Now that the buzzword has been removed from the table, let’s talk about what no-code automation platforms are. Automation is a term used to refer to software that performs tasks automatically. These programs are particularly useful for businesses because they allow you to streamline processes, run them with fewer human operators and increase efficiency. 

What does this mean? It means that instead of having an employee complete each task over and over again manually, you can have an automated program run through it once and then have the same task repeated at regular intervals. 

This article will help you understand what no-code automation platforms are, how these work, and the potential pitfalls you need to be aware of when choosing one as your business’s primary software solution.

What is No-Code Automation?

No-code automation platforms are software solutions that allow businesses to automate tasks using unique software code rather than traditional programming. Unlike other automation solutions, no-code automation platforms don’t rely on programming to automate tasks. Instead, they use artificial intelligence to create programs that can “understand” the business tasks you have in place and “play” them out automatically.

Key Concepts in No-Code Automation Platforms

This section reviews the key elements behind no-code automation platforms. The framework we’ll use is based on what makes a good no-code automation platform. 

Task Automation

The core ability of a no-code automation platform is to automate business tasks. This is what makes it different from other automation solutions.

Process Automation

No-code automation platforms also can automate business processes, which can be equally useful for organizations. 

Data Management

A no-code automation platform needs to manage data, which means it needs to act as a data management solution. Programmers and IT staff will spend time managing data, so having a no-code automation platform handle data management allows you to spend more time automating business tasks. 

Connectivity

A no-code automation platform has to connect to a variety of services, so it needs to have connectivity built into it. 

Scalability

No-code automation platforms have to be scalable to deal with a growing business. They have to have scalability built in to handle a large volume of tasks. 

Extensibility

Automation is largely predictable, so it needs to be able to handle new business tasks. No-code automation platforms have to allow you to extend the functionality of the program.

Regulatory Compliance

Companies have to comply with certain regulations, such as GDPR. A no-code automation platform has to have regulatory compliance built in.

Types of No-code Automation Platforms

Code-as-a-Service (or CaaS)

A CaaS solution allows businesses to store source code on a central server. This source code can then be accessed by specific services on the server. One example of a CaaS solution is Google Cloud. With this solution, businesses can store their code on the cloud and access it through specific programs. 

This type of no-code automation platform is most useful for companies that have a large number of different service types and that have difficulty managing the numerous individual permissions required to use each type of service.

Infrastructure-as-a-Service (or IaaS)

With an IaaS solution, businesses buy a commercial server rather than the source code on a central server. Therefore, they have complete control over the server’s configuration and the entire server is managed by the service provider. 

This means the business is responsible for configuring the server, installing all of the necessary software, and maintaining the server’s security. Direct Cloud from DigitalOcean is an example of an IaaS solution. With this service, businesses pay a recurring monthly fee for commercial server space and the ability to run their code on the server.

Software-as-a-Service (or SaaS)

SaaS is the next level up in terms of the scalability, cost, and flexibility it provides. With this type of no-code automation platform, businesses manage the entire server and code configuration themselves, usually through a graphical user interface (GUI). 

This means they have complete control over the server’s configuration and are responsible for maintaining it. Web hosting services, such as Hostgator, are an example of a SaaS solution. With this type of no-code automation platform, businesses pay a recurring monthly fee for commercial server space and the underlying software that runs on the server.

What Makes a Good No-Code Automation Platform?

There are many factors to consider when selecting a no-code automation platform, but here are some that are most important. 

Connectivity

This is one of the most important factors you need to look at when choosing a no-code automation platform. There are two types of connectivity you’ll want to look for when choosing a no-code automation platform. First, you’ll want to make sure the connectivity type is “private” or “private cloud”. 

This means it will be connecting to your company’s server and not the internet. Second, you’ll want to make sure the connectivity type is “public” or “cloud-specific”. This means the no-code automation platform is connecting to the internet and has no control over the data being transmitted.

Scalability

This factor is important because it allows you to scale your code and automation as your business grows. You’ll want to make sure the no-code automation platform you choose offers high scalability. 

This means the platform can handle significant loads while not negatively affecting system performance. This factor is especially important if you have a high demand for system resources, require a high level of security, or have significant amounts of data to process.

Compliance

This is one of the most important factors you can look at when choosing a no-code automation platform. You’ll want to make sure the no-code automation platform you choose offers compliance features. This means the platform has features that allow you to meet regulatory standards, such as those for PCI compliance.

Extensibility

This is another important factor that you need to consider when choosing a no-code automation platform. This factor is important because it allows you to extend the platform with new features and functions in the future. It’s important to note that you can’t extend a no-code automation platform with custom code.

Cost Effective

Finally, the cost is an important factor to consider when choosing a no-code automation platform. This factor should be the most important one for you to consider, as it will be the most important factor in determining which no-code automation platform you choose. 

Many factors come into play when choosing a no-code automation platform and they’re too numerous to cover in one article. You need to weigh each factor carefully and make an informed decision.

How to Find a Good Platform?

It’s important to note that not every automation platform is going to work for every business. You need to find a solution that’s going to be a good fit for the tasks you have in place. There are a few ways to find a good no-code automation platform.

  • Look at the features offered by the platform: This is a straightforward way to start your research. You can look at the features that a no-code automation platform offers and see if any of them seem to be a good fit for you. 
  • Look at other users: If you have any friends or co-workers who are using an automation platform, take some time to talk to them and learn more about their experience. 
  • Research the platform: It may take a bit of time to research a potential platform, but it’s well worth the effort. You want to make sure you’re finding the right solution for your needs. 
  • Ask the right questions: The right questions will help you learn more about a potential platform. You want to ask the questions that will help you learn more about the platform’s scalability, regulatory compliance, connectivity, cost-effectiveness, etc.

Conclusion

No-code automation platforms have become an important part of many organizations’ technology strategies. They let companies automate tasks, run them fewer times and with less staff, and scale without adding hardware or software. These tools are also popular among many non-profits, non-profits, and organizations that work with data, such as marketing and sales teams. 

In many cases, these platforms can be used for tasks that were previously performed manually or by low-skill staff. This means the technology strategy can help teams perform their tasks more effectively and efficiently, increasing their effectiveness and comfort level with automation.

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Why Every Business Needs a No-Code Automation Platform?

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