Head of Information Technology at Grupo Kyly

Introduction

Low-code and no-code technologies are quickly gaining momentum as an efficient way for businesses to develop applications and streamline operations. At KYLY Group, we have successfully implemented low-code and no-code technologies in some of our business areas, resulting in significant improvements in our processes and overall efficiency. However, implementing these technologies was not without its challenges. In this article, we will discuss the challenges we faced and overcame in changing mindsets towards low-code and no-code technologies, as well as our strategy for training employees, the benefits of localized controls, and our interface hub that ensures governance and compliance.

Changing Mindsets

One of the biggest challenges we faced in implementing low-code and no-code technologies was changing mindsets towards these technologies. Many employees were used to traditional methods of development, and there was skepticism about the effectiveness of low-code and no-code platforms, including among IT staff.

To overcome this challenge, we invested in a comprehensive training program that focused on building practical applications that solved business problems. We emphasized the ease of use and speed of development with low-code and no-code platforms and showcased success stories from other businesses that had implemented these technologies.

We also faced resistance from IT teams, who were concerned about security and compliance. To address these concerns, we made sure that our low-code and no-code applications adhered to the same security and compliance standards as traditional applications. We also emphasized the benefits of low-code and no-code platforms, such as faster development cycles and increased productivity, which helped to win over IT teams.

Training Employees in Business Areas

Our training program involved a mix of formal training sessions and practical application-building exercises. We partnered with low-code and no-code platform providers to conduct training sessions and workshops for our employees.

The training program focused on building practical applications that solved business problems. Employees were trained on how to identify processes that could be automated using low-code and no-code technologies, using platforms such as Microsoft PowerApps and PowerAutomate. They were also taught how to use the platform's visual tools to build applications that were user-friendly, providing a better UX experience and meeting specific business needs.

  We built several low-code and no-code applications that replaced manual processes previously done on paper or in an excel spreadsheet. These applications improved the efficiency of our processes while also reducing the risk of errors  

The challenges of implementing a low-code and no-code strategy included the need to change traditional development methods and to convince employees of the benefits of these technologies. However, our training program was a critical factor in accelerating the adoption of these technologies.

Localized Controls

We built several low-code and no-code applications that replaced manual processes previously done on paper or in an excel spreadsheet. These applications improved the efficiency of our processes while also reducing the risk of errors. For example, our picking application was developed using a no-code platform and allowed us to quickly separate items from specific stock item types, which are auxiliary means of production.

Another application that was developed was our internal clinic feedback application, built using a low-code platform, which allowed us to gather feedback from our outpatient care processes to inform managers of employees at the clinic and whether they needed time off or hospitalization. The application had a simple and user-friendly interface that allowed managers to get feedback easily. This feedback was then used to improve our internal clinic service. 

Interface Hub

Our interface hub was a critical component of our low-code and no-code strategy. The hub acted as middleware between the apps and database access to ensure governance and compliance. It provided a secure environment for our applications to access data and ensured that data was only accessed by authorized personnel.

The hub also provided a layer of abstraction between the application and the database, making it easy to modify or replace the database without affecting the applications that depended on it. It also made it easy to scale applications as the business grew. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, KYLY Group has successfully implemented low-code and no-code technologies in various business areas, resulting in significant improvements in efficiency and process automation. However, this success did not come without challenges. Changing the mindset and encouraging the adoption of these new technologies was a significant hurdle that required a hands-on training approach and collaboration with platform providers. 

Moreover, developing localized controls was necessary to replace manual processes and improve overall efficiency while ensuring data governance and compliance. The interface hub acted as a crucial component of the low-code and no-code strategy, providing a secure environment for applications to access data while making it easy to modify or replace the database without affecting the applications.

Despite the challenges, the investment in training and practical application development has paid off, leading to better services for customers and partners. By embracing low-code and no-code technologies, KYLY Group has positioned itself as a digitally transformed company with improved agility and efficiency, ready to face the challenges of an ever-evolving market.