Low-code versus custom software

In recent years, low-code solutions have become increasingly popular. Logical, because to meet a digital need, the search for a solution usually starts with standardized products. There are various reasons for this, such as the scarcity of experienced developers, wanting to prevent vendor lock-in with a local partner and the view that low-code solutions are the fastest way to realize a digital solution.

However, practice is more unruly, or at least that's how we experience it when it comes to the various issues faced by clients. In many cases, a low-code solution is not sufficient and customized software is needed to build a robust and future-proof foundation. If necessary, this can be supplemented with a low-code solution for more standard operational processes or integrations.

In this blog, we explain a number of reasons why custom software development is preferred over a low-code solution.

• Customization is' lean '
  As the name suggests, a customized solution is really fully customized. Both from the customer-specific wishes and the underlying operational process. Everything is customized, without unnecessary functionality and therefore with the best possible performance. Low-code solutions often offer more functionality than is desirable or necessary, so that, especially when the number of users and apps increases, the (licensing) costs can also rise sharply. When custom developed, the software includes exactly the functionality you need, no more, no less. As a result, you often have a lower TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) with customized software.

• Optimal customer experience
  For many clients, offering the right customer experience is essential. So important that you don't want to make any concessions. Customized software can ensure that you can meet all those needs. Where this is less important, for example with more back office-like solutions, low-code is definitely worth considering. Then the combination of customized software and a low-code solution can also work well.

• Efficiency
  The idea is sometimes that with customized software, the wheel always has to be reinvented. The practice, at least with us, is different. When developing custom software, on the other hand, many common components in the software can be reused fairly easily. This includes, for example, components such as user management, authentication, etc. Reusing such parts is efficient and saves time and money.

Every issue is different, so there is no way to say in advance which type of solution is by definition the most suitable. It is clear, however, that low-code solutions are not better, faster or cheaper in every situation. On the contrary, as stated in this blog, there can be several reasons to choose a customized solution. We are happy to help you with that consideration so that you can choose the right solution.