![\"two](\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/5d149f58b251e504f909b6fbc75089b4fea5aef7-490x503.png\")
![\"the](\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/8a28ff07ab3fa4ba46721204b620c7c6423848a3-1200x628.png\")
![](\"https://embed-ssl.wistia.com/deliveries/ad9852f117b23f529400161c0c2ae231.jpg?image_play_button_size=2x&image_crop_resized=960x502&image_play_button=1&image_play_button_color=2949e5e0\")
![\"Most](\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/c622d24a9e0939b173b4fffc1b5b18812ba7dde9-1258x652.png\")
\n\n\n### The Cost of Gray Work in Construction\n\nGray work is expensive.\n\nIn a recent study by Quickbase, [67% of teams](https://www.quickbase.com/ebook-the-gray-work-index) spend 10 - 20 hours per week chasing data across disparate systems. That's 25% - 50% of the respondents’ time (time they’re not using to address key business needs). And 37% of construction industry respondents believe their software solutions don’t impact productivity.\n\nIt’s not surprising, though. The pain is real. And simple solutions (like spreadsheets) have a very fast return on investment.\n\n## Roadblocks Facing Digital Transformation in Construction\n\n[Only 8.5% of construction projects](https://hbr.org/2023/01/how-frank-gehry-delivers-on-time-and-on-budget) are completed on time and within budget. And [40% of contractors](https://www.agc.org/sites/default/files/users/user22633/2023_Construction_Hiring_and_Business_Outlook_Report_Final.pdf) say it’s difficult to find time to implement and train teams on new technologies. \n\nAt the same time, 82% of the AEC companies plan to invest the same or more in technology. Given the glut of gray work and the inefficiency of disconnected tools, scaling technology spending won’t necessarily scale productivity until teams address the underlying issues.\n\n[Robert Salaj](https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-salaj-4585a79b/), Director from Quickbase and NoCode Mentor for Construction, points out that “The worst case scenario is that you buy a lot of software off the shelf that doesn't suit your process. You're creating a brand new process. And you're going to have to train on your team as well.”\n\nHe notes that by using [a custom application development platform like Quickbase](https://quandarycg.com/quick-base-solutions/), teams can design applications that fit the exact needs of teams (instead of trying to force an out-of-box solution into a unique workflow that inevitably results in gray work to fill the gaps).\n\n### Increasing Complexity of Construction Projects \n\nSalaj notes that construction projects are growing increasingly complex. That complexity leads to the need for more systems to manage new workflows, resulting in exponentially more data points to examine. \n\nWith too many disconnected tools, you isolate your data. This breaks down your view on a project, and people have to work harder (via gray work) to fill those gaps and keep that information flowing between systems.\n\nTo keep this from happening, you need the right tools to move data between systems and powerful dashboards that display the right information for the right team members. From project managers to foremen to logistics, your teams need accessible, real-time insights to drive action.\n\n## How Quickbase Drives Transformation in Construction \n\nQuickbase is a relational database at its core. It is a low-code, no-code software that allows you to take your process map and create forms, fields, databases, and relationships that bring processes together. \n\nYou can build dashboards on top of those workflows that make data accessible to different teams. You can also build in mobile functionality so your field services and on-site teams can access applications with or [without an internet connection](https://quandarycg.com/offline-application-development-construction-management/) (critical for adoption and effective use of new tools without adding to gray work).\n\nWith a platform like Quickbase, you can move away from using spreadsheets, word docs, and ad hoc tools to manage processes. Instead, you can build workflow after workflow, tool after tool, within the Quickbase environment. This allows you to connect processes, clean up data, reduce errors, and eliminate gray work.\n\n## Automating Complex Construction Project Management Across 3,000 Locations with Quickbase\n\nQuandary combines its understanding of Quickbase with experience in the construction space to craft applications that eliminate gray work and improve operations for construction firms.\n\nThis is a real client example showing how Quickbase eliminated 1000s of hours in gray work, improved trust with accurate data, and streamlined project completion.\n\n### Project Milestones and Documentation\n\nOur client was a leading fast-food chain in the United States. They have over 3,000 locations nationwide. And they were rolling out a massive construction project for all their restaurant locations.\n\nConstruction is never easy, never straightforward. This was a mammoth undertaking between resource utilization, construction, managing different entities, GCs, etc.\n\nThe leadership team knew that some projects took a while to complete. But they had no idea as to the specific reasons why. They were using spreadsheets to manage dates and milestones.\n\n\n![\"Bureau](\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/4cc48b04d3c8f452f18a9e93a3e43c18a99a0f39-1258x654.png\")
\n\n\nThe point of failure happened when a team member forgot to update an Excel file with the proper date. This damaged the credibility of the data. \n\nThere was also a lack of coordination with effectively closing the restaurant at the right time to undertake specific construction projects. As projects took longer than predicted, the loss of sales negatively impacted margins more than was necessary to complete the work.\n\n[We ran a deep discovery](https://quandarycg.com/our-approach/) with the client to map out the whole process and define the optimal workflow. Using the data gathered during that process, we created an app that allowed users to easily enter project data while giving the executive team programmatic summaries.\n\n\n![\"An](\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/32820f1693cfdb1998ab299af1cefc0e09c59a35-1256x640.png\")
\n\n\nWe rapidly built a custom application with a hypercomplex system of sophisticated logic and systems that enabled an automated workflow. \n\nWith any construction project, there are overarching projects and milestones that project teams need to reach. We can see an example of some milestones here: \n\n\n![\"Custom](\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/6114b725bb8308ea985889f9778090381b16525f-631x307.png\")
\n\n\nEvery milestone belongs to a phase. A project might have several phases: survey, design, permitting, etc., on the way to completion.\n\nUsing Quickbase and details from our discovery, we built out this sophisticated hierarchy of milestones in the correct sequence for the project. \n\nThis is where all the magic happens: accurate, enabled reporting. \n\nInstead of people inputting project data into spreadsheets (where it is very easy to enter data erroneously), teams could enter data into the application. The application would use that data to automatically estimate and track project timelines. \n\nAs a result, the teams stayed informed across the entire nationwide project while minimizing errors through automation instead of relying on spreadsheets to manage projects.\n\n***Note:** The schedule above was populated directly with the application. There was no human input necessary, keeping team members honest and dates accurate.*\n\n\n![\"Illustrating](\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/1be4828c4d1ad5166c9fdf7ea9c5db30a2b75a5d-1260x658.png\")
\n\n\nThis helped the organization hold contractors accountable for projects while giving teams better clarity into roadblocks. \n\nWe also worked with the client to map out the expected durations for each milestone. When a project deviated from that milestone, the application adjusted the forecasted completion date.\n\nThe application also allows contractors to upload documents (design packets, construction drawings, images, etc.). It also stores these documents in a repository, making it easy for teams to see the progress of the project and the roadblocks. \n\n### Daily Reports for General Contractors\n\nDuring the project, we worked closely with numerous groups (architects, project managers, franchisee owners of the restaurants, general contractors, etc.). Our team noticed that it was challenging to hold individuals accountable due to all the different phases of a project.\n\nTo solve this problem, we built a daily report for general contractors. This kept them accountable for providing a way to share consistent updates in the form of photos, messages, and ad hoc line items in the report. \n\nAll within Quickbase.\n\n\n![\"Daily](\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/8a9d1f5505c55d1509a86305511044ad8c0d9960-1262x714.png\")
\n\n\nThis is a code page we've built. You can see the dates with forms for providing details and additional assets. The user can expand, add a series of photos, and manipulate them directly within the code page. Users can also generate a PDF within the application to create more shareable assets. \n\nIn short, the application integrates different software and collects them directly within Quickbase. This reduces the points of failure, removing the need to move data between software solutions.\n\n### Trend Spiking Reporting\n\nOur client’s executives had very little insight into project progress, estimated timelines, or reasons for slowdowns. To fix this, we worked with the client to identify the six key components that mattered most for tracking.\n\nThese points were significant gates to the process.\n\nAdditionally, we established a rolling, four-week or five-week period that allowed executives to get a general idea of project performance at a glance. This week-by-week snapshot helped them quickly identify issues, resulting in quick remediation.\n\n\n![\"Trend](\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/013da7babc7fd84d15dd70960a27e0ebd5a70bc3-629x317.png\")
\n\n\n***Note:** The zeros are for confidentiality purposes. To date, this application has managed over 600 projects, stores, and restaurants out of 3,000.*\n\n### Financial Forecasting\n\nWe wanted to help our client predict spending. Specifically, we wanted them to see how much spend is being actualized, where it's going, who accounts for that spent, where in the pipeline (from a project schedule perspective) it is, etc.\n\nWorking with the client, we mapped out expenses for each project. Every project has a certain cost depending on the category, who’s doing the work, and the type of project. We also added the ability to customize spend, giving them more flexibility with each project.\n\n\n![\"Financial](\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0637fe555daa7d83ca563ef819984b8e2f1a6efa-1318x598.png\")
\n\n\nThe application did not lock them into specific categories. However, we imputed roughly 90% of the spend categories at the start to save their team the burden of entering them manually. As they started each new project, the application automatically entered in those expenses.\n\nThe dashboard provides clear insights into the budget and how teams spend that money.\n\n### Punch List\n\nThe punch list is a common part of construction and field services management. As such, the application spins up a template when a team creates a project (all within Quickbase). \n\nThe user navigates from the project to this punch list page, where they can easily fill out the punch card. In the example below, you can see how the punch list groups items based on the part of the restaurant (for example, front service counter, kitchen, bathroom, etc.), speeding up the process and reducing errors.\n\n\n![\"Quickbase](\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/8f0fcec7174c7c314f4e2048a213e22ef6da7c0c-1266x638.png\")
\n\n\nTo create this punch list, we worked with the client to make a checklist that would support the flow of the project.\n\nThe application also allows users to add ad hoc items (similar to the daily report above), adding an element of customization to each punch list. For example, if a front service counter needed additional work, a contractor could add the item under a specific category.\n\nEvery construction project is different. For any application to be effective, it needs to account for and adjust to that level of customization. \n\nUsers can also add photos to highlight bottlenecks or prove the completion of projects. This adds an element of task delegation as well (figuring out who is responsible for what). And users could generate PDFs within the application to share data without leaving the Quickbase application.\n\nAll these features took the guesswork out of project management. No one was left guessing whether or not a project was finished. \n\n### Permitting\n\nThere are a lot of hoops teams have to jump through with projects. Navigating red lines, for example, can waste a lot of time as teams often go back and forth to get approvals. \n\nWhen creating a project, users can customize the necessary permits. The application does not assume users need permits for projects. Instead, they tick boxes depending on permit needs, and Quickbase sets milestones for those projects.\n\nThis feature does not only apply to project start-up. Users can return to open projects and add permitting as needed. \n\n\n![\"Quickbase](\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/801118e1849a1b9592f07ede0d2cfafe6c5b4000-1264x712.png\")
\n\n\nThe application also collects the necessary documents. The green buttons (in the image above) prompt users to upload documents. Quickbase moves the data between systems behind the scenes automatically, categorizing the data into the table above. For the user, the experience is very similar to uploading a document like you would in any application.\n\n## Future Roadmap for Construction Project Optimization\n\nAt this point in the project, the complexity of the workflows has expanded. It is no longer linear as we add more systems and workflows to the application.\n\nFor example, several sub-milestones need to happen within a project before the permitting process reaches completion. Quickbase continues to shine within these flows, connecting these dynamic systems and providing clear reporting for team members to accurately track project progress.\n\nAs the application continues to grow in complexity, we will work with the team to ensure the tool meets the needs of the organization while reducing instances of gray work in the process.\n\nWhile construction firms vary in type and size (from HVAC or Roofing or Electrical to Complex Industrial Projects), the approach is the same. Evaluate the business. Identify the root cause. Build a solution that optimizes the workflow by providing accurate data and minimizes gray work.\n\nYou can learn more about our exact process, the challenges, the solution we build, additional features, and the results [in our case study here](https://quandarycg.com/case-study/world-tic-leader-manages-numerous-construction-projects/). ","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-26035d4c-cf56-523c-9255-89794680b495","title":"45+ Shadow IT Statistics for 2024","_createdAt":"2023-02-13T09:07:57Z","publishedAt":"2024-05-15T08:10:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/3df7f2eaa61b9790129a6c4e47ed5505bb83cd40-1000x667.jpg?w=1000&h=667&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/3df7f2eaa61b9790129a6c4e47ed5505bb83cd40-1000x667.jpg?rect=0,1,1000,666&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/3df7f2eaa61b9790129a6c4e47ed5505bb83cd40-1000x667.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/3df7f2eaa61b9790129a6c4e47ed5505bb83cd40-1000x667.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/3df7f2eaa61b9790129a6c4e47ed5505bb83cd40-1000x667.jpg?w=1000&h=667&auto=format 1000w","sizes":"(min-width: 1000px) 1000px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1000,"height":667,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/3df7f2eaa61b9790129a6c4e47ed5505bb83cd40-1000x667.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"shadow-IT-statistics"},"body":"The need for digital solutions [continues to increase](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/). But with programmer talent shortages and increased costs, it’s not always easy for businesses to quickly onboard new solutions. \n\nStill, employees feel the pressure. They need ways to quickly do their job to meet KPIs, sales goals, and customer demands. \n\nAs a result, they lean on unapproved software solutions (known as [shadow IT](https://quandarycg.com/what-is-shadow-it/)).\n\nHow prevalent is shadow IT? What impact do those solutions have on your business? What are the costs and risks? \n\nWe flesh out the facts as we review 45 critical statistics about shadow IT and the future of technology in business.\n\nLet’s dive in.\n## How Much Can Shadow IT Cost Your Business?\nShadow IT costs businesses a lot of money. From out-of-control IT spending, to duplicate licenses to security breaches, ignoring IT protocol can lead to excessive waste.\n### Shadow IT is 30% - 40% of IT spending in large enterprises\n[Gartner found](https://www.cio.com/article/234745/how-to-eliminate-enterprise-shadow-it.html) that shadow IT is between 30% and 40% of IT spending in enterprise organizations. And Everest Group predicts that it accounts for [up to 50%](https://www.everestgrp.com/2017-04-eliminate-enterprise-shadow-sherpas-blue-shirts-39459.html/) of IT spending.\n### The average company wastes $135,000 on unnecessary SaaS tools\nSaaS waste is prevalent among businesses. The average company spends [$135,000 a year](https://www.vendr.com/blog/saas-statistics) on unnecessary software licenses.\n### The average cost of a data breach is $4.35 million\n*The Cost of a Data Breach Report 2022* found that the average cost of a data breach is around [$4.35 million](https://www.ibm.com/downloads/cas/3R8N1DZJ). And that 60% of data breaches drive increased prices, which are passed onto consumers.\n## Security Concerns with Shadow IT\nShadow IT is still prevalent. \n\nDespite growing concerns and data showing the need to tighten up the adoption of technology in organizations, IT departments continue to fight a losing battle.\n### 83% of organizations have experienced more than one data breach\nIBM conducted a report where [83% of the respondents](https://www.ibm.com/downloads/cas/3R8N1DZJ) had suffered more than one data breach in their company’s lifetime.\n### 45% of data breaches happen in the cloud\nIBM also found that [45% of the companies](https://www.ibm.com/downloads/cas/3R8N1DZJ) researched had cloud-based data breaches. And data breaches in the public cloud cost more than those in a hybrid business model.\n### One-third of successful cyber attacks will come from shadow IT\nGartner estimated in a 2020 report that [one-third of all successful cyber attacks](https://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/protect-your-organization-from-cyber-and-ransomware-attacks) will be on data stored in shadow IT infrastructure.\n### 79% of IT leaders feel data security is the main concern\n[79% of IT professionals](http://www.aramidesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/NextPlane-Report-2-Final.pdf) believe that using shadow IT puts company data at risk. These platforms have not been vetted to ensure they can adequately protect sensitive customer and business data.\n### 59% of IT professionals struggle with SaaS Sprawl\n[In a 2023 report](https://www.bettercloud.com/stateofsaasops23/) from BetterCloud, 59% of IT professionals of 743 surveyed said they struggle to manage SaaS applications. Respondents also stated that 65% of all SaaS apps aren’t approved by IT. \n\nSasS sprawl is a growing concern, with 68% of IT professionals stating that they removed unnecessary apps within the last year. \n### 77% of IT Professionals feel that shadow IT will become a major issue\nShadow IT will become a major concern for organizations if management doesn’t take action, according to [77% of IT professionals](https://www.entrust.com/digital-security/c/shadow-it). \n\nAnd over 37% stated that their organizations do not have consequences for team members who violate IT policies and use unapproved apps.