Low Code / No Code

Commerce organizations face mounting pressure to deliver digital solutions rapidly. The retail and distribution sectors particularly struggle with a persistent backlog of operational applications that support critical functions such as inventory management, merchandising workflows, and customer service processes. These “long-tail” applications—simple CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) tools and workflow automation systems—often queue behind core platform development initiatives, creating operational inefficiencies that compound over time. Compounding the problem is a shortage of software developers: A survey by Appian found that 82% of organizations can’t hire as many qualified software engineers as they want.

That software development crunch has led to the rapid adoption of what are known as low code and no code development tools. These are pre-built components that non-technical employees, often called “citizen developers,” can use to build apps and tools. Gartner projected that by 2025 70% of new application development work would be done using the no code/low code approach, many by people who are not trained software engineers. Gartner says 41% of enterprises surveyed already had in place citizen development initiatives that enable non-technical staff to build software, and another 20% were evaluating the idea or planning to launch one.

This explosive growth is driven by the scarcity of professional developers and increasing demands for digital transformation. A 2025 survey of 150 software development firms found the average software development project takes 4.5 months and costs $36,000. And many projects go over their budgets: A study by McKinsey and the University of Oxford found more than half of large ($15 million budget and higher) costs more than projected, with the average overrun being 45%.

These extended timelines and frequent cost overruns make it difficult for commerce organizations to develop the software they need to compete at a time when market conditions and customer expectations are evolving rapidly. That’s pushing many organizations to use AI in conjunction with low-code/no-code platforms to meet their development needs.

Modern low-code/no-code platforms leverage sophisticated AI capabilities to transform natural language descriptions into functional applications. These platforms generate logic and workflows from natural language prompts, simplifying even complex app development for citizen developers. AI can recommend entire workflows and app structures tailored to specific business contexts, reducing guesswork and speeding prototyping, while built-in quality assurance features automatically test applications. The underlying architecture combines visual development environments with AI-powered code generation, enabling users to describe business requirements in plain language while the platform handles the technical implementation.

The technical foundation relies on several core AI technologies. Natural language processing models parse user requirements and map them to pre-built components. Machine learning algorithms analyze organizational data patterns to suggest optimal data models and integration points. Retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems enable these platforms to reference organizational data schemas, existing APIs, and business rules to ensure generated applications align with enterprise standards. It is important to distinguish between low-code, which requires some basic coding skills for complex integrations, and no-code, which requires no programming knowledge at all.

However, this integration architecture presents challenges. Low-code platforms may store data on external servers or interact with multiple external systems, increasing the potential for data breaches. Organizations must implement robust governance frameworks that include API management, data loss prevention policies, and environment segregation. A well-chosen platform will have built-in governance tools that help IT control permissions and manage access.

Citizen developers often lack formal training in coding best practices, which can lead to security risks if their apps bypass code reviews. This can create a new kind of shadow IT where security teams have little control. Successful implementations require a careful balance between empowerment and control, often managed through a Center of Excellence that provides governance, training, and architectural guidance.

Dutch appliance and furniture retailer De Mandemakers Groep worked with OutSystems and local partner Synobsys to quickly create new applications. In one case, it took just three weeks to build an app that improved shoppers’ in-store experience, by providing them with detailed product information, digital shopping lists, store locations, customer rewards, and more. In another case, creation of a mobile app to replace the paper-heavy process of measuring customers’ homes for new bathroom fixtures and kitchen appliances is saving the retailer 3,000 hours of employee time each year.

Printer manufacturers Ricoh replaced legacy systems with a low-code platform, achieving a 253% ROI and a payback in just seven months. The implementation focused on modernizing customer-facing applications and internal workflow systems. Similarly, thinkmoney delivered a mobile digital banking app in just 14 weeks, illustrating how financial institutions can rapidly respond to changing customer expectations.

Enterprises are rapidly adopting low code software development to reduce costs and accelerate development time, says Fortune Business Insights in a 2025 report. The market research firm projects spending on low code development technology will grow from $37.39 billion in 2025 to $264.40 billion by 2032, a CAGR of 32.2% during the forecast period.

The low-code/no-code platform market has matured significantly. Platform selection criteria for commerce organizations should prioritize integration with existing systems, support for omnichannel experiences, and governance features that prevent shadow IT. Organizations must evaluate platforms based on specific use cases, considering total cost of ownership, vendor lock-in risks, and the availability of pre-built commerce-specific templates. 293 3.4 Build Future trends indicate continued convergence between traditional and citizen development. Commerce organizations should prepare by establishing governance frameworks now, investing in citizen developer training, and selecting platforms that can scale with their digital transformation.