In today’s fast-moving digital economy, companies can’t afford to wait months—or even years—for new applications to be built. IT teams are overwhelmed with backlogs, while business leaders demand faster solutions. That’s where low code automation tools step in. These platforms give enterprises the ability to build apps and automate processes quickly, using visual design tools, pre-built components, and minimal coding.
In this article, we’ll explain what low code automation tools are, why adoption is growing so quickly, the benefits enterprises can expect, leading platforms in 2025, and challenges to prepare for.
what are low code automation tools?
Low code automation tools are platforms that allow applications and workflows to be created with minimal hand-coding. They use drag-and-drop interfaces, pre-configured modules, and connectors so business users and developers alike can design apps quickly.
As TechTarget explains, low code “provides a development environment used to create application software through a graphical user interface instead of traditional hand-coded programming.” This makes them accessible to non-technical staff while still offering flexibility for IT professionals.
Unlike pure no-code platforms, which are targeted at users with no programming knowledge, low code tools strike a balance—empowering “citizen developers” while giving IT the ability to add advanced logic when needed.
why low code automation is gaining momentum
The rise of low code automation is not just a passing trend—it’s backed by strong market data and analyst research:
Gartner forecasts that by 2026, 80% of low code users will come from outside formal IT departments, showing how these tools democratize software creation (Gartner).
Forrester projects the low code market will reach $21 billion by 2026, driven by the demand for digital transformation and faster app delivery (Forrester).
Forbes highlights that low code platforms can accelerate software development by up to 10x compared to traditional methods, helping organizations adapt quickly to market shifts (Forbes).
This growth is fueled by pressure on IT teams, the rise of hybrid work, and the need for agility in uncertain markets.
benefits of low code automation tools
Adopting low code automation tools offers enterprises several strategic advantages:
- speed of development
Apps and workflows that once took months can now be delivered in weeks. According to Forbes
, businesses using low code reduce time-to-market dramatically, allowing them to respond faster to customer needs.
- cost efficiency
By lowering reliance on large development teams, organizations cut costs on hiring and training while reducing project overruns.
- accessibility for non-technical users
Business analysts, operations leaders, and other non-technical staff can use low code to build solutions themselves. This shift empowers employees while easing IT backlogs.
- better integration with enterprise systems
Modern low code platforms include pre-built connectors for CRM, ERP, HR, and productivity tools, enabling seamless data flow across systems.
- scalability with governance
Low code tools offer IT oversight—ensuring that as business users build apps, data security, compliance, and scalability aren’t compromised.
use cases of low code automation tools
Low code automation is being applied across industries:
finance – Automating invoice approvals, compliance reporting, and risk assessments.
human resources – Building onboarding portals, leave management apps, and self-service systems.
customer service – Designing ticketing systems, chatbots, and escalation workflows.
procurement – Vendor onboarding, purchase orders, and supply chain tracking.
IT operations – Automating helpdesk requests, system access approvals, and monitoring.
As Wikipedia
notes, low code platforms are now widely adopted in industries like banking, insurance, government, and healthcare—sectors that depend heavily on complex but repeatable processes.
top low code automation tools in 2025
Here are some of the most widely recognized platforms today:
Kissflow – Combines workflow automation with governance and scalability, designed for enterprises.
OutSystems – Strong for mission-critical applications with customization.
Mendix – Offers multi-cloud deployment and collaborative development features.
Microsoft Power Apps – Best for organizations already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Appian – Popular for process-heavy automation with low code flexibility.
Each of these platforms has strengths depending on organizational needs, IT resources, and integration priorities.
challenges with low code automation
Despite their strengths, low code automation tools are not without hurdles:
shadow IT – Teams may build apps without IT visibility, creating compliance risks.
vendor lock-in – Migrating apps to a new platform can be costly and time-consuming.
scalability limits – Some tools struggle with highly complex or large-scale workloads.
resistance to change – Employees may hesitate to adopt new platforms without training.
Enterprises need clear governance strategies to manage these risks.
how enterprises can succeed with low code automation tools
Organizations that succeed with low code automation take a balanced approach:
empower business users – Let employees build workflows to solve everyday problems.
governance from IT – Ensure compliance, security, and scalability through IT oversight.
training and adoption programs – Help employees embrace low code through hands-on training and support.
This partnership between business teams and IT drives innovation without creating chaos.
conclusion
Low code automation tools are transforming enterprise software development in 2025. They provide speed, cost efficiency, and accessibility, allowing organizations to innovate faster while maintaining governance.
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