Achieving Operational Agility with Low-Code Software

We take a look at Agile workflow and how low-code tools help companies achieve operational agility.

Agile Workflow Changes the Game

Software development is the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Agile methodology. One of the main benefits of embracing the Agile method is that it helps different areas truly embrace the concept of teamwork. Without it, you’re not going to get very far with Agile. Let’s take a deeper look at the Agile workflow and how low-code platform tools like Nutrient Workflow help companies truly incorporate the concepts into their daily business processes.

How Low-Code and Agile Work Well Together

At its core, Agile is about making companies more adaptable to changes in the business environment. For example, how often have you experienced situations where a project team receives a set of requirements from a business owner, only to have them inform you mid-stream that their needs have changed?

The traditional Waterfall method of development applied in the past with standard application development required that developers create applications sequentially, from the initial outline to the final product deployment. That made it challenging to add changes without significantly delaying the project, adding to overall costs.

With Agile workflows, companies can incorporate a customer’s changing needs by breaking projects down into shorter time periods called sprints. Each sprint in the Agile operating model covers the development and deployment of specific capabilities. Any changes or fixes get pushed to another sprint.

The low-code approach to development

Low-code development takes a visual approach to creating business applications. That way, business users and development teams can reuse components and apply model-driven logic to quickly develop and deploy apps to production. Many of the fundamentals of agile operations definition also apply to low-code development.

• Ability to respond quickly to change

• Enable more open collaboration with customers

• Visualizing the interactions between different processes and business areas

• Creating robust working products

By incorporating low-code platforms to improve operational agility, companies no longer have to rely only on developers with specialized programming knowledge, like writing lines of code. In addition, abstracting the functionality into visual components removes a lot of tediousness that comes with traditional day-to-day application development.

Instead, users use platforms that allow them to develop Agile workflows using visual drag-and-drop tools along with reusable components and process modeling. In addition, the Nutrient Workflow platform encourages real-time collaborations between members of a project team.

How IT Benefits from the Low-Code Approach

Companies can enable agile IT operations by investing in more low-code technology. For example, instead of having a programmer’s time tied up with creating mundane automation for a business area, companies can move that work over to users familiar with using a low-code platform. That helps IT develop software more efficiently. In addition, by pushing more routine tasks off to business users, IT programmers can focus on building more complex applications that require unique functionality.

Achieving Agility with Low-Code Platforms

Because Nutrient Workflow supports Agile development, companies can use it to accelerate the introduction of low-code workflows throughout their organization. Every user, whether technical or non-technical, plays a vital role in the success of an organization.

Low-code platforms make it possible for businesses to empower non-technical users within their roles. That way, they can more quickly bring their ideas for improvement to fruition without having to wait for an IT resource to become available. That also gives business and end-users the ability to be more active in creating applications that improve their day-to-day workflows.

Better Flexibility Through Agile

Thanks to the constant advancements in technology, it’s possible for things to change in an instant. Because of that, organizations must position themselves to adapt and respond to the needs of the market and their customers. Applications don’t remain stagnant anymore. Most have to evolve after deployment to accommodate the needs of end-users.

Low-code platforms embrace the need for change through Agile methodology. For example, it encourages having smaller teams work together to accomplish specific business goals. In addition, users can visualize Agile workflows so that everyone remains on the same page about the work the team must achieve.

Implementing Agile methodology with Nutrient Workflow makes it possible for members with different skillsets to understand where everyone is coming from. That helps teams overcome any communication challenges that might otherwise doom the project.

Improved Feedback Process

Active, engaged feedback is key to ensuring that software functions the way it should. Nutrient Workflow provides companies with a platform that allows for healthy collaboration and change management. Users can add stories, make corrections, add comments, and provide responses to other team members.

Nutrient Workflow automatically makes that information accessible to team members within the enterprise. Low-code platforms help reduce many issues that often arise between IT leaders and business users because of a lack of understanding. Nutrient Workflow provides organizations with the flexibility needed to make sound business decisions and quickly deliver value to customers.

Achieving Agile Operational Readiness

Even larger organizations can improve their business functionality by embracing both agile and low-code programming. That way, you’re paving the way for next-generation technology solutions. In addition, faster deployments make it possible for companies to give customers what they want at a quicker pace.

However, companies must make sure that they do everything possible to successfully implement Agile workflows and low-code development strategies.

Consider issues like providing security, who gets complete visibility into a low-code platform, and whether Agile is the right approach for every business area. While there can be challenges, low-code offers a way for organizations to provide new developers or business users with the chance to prove their value to the organization.

Embrace Low-Code and Agile Workflow

We have a variety of resources to help you on your journey to an automated workflow.

• Workflow Tools and eBooks

• Workflow Ideas Weekly eMail Newsletter

• Recorded Demonstration of our Workflow Automation Software

• Request a Live Demonstration