\n### Only 12% of IT professionals follow up with approval requests\nIT teams are overwhelmed with a growing ticket backlog, resulting in only [12% of IT departments](https://www.entrust.com/digital-security/c/shadow-it) following up with requests for new technologies from staff. \n### 91% of IT teams feel pressured to compromise security \nThe pressure for IT teams to embrace shadow IT is real. \n\nIn a survey from HP Wolf Security, [91% of respondents](https://press.hp.com/content/dam/sites/garage-press/press/press-kits/2021/hp-wolf-security-rebellions-and-rejections/hp-wolf-security-report-rr-final.pdf) felt pressured by team members to compromise cyber security if it improved business operations. And 50% felt “significant pressure”. \n### 83% of IT teams say enforcing cyber security policies is impossible\nEnforcing corporate cyber security policies is a necessary, but frustrating job. And it’s even harder now that more companies embrace remote work. \n\n[80% of IT professionals experience pushback](https://press.hp.com/content/dam/sites/garage-press/press/press-kits/2021/hp-wolf-security-rebellions-and-rejections/hp-wolf-security-report-rr-final.pdf) from team members who don’t want to deal with controls while working at home. \n\nEven worse, 83% of IT teams feel that it’s impossible to enforce cyber security with personal and professional lives blurred due to remote work.\n### 69% of IT executives feel that shadow IT is a top concern\nThe 2022 SaaS *Visibility and Impact Report* stated that [69% of IT executives](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220420005191/en/New-Torii-Study-Reveals-69-of-Tech-Executives-Say-Shadow-IT-is-Top-Security-Concern) feel that shadow IT is a major concern for SaaS and cloud adoption. \n\nSaaS sprawl has triggered numerous exceptions to existing IT policies, with 80% of respondents admitting that they make exceptions to existing SaaS security protocols. \n\nReducing shadow IT can support [cost-reduction strategies](https://quandarycg.com/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/) while keeping critical business data safe. \n\nBut it becomes harder to stop once you realize how prevalent it is…\n## Who Uses Shadow IT and Why?\nShadow IT is less nefarious than you might think. Most of the time, it happens when employees and business leaders use unapproved tools (that they prefer) to do everyday tasks. \n\nIt’s not about being defiant. Most of the time, employees just want to get work done.\n### 42% of team members use email accounts not approved by IT teams\nIn 2020, [42% of respondents](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1203786/employee-company-shadow-it-usage/) said they used unapproved, personal email addresses for work-related purposes. And 38% of employees use unapproved personal messenger platforms to discuss work-related matters. \n\nThe other online services where shadow IT occurs are: video conferencing (35%), file storage services (35%), collaboration tools (27%), and file transfer/sharing services (21%). \n### 58% of IT managers use unapproved tools\nIT managers are not immune to shadow IT. \n\nIn fact, 58% of them use unapproved tools for collaborating and communicating with other team members. On the other hand, only 28% of employees used these types of unsanctioned tools. \n### 53% of departments refuse to use IT-approved tools\nResearch found that [more than half of teams (53%)](http://www.aramidesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/NextPlane-Report-2-Final.pdf) did not want IT teams suggesting tools for them to use. In fact, 82% of IT professionals have experienced issues with teams when they suggest new tools. \n\nIT often succeeds in getting teams to adopt sanctioned tools (around 63% of the time). Still, team members continue to use tools without approval 13% of the time. \n### 65% of experienced remote workers use shadow IT\n[65% of employees](https://www.beezy.net/2021-digital-workplace-report) who worked remotely before the pandemic use some form of shadow IT presently. \n\nThis is significantly higher than those who started working remotely after the pandemic. Only 31% of those workers admit to using shadow IT.\n### Only 15% of Baby Boomers use shadow IT\nMillennials are most likely to use shadow IT ([54%](https://www.beezy.net/hubfs/Beezy%202021%20Digital%20Workplace%20Report.pdf?hsLang=en)). On the other hand, Gen X (38%) and Gen Z (33%) are less likely to use unapproved technology at work. \n\nBaby Boomers use shadow IT the least (15%).\n### Shadow IT appears to be decreasing from 40% to 32%\nWhile numerous employees still use unapproved technology, shadow IT appears to be decreasing. In 2021, use was 40% compared to [32% in 2022](https://www.beezy.net/hubfs/Digital%20Workplace%20Report%202022/Appspace-Beezy_2022_Digital_Workplace_Trends_and_Insights_Report.pdf).\n### 58% of employees aren’t satisfied with existing tools\nDespite businesses expanding their investment technology and SaaS platforms, [only 42% of employees](https://www.beezy.net/hubfs/Digital%20Workplace%20Report%202022/Appspace-Beezy_2022_Digital_Workplace_Trends_and_Insights_Report.pdf) are completely satisfied with their employer’s tools.\n\nWhile this is up from 39% in 2021, there is still much room for improvement.\n\nBaby boomers are more likely to approve of tools. But Millennials (40%) and Gen Zers (63%) feel that these tools are unreliable, broken, and frustrating to use. \n\nThey also feel they don’t integrate well with existing systems. \n## Why Is Shadow IT on the Rise?\nShadow IT isn’t a new concept. But, with the growing need and prevalence of technical solutions, employees are increasingly likely to adopt unapproved tools.\n### 61% of employees aren’t satisfied with existing technologies\n[61% of employees](https://www.beezy.net/hubfs/Beezy%202021%20Digital%20Workplace%20Report.pdf?hsLang=en) aren’t satisfied with the tech stack at their jobs. They find these tools to be buggy, unreliable, and unable to integrate with the existing systems.\n\nDespite 85% of employees believing that their business monitors their activity, they still rely on unsanctioned tools. \n### 77% of IT professionals see value in embracing shadow IT\nOf 1,000 IT professionals surveyed, 77% believed there would be benefits to embracing shadow IT. \n\n**Why?**\n\nBecause there are a lot of tools out there that can improve employee productivity and efficiency. \n\nBy automating menial tasks and integrating systems, teams can gain data insights and the time they need to solve strategic problems. \n\nBut do you have to embrace shadow IT?\n\nNot exactly. \n\nIf you’re skeptical about embracing shadow IT, there is another option. \n## How to Reduce Shadow IT with Citizen Development\nWith increasing demands, longer IT approval times, and more applications on the market, employees will continue to adopt new tools to meet the needs of their jobs. \n\nThe only way to shift businesses away from shadow IT is to speed up the development of custom solutions that streamline workflows. \n\nAnd that’s exactly what low-code platforms and citizen development deliver. \n\n[Citizen development](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-pros-cons/) is the democratization of software development using low-code and no-code technologies. It allows employees to quickly build solutions using visual interfaces. \n\nThese platforms empower employees by giving them the tools they need to build the exact solution to their problems. As a result, [businesses can reduce shadow IT](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-shadow-it/) with citizen development and low-code technology. \n\nThe challenge is standing up to these citizen development programs and [providing the proper framework](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-governance-guide/) and governance. And that’s where citizen development consultants can provide support. \n\nQuandary Consulting Group works with businesses of all sizes to help them launch citizen development programs. From training team members to providing resources and governance, we’re here to help. \n\nNeed more information? [Reach out today](https://quandarycg.com/contact/)!","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-6b3a2d40-3805-544b-93e4-8c9de6062714","title":"IT Leader Round-Up: Citizen Developer Challenges [2024]","_createdAt":"2023-05-16T07:42:41Z","publishedAt":"2024-05-13T07:15:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/3da0319e03020a4d7419b8c15651011148d52923-2248x1500.jpg?w=2248&h=1500&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/3da0319e03020a4d7419b8c15651011148d52923-2248x1500.jpg?rect=3,0,2243,1500&w=320&h=214&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/3da0319e03020a4d7419b8c15651011148d52923-2248x1500.jpg?rect=0,1,2248,1499&w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/3da0319e03020a4d7419b8c15651011148d52923-2248x1500.jpg?rect=0,1,2248,1499&w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/3da0319e03020a4d7419b8c15651011148d52923-2248x1500.jpg?rect=0,1,2248,1499&w=1024&h=683&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/3da0319e03020a4d7419b8c15651011148d52923-2248x1500.jpg?rect=0,1,2248,1499&w=1366&h=911&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/3da0319e03020a4d7419b8c15651011148d52923-2248x1500.jpg?rect=1,0,2247,1500&w=1600&h=1068&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/3da0319e03020a4d7419b8c15651011148d52923-2248x1500.jpg?w=1920&h=1281&auto=format 1920w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/3da0319e03020a4d7419b8c15651011148d52923-2248x1500.jpg?rect=1,0,2247,1500&w=2048&h=1367&auto=format 2048w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/3da0319e03020a4d7419b8c15651011148d52923-2248x1500.jpg?w=2248&h=1500&auto=format 2248w","sizes":"(min-width: 2248px) 2248px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":2248,"height":1500,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/3da0319e03020a4d7419b8c15651011148d52923-2248x1500.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"citizen-developer-challenges"},"body":"Only [3 out of 10 digital transformations succeed](https://www.bcg.com/publications/2020/increasing-odds-of-success-in-digital-transformation). Resources, time, and developer shortages make it harder to drive measurable change.\n\nFortunately for many businesses, low-code platforms make it easier for businesses to scale applications. development. Even better, the citizen developer movement [can help speed up digital transformations](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-digital-transformation/) by offloading the IT backlog to capable business users.\n\nBut the citizen development movement is not without challenges.\n\nWe spoke with several leading CIOs on navigating the difficulties in launching and managing citizen development. \n\nHere’s what they had to say.\n\n## 15 Challenges Citizen Developers Face (With Solutions from IT Leaders)\n\nWhether you’re considering launching a citizen development program or you need help with governing existing citizen developers, you need to navigate these challenges successfully.\n\n### 1. It’s a “New” Concept\n\n[Citizen development](https://quandarycg.com/how-to-become-citizen-developer/) is an emerging topic, but the concept has been around for a while. \n\nIn fact, it was [gaining traction in 2018](https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8418628). However, the pandemic slowed progress as attention focused on building tools to enable remote work.\n\nRecently, it’s entered the news again as inflation, market uncertainty, [developer talent shortage](https://quandarycg.com/programmer-shortage/), and increasing demand have made digital transformations increasingly urgent. \n\nStill, we’ve found that the term “Citizen Developer” is not colloquial in many organizations. IT leaders leverage low code. They even have tech-savvy team members building solutions. \n\nThey just don’t identify them as “citizen developers.”\n\nAs more businesses move development outside of IT and empower business users with low-code tools, the terminology will become common.\n\n### 2. Insufficient Technical Expertise\n\nCitizen Developers are not developers. \n\nInstead, they’re tech-savvy business users who know how to use low-code tools to build custom solutions that scale their output.\n\nThis means they’re often unfamiliar with IT security principles, frameworks, or procedures. Without oversight, you can end up with app sprawl, [shadow IT](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-shadow-it/), and security breaches.\n\n[George Fylaktopoulos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-fylaktopoulos/), CTO of [Comidor](https://www.comidor.com/), says that “working with citizen developers requires a collaborative approach. As CTO, I ensure that we provide adequate training and support to citizen developers, so they can effectively use our platform. We also provide templates and pre-built components, which they can customize to their specific needs.”\n\nUnderstanding that most citizen developers don’t have an IT background and providing them with [the support they need](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-resources/) to thrive is essential.\n\nOtherwise, your team will struggle to make any positive business impact.\n\n### 3. Limited Access to Resources\n\nWithout the right resources, tools, knowledge, and support, your citizen developers can’t solve business problems effectively. \n\nInstead, apps are likely to be riddled with bugs and performance issues. The risk of security concerns and compliance violations increases.\n\nUltimately, the end-users (employees and customers) suffer.\n\n[Upskilling is critical](https://quandarycg.com/software-engineer-burnout/) for developers. Not surprisingly, it is just as vital for citizen developers to succeed as well.\n\n### 4. Time Constraints\n\nAdopting and scaling citizen development is a time-consuming process. \nOverworked organizations may find it exceptionally difficult to create time in their schedules to stand up these programs. \n\n**There are two paths you can take:**\n\nThe first is to make the time. [Low-code tools](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-guide/) can drastically increase productivity and efficiency. Knowing this, organizations can deprioritize other tasks with the understanding that their investment in citizen development will yield justifiable returns with increased efficiency.\n\nThe other option is to [outsource citizen development implementation to experts](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-support/). Outsourcing this effort allows you to focus on your main business goals with minimal disruption.\n\n### 5. Resistance from IT Teams\n\nAs citizen development scales over the entire business, it becomes increasingly difficult for IT professionals to oversee Citizen Developer activity.\n\nUnsupervised citizen developers can cause security threats and non-compliance with regulations. Underperforming applications can create more work for IT teams who pause existing work-in-progress regularly to evaluate apps built by citizen developers.\n \n[Kody Johnston](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kody-johnston-msn-rn-cd-p-cd-ba-158117159/), Director of Data Analytics and Innovation at Maxwell Healthcare Associates offers this solution, “being able to showcase the value and also get into audiences with CIO/CTO decision-makers has been the must, but also the hardest to crack.” \n\nThe goal is to illustrate the initial success of the program. “Once successfully shown,” Johnston continues, “there are few, if any, that have closed the door to citizen development and NCLC.”\n\nThat said, Johnston points out, “Healthcare is a different beast. Our regulations make IT skeptical due to HIPPA and many regulations from a technology standpoint.”\n\nStart small. Share wins. Build buy-in over time.\n\n### 6. Communication Challenges\n\nCitizen developers need to collaborate with IT teams. \n\nUnfortunately, what ends up happening is that teams are siloed. Without centralized communication, citizen developers create apps that are:\n\n- Redundant (both in features and capabilities)\n- Not aligned with business goals\n- Weak (from both a performance and UX perspective)\n- Full of security and compliance issues\n- Unable to significantly reduce IT backlogs\n\nRoy Edwards, President and Chief Operations Officer at [Capitol Presence](http://www.CapitolPresence.com), offset this problem in his organization by “creating templates of approved UX/UI, holding Champions group meetings to go over best practices and information.”\n\nAnd Johnston suggests that organizations “build relationships with IT and prototyped solutions that apply to both the business unit and IT. Creating a monthly idea forum where personnel can go that are interdisciplinary to discuss these ideas safely and effectively has been the best jump start to getting buy-in on LCNC and citizen development.”\n\nFylaktopoulos adds, “We implemented a review process that involved collaboration between citizen developers, business analysts, and our development team.” This ensures \"that all members feel valued, [that] their work is not undermined, and [that] everyone understands the positive results of the CD adoption.”\n\n### 7. Lack of Testing Tools, Processes, and Experience\n\nIn-depth LCNC training, IT support, QA, and testing tools are a must for the success of citizen developers. Without them, citizen developers will struggle to “get out of first gear” and build powerful solutions.\n\n[Samantha Mulford](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzbrit/) from PMI’s Citizen Development Program suggests “designing and developing online training initiatives at all levels plus holding Webinars on LCNC platforms and LCNC-AI integrations” to empower citizen developers. \n\nIt’s also important to [centralize citizen developer governance](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-governance-guide/). This helps establish clear processes, roles, and responsibilities for application testing.\n\nAt the same time, Johnston explains that “being able to document and prove that process out to organizations is essential for you to drive a successful citizen development program no matter where you are.”\n\n[Having the right processes in place](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-best-practices/) and building on those drastically improve the quality and overall impact of the apps your citizen developers build.\n\n### 8. Maintenance and Support\nApplications are organic. They cannot run indefinitely without changes, bug fixes, and feature enhancements. They need updates.\n\nCitizen developer apps are no different.\n\nIn addition to teaching citizen developers how to build apps properly, you must show them how to update and maintain them. Edwards explains that citizen developers need to follow the iterative development phases of “Plan, Design, Make, Test, Retrospect, Refine.” \n\nAccording to Edwards, “the greatest difficulties are establishing templates, guidelines, governance, and general work instructions to empower your team.”\n\nTo overcome this challenge, he suggests “creating a consistent style of Low-Code-No-Code development to ease the administrative and Operation and Maintenance burden.”\n\nDevelopers need to follow frameworks to ensure apps exceed expectations. Citizen developers need to [follow the same standards](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-framework/).\n\n### 9. Compliance Issues\n\nData privacy and application vulnerability are constant concerns for any developer. This is no different with citizen developers. \n\nWithout governance, citizen developers are more likely to violate compliance regulations such as [GDPR](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr.asp) and [HIPAA](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/h/hipaa.asp). Data breaches [are expensive](https://quandarycg.com/shadow-IT-statistics/). They can potentially ruin brand trust and reputation. \n\nMulford advises that IT teams “Assess if projects are suitable for CD and fit within your organizational framework” and “ensure compliance and governance with risk oversight from the IT team.”\n\nThis is the bare minimum for businesses adopting citizen developers. Without it, you risk creating applications that do more harm than good.\n\n### 10. Scalability\n\nCIOs struggle to scale citizen development across their organizations. This is a natural consequence of moving development out of IT.\n\nUsually, this is a result of moving too quickly.\n\nInstead, you should start small. Edwards highlights the best approach: “Identify which areas of the business you want your CDs to take on.” \n\nHe further explains that “not all processes need to be automated, and oftentimes people take on automation and development projects too early and without communication to a greater team.\n\nFocus on a single area and improve. Reflect on the process. And build out your citizen development program from there. \n\n### 11. Unnecessary or Redundant Apps\n\nWithout the 10,000 ft view, citizen developers can create redundant or unnecessary apps. This is more frequent if there are communication bottlenecks in an organization.\n\nFor example, a citizen developer in HR could build an app with the same functionality as a citizen developer in procurement because they simply don’t know one exists. \n\nOr, the business could already have a tool in place that carries out the functions designed in that application.