Software Development for Non Developers - TBB Low Code Ecosystem
TBB - Low Code Categories
If you are interested in learning low code and have no formal software development background, don’t fret, the Business Blocks is built around non developer or Citizen developer.
For simplicity, the TBB categories have been divided into four specific categories:
- Platform Hubs as the backbone to the workflow.
- Input/Outputs – Where the work is done
- Transform – Where the work is saved.
- Generic – Supportive no code platforms.
Category 1 - Platform Hubs
Backbone to the Workflow
The platform hubs are like the brain and how it links to the nervous system and veins to flow all the of the data and workflows to the right areas. The backbone to the whole business operation.
Platform hubs are where your teams collaborate and manage business knowledge and they are a visual space to house the information and processes and your workers can manage their own time effectively on the same platform.
Examples include:
- Microsoft Office 365 - SharePoint
- Zoho One - The All-in-One Workspace
- Google's G-Suite or Workspace
These platforms have been built with integration in mind. But if you don’t find your preferred API then you can check out how Zapier can help you create the link to automate your workflow.
Category 2 - Input/Outputs for where the work happens
Digitise your input and output methods
Everyday, you log into your computer and most likely you open up your emails or you get straight into that spreadsheet in excel. Once you bang out a few emails and finish that data analysis you then have to create that graph for your boss and you send it messenger to get the final approval before adding it to the presentation.
All of these examples are either inputs or outputs were work is done.
Examples include:
- Gather - Forms, Surveys and Feedback
- Analyse - Data Analysis Platforms
- Socialise - Virtual Meetings & Collaboration
At The Business Blocks, we treat each of these platforms as flexible ways to keep your work flowing. When trying to understand which platform you want to work with to automate, there are a few fundamentals to consider time, frequency and complexity.
We will discuss this further in the examples.
Category 3 - Transform and send your data
This is the opportunity area!
Fundamentals of automation suggest that you should first document your system and create a basic path to completion of the workflow.
Digitise
If you have the right tools, you can digitise the work into a online flow. Examples include moving from a form base to and online form platform such as JotForm or Formstack. Or even if you typically make a call to perform a task, can you move it to email
Once digitised, you should you review the possible integrations and APIs available to the platform your already use, play around and then start to link your platforms.
Systemise – Checklists, SOPs and systems in place can help you achieve some great business targets. Everyone uses the McDonalds analogy as to “how a multi-billion company can be run by kids”, the answer is systems.
Once you have systemised your business into documents and housed them on your document management system, then it is time to get started to automate.
Automate – Linking software platforms together through API’s is a very special position to be in for your business, the best place is to start on the simplest process.
As you will see, there is a plethora of platforms out there than can help you automate and I predict it will become standard for software platforms to be open with their APIs to help grow the ecosystem.
Category 4 - General low code platforms for you
Mockups, Creativity and Plugins
The general category of low code platforms includes app builders and mock up software which make it super simple and cheap to develop your own apps.
If you are also keen on improving your workflow during your creative process then you should consider apps that have in-built integrations with existing service providers that save you time and dollars.
- Canva - Creative platform for designers.
- Flixier - Video editing software.
- Airtable - Database and plugins.
There is also a plethora of plugins and lite apps that you can integrate into your workflows for a more productive day.
Some of the aforementioned platforms including AirTable have their own plugins available to use in conjunction to the platform.
Summary:
Utilise the categories to review and analyse your system and try to find out where the opportunities are hiding out.
Continue the journey to learn about low code:
Section 1 – What is digital transformation?
Section 2 – You are here now.
Section 3 – The TBB Process Review Template and Examples