How low-code automation can improve processes on SAP
Low code automation brings all kinds of possibilities for organisations using SAP. Experts from convedo have shared five ways how low-code (or no-code) platforms can help companies take their ERP systems to the next level.
A low-code automation platform is software that provides an environment programmers use to create application software through graphical user interfaces and configuration instead of traditional computer programming. In other words, low-code platforms provide figurative building blocks, with which clients can construct a customised application at pace, and without having to re-invent the wheel each time a new project begins.
SAP is one of the world’s most used enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems on the market, and contains hundreds of integrated modules that cover nearly every aspect of business management. As the demand for speed and agility keeps increasing and the access to skilled developers is limited, digital transformation specialist convedo believes low-code is a cost-efficient and scalable strategy for businesses to scale up new products – and has listed five of the ways low-code automation can complement a current SAP system.
User friendly environment
First and foremost, low-code platforms enable teams to build powerful apps through simple visual drag-and-drop tools and reporting metrics, without much coding experience. The whole point of low-code is to be easy to use, meaning that visual drag-and-drop elements provide app-building services with less time-intensive and expensive education required to manage and create.
Low-code development platforms provide an environment that individuals can use to create application software through graphical user interfaces and configuration, instead of traditional computer programming. The ready-made features of the system accelerate the deployment of new solutions, streamline, and speed up the internal processes. Testing times are reduced to mere minutes through a guided wizard and built-in testing capabilities.
Increased agility
Following on from this, low-code platforms can drastically boost the speed and performance of new product development. With the tools to create an app compartmentalised into a user-friendly platform, companies can respond to new challenges and opportunities at pace, with the necessary flexibility to engage with a multitude of delivery profiles, and agility in working style and approach.
Elaborating on this, convedo asserted that enhancing an SAP system with a low code automation could see users “move from idea to finished application in as little as eight weeks.” The firm added that this gives businesses an outstanding level of agility, which may be one of the most critical competitive advantages a company can have in today’s digital world.
Resource saving
ERP transitions can often be difficult and resource intensive. A number of high profile cases show that the migration of data alone can be enough to derail such a move, at a cost of hundreds of millions. As a result, companies such as Revlon, National Grid, Hertz, Haribo, LeasePlan and Lidl have all found that, when done wrong, SAP projects can be nightmarishly complex and extremely expensive.
One of the key benefits to using low-code development platforms in this case is that no such migration is needed. According to convedo, as development platforms come with built-in business logic – with off-the-shelf user interface components, modules and functions ready to be used alongside other elements that can be customised – users can save a tremendous amount of time not having to focus on building the basic features. Instead, companies can focus on what creates maximum business impact.
Better security
The experts also assert that low-code platforms can quickly streamline and enhance the security measures which organisations must deploy to keep their operations safe from cyber criminals. As it is one of the parts that is already built in at the cloud platform level, and within the software of low-code platforms, no additional coding or software is required. This means businesses can feel safe while they scale, connect, and future-proof apps.
One example of this comes from FinTech Hay, which wanted its customers to be able to securely open an account in less than five minutes. To comply with Know Your Customer guidelines, this would require a set of automated checks to carry out the due diligence before new customer on-boarding or a process – something many traditional banks are still struggling to adapt to, meaning on-boarding can take them weeks.
Using low-code platform Appian, Hay partnered with convedo, the operational teams of both firms then worked together to develop the transaction platform, which yielded a service with centralised customer records management, automated case management, and robust security and fraud management.
Improved integration
The user-friendly interface also means that when organisations deploy a low-code platform within the SAP environment, it makes it easy for them to take advantage of cutting-edge technology such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotic process automation, and internet of things. This enables organisations to keep up with the constant change and innovations in technology, as well as to get the most from other branches of its operations.
One example of this could be seen in July 2020, when Deloitte Consulting landed a contract from the Scottish Government to help develop its Social Security Scotland programme. A low-code digital solution was built, according to Social Security Scotland because it could efficiently be integrated with existing Social Security Scotland IT systems and enables facilitates continuous improvement.