\n\nEither way, duplicate apps create information silos while wasting resources \nJohnston argues that you need to “KNOW YOUR INFRASTRUCTURE. Who makes the calls, what tools do you have, what cloud stack are you in bed with, what are current initiatives that your enterprise is focusing on.”\n\nWith proper IT governance, your citizen developers won’t waste time on redundancies.\n\n### 12. Security Concerns\n\n[Roughly 15 million data records](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1307426/number-of-data-breaches-worldwide/) suffered data breaches globally between July and September 2022 alone.\n\nThe average cost of a data breach was at an all-time high of [$4.35M in 2022](https://www.ibm.com/downloads/cas/3R8N1DZJ). Acronis report predicts that cost will rise to [$5M in 2023](https://www.acronis.com/en-us/lp/cyberthreats-report-2022-end-year/).\n\nWith so much on the line, professional developers must provide security guidelines for Citizen Developers.\n\n[Vivek Goel](https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivekxgoel/) from Quixy adds, \"While choosing CD Platforms, organizations must ensure that the platform is compliant with the latest data security and privacy standards like ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type 2, GDPR, etc.\"\n\nSandbox environments also give citizen developers a safe place to innovate. And IT governance ensures apps remain compliant. \n\n### 13. Weak Quality Assurance\n\nWithout oversight, citizen developers create applications that provide experiences that can be worse than existing or manual processes.\n\nRemember, [citizen developers aren’t professional developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-vs-professional-developer/). They have limited technical know-how. IT teams know how to run QA and know the difference between good-better-best. \n\nTraining, templates, examples, and collaboration between IT teams and citizen developers is the only way to improve quality assurance. \n\nCitizen developers must understand quality and how to build it into their low-code solutions.\n\n### 14. Integration Challenges\n\nIf you build applications that function in siloes, you cannot fully benefit from automation. Instead, you’ll only partially improve a workflow.\n\nApp integrations can be difficult (even for seasoned programmers). \n\nFylaktopoulos argues that “organizations should work closely with their IT teams to ensure that citizen development is aligned with existing processes and can be effectively integrated into the organization's broader IT strategy.”\n\nBuilding integrations is a key component of successfully transforming manual processes. And working with IT to ensure solutions integrate helps the organization get the most out of their process improvements. \n\nRecently, [citizen integrators](https://quandarycg.com/what-is-a-citizen-integrator/) (a subcategory of citizen developers) have arrived to address this problem.\n\nUnlike citizen developers, citizen integrators focus solely on building integrations. As such, they’re more familiar with how integrations work and can connect various applications.\n\n### 15. Limited Access to Data\n\nCitizen developers need access to data if they’re going to create effective solutions. The challenge is that they tend to be restricted by their role in their organization. \n\nInstead, leadership or IT teams act as gatekeepers to critical data insights. This makes it harder for citizen developers to create meaningful solutions. \n\nThe best solution is to create a center of excellence (CoE) with a central archive of the required data. \n\nThe CoE must store the business goals and objectives, training data, security and UI/UX guidelines, company policies, external compliance requirements, etc. And it should be accessible to citizen developers.\n\n## Why You Need a CoE for Citizen Developers\n\nSuccessfully deploying and governing citizen developers requires an established framework and system of governance. By setting up a Center of Excellence (CoE), you can ensure that your developers amplify your IT team’s capabilities, not hinder it.\n\n[A CoE](https://catalant.com/coe-everything-you-need-to-know-about-centers-of-excellence/) is a centrally governed repository of resources, best practices, tools, and reusable components. It serves as a meeting point for managers, citizen developers, and IT experts.\n\n**A CoE helps:**\n\n- Increase citizen developer performance\n- Align IT with citizen developers to ensure compliance\n- Reduces IT backlog\n- Provides resources and guidance for citizen developers\n- Improves communication and collaboration between IT and citizen developers\n- Ensures new apps align with business goals\n- Scales citizen development output without negatively impacting quality\n- Boosts ROI while reducing costs from citizen development initiatives\n\n## How to Create a CoE for Citizen Developers\n\nFollow these steps to build an effective CoE in your organization:\n\n1. Define your organizational vision and goals. \n2. Determine how your citizen developers can support these goals\n3. Create a core operational team with clearly defined roles and responsibilities.\n4. Build a governance framework your citizen developers must follow.\n5. Choose the best low-code tools for your team.\n6. Collect and distribute the necessary resources for developers.\n7. Provide your IT teams time to collaborate with citizen developers.\n8. Establish a transparent environment that embraces failure and innovation.\n9. Regularly review, collect feedback/data, and refine the CoE.\n\nBy setting up your citizen developers for success, you can reduce IT backlog and scale digital solutions faster. The result: cost reduction, improved productivity, better employee and customer satisfaction, improved IT performance, and more.\nNot sure where to start?\n\nAt [Quandary Consulting Group](https://quandarycg.com/), we help clients create, deploy, and manage citizen developer programs. As leaders in the space, we lean on experience with low code tools to design a CoE for citizen developers within your organization.\n\nWhether you need help managing citizen developers or expanding your existing program, we can help.\n\n[Reach out to learn more](https://quandarycg.com/contact/). \n\nOr, see how we’ve helped our clients in the case studies below. \n","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-bf385af2-ee23-51fd-a425-c9e4b75bee71","title":"20 Ways to Reduce Business App Development Costs (in 2024)","_createdAt":"2023-05-26T04:28:17Z","publishedAt":"2024-05-06T06:38:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/10181f6509ee617885cfefeb197716764c56646f-800x534.webp?w=800&h=534&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/10181f6509ee617885cfefeb197716764c56646f-800x534.webp?rect=1,0,799,534&w=320&h=214&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/10181f6509ee617885cfefeb197716764c56646f-800x534.webp?rect=1,0,799,534&w=654&h=437&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/10181f6509ee617885cfefeb197716764c56646f-800x534.webp?rect=1,0,799,534&w=768&h=513&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/10181f6509ee617885cfefeb197716764c56646f-800x534.webp?w=800&h=534&auto=format 800w","sizes":"(min-width: 800px) 800px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":800,"height":534,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/10181f6509ee617885cfefeb197716764c56646f-800x534.webp"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"reduce-app-development-costs"},"body":"Struggling with increasing application development costs? Inflation, developer talent shortages, and increasing demands have made building applications within budget nearly impossible.\n\nLeft unchecked, expensive applications can burn through resources and cause cash flow problems. Worse, you can create a rushed app that falls short, damaging your brand.\n\nWith rising costs, you need simple solutions you can implement today to reduce application development costs.\n\nWe dive into 20 strategies you can use right now to drastically reduce the cost of application development.\n\n\n## How Much Does It Cost to Build a Business App?\n\nIt depends. \n\nPricing application development is tricky. There are numerous factors that can influence the cost of [creating a custom application](https://quandarycg.com/business-application-development-growth/).\n\nThe more complex an app is, the more expensive it’ll cost to create. \n\n**Here are some low-end estimates:**\n \n| App Complexity | Cost | \n|:--- | :--- |\n|Simple| $16,000+|\n|Medium| $32,000+|\n|High-End|$72,000+|\n|Full-Time Software Developer|$105,000+|\n\n_Source: [Business of Apps](https://www.businessofapps.com/app-developers/research/app-development-cost/)_\n\nThese are ballpark figures. The more features, integrations, and platforms, the more hours it’ll take to develop the app and the greater the cost.\n\nOther factors can influence application development costs: shifting scope, [developer churn](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/), updates, and bug fixes.\n\nIf you’re not careful, your application development costs can spiral out of control. \n\nBest case, your new app costs go beyond the scope. Worst case, you’re forced to stop the project before completion due to cash flow concerns.\n\nAnd the last thing you want is to be left with an expensive, unfinished application.\n\n\n## 20 Ways to Lower App Development Costs\n\nWhile application development is an investment, it doesn’t have to bankrupt your business. \n\nFollow these steps to reduce your application development costs.\n\n### 1. Do Your Research\n\nThe most effective way to reduce application development costs is to conduct thorough research before starting any new app build. \n\n**Here’s the best approach**:\n\n1. **Start by defining the business problem**. This can be something customers or your team mention frequently. The problem should negatively impact business performance.\n2. **Research your audience**. Ask intended users (customers or employees) where the current process falls short. Look for steps that feel like busywork or require entering the same data multiple times.\n3. **Map out the existing problem**. Determine the true origin of the problem. Often, customer and employee frustrations are symptoms of deep-rooted problems. You do not want to waste time and resources treating symptoms. \n4. **Analyze competitors to see if they provide similar features**. It helps to know if you’re filling a gap left by competitors or catching up to them.\n5. **Determine security requirements**: Understanding data handling and security is necessary to avoid costly mistakes. The solution might need specific security requirements, for example, limiting access to add/edit/delete/view for some users.\n6. **Search for existing solutions**. Sometimes you can cut costs by finding turnkey solutions that are better and more cost-effective than custom builds.\n7. **Establish KPIs**. Determine what success looks like for this solution. This can be in cost savings, customer satisfaction, employee productivity, or any other KPI aligned with current business goals.\n8. **Collect baseline data**. This will help you evaluate the app's success, calculate ROI, and inspire future app development.\n\nThe more detailed you are in your research, the more likely you are to stay within budget.\n\n\n### 2. Provide Detailed Project Requirements\n\nClearly communicating project requirements prevents costly scope creep that can drag out your application development and drastically increase costs.\n\nStart by compiling your research into a [Product Requirements Document](https://www.productplan.com/glossary/product-requirements-document/) (PRD). This document clearly defines the capabilities of the application, providing clear scope for the project. \n\n\n**The PRD typically specifies:** \n- Project overview\n- Reason for the development\n- System/platform requirements\n- Assumptions, Constraints, and Dependencies\n- Finalized list of features for the application\n- UI/UX requirements\n- Timelines for development\n- Estimates for development at each stage\n\nRemember, unclear project requirements frustrate software engineers, create confusion, slow down development, and increase costs. \n\nClearly state what you need from the start with a well-defined PRD.\n\n\n### 3. Decide Between an MVP or MVR\n\nYou need to choose between developing a minimal viable product (MVP) or a [minimal viable replacement (MVR)](https://www.mindtheproduct.com/minimum-viable-replacement/). \n\nAn MVP is the most simplistic version of an app with only the essential features for your target audience. \n\nAn MVR is the most simplistic replacement for an existing solution that reduces issues with change adoption found by replacing complex legacy systems. \n\nThe goal of both is to launch a solution quickly with minimal resources to determine if the target audience finds value. \n\nChoosing the wrong type will waste resources and damage customer relationships.\n\n**Which one should you choose?**\n\nThe MVP is for testing new products. The MVR is for testing out new features or upgrades to existing products.\n\nFrom there, businesses can invest more resources to fully build out the solution. Or, they can scrap it and focus on other improvements.\n\n\n### 4. Establish Clear Communication\n\nMiscommunication leads to errors and slowdowns, drastically increasing the cost of building your app. Reworking an app to better align it to the intended design is expensive. \n\nTo avoid this, set up clear channels of communication from the start. \n\nCommunication between developers and the team should be consistent and clear. This ensures the applications meet the desired outcomes. Collaboration, problem-solving, and decision-making increase as well, leading to a streamlined development process. \n\nEffective communication, feedback, changes, and updates to stakeholders reduce delays. At the same time, your team can easily track the progress and costs of the project.\n\n\n### 5. Keep UX/UI Simple\n\nComplex designs can confuse users and inflate costs. Simplicity is key when it comes to cost-effective app design. Minimalistic designs [often work best](https://agilie.com/blog/minimalism-in-mobile-app-design-as-a-powerful-surrent-trend).\n\nYou want a clean, refined user interface (UI) that helps users access your app easily. \n\nPrioritize accessibility, standard features, reusable modules, and elegance over unnecessary customization. Your app can stand out without being too new that it’s confusing.\n\nComplex designs make user adoption hard, which can negatively affect the overall impact of the business solution. \n\n\n### 6. Use Low Code Tools\n\n[Low code applications](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-guide/) allow users to rapidly build applications using drag-and-drop, visual interfaces. Rather than code from scratch, you can use prefabricated snippets of code.\n\nAs a SaaS platform, costs scale with use. This makes them an affordable option for businesses. Plus, they rely on cloud-based infrastructure to keep them accessible and secure.\n\nWith low code tools, your developers can scale application development without excessive costs. You can even train non-developers to build applications. These \"citizen developers\" work as extensions of your IT team, building solutions.\n\n_(More on this later.)_\n\nWith rising costs and developer shortages, low-code tools help businesses achieve [digital transformations successfully](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-digital-transformation/).\n\nAnd now that low-code platforms [are incorporating AI](https://www.infoworld.com/article/3694173/why-generative-ai-will-turbocharge-low-code-and-no-code-development.html) to help streamline development further, it's likely that these tools will continue to lower app development costs.\n\n### 7. Provide Thorough QA\n\nTesting an application is a complex process. Finding and eliminating bugs efficiently is key to keeping application development costs low.\n\nYou do not want to rush Quality Assurance (QA).\n\nUser satisfaction is critical. Bugs ruin the user experience, damage the brand, and drive up costs. In fact, [48% of users are less likely](https://www.globalapptesting.com/blog/how-bugs-impact-your-company-infographic) to use later versions of an application after finding bugs in it.\n\n**It gets worse.**\n\nDid you know that 44% of users delete an app immediately if it doesn't work? And 34% will immediately go to a competitor…\n\nQA also helps you identify and address usability issues, performance bottlenecks, compliance concerns, and compatibility problems early on, reducing costs.\n\nStart early and test iteratively.\n\n### 8. Run User Acceptance Testing (UAT)\n\n[User acceptance testing](https://www.spiceworks.com/tech/devops/articles/what-is-uat/) is a process where end users test the applications to ensure it meets their expectations.\n\nUAT uses product requirements aligned to a methodology (Waterfall, Agile, etc.).\n\nStart by recruiting members from your target audience, developers, and team members and provide them with the tools to test the project. From there, you should train your UAT team and provide resources for them to test the application. As they test the app, they should collect information and analyze the results.\n\nOnce complete, your developers should update the application and relaunch it. You can retest as necessary.\n\nUAT focuses on validating the app's functionality, usability, and overall user experience. It helps you catch potential issues early and address them before releasing the application.\n\n### 9. Reduce Scope Creep\n\nScope creep occurs when the project scope extends beyond the original plan due to additional requirements or functionally requested by the customer or business user.\n\nThis increases the level of work, pressure on internal teams, and the chances of missed deadlines. All of which drive up the costs of a project.\n\nTo reduce scope creep, you need to have a clearly defined project plan in place. Any changes to the project plan should be documented as a formal [change order request](https://asana.com/resources/change-order-template).\n\n It also helps to break large projects down into smaller, more manageable phases with frequent evaluation. Your team should communicate often, providing feedback to ensure the project aligns with goals at each stage.\n\nTo keep app development costs low, only approve change order requests that align to critical app functionality. Your team can include other non-vital updates in later sprints.\n\n### 10. Listen to Your Team and Customers\n\nOne of the most expensive mistakes you can make in application development is to build an app that your customer or your team doesn't need.\n\nThroughout the application development process, you should [collect feedback](https://qualaroo.com/blog/best-mobile-in-app-feedback-tools/) from your team and customers. This will ensure that the app you build aligns with their needs.\n\nWithout customer feedback, you may find yourself tangled up in costly redesigns or product overhauls that increase app development costs exponentially.\n\n### 11. Remove Unnecessary Features\n\nUnnecessary features are an expensive distraction.\n\nThey make development more complex, more time-consuming, and as a result, more expensive. Their increased complexity also induces more risk in the development process.\n\nAdditionally, unnecessary features also have high maintenance and support costs. Each new app feature requires updates, increasing the costs over time.\n\nPlus, they increase the risk of expensive errors and drain app resources, all of which can negatively impact the user experience.\n\nAnd too many features can clutter the interface, reducing app functionality and confusing or frustrating the users.\n\nInstead, you should focus on core features that align with business goals. [Remove unnecessary features](https://uservoice.com/blog/removing-features). And revisit them later on when it makes more financial sense.\n\n### 12. Consider Offline Capabilities\n\nApplications need to function in the best environment for the user. While most users have access to the internet, that's not always the case.\n\n For example, construction companies often work on job sites with minimal/no access to the internet. This forces them to rely on manual processes rather than digital solutions to carry out tasks. As a result, [construction companies are notoriously inefficient](https://www.levelset.com/blog/2020-report-construction-wasted-time-slow-payment/).\n\nApplications with offline automation can sidestep this problem by carrying out functionalities without access to the internet. This improves efficiency and adoption.\n\nIn short, you need to be certain your team and customers can use your application no matter where they are. For some businesses, that means ensuring apps function offline.\n\n### 13. Promote Faster App Development\n\nThe faster your team can build applications, the less time they'll spend on coding, testing, and debugging. Even better, your solutions (and the results) will go live faster.