Countering the shortage of skilled workers in the digital transformation with Low Code

Not enough IT resources for digitization

According to Statistika, the number of unfilled positions for IT specialists in companies in Germany is at an all-time high (to the statistics). After remaining relatively constant until 2017, the number of unfilled positions has more than doubled since then. The sharp rise in demand is probably due to the fact that, in the wake of digitization, it is no longer just IT companies that are looking for IT specialists, but all other industries as well. The shortage in turn means that digitization projects are not being carried out or are being slowed down.

Getting more IT specialists in Germany will probably take years. That's why it's worth looking for other solutions. And this is where Low Code comes into play.

Low Code as a solution to the IT skills shortage

Low Code is an approach that uses special platforms to enable non-programmers to develop software applications. These platforms allow users to develop software applications by using prepared building blocks, in line with the motto "configure instead of program". These building blocks then "only" have to be configured according to the requirements. The platform then independently generates the code for the application.

A certain level of IT understanding is required for the selection and configuration of the building blocks. However, the requirements are significantly lower than for classic software development. Low Code is thus also well suited for digitizing business processes. This new potential for software development with Low Code could drive forward many digitization projects that were previously not tackled due to a lack of capacity.

Advantages of Low Code

• Relief for the IT department: If available at all, IT departments can focus on complex applications for which Low Code is not suitable.
• Acceleration of digitization: Applications can be developed directly in specialist departments thanks to Low Code. Long planning processes are not necessary.
• Direct use of expertise: Specialist departments or individuals can develop applications directly themselves and incorporate all their expertise into them. There is no need to hand over requirements to an IT department.
• Employee motivation: Employees can create software applications themselves using Low-Code platforms; without the support of an IT department. This is usually faster and involves less overhead. Ideas and insights can flow directly into the applications.

Reduce IT labor shortage through Low Code

Using a Low-Code platform does not make the labor shortage disappear, of course, because even Low Code needs trained and capable people to create the software. However, Low Code specifically reduces the need for software development specialists. This allows software experts to concentrate on the development of highly complex applications and "laymen" or people with minimal knowledge can take over the development of simpler applications using Low Code.