Standard software, no-code, low-code or manual coding? 4 steps to choose the right solution for your business

You’ve decided to automate processes in your business, and you’ve selected the ones you want to prioritize. Choosing the right technology to implement these changes is just as critical. Your options typically range from off-the-shelf solutions to manual coding, with no-code and low-code platforms in between. Here’s a guide to help you determine if transitioning to a no-code platform is the right fit for your business needs.

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Step 1: Define your requirements

Before diving into the sea of available technologies, clearly outline what you need the solution to accomplish. Focus on the essentials—those must-have features without which the system would fail to meet your needs. Consider the following:

• Functionality: Does the solution efficiently perform the required tasks?
• Privacy and security: Is it compliant with regulations (e.g. GDPR)?
• Performance and scalability: Can it handle your current and anticipated future volumes?
• Maintainability: Is the system sustainable and capable of evolving with your business?

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Step 2: Determine your budget

Construct a solid business case, which will then determine your budget. This involves assessing the potential returns your solution might generate and how these benefits align with your business objectives.

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Defining the Business Case

• Start by pinpointing exactly what you expect to gain from automating a process. These benefits could be quantifiable, such as a 10% increase in revenue, a 20% reduction in operational costs, or qualitative improvements like enhanced customer satisfaction or better compliance management. The idea is to link the automation directly to tangible business outcomes that support your strategic goals.
• Automation typically leads to cost savings. These can come from minimizing manual labor and errors, or speeding up processes which in turn reduces time to market. Calculate the current costs of the processes you plan to automate and estimate the savings post-implementation. This not only helps in determining Return on Investment (ROI) but also in setting realistic expectations for the project's impact.
• Apart from cost savings, consider how automation could potentially increase revenue. For instance, could automating certain tasks free up resources to focus on more revenue-generating activities? Or, could enhancing the speed and accuracy of your service improve customer satisfaction and lead to increased sales or premium pricing opportunities?

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When determining the budget, keep 3 factors in mind:  

• Initial and ongoing costs: While estimating the returns, it’s crucial to consider both the initial and ongoing costs of the automation solution. This includes the cost of the platform, any customizations needed, training staff to use the new system, and maintenance expenses.
• ROI: Combine the expected returns with the total cost to calculate the ROI. A positive ROI is a strong indicator that the project is financially viable.
• Budget flexibility: Recognize that these calculations might have a degree of fluidity. Market conditions, technological advancements, and changes in business strategy can all affect both costs and benefits over time. Therefore, it's advisable to maintain some flexibility in your budget to accommodate these fluctuations.

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Step 3: Evaluate the expertise of your team & users

The success of implementing a new technology solution not only depends on the software itself but also on the knowledge levels of your team and users. Consider:

• Domain knowledge: Do you understand the processes well enough to customize solutions beyond basic, off-the-shelf products?
• Technical knowledge: What is your team’s level of coding skills?
• User interface (UI) requirements: How tech-savvy are the end-users of the system? Their experience level will influence the options you have for the user interface.

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Step 4: Technology selection process

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Option 1: Off-the-shelf solutions

Always start simple. If a readily available solution meets your needs, it might be the most efficient route. These solutions require minimal technical knowledge and are quick to deploy but offer limited customization.

• Take integration into account: Does the solution integrate seamlessly with your existing systems, or does it require additional customization?

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Option 2: No-code platforms

If no off-the-shelf solution fits, or you anticipate needing significant modifications soon, consider no-code platforms – they are user-friendly and require domain knowledge, but no technical expertise.

• Evaluate platform capabilities: Ensure the platform can scale and adapt to your business needs. No-code solutions offer less flexibility than low-code or manual coding but are often sufficient for many business applications.

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Option 3: Low-code platforms

Should your needs exceed what no-code platforms offer, low-code might be the next best step. These platforms still reduce the need for extensive coding but provide greater flexibility and customization.

• Technical resources to consider: You will need quite a lot of technical expertise, either in-house or through a partner, to develop and maintain your solution.

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Option 4: Manual coding

If your requirements are highly specific and no platform-based solution fits, manual coding might be necessary. This option offers the highest level of customization and control, suitable for niche needs like advanced AI applications or embedded software.

• Expertise consideration: Ensure you have the highly skilled resources needed for development and ongoing maintenance.

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Conclusion

Choosing the right technology for business automation involves assessing not just the technical capabilities of the software but also aligning it with your team's expertise and the operational goals of your organization. No-code platforms like Triggre offer a balance of ease-of-use and robust functionality, making them an excellent choice for businesses looking to automate processes without a heavy investment in technical training. Consider your options carefully to select a solution that not only meets your current needs but also supports your business as it grows and evolves.