Think about all the processes that are simultaneously happening within your business organization. All the systems, teams, software, and actions that happen in a single workday can impose a serious challenge for the managers and leaders to keep track of. Then, there are third-party apps you’re using daily that create additional confusion. If that’s the case with your business, you should think of a way to connect those multiple systems into one and make things simpler for everyone involved.
Building an internal tool that could help you do this may sound like a challenge. You’re not a developer and development time could take forever. Luckily, there are low-code application platforms that can help you with web app development. Below, we’ll explain how you can easily connect your multiple systems in one place while cutting down development time.
1. Explore Low-Code Platforms
Coding and app development is complex, and you need to leave that to trained professionals. That’s why you should choose a low-code development option instead, which requires you to have basic JavaScript knowledge only.
The first thing you need to do is find a low-code platform that will allow you to build your app easily and without too much development experience. Explore different platforms until you find the one that has the basic features you’ll need:
- drag-and-drop interface building options
- prebuilt UI components
- simple but functional building tools
For instance, UI Bakery offers ready-to-go components that you can use to build the interface your business needs to improve internal processes.
2. Search for templates
If you’re not sure where to start and how to begin building your internal application, look for templates that could inspire you or serve as a starting point. This will significantly cut down development time.
You should look for platforms that offer:
- layouts
- widgets
- connectors
- UI components
- building blocks
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Templates will give you a great head-start but you’ll still be able to customize them according to your specific needs.
3. Consider integrations
Third-party apps and tools are an essential part of your daily workflow. Connecting all of those apps into one place would be a life-saver.
Therefore, you’ll need a low-code platform that offers integrations with the tools you’re using. Those may include:
- Google Sheets
- MySQL
- Slack
- Firebase
- Amazon S3
- GraphQL
You’ll also need to make sure the low-code application platform offers integrations with your existing data. Find the integrations you need and make sure the given tool offers you all the options you need.
4. Consider the costs
As much as you need this new internal tool, you don’t want the costs to be over the moon. Cost-effectiveness is important, so try to make sure you know what expenses to expect.
The prices of different low-code platforms will depend on numerous factors:
- number of end-users
- specific features you will or won’t use
- custom components
- modules limitations
For instance, both UI Bakery and Retool offer a free version of the app developer, which allows you to get to know the builder. Then, you can upgrade to 7$ or $10 a month per user. It’s still far more cost-effective than hiring a developer or a UI designer.
You could do more extensive research to cross-compare different tools and calculate what might be the best deal for you. If that’s too much work, search online for “write my research paper” services. They can do the job for you, and deliver the results you’ll use to cut down costs.
5. Try out components
Building the right kind of UI for your new app is the fun part of the process. Still, it can be a challenge to make it all fit together and create an intuitive user journey.
We suggest you try out different components to see how they work on the screen. Add and remove:
- tables
- forms
- images
- charts
- metrics
Some low-code application platforms even offer the option to build your own components, if they don’t have them in their pre-built selection. You’d need to read and learn about creating and managing new components, but if you have the basic technical knowledge, you’ll be able to do it without any trouble.
6. Ensure security
The one problem that may occur when using a low-code development platform is the question of security. Most people are skeptical about the level of security these platforms provide, and you should be too.
You need to choose a platform that offers maximum data security. Read their policies about:
- data storage
- data encryption
- data transition
- penetration tests
- security certifications
- integrating with third-party APIs
Securing your new app is a top priority so you’ll need a platform that promises superb security measures and helps you stay protected from different types of threats.
7. Watch tutorials or schedule a demo
After you’ve reviewed and considered all your options, you could still have trouble choosing the right platform and getting started. In fact, gathering information and learning how to use the builder may be the hardest and most time-consuming part.
So, you could watch videos and tutorials on how to build your internal toll or schedule a demo with the platform to have their experts show you how to do it.
Plus, the best low-code platforms offer customer support made of professionals ready to step in and help you with any potential problems you may face. So, if you do hit any bumps in the road, you can still solve the problem quickly with the right support.
Final thoughts
Connecting your multiple systems in one place is possible and doable. All you need to do is find the low-code app development platforms that suit your needs and technical background.
Hopefully, the tips we’ve shared above will help you cut down development time and build the internal tool you need.