Project Overview#
As part of the “Low-Code” project, an evaluation of the top Low-Code platforms based on the Gartner analysis was conducted to find a solution that serves both professional developers and Citizen Developers. Particular focus was placed on notable platforms such as Thingworx, Mendix, and OutSystems, with the ultimate goal of identifying the best solution for a wide range of application scenarios, from simple Excel alternatives to complex applications.
The project’s primary objective was to enable Citizen Developers to create their own applications, while simultaneously improving the productivity of professional developers by leveraging Low-Code technology and integrated deployment pipelines. These pipelines allow developers to build and release applications directly—eliminating additional deployment steps.
Solution#
To further boost collaboration and productivity, pre-built templates were developed and integrated, allowing for rapid sharing of application concepts within teams. Additionally, the platform was designed to adhere to corporate-specific design guidelines, ensuring a consistent and user-friendly interface. Key actions included:
- Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Rollout: The MVP was deployed in a test environment with 50 test users.
- Infrastructure and External Data Sources: Integration with external data sources such as SAP and various databases was successfully executed.
- Scalability Tests: Extensive scalability testing was conducted to ensure the platform is future-proof and can adapt to growing demand.
Support and Role-based Access Control#
An integral part of the project was the development of a comprehensive support concept, which included both a user-helping-user community as well as team support by developers. This support system enabled users to quickly resolve issues and assist each other. Additionally, an offshore team implemented a role-based authorization concept, efficiently managing user access and permissions. A workflow system was also integrated to simplify the management of user roles and access rights.
Challenges and Scaling#
Throughout the project, the user count grew faster than anticipated, leading to a temporary overload of the test system. This required a registration freeze to maintain system stability. To provide users with an easy onboarding process, a detailed training program was developed, supported by regular workshops for users.
Results#
The platform achieved remarkable success early after the rollout. The number of active users grew rapidly:
- Directly after the test phase: 650 users.
- Shortly after the official launch: 1,100 active users.
With an estimated efficiency increase of about 80%, we expect savings of approximately €4.2 million in the first year, based on the average development costs for 250 developers. Given the continually growing user base, these savings are projected to rise exponentially, leading to significant cost reductions and productivity gains for the company.
Conclusion#
The Low-Code project was a pivotal step in the company’s digitalization and process optimization efforts. It empowers Citizen Developers to create applications across varying complexities while also freeing up professional developers by offering pre-built templates, automation, and integrated deployment pipelines. The project has not only driven substantial improvements in efficiency but also contributed to significant cost savings for the company.