Low-code is key to digital transformation, reveals report

A recent report by Mendix, a Siemens business, reveals how low-code development tools are increasingly seen as essential for enterprise digital transformation.

The "Low-Code Perspective: Insights from enterprise IT leaders" report is based on a survey of 2,000 C-suite and senior IT decision-makers from regions including Benelux, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the US. It suggests that non-technical executives are becoming more involved in technology decisions. In particular, Chief Operating Officers (COOs) and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are at the forefront of low-code adoption discussions.

The survey indicates that 98% of organisations in the UK incorporate low-code in their development processes, with 79% acknowledging that it enhances their capacity to innovate at scale. Moreover, low-code is no longer just a tactical solution but is now recognised as a strategic technology to drive digital transformation.

According to the findings, 73% of respondents identified their C-suite as the primary advocate for low-code adoption, emphasising its role in streamlining operations and boosting efficiency. A significant 83% of respondents agree that combining AI with low-code could further accelerate innovation within their organisations. However, the survey also notes the need for training to ensure effective use of AI-assisted coding.

Nick Ford, Chief Growth Officer at Mendix, has offered to discuss the report's findings and their implications for the future of enterprise software development, particularly the impact of AI on coding.

The research highlights considerable benefits of low-code development, such as increased productivity, which 81% of respondents endorse. Additionally, 82% agree that low-code simplifies the development process, while 69% believe it reduces the time-to-market for new applications.

Further insights show that decision-making around low-code technology now involves the entire C-suite, with the COO (51%) and the CEO (45%) playing significant roles. Organisations are leveraging low-code to support digital transformation efforts and streamline legacy systems, with 75% viewing it as the future of coding.

The report also stresses the importance of upskilling both technical and non-technical employees to harness the full potential of low-code. Three out of four technical leaders recognise a need for further training to maximise AI-assisted development.

Users of low-code platforms report reduced risks and increased compliance, with 73% agreeing it enhances regulatory adherence. Governance and security were rated among the top considerations when selecting a low-code platform by 42% of respondents.

Raymond Kok, CEO of Mendix, stated, "We have always believed that low-code had the potential to be much more than a tool to automate manual processes. This survey shows that the market agrees. Used wisely, low-code is about rethinking entire business processes from the ground up. In turn, this enables the other critical benefit of low-code: innovation."

"Enterprises will be able to speed up digital transformation cycles and innovate at scale. Low-code also opens new avenues for fusion teams to think bigger when it comes to using tech to transform their organisation for the future, as long as they are prioritising upskilling users to maximise the potential of low-code for their unique use cases. Low-code continues to be closely aligned to today's market's needs, while also offering a springboard for future innovation."