Low-code solutions in the enterprise context

The pressure to deliver software faster and more efficiently is now a widespread reality for mid-sized and large organisations with complex technology ecosystems. IT teams face persistent backlogs, intricate legacy systems and a growing demand for internal digital solutions, all within a context of scarce specialised talent. It is in this scenario that low-code solutions gain relevance.

For executive decision-makers, the central question is not the speed promised by these platforms, but how to integrate them into a software development strategy without compromising architecture, governance and future evolution. This article frames the role of low-code, clarifying where it creates value and the key trade-offs to consider.

Why low-code has become relevant in the enterprise context

The growing interest in low-code stems from the convergence of structural challenges that many organisations face:

• Difficulty responding to internal needs in a timely manner

• Increasing application complexity

• Need for operational efficiency

• Limited ability to scale technical teams

In this context, low-code emerges as a pragmatic response, capable of accelerating specific initiatives, provided it is used with clear criteria and strategic alignment.

Tactical low-code vs strategic low-code

The most relevant difference in low-code adoption lies not in the technology itself, but in how the organisation chooses to use it.

1. Tactical use - Simple internal applications, process automation or rapid prototyping. The focus is on speed and solving immediate problems, with limited impact on the technology ecosystem.

   
   

2. Strategic adoption - Low-code integrated into the software development strategy, with architectural alignment, defined standards and clear governance. This allows solutions to evolve in a controlled way over time, consciously complementing traditional development.

Where low-code tends to generate the most value

The value of low-code is most consistent when speed of delivery is prioritised over extreme customisation or technical complexity.

Typical examples include:

• Digitisation of internal processes and operational workflows

• Business support applications that increase team efficiency

• Front ends and extensions on top of core systems, reducing backend changes

• Rapid validation of new initiatives before more structural investments

In these contexts, low-code accelerates delivery while maintaining technical control and avoiding unnecessary changes to critical systems.

Trade-offs that must be considered

A mature approach recognises that the agility gained comes with compromises:

• Speed vs flexibility – Low-code accelerates delivery but may limit deep customisation in complex scenarios.

• Initial simplicity vs future scalability – Rapid applications may require reassessment as they grow in volume or criticality.

• Productivity vs technological dependency – Platforms abstract complexity but create dependency on the vendor and its evolution model.

• Autonomy vs organisational control – Easier development increases the need for stronger governance to avoid fragmentation, security risks or data inconsistencies.

These trade-offs highlight the need for informed decisions aligned with the software development strategy.

Governance as a structuring element

Without governance, low-code tends to generate a parallel application ecosystem that is difficult to maintain, integrate and evolve. The initial speed gains can quickly turn into application fragmentation and loss of technical control.

With proper governance, low-code becomes scalable and predictable, balancing team autonomy with architectural and operational control. In practice, this involves:

• Clear usage criteria – Defining which types of applications can be developed in low-code and which should follow traditional development.

• Well-defined responsibility model – Clarifying who develops, validates, maintains and is accountable for the evolution of applications.

• Alignment with integration, data and security standards – Ensuring low-code solutions comply with the architectural principles of the wider technology ecosystem.

This framework creates the conditions for low-code usage to be consistent, sustainable and strategic.

Our experience

In our experience, the success of low-code solutions depends less on the platform chosen and more on the strategic framework. When integrated into a clear software development vision, they enable initiatives to be accelerated without compromising the sustainability of the application architecture.

Are you assessing how to integrate low-code into your software development strategy?

Talk to us to explore how to apply this approach safely and in alignment with your long-term objectives.