In 21st century business, everything can be enhanced digitally if the right approach is taken. Data can be centralized so that everyone that needs to access it can do so whenever and wherever they are. Meetings no longer have to be conducted only in person or only on speakerphone as new media and communication channels make it possible for people to discuss work, documents, and multimedia presentations in real time.

Previously, this type of digital enhancement to business operations lay exclusively in the hands of the “digerati,” the high-skilled, highly knowledgeable digital professionals. Only they had the expertise and equipment required to create software for others to use. Today, however, things have changed, and one of the biggest advances is in the conception and implementation of the low code development platform and how it can be applied to enterprise mobile app development.

What Is Enterprise Mobile App Development?

Enterprise mobile app development is the creation of software for businesses that is designed to work on the go. Rather than sit down and fill out business expenses at the end of a trip, on dedicated software that is available only on an office desktop computer, for example, employees can do it on their phone. Through enterprise mobile app development, businesses can benefit from specific software tools that facilitate work even when people aren’t in the office.

Businesses have very different, often large-scale needs from typical consumer retail software solutions. Being able to customize the software to specific business needs is always a better boost for productivity than trying to use an off-the-shelf product not necessarily intended for the specific functions a business has in mind. 

This is where a low code development platform can be a big help.

What Are Some Use Cases?

A low code development platform is a software system, usually using a graphical user interface (GUI) that makes it possible, faster, and easier for people without programming skills to create the software they need. This is where the “low code development platform” gets its name from, as there isn’t a high degree of familiarity with complex computer coding principles that programmers need to develop software traditionally.

Low code development platforms have been useful in a variety of different enterprise mobile app development scenarios, such as creating better invoicing systems for people that need a fast, centralized system for tracking and approving sales. Approval systems for internal documents have also benefited significantly both from enterprise mobile app development, and businesses using a low code development platform to create bespoke, custom solutions for this specific to their internal needs.

Who Needs It?

Any business with employees or managers that work out of the office can benefit from enterprise mobile app development. Any business that wants that app to be fine-tuned to their specific needs can benefit from someone training in a low code development platform to create the apps that will meet their specific needs.

For example, a construction company may dispatch workers to remote sites in rural areas that are still within cellular range. Because no wireless internet connection is possible here, the only means of communicating with the home office is through a phone. With a specific app created in a low code development platform, management may be able to customize software that lets employees do everything from “clock in” digitally on the phone, without having to go to a workplace with a physical time clock, and even take photos of completed work and send that digitally to confirm the job is done to specifications.

What Are The Benefits?

Businesses that choose to work with mobile apps are the ones that stand to benefit the most from creating their own apps in a low code development platform. One of the biggest benefits is the savings gained from no longer relying extensively on outsourced work to third-party software developers to create the software a business specifically needs.

Another benefit is that a low code development platform is fast and adaptable. Because an app is developed internally, if changes are required, or the app needs to be scaled up for more users, this can be done internally without needing to set aside time to consult with outside developers.

Finally, low code development platforms are easy. The graphical user interface of this type of software means that it is not as time-consuming or as intimidating as conventional computer programming, which is served best by people who have spent a few years getting a degree in computer science. GUI development environments still require a certain amount of planning and organizational thinking, but at the same time, anyone that is familiar and comfortable with using reporting software is likely to find a similar environment in using a low code development platform.

For any business that wants to use software that focuses on its own specific needs, but doesn’t want to be beholden to a third-party developer for every change, a low code development platform for enterprise mobile app development is a good solution.