Low-code alternative to traditional process and information management systems [Interview]

In an era of increasingly complex and diverse business processes, speed and flexibility in creating and adapting digital solutions have become key success factors. In this context, low-code platforms are gaining popularity, outperforming specialized process and information management systems like BPM or e-document workflows in the area of ​​comprehensive organizational digitization. What are the reasons for this? Learn how experts view this phenomenon.

Low-code technology has been discussed for some time now as, in a sense, an alternative to traditional process automation systems. And although there are numerous implementations of such systems and publications regarding low-code platforms, ignorance about their purpose still prevails. Relatively often, low-code is incorrectly identified with a business process management system (BPMS) or electronic document flow. Although these technologies and applications may seem similar at first glance, there is a fundamental difference between them. Compared to BPMS and EOD, low-code platforms offer different quality and capabilities, more "high-end."

To dispel doubts and highlight the differences between low-code, BPMS, and EOD, we invited experts to the discussion: Jacek Michalik, Development Director at nAxiom, a low-code platform, and Bartosz Kwieciński, Business Development Manager at OPTeam, responsible for the development of projects using low-code technology.

Let's start from the beginning. Let's briefly explain what a low-code platform is by definition.

Jacek Michalik: A low-code platform is a tool that enables the rapid creation of digital tools using graphical interfaces and with minimal coding. It allows for the creation of more or less advanced applications and process automation, not only by programmers whose work they streamline, but also by analysts, managers, and other users with limited technical skills.

So what are the characteristics of a low-code platform? How does it stand out from other process automation solutions?

Bartosz Kwieciński: The advantage of low-code platforms over other systems used to date lies in their ability to deliver comprehensive solutions in a relatively short time. Thanks to visual modeling and configuration tools, these platforms allow for the immediate adaptation of built applications to changing operational and regulatory needs, which is crucial in today's dynamically changing world. This applies to both the business environment and the ever-changing public institutions and universities, where the demand for applications personalized to procedures is growing.

What is the real difference between low-code technology, BPMS, and electronic document flow?

Jacek Michalik: Business Process Management systems are used to model, implement, monitor, and optimize processes. They enable their streamlining and standardization, which in turn leads to increased efficiency and effectiveness. However, they often require specialized technical knowledge to create and modify these processes, which is typically quite time-consuming. Compared to BPMS, a low-code platform offers greater flexibility and is easier to configure for any processes or applications. As mentioned at the beginning of the interview, it doesn't require the user to have as advanced technical skills.

Bartosz Kwieciński: Regarding electronic document workflow, it's a system that manages the flow of documents within an organization, enabling them to be tracked, assigned tasks related to their processing, and stored in a digital format. DMS systems are crucial for document management, but although they can be used to digitize processes beyond document workflows, they typically don't offer the same broad range of features as low-code platforms.

Is there a technological difference between a low-code platform and a BPMS and e-workflow?

Jacek Michalik: Yes, definitely. A low-code platform with a process engine offers functionalities comparable to the above systems. However, it allows for the modeling, automation, monitoring, and optimization of business processes in a more intuitive and accessible way. This is achieved through an open interface model, which allows for the creation of forms for editing and presenting data visually similar to those obtained through traditional programming techniques. Applications created on a low-code platform can support functions related to document workflow and management, but offer greater flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt processes to changing needs.

Bartosz Kwieciński: Let's take an example. Recently, in one of our implementations, we built a basic CRM system on the nAxiom platform, replacing the Excel files we were using. Distributed customer data was now in one place, easily and quickly accessible to multiple users, who now have complete information about the history of their collaboration with a given partner. The client spent a long time searching for a CRM system among the many available on the market, but each proved either overly complex with features unnecessary from the client's business perspective or ill-suited to their business profile. Therefore, the best solution turned out to be a custom-designed solution, quickly built and launched on a low-code platform. Furthermore, as we gained experience with its use, it was systematically and seamlessly updated and expanded with new features. The CRM initially launched as a customer and sales thread registry, into which historical data was imported from various sources. Gradually, as experience was gained and new requirements arose in various areas of the business and at various management levels, additional elements were added. Customized notifications, analyses, and reports, as well as connections with other systems in the environment (production and logistics, service, marketing, accounting, websites, and social media), were designed with user input. On the one hand, this was to achieve optimal performance and adapt to their individual habits and intuition, and on the other, to ensure that each implemented element offered previously untapped operational capabilities. Tests are already underway on the integration of CRM with a chatbot and the use of AI. Meanwhile, several other applications have been developed on the implemented nAxiom platform. Of course, there are many more similar examples, such as an application facilitating inventory counts for distributed assets, an application supporting the dynamic settlement of bonuses for early payments, and an application for real-time monitoring of tasks performed by production employees. Applications for research institutes have also been developed, streamlining research and development project management and business collaboration. In each case, the need arose either from functional deficiencies in the domain-specific system or from highly individual customer needs.

Jacek Michalik: It's worth noting that these solutions were delivered to clients in a short timeframe—some within weeks, and their individual modules within hours and days. Such a short time from the moment work on the solution began and its launch is important for clients due to the cost of investing in technological innovation and competitive advantage.

To sum up, low-code is not just a technological concept, but an innovative tool that changes the approach to digitalization?

Jacek Michalik: The advantage of low-code platforms lies in their flexibility, versatility, and the ability to quickly create and modify applications and business processes. If a low-code platform includes a process engine, it can deliver functionalities similar to BPM and DMS systems in a single, unified solution. Low-code is an increasingly attractive alternative to building traditional management systems, simultaneously offering companies, public institutions, and universities the ability to quickly adapt to a dynamically changing world.


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