Enterprise App Development

Enterprise app development is increasingly associated with low-code and no-code platforms. Many businesses are turning to faster ways of building software. According to Gartner, by 2024, low-code application development will account for more than 65% of all application development activity (App Builder). This surge is driven by the need for speed and agility in delivering solutions, allowing businesses to respond swiftly to market changes.

These solutions offer a tempting mix of speed and simplicity, but the real question is: do they hold up in the long run? Let’s unpack when low-code shines, when it falls short, and how you can make the smartest call for your company’s future.

Low-code in enterprise app development

According to Forrester, the low-code market reached $13.2 billion in 2023 and could climb to $50 billion by 2028. This surge is driven by the demand for faster innovation and reduced IT dependency.

Why it’s booming:

  • 87% of enterprise developers use low-code for some tasks
  • Platforms allow non-technical users to contribute
  • Speeds up MVPs and internal tool development
enterprise app development why low-code

However, rapid adoption doesn’t automatically mean long-term reliability. Low-code offers immediate results, but often lacks the robustness for strategic scaling.

Low-code usecases and where it doesn’t work

Low-code platforms are ideal for businesses needing quick solutions with minimal resources. But they’re not designed for every scenario, especially when it comes to the long-term demands of enterprise app development.

Use low-code when:

  • You need internal dashboards or workflow tools
  • Fast prototyping is a higher priority than full customization
  • You want to empower business users to build

Avoid low-code when:

  • You need deep system integrations
  • Security, compliance, and data ownership are critical
  • You’re building a long-term product with evolving features

Custom development, though slower at the start, gives you the freedom to future-proof your enterprise app development strategy and scale with confidence.

Pros vs. cons of low-code and custom

Let’s break down what you’re really getting with each route for your enterprise app development journey:

Low-Code Pros:

  • Accelerated development and launch
  • Lower upfront investment
  • Accessible for teams without deep coding skills

Low-Code Cons:

  • Vendor lock-in can limit future flexibility
  • Performance issues at enterprise scale
  • Limited customization options

Custom Software Pros:

  • Fully tailored to your business logic
  • Scalable, secure, and integration-ready
  • Greater long-term cost-efficiency

Custom Software Cons:

  • Longer development cycle
  • Higher initial investment
  • Requires an expert development partner

Low-code solves short-term challenges. But for enterprise-wide innovation, custom software sets the foundation for strong, sustainable enterprise app development.

Who wins with low-code in Industries?

Low-code tools are especially effective in industries where speed, automation, and responsiveness are essential parts of enterprise app development:

Finance
OTP Bank Romania successfully leveraged Creatio’s low-code platform to streamline lending workflows and elevate customer engagement. By automating repetitive tasks and enhancing operational visibility, the bank could respond faster to customer needs and regulatory changes. However, to maintain oversight and scalability, OTP built a Center of Excellence, ensuring governance and alignment across teams: a vital move for sustained enterprise impact.
Source
Banking
Western Union demonstrated how low-code can fast-track digital transformation. In just 11 months, a small team used OutSystems to develop and launch a full-featured digital banking app. This accelerated timeline helped them enter the digital finance space rapidly. Still, the project was part of a hybrid tech stack, indicating that low-code was used as a catalyst, not a complete development replacement.
Source
Healthcare
In healthcare, low-code platforms have become a valuable tool for building patient portals, automating administrative workflows, and managing appointment systems. These applications are critical for improving patient experience and operational efficiency. However, due to the industry’s strict security and compliance requirements, low-code is typically used for non-core functionalities, while custom solutions support the backbone of clinical systems.
Retail & logistics
Retailers and logistics companies are using low-code to develop internal apps that enhance supply chain management, inventory tracking, and customer support systems. These platforms help teams iterate quickly and respond to seasonal or regional shifts in demand. That said, businesses still rely on custom software for complex integrations with ERP systems and to ensure data consistency across large networks.

Yet even in these successful use cases, low-code acts as a supporting layer, not the foundation for long-term enterprise app development.

Case studies that reveal the full picture

Take Western Union: they built a feature-rich banking app with a lean team using OutSystems. It’s a great showcase of speed, but it’s part of a broader tech stack, not a stand-alone solution.

OTP Bank Romania’s case further highlights how low-code can optimize operations but required a Center of Excellence to maintain control and governance.

“Creatio allows us to respond faster to customer needs, market trends, and industry regulations. When the need for a change appears, we easily communicate it to our Center of Excellence team as we speak the same language. The ability to make process changes on our own streamlines the time to market.” – Deputy CEO Digital Division OTP Bank Romania

These stories show how low-code platforms support enterprise app development strategies, especially for early-stage digital tools or internal improvements. But they also make it clear: when stability and scalability are critical, low-code is not the complete answer.

Low-code platforms are powerful tools for the right tasks. They’re excellent for quick wins, internal apps, and automation. If your goals include growth, integration, security, and long-term impact, then custom software is the better choice. It’s also the only solution that truly scales with your enterprise app development needs.

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