Low Code Enterprise Application Platform
Low code is a web design technique that allows users to create their own custom software applications without manually writing code. These services can be accessed on a low code development platform that is intuitive and easy to use. This approach can help public health departments save time and money when updating or designing customized software for their operations.
Public health leaders and IT administrators no longer need advanced software coding skills to design applications for their organizations, thanks to a new trend known as “low code.” A low code enterprise application platform allows users to customize existing software based on their department’s specific workflow for data collection and analysis without having to write their own code. This can save organizations time and money when digitizing routine processes such as data entry and reporting. Learn more about low code software platforms and how they can benefit your organization.
What is Low Code?
The term “low code” has become a buzzy trend in the tech world and can apply to various industries and software applications. Low code is a software development technique that requires little to no coding on the user’s part. Users with moderate technical skills can easily design a customized software application using simple interfaces that most people can understand. The user does not need to be versed in coding languages or app design to create a unique application for their organization. Anyone, including program administrators, managers, and entry-level IT workers, can use this technology without requiring additional technical assistance.
So, where did this trend come from?
Apps have become ubiquitous now that most people can access the internet wherever they go. Organizations and businesses of all types and sizes often need to develop their own internal software applications for various processes instead of relying on paper records to improve efficiency and accuracy.
In years past, companies and public institutions had to contract software coding firms or experts to create customized platforms for their organizations. Coding experts typically charge tens of thousands of dollars per project. It can also take months for the designer or firm to develop the finished product. Once the app is complete, the organization may request changes, which can further delay implementation. These experts would also need to be on call in case the client needs help using the new app.
But low code software development allows untrained workers and administrators to create custom software applications without hiring an outside professional. In terms of tech trends, it is similar to the debut of the personal computer or Apple Macintosh, which allowed users to surf the internet without having to interface with complex code. The industry changed again when web design Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms like Squarespace and Wix came on the scene in the 2010s, which allowed individuals, including artists and small business owners, to quickly create their own websites in minutes without having to write code. Now companies and institutions can create their own software even if they have never done so in the past.
What is a Low Code Platform?
A low code platform is a type of SaaS that allows users with little to no app design experience to create a software application unique to their organization, usually in just a few hours or days, depending on how complex the software needs to be. Organizations and companies can use the platform to update existing digital processes, including data entry and analysis, without having to hire a coding programmer. The platform is usually easy to use and features an intuitive interface that gives users a range of options when creating their own customized applications. Many come with simple drag-and-drop menus and visual-based interfaces that allow users to make changes with little to no effort. The platform will automatically implement these changes without asking the user to write additional code. It will also show the user a preview of the finished product, so they can edit the design as needed.
What is Low Code Development?
Low code development is the process of designing a custom software application without manually writing code. This type of development is much faster than manually writing code, which often requires a computer science degree or hundreds of hours of specialized training. A person can make changes to the software in just a few minutes compared to the hours it would take to type the code by hand. Regardless of their technical experience, all types of individuals can practice low code development to create a custom app when using a low code platform.
What Are the Benefits of Low Code in Public Health?
The arrival of low code development couldn’t have come at a better time when it comes to public health. State and local health departments can use a low code software platform to build all kinds of public health software in a fraction of the time. A health-oriented low code development platform can create a wide range of applications, including customized patient management software for updating health records.
This technology can also be used to create an immunization information system for tracking vaccination rates, early intervention management software for providing and managing services to the parents of children with developmental disabilities, and disease surveillance software for monitoring infections during a pandemic.
In the wake of COVID-19, health departments have had to increase the scale of their operations rapidly, and many jurisdictions were not prepared for the sudden transition. Public health agencies often operate on a limited budget with few resources that can hinder their data collection and reporting efforts. Low code development allows these departments to quickly implement new technology without having to spend money on costly contractors. The types of data that need to be collected and analyzed will also change over time, which means the department’s patient management software will need to change as well. Users can quickly adjust the application workflow and make space for new information as the situation evolves.
The technology behind public health is changing fast, and agencies need to ensure their systems are current to avoid falling behind. Low code development has unlocked a whole new world of possibilities in terms of public health software. Contact SSG to learn more about services for public health agencies.