\n\nThis goes deeper than adopting Agile application development methodologies.\n\nYour organization needs to adopt a mindset around faster application development. That means reducing organizational obstacles (such as bureaucracy, bottlenecks, and [inefficient processes](https://quandarycg.com/8-warning-signs-that-you-need-to-automate-your-business/)) that slow application development down.\n\nAs mentioned before, embracing low-code tools is another easy way to promote faster application development in your business.\n\n### 14. Don't Reinvent the Wheel\n\nTemplate libraries, existing platforms, and open-source software can speed up development.\n\nNumerous third-party template libraries are available to streamline your app development. Rather than design templates from scratch, you can customize existing ones. This lets you skip the initial design phase and focus more on features and functionality.\n\nYou can use existing platforms to provide a framework for building applications that have pre-built functionalities and integrations built in. For example, these platforms come with features like user authentication, social media sharing, push notifications, database management, and cloud storage. As a result, you don't need to build them from scratch.\n\nOpen-source software is free to use and maintained by a community. There you'll find prebuilt libraries, frameworks, and tools that can speed up development. Plus, these vibrant communities offer strong support, with members actively adding code and documentation.\n\nYour team can use these resources to speed up application development (and cut costs) by using what already exists.\n\n### 15. Automate Repetitive Tasks\n\nIn 50% of jobs, at least 33% of the work could be automated. The more time your developers waste on menial tasks, the longer it takes them to build your applications.\n\nThis drives up the cost of application development.\n\nYou can reduce costs by automating tasks for developers. For example, they can automate email updates, app testing, milestone notifications, data collation, reporting, and more.\n\nDevelopers can also use AI tools like [ChatGPT](https://codequotient.com/blog/chatgpt-for-developer-tasks/) and [GitHub's CoPilot](https://github.com/features/copilot) to automate aspects of application development, like code generation.\n\n### 16. Evaluate Updating and Maintenance Costs\n\nApp development costs are never \"one-and-done\".\n\nThe hidden cost of app development is in updating and maintenance costs. Their costs vary depending on the complexity of the app and the extent of the updates.\n\nThe more complex the app, the more time and resources need to go into updating it.\n\nYou need to understand the cost of maintenance before committing to the development project. This will help you budget accordingly and avoid unpleasant surprises.\n\n### 17. Choose Native, Hybrid, or Cross-Platform\n\nNative applications are for specific platforms (such as iOS or Android). Hybrid apps use HTML, CSS, and Javascript to deploy apps on multiple platforms. Cross-platform apps run a single codebase with a programming language like JavaScript that deploys as a native app on multiple platforms.\n\nThere are costs and savings involved with each:\n\n- **Native apps** are more powerful, provide better UX, and can function offline. However, they are typically more expensive and time-consuming to build.\n- **Hybrid apps** are faster and more affordable to build. However, they require internet access to function and may not provide the best user experience.\n- **Cross-Platform** are increasingly popular as they render properly across all devices. But, they struggle to keep up with the functionality of native or hybrid apps.\n\nHybrid apps and cross-platform apps tend to be less expensive. And while cross-platform apps are more popular, they both require APIs and internet connections to run.\n\nThis makes them potentially less secure.\n\nWhich one is the most affordable?\n\n_It depends._\n\nThere are pros and cons for both. You need to evaluate both against your business goals to find the most cost-effective approach.\n\n### 18. Outsource Application Development\n\nDepending on your needs, it may be faster and more affordable to [outsource application development](https://quandarycg.com/quandary-build/).\n\nIt's the 80/20 principle.\n\nYou see the most results when you focus on the 20% of your business that drive 80% of the value. For most businesses, that is not application development.\n\nIf that's the case, trying to manage application development becomes an unnecessarily complex (and expensive) process for businesses.\n\nEven if you have an internal development team, they may not have the experience building the applications your business needs. They could waste more time and resources creating an app that underperforms when compared to what an outsourced development team could create.\n\nAt the same time, you could end up spending far more by outsourcing application development to an inexperienced partner.\n\nFor example, working with offshore developers tends to be the most cost-effective approach. But cultural differences, communication gaps, poor leadership, and high turnover can result in more expensive application development projects.\n\n**Be careful when outsourcing.**\n\nYou don't want a vendor. [You want a strategic partner](https://quandarycg.com/about-us/) who can build the custom solutions you need while finding other opportunities for you to succeed.\n\nThey should understand your niche, customers, the latest technology, and the current market trends. That way, they can create solutions aligned with your business goals.\n\nAlso, it's important to note that your work won't stop once you outsource application development. [You'll need to collaborate](https://quandarycg.com/our-approach/) with your partner to create the best application.\n\n### 19. Limit Work in Progress (WIP)\n\nIn an ideal world, developers would work on one project at a time. They would be laser-focused. And each task would get their complete attention until it was complete.\n\nUnfortunately, that's far from the reality.\n\nDevelopers often juggle numerous competing priorities. Moving between tasks, also known as [context-switching](https://asana.com/resources/context-switching), kills productivity.\n\n**Instead, you should:**\n\n- Give your developers time to focus on the main project.\n- Build processes for communication and managing tasks effectively.\n- Reduce the number of projects your developers manage.\n\nDevelopers will always have pressing tasks. But to reduce development hours (and costs), you need to limit the number of projects your team manages simultaneously.\n\n### 20. Embrace Citizen Development\n\n[Citizen developers](https://quandarycg.com/what-is-citizen-development/) are full-time employees who use low-code platforms to build custom applications from scratch quickly and at a low cost.\n\nRather than outsource requests to developers, they use their expertise with the workflow to create custom solutions.\n\nWhile [citizen developers aren't professional developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-vs-professional-developer/), they can manage simple application development. Or, they can work with IT teams to create more complex solutions.\n\nYour citizen developers will need established frameworks and IT governance to succeed. But, they can effectively build the solutions they need without overwhelming IT teams with endless automation, integration, and custom app requests.\n\n[Several major organizations](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-use-cases/) are leveraging citizen developers to reduce IT backlog and burdens, helping them achieve digital transformation faster.\n\n","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-a1c493fe-f89d-5333-84f2-33b608c6c705","title":"11 Best Procurement Software: Streamline Purchasing in 2024","_createdAt":"2020-01-17T02:43:31Z","publishedAt":"2024-04-24T08:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/95d56fc36e10664fbf67e70edf98e20055491184-1920x1280.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/95d56fc36e10664fbf67e70edf98e20055491184-1920x1280.jpg?rect=0,1,1920,1278&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/95d56fc36e10664fbf67e70edf98e20055491184-1920x1280.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/95d56fc36e10664fbf67e70edf98e20055491184-1920x1280.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/95d56fc36e10664fbf67e70edf98e20055491184-1920x1280.jpg?rect=1,0,1919,1280&w=1024&h=683&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/95d56fc36e10664fbf67e70edf98e20055491184-1920x1280.jpg?rect=1,0,1919,1280&w=1366&h=911&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/95d56fc36e10664fbf67e70edf98e20055491184-1920x1280.jpg?rect=1,0,1919,1280&w=1600&h=1067&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/95d56fc36e10664fbf67e70edf98e20055491184-1920x1280.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&auto=format 1920w","sizes":"(min-width: 1920px) 1920px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1920,"height":1280,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/95d56fc36e10664fbf67e70edf98e20055491184-1920x1280.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"top-procurement-software-for-your-business"},"body":"Procurement is a strategic process you can leverage to boost the bottom line of your growing business. Knowing the [latest trends](/procurement-trends) and onboarding the best procurement software can reduce your costs and present new opportunities for your growing business. \n\nBut, there are A LOT of procurement solutions out there. So, which one's the best for your business?\n\nThese are the top 11 best procurement software you should consider if you're looking to better scale your growing business. Choose one of the solutions below if you want to [reach your procurement goals](https://quandarycg.com/10-key-procurement-goals-to-achieve/) this year.\n\n## The Best 11 Procurement Software in 2024\n\nTo make it easier for you to choose the right procurement software, here are the top 10 platforms on the market today. \n\nThese software solutions provide everything your business needs to streamline your procurement process, [cutting costs and increasing efficiencies](/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business) in your business. \n\n### 1. Tradogram\n\nIf you’re looking for a top-rated, e-procurement software solution, then look no further than [Tradogram](https://tradogram.com/). With an endless list of businesses that have already adopted it, you have the social proof you need to add it to your company’s application stack. \n\nNo matter the size of your organization, Tradogram can improve your procurement process with custom management support across multiple locations and departments. Spend management functionalities make it easy to forecast cost issues, analyze expenditures, and review supplier management.\n\nThere are numerous tools you can use to automate your POs, RFQs/RFPs, Contracts, Requisitions, and invoicing. As a cloud-based app, you get enhanced mobility and security. Data flows easily between modules, giving you clear insights into up-to-date reports.\n\nThis accessible system supports quick onboarding with its easy-to-use interface. As a result, you can automate many areas of your procurement process quickly and efficiently. \n\n\n\n\n### 2. Fraxion\n\n[Fraxion](https://www.fraxion.biz/) is a cloud-based procurement software solution for growing businesses. It can help you better [manage your procurement process](/what-are-procurement-best-practices) by providing accurate reporting, proactive spend management, and complete control over each step of your procurement process (from requisition to payment processing).\n\nFraxion is a cloud-based, procure-to-pay solution trusted by businesses around the world for automating their procurement processes. The platform empowers users by [automating your procurement workflows](/automating-workflows). \n\nWith multi-level approvals, AP, spend analysis, vendor management, and everything in between, Fraxion can help your team transform your procurement process. It also lets you manage travel expenses, analyzes budgets, and audit your procurement process to ensure compliance.\n\nFraxion integrates with several ERP systems and is perfect for organizations that need to proactively manage their procurement processes and spending.\n\n\n\n### 3. Pipefy for Procurement\n\n[Pipefy for Procurement](https://www.pipefy.com/procurement-software/) acts as a visibility and communication layer that connects disparate systems and activities to [streamline the purchasing process](https://quandarycg.com/automate-purchasing-in-your-business/). It facilitates communication and helps teams make time for smarter sourcing.\n\nPipefy for Procurement bridges the gap between core systems like Coupa, SAP, NetSuite, and DocuSign, enabling full visibility and transparency of each purchase requisition for both requestors and buyers and allowing better communication among teams, internal clients, and vendors. \n\nAll while reducing costs. \n\nIn fact, Pipefy allows approvers and requesters to use the platform for free. That’s why [BASF](https://www.basf.com/hu/hu.html) chose Pipefy and replaced emails and spreadsheets with a streamlined process that saved them 2,400 working hours a year. Plus, it also boosted their teams’ productivity and efficiency.\n\n\n\n### 4. GEP SMART\n\n[GEP SMART](https://www.gep.com/software/gep-smart) is a world-leading source-to-pay software solution that empowers you with complete control over your procurement process. Led by artificial intelligence, this cloud-based platform provides powerful spend analysis, savings tracking, contract management, and clear insight into sourcing.\n\nAdditionally, you can easily manage your vendors from a single platform. Supplier management, [contract management](https://quandarycg.com/procurement-contract-management-best-practices/), and project analysis help you clearly evaluate performance and better rate your vendors. \n\nGEP SMART supports both direct and indirect procurement processes, helping you improve efficiency. It also unifies upstream sourcing and downstream procurement to help you transform your sourcing into a strategic process. \n\nUsers can customize their dashboards for better reporting that can be easily shared among your team. GEP SMART cleans and validates your data from all sources in your system. \n\nAs a result, you can leverage detailed insights to guide your team and find new opportunities. With a clearer picture of your purchasing process, you can make better, more informed decisions.\n\n\n\n### 5. Procurify\n\n[Procurify](https://www.procurify.com/) is another cloud-based procurement solution that can help you centralize your processes, reduce waste and optimize your spending. This platform helps businesses track, manage, and control spending easily. \n\nWith Procurify, you can centralize your purchasing data on one platform, rather than trapping information in several disconnected silos. This streamlines your operations by reducing menial tasks and manual data entry errors. \n\nYou’ll get real-time reporting, so you can effortlessly track your requisitions, POs, and expenses. And you can empower your team to manage their spending with approval guardrails. Team communication remains centralized on the platform, ensuring no messages get lost in the busy day-to-day activities.\n\nThis accessible system reflects the shopping process of major e-commerce sites and integrates to many ERP platforms easily with its API function. It’s also incredibly mobile with native iOS and Android apps. As a result, it scales with your growing business as your number of applications, team members, and locations increases.\n\nProcurify also provides a Knowledge Base for their platform, providing users with expert guidance on setting up the platform and getting the most out of it. They also provide detailed support with quick turnaround times on tickets.\n\n\n\n### 6. Kissflow Procurement Cloud\n\n[Kissflow's procurement software](https://kissflow.com/) is a flexible solution for businesses looking to upgrade from manual or dated processes to streamlined, automated solutions. This cloud-based solution leverages [the power of low-code](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-guide/) to empower users to build lean solutions without a background in coding. This allows for more customization in your solutions.\n\nFor example, you can set up several procurement processes that require conditional approvals from key players in your organization and let the automation manage the rest. From simple approval processes to multistep, complex workflows, Kissflow delivers. As a result, you can reduce approval bottlenecks, ensuring on-time purchases and payments. \n\nKissflow’s easy-to-use procurement platform gives you greater control over your procurement process. Manage and support your vendors and team members. Automate everything: order requisitions, purchase orders, budget tracking, supplier management, approvals, three-way matching, and so much more.\n\nClear data dashboards help organizations make more informed decisions. You’ll get accurate insights into your budget so you can analyze your spending. Additionally, you can customize your dashboards to fit the reporting needs of your organization. \n\nOnboarding is easier because Kissflow is a modular solution that deploys quickly. As a result, your team will experience minimal disruption while they quickly learn the ins and outs of the platform. \n\n\n\n### 7. Procurement Express\n\n[Procurement Express](https://www.procurementexpress.com/) solves all your small business purchasing needs with a quick, easy, paperless app. One simple dashboard automates important processes, reduces reliance on spreadsheets, and gives you real-time access to budgets, orders, and approvals. \n\nNo more wondering who ordered what or taking days trying to reconcile an invoice from a surprise supplier. And no more hunting down whoever signed off on them. Procurement Express manages everything with one seamless app that quickly syncs with your accounts and system.\n\nThe app’s purchase approval process is quick, easy, and fully customizable. With Procurement Express, you can streamline your business procurement operations, establishing a clear chain of command and providing relevant permissions for key players. Alerts notify relevant parties when money leaves the company. Custom spending rules decide who has the final say. \n\nTransform your stack of approval requests into an instant-access digital budget on an accessible, cloud-based procurement platform with Procurement Express.\n\n\n\n### 8. Precoro\n\n[Precoro](https://precoro.com/) is a no-code solution that allows you to optimize procurement processes and streamline spending workflows. Using this flexible and reliable platform, you can eliminate time-consuming manual procedures and human errors.\n\nWith Precoro, you can utilize specific modules and create as many fields as needed based on your business requirements. Automate your approval workflows, manage suppliers, get better control over budgets, track corporate expenses, and receive real-time reports within one platform.\n\n\n\nYou can collect all your relevant information in one place by connecting Precoro with your ERP and accounting systems (such as NetSuite, QuickBooks, Xero, and others). In short, you get a comprehensive platform that puts together all your financial operations into a much more manageable system.\n\nNo matter your business area, Precoro works as an integral part of procurement and spend management for both SMBs and Enterprises. Plus, each client has a dedicated Customer Success Specialist to help them with any issues. And the application is updated regularly without any additional charge to the users.\n\n\n\n### 9. Basware\n\n[Basware](https://www.basware.com/en) is a leading provider of Networked Procure-to-Pay solutions with the largest open e-invoicing network in over 180 countries. \n\nTheir cloud-based technology enables enterprises to fully manage their spend, mitigate financial risk, and reduce operating costs through automation. Basware automates aspects of finance, procurement, accounts payable, and accounts receivable processes to transform procurement into a [strategic process](https://quandarycg.com/the-procurement-management-strategic-playbook/) for organizations. \n\nBasware's open technology ecosystem and extensive partner network have helped over 6,500 businesses in 60 countries move towards 100% spend visibility. Ultimately, this has helped enable better business decisions across the board – a concept Basware calls [“Visible Commerce”](https://www.basware.com/en-us/why-basware/visible-commerce/).