Low-code platforms allow users to build software applications without writing extensive code. Instead, they provide a visual drag-and-drop interface that enables developers and, in some cases, business users to build entire applications without breaking a sweat. At least, that’s the elevator pitch.

This led to the idea that low-code suits tactical, departmental applications. Simple stuff that is typically solved with equally simple workflows. But that is not (entirely) true.

In this article, we’ll discuss when to use low-code and a few low-code application examples to show you what you can build with this technology and make the most of it.

When Should You Use Low-Code?

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The short answer is whenever you need a custom application.

It’s important to note, however, that the process of deciding whether you should build or buy an application has changed in the post-pandemic world, as organizations were forced to move their entire business online — and by entire, we mean not only their interaction with customers but also their whole internal operations.

Today, it should be obvious to IT leaders that even the most mundane internal system has to change eventually to cope with unforeseen circumstances.

And when you’re dealing with standard SaaS or COTS systems, even if they’re the best in class, they don’t change easily because they weren’t made with the peculiarities of your business in mind.

The uncontrollable SaaS sprawls most organizations face have led to a complex IT ecosystem of disconnected applications that tremendously impacts employee and customer experiences.

This forces companies to embrace in-house development that allows them to ‘keep their house clean’ while reducing costs in the long run in licensing fees.

That calls for custom software. The good news is that low-code platforms are becoming increasingly powerful and versatile and can be used to build a wide range of custom applications.

What Can You Build with Low-Code?

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Pretty much any low-code platform will provide you with the capabilities to build:

• Business process automation solutions
• Web applications
• Workflow management
• Data visualization and reporting

The challenge, however, is when you’re looking to build enterprise core platforms, external, B2C applications, and cross-departmental internal business applications that require high-level security and extreme scalability.

These are what we call ‘strategic applications’, i.e., applications that deliver your unique business value and therefore have a disproportionate impact on your top line (revenue) and bottom line (saving and profit) and help you manage risk.

That’s when you need to be more selective when choosing the right low-code platform.

A high-performance low-code platform like OutSystems can address a robust set of needs and requirements, allowing you to create and rapidly evolve the key applications for pretty much everything your organization needs, spanning both immediate tactical as well as including strategic business-critical needs and customer-facing applications.

These include customer applications and portals, internal business applications, and core systems.

High-Performance Low-Code Application Examples

Let’s look at a few real-life low-code application examples built with a high-performance low-code platform.

Customer mobile applications and web portals: Western Union’s mobile digital banking application

With the new fintech players joining the market, Western Union wanted to boost its agility and accelerate innovation to remain competitive. In just 11 months, the company launched its new digital banking application in Germany and Romania, and it’s already rolling out to other countries. You can read the full story here.

Internal business applications: Medtronic Click portal that supports 80,000 employees

Realizing that great user experiences underpin efficiency and CX improvement, Medtronic focused on improving the employee experience. Using OutSystems, Medtronic delivered “Click”—a personalized portal serving over 80,000 employees—making it easier for staff and managers to find, fix, learn, and request what they need to do. You can read the full story here.

Core systems: Vopak needed to replace its JD Edwards ERP system. However, all alternatives they looked for presented a continuing problem: lack of fit and slow speed to market for innovations and enhancements. So the company decided to use OutSystems high-performance low-code to build a complete terminal management system at its operation’s core. With this new custom-made core system, the company was able to increase its agility and innovate faster than ever. You can read the full story here.

Unify Your Business with High-Performance Low-Code

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With high-performance low-code you can build whatever your business needs, from the most simple internal business application to the most complex and strategic application.

The OutSystems high-performance low-code platform is the most powerful on the planet, built from the ground up to execute big, impactful ideas at scale in high-stakes environments. It is also the only platform that lets you choose how you use low-code–with options for adding custom code, custom integrations, and preferred DevOps and project management tools when needed.

To learn more about what OutSystems can do for you, get the eBook The Whats, Whys, and Hows of Solving Any Business Challenge with Low-Code.

A version of this article was originally published in the OutSystems Blog.