How low-code platforms open small business possibilities

Traditional IT systems are frighteningly expensive and out of reach for small businesses. Whether it's the up-front cost of buying servers, the on-going costs of maintaining and operating systems or the challenges of creating software solutions, small businesses wisely steered clear of these expensive endeavours.
But times have changed. Over the past few years, Cloud-based systems have arrived, making it unnecessary to buy hardware and deploy systems, instead allowing anyone to just use the services that run in the Cloud. We don't need to think about servers running in the background as we post updates to Facebook or send emails via Gmail. And yet we use these services as critical elements of our small businesses.

Run on spreadsheets

As well as 'standard' systems like email, every small business also has it's own process and systems. Whether it's a staff roster, a customer list, suppliers, inventory or accounts, there's probably some spreadsheets kicking about that you absolutely depend on. But what happens when you're away from your computer? Or your computer dies? What if you want someone else help you work on the task? 
​Sound familiar?

Low-code and the opportunity for small businesses

With dramatic evolution of Cloud-based solutions, we are now seeing a new set of tools becoming available that make powerful custom IT systems an affordable option for small businesses. Called 'Low-code" or "High Productivity" platforms, they provide development and deployment services that allow anyone to create and run systems without the expense attached. Tech analyst firm Gartner is now tracking this set of tools and has released it's first Magic Quadrant.

The ThinkingPower mindset

At ThinkingPower, we focus on delivering business solutions as efficiently as possible. We build on powerful development platforms that provide massive functionality without complexity and cost, allowing us to deliver robust solutions quickly and cost effectively. We've been using low-code platforms for years to help our clients run their businesses more effectively and we're excited about helping you too. Contact us today to find out how we can use a Low-Code system to help streamline your business.

Case study - replacing the Spreadsheet with Zoho Creator

A client needed to keep a record of daily cash-flow to help balance the books and track the day-by-day performance of the business. Instead of using a spreadsheet, ThinkingPower built a solution on Zoho Creator, consisting of:

• an easy-to-use data capture form with built-in calculations and several short-cuts, reducing the time and complexity of entering data,
• an online database to store the data,
• a roles-based security system based on Google accounts,
• a set of reports and custom views.

The system has worked well since we started using it but the additional benefits of using a Cloud-based solution truly emerged later on:

• being cloud-based, data can be entered from anywhere - from the computer, ipad or phone - at home, at work or on the go.
• other people can be given restricted access to the system, so other staff members can enter data but cannot see previous entries.
• new reports can be developed later on. After capturing data for 18 months, we added a report to show performance compared to the previous years.
• the client does not need to worry about backing up data or managing versions of spreadsheets. All the data is in one spot and always available.
• using the power of Zoho Creator, the solution was delivered quickly and cost-effectively.

Interested to know more about cloud-powered solutions for your business? Contact ThinkingPower today.