\n\nAdditionally, the platform offers its customers and suppliers the digital tools and transaction details they need to see all business spend, achieve order control, and build stronger supplier relationships. They believe that every business transaction and purchase should be simple, visible, and quantifiable for better business operations and a better business world.\n\n\n\n### 10. RFP360\nIf you struggle to issue RFPs as many organizations do, [RFP360](https://rfp360.com/) provides a better way to manage any type of RFx. Their cloud-based software empowers procurement teams to easily introduce fast, effective, and 100% digital RFPs.\n\nYour team drives the process, publishing an RFx, inviting vendors, collecting proposals, and evaluating responses—all inside RFP360. Vendors then use RFP360’s response features to supply answers, ask questions, and submit proposals with ease.\n\nWith RFP360, you can save time, mitigate risk, reduce costs, and improve decision-making. Invited vendors also save time and effort, increasing participation and engagement because the software’s easy for them to use.\n\n\n\n## 11. Prokuria\n\n[Prokuria](https://www.prokuria.com/) is a cloud-based platform for automating sourcing and supplier management. This helps procurement teams around the world to deliver significant cost and time savings.\n\nThe platform is easy to learn and customize for your team. It's intuitive design means your team can quickly learn adn start using the platform compared to other software solutions on the market.\n\nProkuria also provides many cost-saving sourcing solutions:\n- Faster supplier management through launching all types of sourcing events (RFI, RFQ, RFP, Auctions, and Dynamic Allocation.)\n- Supplier and contract management via Supplier Relationship Management (SRM, Segmentation, Performance Reviews, Onboarding, Scorecards.)\n\nPlus, this user-friendly platform streamlines sourcing-to-procurement processes, boosting internal collaboration, alignment with stakeholders, and speed of business to improve cost-saving across your organization.\n\n\n\n## Purchasing Software vs. Procurement Software\n\nPurchasing software focuses on purchasing explicitly. Procurement software supports all areas of the procurement process. For a more detailed analysis of the differences between these processes, [check out our guide](https://quandarycg.com/difference-between-sourcing-purchasing-and-procurement/).\n\n**The beauty of automation is that you can focus on the real problems of your organization based on your budget.**\n\nIf you’re limited by budget, you can leverage purchasing software to automate the purchasing process. Or, you can find areas of your procurement process where automation can yield a very high ROI, like [invoice automation](https://quandarycg.com/how-invoice-automation-works/). \n\nStill, you’ll need to invest in other software to monitor suppliers, authorize purchases, and track inventory. And you’ll have additional expenses if you want to automate the process and connect all these different platforms. \n\nPurchasing software also won’t usually allow you to find potential suppliers, compare them, and negotiate the best prices for your business. The result is a more fragmented, less optimized system that creates more work for you in the end. But, it's still better than manually operating your purchasing process.\n\nAlternatively, you can overhaul your entire procurement process by onboarding an automated procurement solution for your whole organization. The choice is yours.\n\n## Why You Need to Automate Procurement \n\nProcurement is no longer a menial task that needs to be “dealt with”. It’s a strategic process that can help grow your business. Plus, it can give you an advantage over your competition by reducing spend and increasing operational efficiency. \n\nHowever, you need the best procurement software if you want to experience the benefits of procurement automation and transform this process into a strategic asset. \n\nWithout procurement, you'll be stuck operating your procurement process manually, missing out on the [benefits of procurement automation](https://quandarycg.com/benefits-of-procurement-automation/).\n\n## The 3 Most Important Procurement Software Features\nBefore you decide to onboard a procurement solution, you need to evaluate its features. These platforms have plenty. Still, there are three features that are absolutely critical to you getting the most out of the platform you choose.\n\n### 1. Easily Integrates with Other Systems\n\nIntegrating your procurement solution into your business systems is key. This helps you reduce costs while increasing efficiency in your organization. \n\nYour apps need to move data seamlessly from platform to platform. This creates a more transparent view of your business and its customers. It also reduces errors and keeps data clean.\n\nIf you’re not sure about whether or not a particular procurement product can connect to your existing business infrastructure, it’s best to [consult an integrations specialist](/quandary-connect/).\n\nAn integration specialist will know how to connect your disparate systems. They'll also know which integrations will give you the highest ROI. These experts will help you avoid the typical pitfalls in connecting systems, getting you more out of the procurement software you choose.\n\n### 2. Scales to Match Business Needs\n\nAs a growing business, you need to invest in procurement software that can keep up. Otherwise, you'll end up looking for other solutions before you've seen a significant ROI. In short, you need software that can scale with your business.\n\nTo figure this out, speak to the vendor about the platorm's ability to scale. You'll also want to know whether or not new features and systems can easily integrate to it. After all, your customers and the market's needs are always changing, and you need to be ready to provide them with the features they need.\n\n### 3. Provides Accessibility for Your Team\n\nOne of the main reasons businesses fail in their attempts to automate processes is that they choose products that are not user-friendly. The more difficult a product is to use, the less likely it will be that staff will more willingly use it and embrace the change. \n\nYour procurement solution needs to be accessible. It should be easy to learn and easier to use. Ask how detailed/hands-on their customer support is. Read reviews. Also, find out whether or not the procurement software has a knowledge base that provides additional insight and guidance. \n\nAbove all else, it should be mobile. After the pandemic, more and more industries embraced remote and mobile workforces. Add to that much of procurement takes place outside of the office and around your business or on the warehouse floor.\n\n## Automating Procurement in a Post-Pandemic World\nThe value of digitizing your procurement process in the wake of COVID cannot be understated. Already, businesses are rapidly transitioning to relying more on software systems to streamline the process rather than manual tasks performed by people. \n\nThis sudden shift in our world reminded us that business systems and flows need to be agile if an organization is to weather any storm. \n\nNow, more than ever, your organization needs to be ready for any rapid shift. And a digital procurement process with the best software for your business is one way to ensure your business keeps moving forward, no matter what the world throws its way. Procurement software can provide that agility.\n\n## How to Deploy the Best Procurement Software\n\nProcurement software can help you reduce costs by providing a clear view of your supplier relationship that you can leverage. You can also gain more transparency in your procurement process, increasing efficiency, improving communication, and reducing errors. \n\nSo, how can you find the right procurement software and get the most of it for your business?\n\nAt Quandary Consulting Group, [our process consultants](/tech-consulting/) can help you improve your workflows and systems by building custom applications and integrating your disparate systems. \n\n_Always_ within budget. _Always_ delivered on time. \n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.\n","categories":[{"title":"Procurement"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-75b09e9d-3dbb-5ecf-a664-c6eb44e87bf4","title":"13 Best Procurement Practices to Boost Sourcing in 2024","_createdAt":"2020-02-25T21:46:39Z","publishedAt":"2024-04-18T15:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a71b46f82626ba397031ae735b54ab3573c2b7c2-1000x750.jpg?w=1000&h=750&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a71b46f82626ba397031ae735b54ab3573c2b7c2-1000x750.jpg?w=320&h=240&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a71b46f82626ba397031ae735b54ab3573c2b7c2-1000x750.jpg?rect=1,0,999,750&w=654&h=491&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a71b46f82626ba397031ae735b54ab3573c2b7c2-1000x750.jpg?w=768&h=576&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a71b46f82626ba397031ae735b54ab3573c2b7c2-1000x750.jpg?w=1000&h=750&auto=format 1000w","sizes":"(min-width: 1000px) 1000px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1000,"height":750,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGAAAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAcDBQb/xAAfEAADAQABBAMAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMABgQFESEiQlH/xAAWAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADBAX/xAAfEQACAQIHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgADYQQFEhQVITH/2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA/ANV3HnHSScitSx1YeeSPkrNyg+wGWXWA0qWY+dHOjzRkVviw9jUPgwoGj28zqeZKWIqdC0bE+WTsgdX9HGWkaIJgIzKPzGfaU4HItP/Z"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a71b46f82626ba397031ae735b54ab3573c2b7c2-1000x750.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"what-are-procurement-best-practices"},"body":"## How to Streamline Purchasing in Your Organization\nAs the costs of running a business continue to rise and vulnerabilities in supply chains become more apparent, more organizations are realizing the importance of improving their procurement process.\n\n**This goes beyond cost reduction.**\n\nInstead, it's about transforming your supply chain into a critical asset that you can use to grow your business. The key to getting to that point faster is by following these 13 best procurement practices. \n\nThis roadmap will help you see how you can start taking the steps necessary to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and gain more strategic insights into your sourcing. \n\nIf your organization is still following manual procurement processes (like invoicing, reporting, and [vendor management](https://quandarycg.com/critical-vendor-management-kpis/)), then you need to read this post. The potential ROI for streamlining purchasing in your organization cannot be understated.\n\n## 1. Build Procurement Management Frameworks\nBefore you can start addressing any inefficiencies in your procurement process, you need to establish a strong procurement management framework. \n\nIf you don’t already have a procurement management framework in place or your existing one hasn’t been revisited in a while, you need to take a step back and look at how sourcing functions in your organization. \n\n**Your procurement management framework should establish guidelines for:**\n- Monitoring and approving purchase requests\n- Managing vendors and [procurement negotiation](https://quandarycg.com/procurement-negotiation-how-to-make-it-a-win-win/)\n- Conducting [three-way match](https://www.avidxchange.com/blog/3-way-matching/) and quality assurance\n- Invoicing and payment\n- Record keeping\n- Hiring new buyers and purchasing agents\n- Training employees on products\n\nMake no mistake, this is not an overnight process. You’ll need to dive into your procurement processes, map out workflows, and build out standard operating procedures. \n\nIn fact, it’s such an extensive process, we put together [an entire playbook on how to do it right](https://quandarycg.com/the-procurement-management-strategic-playbook). **(You need to check this out.)**\n\nStaying best practices with procurement processes requires a well-developed management framework in place. **DO NOT** skip this step. \n\n### How to Ensure Transparency in Procurement:\n- **Plan and implement strategic procurement policies:** Create a procurement strategy to maximize ROI, and share these rules with everyone in your organization.\n- **Properly document every step of the process:** Always write down key information about the progression of every order. The more data, the better.\n- **Manage and update the approved supplier lists often:** Keep contact information of reliable sellers while staying on the lookout for new contacts and opportunities.\n- **Create fool-proof procurement contracts:** [Create comprehensive contracts](https://quandarycg.com/procurement-contract-management-best-practices/) and store them electronically so using them is as simple as drag, drop, and complete.\n- **Conduct audits frequently:** Hold even the most reliable suppliers to high standards. Evaluate their performance regularly to ensure they’re meeting your demands at competitive rates.\n\n\n\n## 2. Optimize Your Inventory\nAn often-overlooked area in the procurement process is not managing current inventory efficiently. Controlling spend and maintaining bottom lines while managing stock and intake can be a daunting challenge. \n\nKeeping inventory at an optimal level is one of the best procurement practices. Planning purchase quantities to minimize waste while delivering on customer expectations is a careful balancing game. \n\nIt’s worthwhile to remember that holding inventory for long periods of time can jeopardize ROI. The cost of warehouse fees, taxes, obsolescence, and insurance add up over time. Your inventory should rotate smoothly and regularly, lowering your overall risk and unnecessary expenses.\n\n## 3. Engage Suppliers\nBuilding a solid relationship with suppliers is vital to your organization’s success. Essential product delivery and routine maintenance are key components to running a business strategically. \n\nBut ensuring vendors deliver reliable, high-quality goods and services on time (and at the best rate) requires a strategic relationship with your suppliers. \n\nYou need to have better insight into your suppliers, so you can track performance and evaluate relationships. With more data on vendors' performance, you can engage them in a meaningful way that will ensure your business needs are being met. \n\n### How to Engage Suppliers Strategically to Secure Procurement\n- **Maintain clear, open communication:** Clearly communicate purchase orders and requirements to your supplier. Have a system in place to ensure the delivery of invoices.\n- **Establish expectations early:** Leverage your knowledge of the market so you can hold your vendors to that standard. \n- **Evaluate vendor performance regularly:** By evaluating the quality of goods and services delivered, you ensure your company receives the best value for its investment.\n- **Pay vendors on time:** Leverage your company's ability and desire to pay quickly. Your vendors will prioritize your company if you prioritize theirs. \n- **Stay aware of the competition:** Knowing your vendor markets and how your supplier compares to the competition also ensures that your company gets the best.\n-**Provide Self-Service Portals:** With a self-service portal, your vendors can submit invoices, proposals, and contracts. Plus, you can easily communicate with them directly on the platform, sending or receiving critical notifications/alerts.\n- **Provide Vendor Dashboards:** Track vendor performance against contracts and ensure your vendors provide consistent service. Compare and switch vendors easily.\n\n## 4. Use Digital Contract Management\nContract management is at the heart of the procurement cycle. Purchase orders, invoicing, and reviews all come with a trial. But this trial doesn’t always have to be paper. \n\nBy moving the contract management process to the cloud, companies can minimize risk and maximize transparency. The cloud allows for a centralized and easily accessible system that can save your organization money while storing your procurement documents safely. \n\nThere’s [a variety of software available](/the-top-5-procurement-software-for-your-business) for contract management on the market. These vary by design or services provided. \n\nFind the one that fits your business needs the best. \n\n## 5. Automate Your Procurement\nInefficient procurement costs businesses $1.5B annually. Efficiency will save your business time and money, giving you time to focus on your customers. \n\nAs a result, customer satisfaction increases. But to reach levels of efficiency that will yield a substantial ROI, you need to [automate your procurement process](https://quandarycg.com/procurement-automation-services/).\n\nEvery company that wants to maximize growth while scaling needs every single advantage it can get. With customizable applications and strategy technologies available, your business can [easily automate systems](/workflow-integration). \n\nAutomation minimizes repetitive operational processes, giving your employees more time to contribute strategically to the growth of your business.\n\nThere are immediate benefits to automation as well. \n\nWithout the human component in data entry, costly errors can be avoided. Employee satisfaction improves with streamlined workflows. And your organization can save money with strategic sourcing. \n\n**Here are 3 critical processes to automate:**\n\n### 1. Payment Reconciliation\nWith automated bank and sales reconciliation, you’ll give your team more time to focus on strategic initiatives rather than processing each transaction manually.\nReconciliation automation compares your accounting against your payments, ensuring they match. As a result, you secure your cash flow with ease.\n\n### 2. Accounts Payable\n[AP Automation](https://quandarycg.com/accounts-payable-automation-benefits/) allows you to automate invoice processes using machine learning and artificial intelligence. AP Automation platforms streamline everything from invoice coding to purchase orders and three-way matching.\n\nAs a result, you can effectively manage most of the AP process without direct human interaction.\n\nAP platforms [capture invoice data](https://quandarycg.com/what-is-invoice-data-capture-and-how-to-automate-it/) in a digital format and store it in an accessible, centralized database. They use technologies like optical character recognition, intelligent document processing, and fuzzy logic to capture unstructured data and translate it into values that can move seamlessly between your procurement systems.\n\n### 3. Invoicing\nWhile technically under the scope of AP automation, [invoice automation](https://quandarycg.com/how-invoice-automation-works/) is a complex process and can be an entire area of its own.\n\nIn short, invoice automation pulls invoice data into the accounts payable system where it can be processed. Invoice automation platforms handle:\n- Price matching\n- Approvals\n- Data entry\n- Purchase order management\n- Invoice processing\n\nBy automating invoicing, you can reduce late fees, get early payment discounts, and keep your vendors happy with on-time payments. You’ll also avoid double payments and late payments with ease.\n\nPlus, you’ll have clear, accurate insights into real-time budgeting. That way, you keep from going over budget.\n\n## 6. Integrate Procurement Processes\nThe procurement cycle is riddled with approval processes that create barriers. Even if you automate some aspects of your overall procurement process, you'll inevitably hit these gaps in your systems.\n\n**Why?**\n\nBecause people will have to manually transfer data between your disparate procurement systems. Usually, that means spreadsheets. \n\nBudget requests, quality checks, dispatch authorization, all these actions traditionally demand manual action. As a result, your attempts to automate procurement will be \"stop and start\", turning your sourcing process into a system of haphazardly connected workflows riddled with bottlenecks.\n\n**And these bottlenecks cost you time and money.**\n\nIntegrating various procurement processes ensures a smooth, streamlined system from start to finish while reducing bottlenecks. By [connecting your procurement workflows](/workflow-integration), you'll speed up processing time, further ensuring best practices in your procurement strategy.\n\nSystem integration bridges the gaps between various systems. They move data seamlessly from system to system. They also make running quality assurance and verifications across the procurement process much faster. (And they make it possible without manual checks and endless spreadsheets.)\n\n## 7. Prioritize Transparency Across Sourcing\nYour team members need to have the ability to see records, purchase orders, and technical specifications at any stage in their journey in real-time. Without a procurement system that provides that, your teams will remain in the dark.