The Citizen Development model is becoming more popular because it allows non-technical people to work on projects that involve a business. This is beneficial for companies, as it saves on the costs associated with having a full-time developer on staff.
It also allows for more flexible work hours and greater creativity because people can create applications without having to learn code. However, there are a number of problems with the approach. These include the need for business unit developers and a lack of tools for citizen developers to use.
Business unit developers
If your IT department is looking for a way to make a splash, you might consider a citizen development program. These programs are designed to bring IT and business together to tackle backlog requests more effectively. This can save time and money. It also allows your team to focus on more strategic projects.
To get the most out of a citizen development program, you’ll need a strategic approach. This will help ensure your organization gets the most out of this emerging technology. It may involve new training, a smaller team, and a leader with a vision.
To begin, you’ll want to determine which departments and business units will benefit the most. This can include operations, HR, customer service, and finance.
The best programs will target individuals who have already expressed an interest in becoming a developer. The key is to identify those who are already adept at technology and have a knack for problem solving.
No-code platforms
No-code platforms are tools that help non-technical users build applications without having to learn a programming language. They also allow IT teams to streamline workflows. These are important in today’s business environment.
In the past, small and medium-sized businesses were unable to afford the services of professional developers. These companies developed their own applications. But, the demand for rapid development apps increased as businesses became more digital.
No-code software helps non-developers build applications quickly, using tools such as drag-and-drop design tools. They can also use cloud services. With this technology, organizations can reduce their app backlog. Moreover, citizen developers can make applications more secure.
No-code platforms
No-code platforms help organizations modernize their legacy systems and move forward with digital transformations. They can also increase productivity by improving operational efficiency and boosting collaboration. They can also improve the organization’s bottom line.
There are many no-code platforms to choose from. The key to choosing the best platform is finding the right one for your needs.
Tools used by citizen developers
As organizations are trying to improve their digital transformation, tools are becoming more important. These tools enable citizen developers to build and test applications without the assistance of a full-time developer.
When looking at these tools, it’s important to consider the benefits and risks. While these tools can help streamline workflows, they can also increase costs and create delays.
If you are considering a citizen development program, you’ll want to make sure you understand how it will impact your licensing costs. You’ll also want to document the technology requirements.
Citizen developers use low code tools to create custom business applications. Some examples of these types of applications include custom CRMs, interactive forms, task assignment automations, and dashboards. These apps can be built using drag-and-drop design tools. However, they may need extra technical resources.
Citizen developers often build their applications on IT-sanctioned low code platforms. These tools include Microsoft Power Platform and OutSystems. These tools are used by a large number of citizen developers.
Issues with citizen developers
Citizen developers are increasingly becoming a critical aspect of IT for modern enterprises. These non-technical employees are responsible for identifying productivity challenges and providing solutions. In turn, they can help organizations move faster and become more productive. While this type of development is a great solution to the talent shortage facing the tech industry, there are some challenges to implementing it.
Drawbacks
A major drawback to citizen development is the lack of formal training. Moreover, there is no guarantee that these individuals will follow security protocols. Despite this, some organizations have found ways to address the problem.
However, there are other concerns about how to properly manage citizen development. For instance, improper governance can lead to unbridled access. Consequently, this can result in a poor product quality. In addition, if the project is poorly governed, the IT team may not be able to track the application’s progress.
Benefits
Citizen development enables individuals with no background in programming or coding to use existing business applications to fulfill certain tasks and accomplish their goals. This can have tremendous implications for businesses as it often shortens the time and money spent on apprenticeships, trainings, and managerial oversight.
Furthermore, the platform-based model allows users to build custom solutions quickly and easily. Thus, this approach significantly minimizes the amount of outside development needed, leading to a marked increase in productivity and cost savings.
Citizen development also helps reinforce awareness throughout the organization on how processes and operations are working – which ultimately leads to better decision making. Finally, as more citizens become involved in software development initiatives – problem-solving skills improve due to increased interaction among stakeholders. All in all, citizen development offers many advantages for organizations of all sizes.
