary, there are 5 main benefits of low-code automation. 

• Fast test case development  

Since such platforms provide visual interfaces and out-of-the-box test modules, it allows minimizing manual coding of test cases > speeding up test case creation by providing comprehensive coverage > faster adjustment of test cases to changes. 

• Enhanced visibility

Low-code platforms often include features for real-time monitoring and analytics. This provides insights into application performance, user behavior, and potential areas for improvement.

• Improved interaction between testers and developers  

With a common, low-code platform, testers and developers can communicate effectively with each other. This collaborative environment minimizes misunderstandings and speeds up the addressing of testing problems.

• Efficient testing processes  

Reducing manual coding of test cases results in significant cost savings. Test teams can focus on strategic aspects of testing, such as scenario development and analysis, rather than spending unnecessary time on routine coding.

• Rapid responsiveness to change 

The visual nature of off-the-shelf code-based development fosters flexibility, allowing organizations to respond quickly to market changes, system modifications, customer feedback, or regulatory requirements.

Low-code automation is used in a variety of industries to achieve efficiency within time and resources. For example:  

1. API development 
   When developing APIs, low-code platforms accelerate API creation and integration. This approach simplifies the traditionally complex API development process, allowing developers to respond quickly to changing integration needs.
2. Design improvement  
   Low-coding platforms allow developers to develop prototypes quickly, facilitating a collaborative design process and ensuring a smooth transition from concept to implementation.
3. HR optimization  
   Low-code automation software finds its application in improving HR operations. It streamlines hiring processes, simplifies employee onboarding, and ensures compliance with HR policies. This flexibility allows HR teams to adapt processes to meet the changing needs of the organization. 
4. Simplification of finance operations
   Finance teams use low-code automation to optimize complex financial processes. Low-coding solutions provide a flexible environment for creating and modifying financial workflows — from invoice processing to compliance checks — with a minimum of coding.
5. Sales assistance  
   Low-code automation software provides invaluable assistance in building sales enablement tools. Sales teams can quickly adapt and enhance customer relationship management (CRM) tools to ensure they are fully aligned with changing business strategies.
6. Accelerated software testing
   Ultimately, test teams benefit significantly from low-level coding by streamlining the process of creating, executing, and maintaining test cases. It accelerates the testing cycle by increasing agility as part of continuous software updates.

Low-code automation is becoming a powerful enabler in simplifying system testing processes, offering effective solutions in various application areas.

Implementing solutions with reduced testing needs simplifies the workflow, but this approach will not replace a comprehensive testing strategy where developer input is required.

As automation evolves, enterprises will be able to leverage these technologies to improve the efficiency, productivity, and adaptability of their testing methods. The decision to choose the right low-code and no-code automation depends on each organization's unique needs, resources, and goals.