\n\nYou should manage your purchasing, invoicing, and vendor monitoring through a single platform. This ensures open communication and accountability during each stage of procurement, for both buyer and seller.\n\nWith one system, your team will get the data analytics they need to take advantage of discounts, avoid late or double payments, and keep vendors happy. You'll also reduce maverick/dark spending. \n\nTransparency guarantees better record management, strategic purchasing practices, and [procurement cost reduction](https://quandarycg.com/how-to-identify-and-significantly-reduce-procurement-costs/). But you can't make it happen with several disparate systems working incongruently. You need a single procurement platform to make that happen.\n\n## 8. Build Data Dashboards\n \nData dashboards make it incredibly easy for your team to access real-time data on your supply chain in a digestible format. This cuts down on confusion and unnecessary back-and-forth that happens when various departments try to patch data together.\n \nWith clear data dashboarding in procurement, you can showcase accurate spend in relation to budget, price fluctuations on products and services, and vendor performance. As a result, your sourcing will become more agile.\n \nBetter still, real-time data that’s easy to interpret makes collaboration easier. In the end, data dashboarding opens the door for your organization to leverage procurement more strategically.\n\n\n\n## 9. Think Beyond “Cost Reduction”\nWhen it comes to procurement, you need to [think strategically](https://quandarycg.com/what-is-strategic-procurement/). Narrowing in on cost reduction is myopic and puts your business at a huge disadvantage. As markets continue to shift and the need to do more with less continues to grow, you need every edge you can get. \n\nStrategic procurement focuses is the best practice of seeing how you can leverage your supply chain to stay ahead of the competition. \n\nWith clear insights into your sourcing, you can leverage vendor relationships for faster and better service. You can also find ways to reduce manual tasks, giving your procurement team more time to focus on value-add activities. Finally, by removing waste, you give your business more resources to innovate.\n\n## 10. Don’t Ignore Corporate Responsibility\nYour customers care about socially responsible sourcing. You need to be mindful of the economic and environmental impact of your supply chain. After all, [88% of people](https://www.forbes.com/sites/solitairetownsend/2018/11/21/consumers-want-you-to-help-them-make-a-difference/) prefer businesses that make a positive effect on the environment or society.\n \nIf your organization fails to meet those expectations, your customers may leave for the competition. Worse, you could permanently damage the reputation of your organization. \n \nThe challenging part about socially responsible sourcing is that supply chains are complex. While your vendors may follow established guidelines of your organization, the companies they work with may not. This is another reason why it’s crucial to have [clear insights into your supply chain](https://quandarycg.com/vendor-data-management/).\n\n## 11. Minimize Risk \nThere are a lot of potential risks in procurement. Unfortunately, most organizations put themselves needlessly at risk by relying on dated, inefficient processes. Best practice for [procurement risk management](https://quandarycg.com/procurement-risks-and-how-to-navigate-them/) is to identify both internal and external risks to your supply chain. \n \n**Once you identify procurement risks, there are four paths you can take:**\n- Ignore risks that pose no real threat\n- Reduce the likelihood of a risk occurring\n- Remove the possibility of a risk occurring\n- Manage risk potential with prepared solutions\n\n## 12. Leverage Robotic Process Automation (RPA) \nRobotic process automation is a growing trend for organizations looking to streamline procurement. RPA is great for rapidly managing transactional-based tasks that are highly repetitive and rule-based. It also provides a very high ROI ([between 30% - 200%](https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/the-next-acronym-you-need-to-know-about-rpa) in the first year.)\n\nBots [are very capable](https://www.uipath.com/rpa/robotic-process-automation). Leveraging AI, these programs can do everything from extracting data to moving files and folders. \n\nThey can even interpret text, engage in conversations, and understand unstructured data. With RPA, you can reduce the time spent on menial tasks, giving your staff more time to focus on vendor relationships or value add activities. \n\n\n\n## 13. Work with Procurement Professionals\nThe procurement process is a dynamic, complex web of systems that overlaps. Deploying improvements can be challenging. \n\nWhere do you start? Which procurement system works best for your business? Where should you automate? What systems can be integrated? And which improvements should be prioritized? \n\nThe difficulties in streamlining the procurement process make it difficult for growing businesses to scale their systems. As a result, they often continue with inefficient, manual processes (using things like spreadsheets and paper invoicing) to handle procurement while putting in critical system upgrades. \n\nAt Quandary Consulting Group, our procurement automation consultants can help you improve your workflows and systems by building custom applications and integrating your disparate systems. \n\n### We build custom, cloud-based procurement solutions using low code that:\n- **Automate Invoicing**: Streamline the entire invoicing process and avoid late fees, overpayments, manual entry errors, and wasted labor.\n- **Purchase Requests and Orders**: Use templated forms and easily track data on one organized platform while automating the issuing, processing, and storing of POs and PRs.\n- **Integrate Procurement Systems**: Reduce the need for spreadsheets to store data from disparate systems, removing risk and waste from manual data entry.\n- **Provide Real-Time Spend Analytics:** Get real-time data insights through an accessible dashboard and never waste time scrubbing data again.\n\nAs experts in procurement and low code, we can build exactly what you need. Whether you want to streamline a single workflow in your procurement process or your entire supply chain, we give growing businesses an alternative, affordable solution to the 7-figure custom, enterprise solutions.\n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Procurement"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-2eeabfd2-7e90-551e-83c6-a45a4c0f1e40","title":"9 Essential Procurement Trends to Embrace in 2024","_createdAt":"2021-12-07T12:36:48Z","publishedAt":"2024-03-10T12:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/310e85686fc08c42a24a7abb33920ce9f8f9854d-1999x1333.jpg?w=1999&h=1333&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/310e85686fc08c42a24a7abb33920ce9f8f9854d-1999x1333.jpg?rect=0,2,1999,1331&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/310e85686fc08c42a24a7abb33920ce9f8f9854d-1999x1333.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/310e85686fc08c42a24a7abb33920ce9f8f9854d-1999x1333.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/310e85686fc08c42a24a7abb33920ce9f8f9854d-1999x1333.jpg?w=1024&h=683&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/310e85686fc08c42a24a7abb33920ce9f8f9854d-1999x1333.jpg?w=1366&h=911&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/310e85686fc08c42a24a7abb33920ce9f8f9854d-1999x1333.jpg?w=1600&h=1067&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/310e85686fc08c42a24a7abb33920ce9f8f9854d-1999x1333.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&auto=format 1920w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/310e85686fc08c42a24a7abb33920ce9f8f9854d-1999x1333.jpg?w=1999&h=1333&auto=format 1999w","sizes":"(min-width: 1999px) 1999px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1999,"height":1333,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/310e85686fc08c42a24a7abb33920ce9f8f9854d-1999x1333.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"procurement-trends-to-embrace"},"body":"Disruption is constant. Change is rapid. And supply chains are more complex and interconnected than ever. If the current market has proven anything, it’s how interconnected businesses are...and how weak supply chains are. The key to transforming your procurement process into a strategic asset is to evaluate current trends and [build a strategy](https://quandarycg.com/how-to-design-a-fool-proof-procurement-strategy/) that embraces change.\n\nNext year will be a challenging year for organizations. Predictions have [supply chain disruptions continuing](https://quandarycg.com/overcoming-supply-chain-disruption/) well into the next year. The impact of COVID will continue. And businesses will need to deal with market instability for years to come.\n\nBy reviewing these 9 procurement trends and incorporating them into your [procurement management playbook](https://quandarycg.com/the-procurement-management-strategic-playbook), you can build a stronger, more agile supply chain. \n\nWhat’s more, you’ll give your business a competitive advantage unlike any other.\n\n## 1. Leadership Will Prioritize Strategy Over Cost-Cutting\nFor years, organizations have seen [cost reduction](https://quandarycg.com/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/) as the main driver of procurement practices. However, this attitude has changed. Instead, more leaders now view procurement as a strategic process that should directly support business objectives. \n\nMoving into 2024, organizations will expand their internal relationships with procurement officers to develop dynamic strategies that support short and long-term goals. They’ll be turning to their procurement department for data insights and market forecasting to guide key decision-making processes that support these goals.\n\n## 2. Supply Chain Resilience Will Be Key\nSupply chain disruption will always be a threat to business operations. And potential negative impact will continue.\n\nThese disruptions exposed critical weak points in the supply chains of many organizations. As companies struggle with delayed deliveries, inventory issues, and rising costs, they’ll look for ways to strengthen their sourcing. \n\nData will be a key driver in the decision-making process as organizations will look for guidance on how to develop a more resilient and agile supply chain. You can expect organizations to make pivotal, permanent shifts from previous procurement practices. \n\nThey’ll be less likely to over-rely on certain vendors. Logistics will be heavily scrutinized to avoid shipping delays. Inventory parameters will be adjusted. And businesses will prioritize local vendors to reduce risk.\n\n\n\n## 3. Procurement Processes to See an Increase in Automation\nMore businesses understand the value of automation and will look to streamline procurement processes. They know that any kind of significant, lasting change requires key data insights. Insights that are impossible to get without automation. \n\nProcurement software automates away the menial tasks, giving teams more time to think strategically. This is vital as it transitions procurement teams away from putting out fires and toward thinking more strategically. Best of all, it gives your team the data insights they need to make informed decisions.\n\nProcurement automation platforms [provide clear benefits](https://quandarycg.com/benefits-of-procurement-automation/):\n- Business process automation can rapidly speed up data processing with digital templates, streamlined processing, and data management.\n- [Robotics process automation](https://enterprisersproject.com/article/2019/5/rpa-robotic-process-automation-how-explain) can automate data entry, reducing menial tasks and human errors.\n- [AI-driven procurement applications](https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/ca/Documents/deloitte-analytics/ca-en-omniaai-supplychain-pov-aoda.pdf) assisted by machine learning can provide better forecasting while helping businesses adjust rapidly to shifting market conditions.\n\nSimultaneously, procurement automation lower costs, risk, and waste. As a result, organizations have more room in their bottom line to navigate challenging times and come up with lasting solutions to supply chain instabilities.\n\n## 4. Businesses Will Leverage Low Code Applications to Reduct Costs\nBusinesses are always working against budget restrictions to manage growth effectively. Rather than choosing between staff members and developing critical solutions, organizations are turning to [low code for lean application development](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-guide/). \n\nThese cloud-based, SaaS platforms make application development fast and easy. Costs scale with use, meaning that businesses of any size can build enterprise-level applications without the enterprise price tag.\n\nAs a result, more companies can build the custom applications and integrations they need to streamline purchasing, sourcing, and supply chain management. Plus, they can collect the real-time data insights needed to inform business decisions at every level.\n\n## 5. Customers Still Expect Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing\nDespite the pandemic, customers still value sustainable and ethical sourcing practices. Businesses will continue to evaluate [ESG ratings](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/types-of-stocks/esg-investing/esg-rating/#:~:text=An%20ESG%20rating%20measures%20a,board%20independence%20%E2%80%94%20have%20financial%20implications.) as part of the sustainable sourcing strategy. However, companies will need to do more in the future. \n\nCustomers and employees alike will continue to [expect greater efforts](https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/05/eco-wakening-consumers-driving-sustainability/#:~:text=In%20one%20survey%2C%2066%25%20of,they%20want%20eco%2Dfriendly%20products.) from larger organizations with the resources to make a difference. Businesses should aim to go above and beyond expectations by working with suppliers to collaborate on social, environmental, and economic initiatives that make a positive impact. \n\nOrganizations that fail to do so will face increasing scrutiny, putting their brand (and bottom line) at risk.\n\n## 6. Vendor Management Will Becoming Increasingly Important \nBusinesses will look to work more directly with their suppliers, building strategic partnerships that are mutually beneficial and long-term. Collaboration with vendors will be key to keeping supply chains more resilient. \n\nCompanies will need to be more flexible with payment and delivery as disruption continues well into the next year. At the same time, organizations should work with vendors to align their goals and reduce friction. Your organization should develop the infrastructure needed to [build lasting relationships with vendors](https://quandarycg.com/vendor-relationship-management/) by minimizing miscommunication and streamlining purchasing.\n\n\n\nTo make that happen, organizations will need to leverage technology like self-service vendor portals and procure-to-pay processing.\n\n**Online vendor portals** streamline communication by requiring suppliers to keep their details up-to-date. Discussions are easier to navigate than various email threads. And teams can quickly evaluate vendor performance data for [better contract management](https://quandarycg.com/procurement-contract-management-best-practices/). \n\n**Procure-to-pay processing** automates the entire P2P process. As a result, approvals, payments, and QA are streamlined. [Faster payments](https://quandarycg.com/how-invoice-automation-works/) keep your suppliers happy while streamlining your QA process ensures your vendors are fulfilling their contracts. The end result transforms your procurement process into a systems investment with a strong ROI.\n\n## 7. Procurement’s Role in Organizations Will Evolve\nLeadership will work more closely with procurement leaders to uncover strategic insights and increase supply chain stability. They’ll understand now more than ever the importance of having a stable, agile procurement process. Organizations struggling with resources will lean even more heavily on companies to find ways to get more out of their budgets.\n\nProcurement leaders need to be prepared to clearly illustrate their data-driven strategies through clear dashboarding. Data should be clear and presented in real-time so procurement professionals can work closely with other leaders to build a strategy for overcoming current and new supply chain disruptions. \n\n\n\n## 8. Risk Management Will Become More Commonplace\nThe [threats to your supply chain](https://quandarycg.com/procurement-risks-and-how-to-navigate-them/) continue to grow. Data breaches, unethical sourcing practices, vendors consolidation, unstable logistics, fraud, political instability, sanctions, natural disasters, the list of potential impacts on your supply chain are numerous. \n\nOrganizations will need to regularly assess risk to their supply chain. And they’ll look to develop strategies to reduce, remove, or manage these risks. Businesses will need the tools necessary to dive into deeper levels of their supply chain to ensure risk management goes beyond immediate suppliers.\n\nCompanies will also need the time and resources necessary to regularly carry out risk management. As a result, they will begin to restructure how they manage their procurement processes to the necessary time and resources to support these initiatives.\n\n## 9. Spend Optimization Will Rely Heavily on Automation \n[Spend optimization](https://quandarycg.com/procurement-cost-savings/), while not the main priority of procurement, will still continue to be a vital component moving forward. Automating the procurement process is critical to reducing spend. \n\nWithout automated processes, your organization will be [stuck using spreadsheets](https://quandarycg.com/warning-spreadsheets-will-ruin-your-business/) and manual processes to conduct procurement processes. Cost savings in these instances will be minimal. You'll also miss out on spend visibility, leaving your budget susceptible to increase tail and maverick spend, costly errors, and unnecessarily high labor costs.\n\nMore organizations understand that transitioning to a digital solution is the only way to reduce spending in a meaningful way. And they will look for procurement solutions that help facilitate that process. \n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Procurement"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-cd526d2c-2737-5681-b7c6-9853fabe9172","title":"50+ Current Citizen Developer Statistics (2024)","_createdAt":"2022-10-14T08:06:28Z","publishedAt":"2024-03-06T09:30:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b4570e2808a4bc5253f879b9d53ff85331628f5f-4256x2832.jpg?w=4256&h=2832&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b4570e2808a4bc5253f879b9d53ff85331628f5f-4256x2832.jpg?rect=1,0,4255,2832&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b4570e2808a4bc5253f879b9d53ff85331628f5f-4256x2832.jpg?rect=0,1,4256,2831&w=654&h=435&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b4570e2808a4bc5253f879b9d53ff85331628f5f-4256x2832.jpg?w=768&h=511&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b4570e2808a4bc5253f879b9d53ff85331628f5f-4256x2832.jpg?rect=0,1,4256,2830&w=1024&h=681&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b4570e2808a4bc5253f879b9d53ff85331628f5f-4256x2832.jpg?w=1366&h=909&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b4570e2808a4bc5253f879b9d53ff85331628f5f-4256x2832.jpg?rect=1,0,4255,2832&w=1600&h=1065&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b4570e2808a4bc5253f879b9d53ff85331628f5f-4256x2832.jpg?rect=1,0,4255,2832&w=1920&h=1278&auto=format 1920w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b4570e2808a4bc5253f879b9d53ff85331628f5f-4256x2832.jpg?rect=1,0,4255,2832&w=2048&h=1363&auto=format 2048w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b4570e2808a4bc5253f879b9d53ff85331628f5f-4256x2832.jpg?rect=0,1,4256,2831&w=2560&h=1703&auto=format 2560w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b4570e2808a4bc5253f879b9d53ff85331628f5f-4256x2832.jpg?w=3440&h=2289&auto=format 3440w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b4570e2808a4bc5253f879b9d53ff85331628f5f-4256x2832.jpg?w=3840&h=2555&auto=format 3840w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b4570e2808a4bc5253f879b9d53ff85331628f5f-4256x2832.jpg?rect=1,0,4255,2832&w=4096&h=2726&auto=format 4096w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b4570e2808a4bc5253f879b9d53ff85331628f5f-4256x2832.jpg?w=4256&h=2832&auto=format 4256w","sizes":"(min-width: 4256px) 4256px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":4256,"height":2832,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b4570e2808a4bc5253f879b9d53ff85331628f5f-4256x2832.