Top 5 benefits low-code apps deliver for higher education institutions

The technology solutions available for higher education institutions are more powerful and complex than ever. And like any good story, the next chapter of digital transformation has a twist: Low-code technology.

Low-code, rapid-application development (RAD) tools enable non-IT specialists to quickly build and deploy custom applications — including case management and process automation solutions — that fill the gaps between your existing systems. And as institutions continue scaling up online learning, remote work and new digital capabilities in the wake of COVID-19, the low-code movement is gaining momentum.

Still, configuring applications on an RAD platform remains a relatively untapped middle ground. According to a University Business survey, less than 8% of higher education institutions use low-code application development.

Some reasons may include the demand for digitizing business processes and the demand for technology staff, which continue to clash and strain IT organizations’ abilities to keep up with the demand to improve higher education process capabilities. 

Despite these challenges, the benefits low-code RAD can deliver for higher education are measurably impactful and far-reaching across the institution. By minimizing data silos and the need for costly custom coding, low-code capabilities enable higher education institutions to: 

• Increase collaboration between IT and institution business offices.
• Quickly and efficiently output modern, fit-for-purpose solutions as the need arises.
• Improve experiences and satisfaction for staff and students.

Here are five ways the low-code revolution can help your institution level up:

• Develop purpose-built applications without heavy IT involvement: Low-code RAD democratizes application development, assisting with automation and application needs across the institution for use cases including enterprise business processes, composable applications and software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications. Your staff can quickly and simply put solutions into production without having to invest in or build new technology. You also gain flexibility to expand and change processes as needed, all while integrating new technologies and keeping up with the latest privacy and compliance regulations.
  
  
• Minimize training and improve service quality: When low-code applications are a part of a larger content services strategy, staff and students alike are connected to your core system. Employees can enjoy the same interfaces they rely on daily with no training necessary — and without constantly switching screens. As a result, staff has real-time access to the information and content they need to provide faster, higher-quality service to students and other stakeholders. 
  
  
• Quickly adapt to evolving institutional needs: Student experience has been a defining focus in higher education in recent years, and institutions have made significant progress thanks to smart technology. Utilizing low-code tools extends that strength by empowering your staff to innovate custom solutions without having to start at the back of an overwhelmed IT request line.
  
  
• Leverage non-IT specialists: There is a new phrase in the tech world: Citizen developer. Citizen developers are tech-savvy employees — sometimes found outside of the IT department and often frustrated with long IT queues — who assume responsibility for their own processes via low-code technology. It is a concept that is catching on: Almost 80% of leading companies utilize citizen developers to lend much-needed talents to empower project completion. With low-code platforms, these valuable employees can get their hands on the technology they need to make an immediate impact. They also help your institution meet the evolving expectations of staff and students for a digitally enabled workplace and education provider. 
  
  
• Enable better experiences for staff and students: By creating low-code solutions that eliminate manual task responsibilities, your institution’s employees can shift their attention to higher-value, productive tasks that support better service for students and faculty. This ultimately provides institutions with a competitive edge that keeps them a step ahead in the higher education landscape.

Ensuring your institution is on-track for digital preparedness

Low-code platforms offer a simplified process that capitalizes on smart technology. Top benefits of RAD platforms include faster rollout, better content integration, increased productivity and enhanced experience. For overwhelmed IT teams in higher education, low-code RAD is a way to fast-track development by leveraging the resources institutions have on hand. For bottom-line watchers, it is a prudent path for dependable, cost-effective solutions. And for your staff and students, it is the future they expect today. Is your institution ready to level up?