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"citizen-developer-statistics"},"body":"Citizen development is more than hype. [Custom application development](https://quandarycg.com/business-application-development-growth/) is often slow, expensive, and comes with many risks. Even worse, IT teams have huge backlogs that leave them exhausted and overwhelmed. Still, the demand for digital solutions continues to increase. \n\nThat means that if a business wants to stay competitive, it needs [solutions that scale](https://quandarycg.com/tech-consulting/). And that can feel impossible if your business has limited resources.\n\nCitizen development allows businesses to [democratize software development](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-pros-cons/) with [low-code applications](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-guide/). As a result, businesses can build the digital solutions they need to scale their businesses without burning through resources. \n\nWhether you're on the fence about [adopting a citizen development program](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-support/) for your business or looking for deeper insights into the movement, here are over 50 insightful citizen developer statistics to inspire change.\n\n## Businesses Need Customized Solutions (IT Struggles to Deliver)\nDespite the pressing need for more digital solutions, IT departments are bogged down with endless requests.\n\n- [76% of customers](https://assets.kpmg/content/dam/kpmg/xx/pdf/2020/07/customer-experience-in-the-new-reality.pdf) expect e-commerce services from other businesses they deal with for purchases. - KPMG, 2020\n- [Nearly half (48%) of small businesses](https://topdesignfirms.com/app-development/blog/mobile-app-trends) have a mobile app. This is up from 32% in 2021. And only 13% of small businesses don't plan to release a mobile app. - Top Design Firms\n- Timely delivery of new solutions by IT is crucial. [96% agree](https://www.mendix.com/wp-content/uploads/IT-Business-Alignment-Study-Global.pdf) that solutions with long timetables negatively impact businesses. - Dimensional Research, 2019\n- [61% of business stakeholders](https://www.mendix.com/wp-content/uploads/IT-Business-Alignment-Study-Global.pdf) estimated that implementation of their IT ideas occurs half the time. - Dimensional Research, 2019\n- It can [take months or years](https://www.mendix.com/wp-content/uploads/IT-Business-Alignment-Study-Global.pdf) to implement stakeholders' business digital transformation ideas: 2 - 6 months (22%), 6 - 12 months (29%), 12 - 24 months (21%), 2+ years (5%). - Dimensional Research, 2019\n- [58% of business stakeholders](https://www.mendix.com/wp-content/uploads/IT-Business-Alignment-Study-Global.pdf) agree that users prefer to build applications themselves. - Dimensional Research, 2019\n- [82% of firms](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-filemaker-2017-state-of-the-custom-app-report-reveals-citizen-developers-are-improving-business-processes-300394245.html) emphasize the importance of custom app development outside of IT. - 451 Research and FileMaker, Inc., 2017\n\n## Businesses Struggle to Fill IT Positions \nUnfortunately, organizations can't simply hire more programmers to create custom applications due to rising costs, talent shortages, and budget limitations.\n\n- [IT leaders (across the globe)](https://www.salesforce.com/resources/research-reports/top-it-trends/) face three challenges: accelerating digital transformation, IT and customer privacy, and losing IT talent due to the Great Resignation. - Pulse and Salesforce, 2022\n- IT is [the second-largest business area](https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/beyond-hiring-how-companies-are-reskilling-to-address-talent-gaps) to address potential skill gaps after data analytics. - McKinsey, 2020\n- There is a [low percentage of IT workers](https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2022-03-09-gartner-survey-finds-only-29-percent-of-tech-workers-have-high-intent-to-stay-with-current-employer) who express a high intent to stay with their current employers: 29.1% Globally, 19.6% in Asia, 23.6% in Australia and New Zealand, 26.9% in Latin America, 38.8% (4 in 10) in Europe. - Gartner, 2022\n- [76% of IT professionals](https://www.mendix.com/resources/the-state-of-low-code-report/) described the demand for developers as “reach[ing] a fever pitch.” - Mendix, 2021 \n- In 2019, there were nearly [1 Million unfilled jobs](https://www.wsj.com/articles/americas-got-talent-just-not-enough-in-it-11571168626/) in IT. - WSJ, 2019\n- The demand for software developers will continue to increase from [2021 to 2031 by 25%](https://stats.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm). - US Department of Labor and Statistics\n\n## IT Departments Are Overwhelmed\n[IT departments can work with citizen developers](https://quandarycg.com/how-citizen-development-supports-it/) to build custom solutions using low-code platforms that meet the growing needs of businesses.\n\n- [The top challenges in IT](https://www.salesforce.com/resources/research-reports/top-it-trends/) are customer privacy, speed of digital transformation, and data integration. - Pulse and Salesforce, 2022\n- [The top three perceived threats](https://www.salesforce.com/resources/research-reports/top-it-trends/) to digital initiatives in 2022: Increased security breaches, existing technical debt, and lack of technology investments. - Pulse and Salesforce, 2022\n- With IT projects growing by an estimated 40% in the last year,[ 82% of businesses expect their IT teams](https://resources.mulesoft.com/ty-report-connectivity-benchmark.html) to deliver connected customer experiences. - MuleSoft, 2022\n- [88% of IT leaders](https://www.salesforce.com/resources/research-reports/top-it-trends/) see increased workloads in 2022. Rapid and innovative solutions to new workflows and automations are critical. - Pulse and Salesforce, 2022\n- IT leaders report that individuals deliver [two-thirds of major software projects](https://www.mendix.com/resources/the-state-of-low-code-report/) behind schedule. - Mendix, 2021\n- [77% of IT and 71% of businesses agree](https://www.mendix.com/wp-content/uploads/IT-Business-Alignment-Study-Global.pdf) IT solution requests consistently go unmet. - Mendix, 2019\n- Regardless of the effort, [62% of organizations](https://www.mendix.com/resources/the-state-of-low-code-report/) have growing IT backlogs. - Mendix, 2021\n- [64% of IT professionals](https://www.outsystems.com/higher-education/-/media/1561DFEFA30542ECA8F5D63D96A855FC.ashx) said they have a backlog in app development. 19% indicated that the backlog was more than 10 apps. Only 39% stated their app dev backlog improved. 50% said it stayed the same. - Outsystems, 2019\n\n## Low-Code Platforms and Citizen Developers Can Reduce IT Backlog\nCitizen developers use low-code and no-code apps and tools to create custom business solutions. \n\n- [63% of businesses](https://www.salesforce.com/resources/research-reports/top-it-trends/) plan to invest in AI/Automation solutions for the greatest innovation and productivity. - Pulse and Salesforce, 2022\n- [Over 72% of IT leaders](https://www.salesforce.com/resources/research-reports/top-it-trends/) listed the top three benefits of using a low-code solution at their organization: Empowering everyone to innovate, accelerating productivity, Increasing time to market. - Pulse and Salesforce, 2022\n- Software developers estimate that [half of their everyday development work](https://www.mendix.com/resources/the-state-of-low-code-report/) (51%) can be accomplished on a low-code platform. - Mendix, 2021\n- Low-code application development can be [up to 10x faster](https://www.forrester.com/blogs/why-you-need-to-know-about-low-code-even-if-youre-not-responsible-for-software-delivery/) than traditional application development. - Forester, 2018\n- [12% of low-code users](https://www.outsystems.com/higher-education/-/media/1561DFEFA30542ECA8F5D63D96A855FC.ashx) are more likely to note an improvement with app development backlog. - Outsystems, 2019\n- [80% of surveyed developers](https://appian.com/resources/resource-center/whitepapers/idg-survey-impact-of-low-code-on-it-satisfaction.html) noted that using low-code can free developers time to work on higher-level projects. - IDG, 2019\n- [2 out of 5 low-code users ](https://www.mendix.com/resources/the-state-of-low-code-report/) saw faster development, more collaboration, and lower costs with low-code. \n- Low-code projects [reduced costs by 53%](https://www.mendix.com/wp-content/uploads/Mendix_2021_State_of_LowCode_Whitepaper.pdf) and increased processes 56% faster than traditional application development methods. - Mendix Whitepaper, 2021\n- [68% of users](https://www.quickbase.com/about-us/media/quick-base-issues-third-annual-report-on-the-state-of-business-apps) create no-code apps for customization advantages. 61% used them for quick changes based on their needs. - Quickbase, 2017\n- [84% of enterprises](https://assets.appian.com/uploads/2019/03/forrester-tlp-lowcode.pdf) use low-code for a reduction in IT resources’ burden, increased development timetable, and collaboration with businesses in digital asset development. - Forrester, commissioned by Appian, 2019\n- [35% of IT professionals](https://www.mendix.com/resources/the-state-of-low-code-report/) cited low-code’s potential to resolve organizational pain points like training time (35%) and total development time for software solutions (30%). - Mendix, 2021\n\n## Current Citizen Developer Statistics\nCitizen developers have become more common in organizations as they can quickly learn the low-code platforms and build the custom solutions organizations need.\n- [21% of project professionals](https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/learning/thought-leadership/pulse/innovation-imperative-pulse-indepth.pdf?v=1b9265bf-94cf-489f-9223-2634123c43df&sc_lang_temp=en) know of citizen development on some level. - Project Management Institute, 2020\n- [60% of all custom apps](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-filemaker-2017-state-of-the-custom-app-report-reveals-citizen-developers-are-improving-business-processes-300394245.html) come from outside the IT department. And [30% of those custom apps](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-filemaker-2017-state-of-the-custom-app-report-reveals-citizen-developers-are-improving-business-processes-300394245.html) were created by employees with minimal technical development skills built. - 451 Research and FileMaker Report, 2017\n- Citizen Developers [work with various tools](https://venturebeat.com/business/gartner-citizen-developers-will-soon-outnumber-professional-coders-4-to-1/): 64% work with databases, data science, analytics, and AI tools. 59% work with application development tools. 45% work with integration tools, including data integration and API management tools. - Gartner IT Symposium\n- Low-code tools have paved the way for [teams outside of IT](https://www.salesforce.com/resources/research-reports/top-it-trends/) to become digital creators: 56% of engineering, 54% of business service analytics, 50% of marketing, 47% of product, 44% of operations, and 31% of sales teams now create apps. - Pulse and Salesforce, 2022\n- [Low-code can empower diversity](https://www.mendix.com/wp-content/uploads/Mendix_2021_State_of_LowCode_Whitepaper.pdf), specifically those without a college education (48%), different ages (45%), and different racial backgrounds (46%). - Mendix Whitepaper, 2022\n\n## Citizen Developer Salary Statistics\nCitizen developers offer a more affordable option than hiring programmers, as they [don't need a coding background](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-vs-professional-developer/) to build applications effectively. \n\n- [Citizen developer salaries](https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/glossary/citizen-developer) can vary based on their title and job description, as they don’t relate to a specific job title or targeted role. This is not true for professional developers and technological experts. - Gartner\n- The pay range for Software Developers was [$84,020 to $140,470](https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/software-developer/salary) (with a median salary of $110,140). - U.S. News, 2020\n- The pay range for IT Managers was [$116,990 to $191,470](https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/it-manager/salary) (with a median salary of $151,150). - U.S. News, 2020\n- The average salary for a [citizen developer is only $101,720](https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Citizen-Developer-Salary). And the pay range is between $75,000 - $125,500 a year. - Zip Recruiter, 2022\n\n## Statistics on Citizen Development and Cost Reduction\nBusinesses looking to reduce costs but still meet customer expectations with automated solutions need to consider working with citizen developers.\n\n- According to [61% of IT professionals](https://www.mendix.com/resources/the-state-of-low-code-report/), software development costs are rising. - Mendix, 2021\n- [36% of the IT budget](https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2021-06-10-gartner-says-the-majority-of-technology-products-and-services-will-be-built-by-professionals-outside-of-it-by-2024) goes to business-led IT practices. - Gartner, 2019\n- Most IT leaders use [managed services and outsourcing](https://www.salesforce.com/resources/research-reports/top-it-trends/) to close the skill gap and manage the challenges of personnel leaving organizations. - Pulse and Salesforce, 2022\n- The pandemic prompted [64% of organizations](https://www.mendix.com/wp-content/uploads/Mendix_2021_State_of_LowCode_Whitepaper.pdf) to rely on non-technical staff to help offset its effects. Manufacturing (70%) and finance (71%) organizations relied primarily on individuals outside of IT departments. - Mendix Whitepaper, 2021\n- [59% of low-code projects](https://www.mendix.com/resources/the-state-of-low-code-report/) are a collaboration between the IT department and business users. They even incorporate technologies like AI, big data, and IoT (59%). 25% of these organizations that use low-code reported fewer shadow IT projects than before, with an estimated reduction claim of 56%. - Mendix, 2021\n- While [84% of businesses](https://assets.appian.com/uploads/2019/03/forrester-tlp-lowcode.pdf) use low-code for application development, 31% of enterprises don’t use it for their highest-value applications. - Forrester + Appian, 2019\n- [70% of new app development](https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/4005939) in enterprise organizations will use low-code or no-code technologies by 2025. This is higher than the less than 25% in 2020. By 2024, 65% of application development activity will already be low-code application development. - Gartner, 2021\n\n## Key Statistics on the Future of Citizen Development\nLow-code use and citizen development programs are projected to continue growing in the wake of the pandemic. \n\n- Citizen developers will build [450 million low-code/no-code applications](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/01/new-microsoft-google-amazon-cloud-battle-over-world-without-code.html) over the next five years. - Microsoft, 2020 \n- [61% of companies](https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/3970067) either have or planned to have functional citizen development initiatives. - Gartner, 2019\n- [41% of businesses](https://blogs.gartner.com/jason-wong/importance-citizen-development-citizen/) indicated active citizen development initiatives. 20% said they don’t have citizen development initiatives. Those 20% planned to or were evaluating starting one. - Gartner, 2022\n- Active citizen developers will outnumber professional developers [by 4 to 1](https://www.gartner.com/en/doc/745430-future-of-work-trends) at large enterprises by 2023. - Gartner, 2021\n- By 2024, [80% of technology products and services](https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2021-06-10-gartner-says-the-majority-of-technology-products-and-services-will-be-built-by-professionals-outside-of-it-by-2024) will be built by professionals outside of IT. - Gartner, 2021\n- [42% of citizen developers](https://venturebeat.com/business/gartner-citizen-developers-will-soon-outnumber-professional-coders-4-to-1/) used tools designed for them specifically. - Gartner IT Symposium 2022\n\n","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-6e4a92a1-b715-5b87-98d9-8c631237652a","title":"20+ Accounts Payable Automation Best Practices for 2024","_createdAt":"2022-02-04T08:12:23Z","publishedAt":"2024-03-06T08:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/8c7e6f9d6ceea9b3c901319332f241a86e147b9b-2000x1610.jpg?w=2000&h=1610&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/8c7e6f9d6ceea9b3c901319332f241a86e147b9b-2000x1610.jpg?rect=2,0,1997,1610&w=320&h=258&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/8c7e6f9d6ceea9b3c901319332f241a86e147b9b-2000x1610.jpg?rect=0,1,2000,1609&w=654&h=526&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/8c7e6f9d6ceea9b3c901319332f241a86e147b9b-2000x1610.jpg?rect=0,1,2000,1609&w=768&h=618&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/8c7e6f9d6ceea9b3c901319332f241a86e147b9b-2000x1610.jpg?rect=0,1,2000,1609&w=1024&h=824&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/8c7e6f9d6ceea9b3c901319332f241a86e147b9b-2000x1610.jpg?rect=1,0,1999,1610&w=1366&h=1100&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/8c7e6f9d6ceea9b3c901319332f241a86e147b9b-2000x1610.jpg?w=1600&h=1288&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/8c7e6f9d6ceea9b3c901319332f241a86e147b9b-2000x1610.jpg?rect=1,0,1999,1610&w=1920&h=1546&auto=format 1920w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/8c7e6f9d6ceea9b3c901319332f241a86e147b9b-2000x1610.jpg?w=2000&h=1610&auto=format 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":2000,"height":1610.0000000000002,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAQABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMEBf/EACIQAAICAgEDBQAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQAESEFEhMUFjFBQ//EABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACA//EABgRAQEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAIREx/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwDTaWys7M8Y8jjQ2u9DJIJ5p7z0442Mw0zHXAGN6h1OP1a+W9qFj2KBxvG9SsCpXdo5TKwAYMOCRgGKcorlCexakkkFjuJ+lwzL90yt+zccfOGX5lnjt//Z"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/8c7e6f9d6ceea9b3c901319332f241a86e147b9b-2000x1610.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"accounts-payable-automation-best-practices"},"body":"Following accounts payable automation best practices goes beyond avoiding costly mistakes. It's about ensuring you reduce costs, streamline processes, and secure a strong ROI for your investment into new systems. Done properly, your efforts will go a long way to securing the future of your company's bottom line.\n\n## 1. Align Accounts Payable Automation with Business Objectives\nAccounts payable objectives need to match overall business objectives. Not only does this help secure the future success of your business, but it also ensures that your needs won't be deprioritized. As a result, when accounts payable succeeds, the organization does, too. \n\n## 2. Map Out Workflows\nYou won't know how to [improve your processes](https://quandarycg.com/accounts-payable-process-improvement/) and achieve results without mapping out the systems that are in place first. \n\nWhether you whiteboard this out with your team or use [workflow mapping software](https://thedigitalprojectmanager.com/tools/flowchart-software/), this step will help you identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and waste. \n\nBusinesses are complicated. And every workflow has tons of exceptions. By mapping out these processes, you can account for these. This will allow your team to build guardrails around exceptions, further streamlining your workflows. \n\n## 3. Discuss Any Improvements with Your Accounts Payable Team\nThere's no point in transforming your accounts payable workflows and implementing new systems if your team [isn't on board.](https://www.apollotechnical.com/why-onboarding-is-important/) You also won't know if you're addressing the root of the problem without their expertise. Consult them early on in the decision-making process to ensure you're building the systems they need. \n\n**Ask your team members**:\n- What do you like about our existing processes?\n- What drives you crazy about our existing processes?\n- What solutions do you think will have the biggest impact?\n- What concerns do you have about implementing changes?\n\n\n\n ## 4. Be Prepared to Invest in New solutions\nAny attempt to improve efficiency in your accounts payable department without technology will fall short. Are you automating invoicing? Do you use self-service portals for [easy vendor management](https://quandarycg.com/supplier-management-best-practices/)? Are your procurement systems integrated? You'll need to invest in better systems to streamline your accounts payable workflows.\n\n## 5. Get Leadership to Support Any Changes\nChanging any process can be a challenge. Implementing new technology can make that transition even more complex. The key to the successful implementation and adoption of new technology is for leadership to [support the change](https://www.thebalancecareers.com/executive-support-and-leadership-in-change-management-1917803). \n\nFor that to happen, they should know how any changes will support business goals and achieve a justifiable ROI. Work with key decision-makers individually to show them how new systems will [reduce inefficiencies and waste](https://quandarycg.com/process-improvement-cut-waste-and-improve-business-efficiency).\n\n## 6. Track KPIs\nKey performance indicators (KPIs) are critical to gauging the success of your efforts. Start by collecting a baseline of any process. Afterward, track those accounts payable KPIs as you [automate purchasing](https://quandarycg.com/automate-purchasing-in-your-business/) to evaluate success. This will help your team keep an eye on what's important as they move forward with process improvements. \n\n**Key accounts payable performance metrics to track**:\n- Cost to process each invoice \n- Number of invoices\n- Number of invoices processed \n- Number of invoice errors\n- Discounts captures\n- Discounts missed\n- Invoice cycle time\n\nFor more on Invoice Metrics, [read this post](https://quandarycg.com/key-invoice-metrics-that-matter/).\n\n\n\n## 7. Establish Standard Operating Procedures\nSoPs will help streamline your processes by removing the guesswork. Best practice here involves leveraging accounts payable software solutions to establish a system of guardrails for daily activities. From processing invoices to tracking shipments to evaluating vendors, you'll speed up workflows with defined systems.\n\n## 8. Centralize Accounts Payable Data\nIf you're still relying on paper documents in filing cabinets, spreadsheets, and stacks of binders to manage your accounts payable data, you're behind the times. You need a centralized system for data management. By capturing and storing your critical documents digitally, you make them more accessible and secure.\n\nThis includes scanning paper invoices, creating templates for contracts, tracking and managing vendor information, and more. The goal should be to eliminate paper where possible. \n\nWith a centralized system for your accounts data, you'll reduce risk to your organization. At the same time, you'll increase the transparency of your supply chain. All that's left is keeping your information current to avoid fraud or errors. And accounts payable software solutions make that easy. \n\n## 9. Use Self-Service Vendor Portals\nDo you have a self-service vendor portal? If not, you need to implement one. These systems allow vendors to update their details, monitor shipments and submit invoices while reducing the likelihood of errors with ease. Plus, you can track vendor performance to [ensure contract compliance](https://quandarycg.com/procurement-contract-management-best-practices/) and improve relationships.\n\n## 10. Maintain Vendor Relationships and Communication\nHalf of managing AP effectively is managing people. Your vendors are critical to your business. And it's important to have strong relationships with them. That way, they can support any changes you make to AP workflows in your organization. Don't hesitate to ask them for feedback on ideas and new solutions. \n\n**Important**: Don't forget to keep your vendors in the loop. Your suppliers shouldn't find out after the fact. This will ensure a smoother transition. \n\n\n\n## 11. Submit New Invoices Immediately\nAs soon as you receive an invoice, it should go into your system. This ensures invoices don't get lost, reducing the potential for late fees. [Invoice automation](https://quandarycg.com/how-invoice-automation-works/) makes this easy. All you need to do is [scan the invoice](https://docparser.com/blog/invoice-scanning/) or collect the digital version and verify that the details are accurate. \n\n## 12. Balance Cost Savings with a Focus on ROI\nYou need to balance cost reduction while still focusing on the potential ROI from improving your systems. You will need to invest in technology to capture the benefits of automation. But not every workflow you improve will yield [a justifiable ROI](https://www.frevvo.com/blog/roi-of-workflow-automation-c/). Focus on key areas where you can see a clear ROI first, like invoice automation.\n\n**Important**: Don't sacrifice potential efficiencies for [cost savings](https://quandarycg.com/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/). You may save a few pennies in the budget, but you'll miss out on the dollar returns better systems can provide.\n\n## 13. Automate Strategically\nAvoid the urge to automate everything at once, especially if you're transitioning from multiple manual systems. Instead, think strategically. Which areas can you automate that will have the highest return for the least investment? Start there. \n\n[This will reduce the risk](https://quandarycg.com/procurement-risks-and-how-to-navigate-them/) while giving your team time to learn from the process. It'll also give the major players time to adjust to new workflows and processes. As a result, you'll be better equipped to launch new automations with less difficulty in the future. \n\n## 14. Put Someone in Charge of Improvements\nYou need an AP Automation Manager to be accountable for each automation project. This will be the contact point for progress, challenges, and successes with each new project. Their goal should be to reduce bottlenecks and get new automations live faster while keeping leadership informed.\n\n## 15. Don't Neglect UX\nYou don't need the most beautiful interface. However, you don't want a system that looks dated or is hard to use, either. People expect there to be [some level of design](https://uxmag.com/articles/the-future-of-enterprise-design-is-consumer-grade-ux) that makes the experience more pleasant. Give them that and users will be more willing to adapt to your new systems. \n\n**Important**: Don't neglect mobile. It's important to ensure your users can easily access your applications on mobile devices. Remove the need to scroll, make icons bigger, try to limit requests per screen, and embrace other mobile features (like notifications and fingerprint sign-ins). Site speed is critical as well.\n\n\n\n## 16. Focus on Continuous Improvement\nContinuously look for ways to improve your accounts payable workflows. Run [AP audits](https://www.freshbooks.com/hub/accounting/auditing-accounts-payable) regularly to evaluate your performance. Assess risk. Track progress toward goals. Look for opportunities to eliminate steps and automate inefficiencies. \n\nRemember to prioritize simplicity. Simple is better as it reduces the likelihood of errors, fraud, and slowdowns. \n\n## 17. Leverage Low Code\nNew systems mean more costs, but that doesn't mean you need to burn through your IT budget. [Low code](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-guide/) is a great alternative to traditional application development. You can rapidly build, test, and deploy custom applications using a visual interface. As a result, you can build the automations and integrations you need more affordably. \n\nDon't feel as though you have to invest in a cookie-cutter, turnkey solution. You're likely to end up paying more for features your business doesn't need. Worse, you'll be forced to adjust your practices to fit your software. And that limits what you can do as an organization. \n\nAlternatively, low code empowers you to build the exact workflows your business needs. [Integrate the apps you have](https://quandarycg.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-integrations/). Build the ones you need. Plus, it's a SaaS platform. That means [costs scale with use](https://www.quickbase.com/plans-and-pricing), making AP automation much more approachable than expensive enterprise solutions.\n\n## 18. Integrate Your Applications\nEliminate manual data entry where you can. While there are a lot of great applications out there that can enhance your business, they don't always speak to each other. [Resist the urge](https://appsilon.com/excel-is-obsolete-here-are-the-top-2-alternatives-from-r-and-python/) to use spreadsheets to move data between these systems. Instead, integrate them. You'll benefit from real-time, more accurate data.\n\n## 19. Collect Tax Information Digitally\nMany accounts payable automated solutions collect vendor tax information during the onboarding process. This allows you to issue, collect, and store 1099 forms with ease. These systems are tax compliant, so they provide the guardrails and reminders you need to stay compliant with your accounting department. \n\n\n\n## 20. Have Contingencies in Place\nAutomated solutions can fail because they're a system. And any system can fail when its infrastructure fails. Cloud-based applications [have downtime](https://www.crn.com/news/cloud/index/cloud-outages-cloud-services-downtime.htm). Power outages happen. Bugs can crash applications. The key to success is to be prepared for when these events happen, so you can mitigate damage and continue operating.\n\n**Important:** People can break down workflows, too. Your team should be trained on multiple systems so their absence doesn't stop your processes. And there should be alternative team members in place for approvals to keep things moving as well.\n\n## 21. Support Remote Work\nPre-COVID, remote work was a perk. Now, it's [essential to operations](https://www.happeo.com/blog/8-reasons-why-your-company-needs-remote-work). As the workplace environment has shifted to remote work, you need to empower your team to carry out their daily tasks from anywhere. Your workflows and the systems you use should support a remote team while keeping sensitive data secure\n\n## 22. Stay Flexible\nFollowing accounts payable, best practice requires a level of flexibility. You're testing out, implementing new solutions, and evaluating new systems. You also need to onboard your team and adapt. That involves a lot of change management. Stay flexible and positive about change by focusing on the end goal: overall improvement.\n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Procurement"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-e59c8796-b715-52c2-9deb-23e9b06bf6a1","title":"10 Key Procurement Goals to Achieve in 2024","_createdAt":"2022-01-14T20:22:17Z","publishedAt":"2024-01-19T06:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f4fe2e2ac7037b0fe4945830901f0084db7062a0-2000x1513.jpg?w=2000&h=1513&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f4fe2e2ac7037b0fe4945830901f0084db7062a0-2000x1513.jpg?w=320&h=242&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f4fe2e2ac7037b0fe4945830901f0084db7062a0-2000x1513.jpg?rect=1,0,1999,1513&w=654&h=495&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f4fe2e2ac7037b0fe4945830901f0084db7062a0-2000x1513.jpg?w=768&h=581&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f4fe2e2ac7037b0fe4945830901f0084db7062a0-2000x1513.jpg?rect=1,0,1999,1513&w=1024&h=775&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f4fe2e2ac7037b0fe4945830901f0084db7062a0-2000x1513.jpg?rect=0,1,2000,1512&w=1366&h=1033&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f4fe2e2ac7037b0fe4945830901f0084db7062a0-2000x1513.jpg?w=1600&h=1210&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f4fe2e2ac7037b0fe4945830901f0084db7062a0-2000x1513.jpg?w=1920&h=1452&auto=format 1920w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f4fe2e2ac7037b0fe4945830901f0084db7062a0-2000x1513.jpg?w=2000&h=1513&auto=format 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":2000,"height":1513,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f4fe2e2ac7037b0fe4945830901f0084db7062a0-2000x1513.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAARABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwABAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGBP/EACkQAAEEAAQEBgMAAAAAAAAAAAIAAQMEBQYRIRITM0EiMTJhcsE1cYH/xAAYAQADAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAwYBBP/EACIRAAIBAgUFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAwJCExQhMTIEESJxwf/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8Az2F4aI0CkBm5zt4dW1ZleqZTlp0xnsYgdyOX1McfC8f6UfLYzXsLeTmDEDC7tvv/ABaHLh2LtR4pLoE8QcW3kW/f3SstM7dzpzfTrv5bGUxDBwC0TCw6e6LrxixYjvGLwsWndt9UQYda0aNxY6tVUjkyh+KD4/SqZT6dv4/aIqhWEZbJ7+i11nRESZOTDh4I/9k="}}}}},"slug":{"current":"10-key-procurement-goals-to-achieve"},"body":"As a procurement professional, your goal is to help your organization get the most out of its purchasing power while reducing overall risks to the organization. This is not an easy task. The key to being successful is setting the right procurement goals. \n\nBut what types of goals should you be setting as a procurement professional? Even though each business is uniquely different, there are certain guidelines you should follow to transform procurement into a more successful and strategic asset. \n\n**These 10 procurement goals will get you there.**\n\nDepending on your resources, the maturity of your organization, and leadership's attitude toward procurement, you may only be able to aim for a few of these. Or, you might be able to knock them all out. \n\nEither way, accomplishing even just one of these goals will put your procurement process in a better place than it is right now. And that’s a big win.\n\n## 1. Leverage More Technology to Reduce Costs and Waste\nIf you’re not (at the very least) automating certain aspects of your procurement process already, you’re behind. Setting procurement goals and achieving them requires time and resources. But if you’re running around manually approving invoices, you’ll be stuck running around putting out fires instead. \n\nLuckily, investing in better systems doesn’t mean your business has to risk going broke on expensive procurement upgrades. Using [low code](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-guide/), you can automate many of your procurement processes far cheaper and far faster than expensive custom builds. \n\nImagine this: A simple automated workflow that collects requisition orders, submits POs, collects approvals, conducts QA, [issues invoices](https://quandarycg.com/how-invoice-automation-works/), and stores all the financial data for easier reporting and tracking.\n\nThis is not a pipedream. Nor is it a luxury only available to enterprise organizations. \n\nBy investing in process improvements, you can get the time, resources, and (most importantly) accurate data you need to reach other procurement goals. \n\n## 2. Develop a Better Understanding of Your Supply Chain\nHow does your organization fit into the global supply chain? If you can’t answer that question, it makes it harder for you to prove to leadership that your department is a critical component to the overall success of your organization. \n\nBut it’s true. \n\nProcurement is about more than [cost savings](https://quandarycg.com/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/). Was your business impacted by recent [supply chain disruptions](https://quandarycg.com/overcoming-supply-chain-disruption/)? Imagine what position you could be in now if you had the insights needed to adjust your supply chain before problems hit. \n\nHow much more competitive would your organization be right now if they had ensured deliveries while keeping costs low during that global disruption?\n\nAt a basic level, you can conduct a simple [SWOT analysis](https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_05.htm) on your procurement process and supply chain. You can also conduct [environment scanning](https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/tools-and-samples/hr-qa/pages/basics-of-environmental-scanning.aspx), analyzing customer purchase trends, technology shifts, potential political disruption, and other scenarios.\n\nThe more accurate data you have and the more time you have to analyze it, the better position your organization will be in. Instead of reacting to change, you can proactively shift your supply chain around to minimize risk and disruption.\n\n \n\n## 3. Maximize Your Spend\nThere are a lot of different ways you can [maximize spend in your organization](https://quandarycg.com/procurement-cost-savings/). \n\nEvaluate the cost of the goods and services you purchase against their quality to ensure that you’re not overpaying for goods. Or, paying less but purchasing more often…\n\nAnd there are a lot of ways to reduce your overall spend as well. Are you getting vendor discounts (bulk order, early pay, etc.)? Are your purchases consolidated to reduce delivery costs? Is your [tail spend](https://www.fairmarkit.com/blog/what-is-tail-spend-and-how-can-we-manage-it) under control?\n\nBy maximizing your cost savings, you’ll give your organization more resources to [invest in better systems](https://quandarycg.com/procurement-automation-services/) that make everyone’s lives easier. \n\n## 4. Clean Up Your Data\nData is everywhere. But more isn’t necessarily better. And if you're tracking vital customer data across multiple spreadsheets and other data siloes, you most likely dealing with the information that’s simply wrong. \n\nFrom overpaying vendors to misunderstanding customer needs, dirty data puts your organization at greater (unnecessary) risk.\n\n[Automating your procurement process](https://quandarycg.com/benefits-of-procurement-automation/) helps consolidate your data. You can integrate disparate systems, reducing the need for spreadsheets. And you can transform your reporting into clear, accurate data dashboards that give you real-time insights. \n\n## 5. Position Procurement to Support Overall Business Goals\nProcurement should function as the backbone for your business goals. It's a strategic process. The data collected from the supply chain, vendors, and customers is critical to developing the strategies needed to guide a business to success. Not to mention, an organization’s purchasing power helps it remain competitive. \n\nThe more closely aligned procurement is with the overall mission of the business, the more leadership will lean on its procurement team for critical insights. \n\nTo make that happen, you need to collect the right insights. \n\nMonitor markets and trends. Pay attention to pricing. Note any potential shortages of critical components. And share any potential risks or disruptions that could impact the supply chain. The more you can help your business see its place in the marketplace and identify any potential obstacles, the better your positioning.\n\nThese insights and support will help transform how your organization sees its procurement process. As a result, you can better position procurement as an integral part of your business.\n\n\n\n## 6. Aim to Work with Leadership Earlier On\nLeadership often takes a backward approach to procurement. They design a project, make promises to partners and customers, and build out roadmaps for completion first. After, they give their procurement department the task of getting it done. \n\nThis is the wrong approach. \n\nIt opens up the business to unnecessary risk. Leadership may overlook aspects of their supply chain or development, for example. They may overpromise on deadlines, features, or costs. \n\nAdditionally, it puts unnecessary pressure on the procurement team. Now, they have to figure out how to make it all happen while juggling other responsibilities. \n\nInstead, push for a seat at the table early on in the project development cycle. Have the data and insights ready to share on your supply chain (vendors, pricing, limitations, etc.). \n\nBy working with leadership early on in the process, you’ll help ensure you’re meeting your customers’ expectations without overtaxing your vendors or going over budget. \n\n## 7. Better Understand and Reduce, Eliminate, or Avoid Risk\n[Risk is everywhere](https://quandarycg.com/procurement-risks-and-how-to-navigate-them/) in your supply chain. You can’t always avoid it. But you can understand it and mitigate it. \n\nNowadays, CEOs are [more likely to lose their jobs](https://www.strategyand.pwc.com/gx/en/insights/ceo-success.html?utm_campaign=sbpwc&utm_medium=site&utm_source=native) due to unethical conduct than poor business performance. Ethical business practices matter more to customers now than ever before. \n\nThe same is true for sustainability. In fact, [61% of customers](https://www.smurfitkappa.com/us/newsroom/2020/new-research-reveals-conscious-consumerism-will-keep-sustainability-a-top-priority-for-businesses) expect sustainable business practices. Going green isn’t a luxury. It’s essential.\n\nIt’s not just environmental and ethical risks you need to worry about either. Cyber security attacks on the supply chain [are becoming more common](https://www.zdnet.com/article/supply-chain-attacks-are-the-hackers-new-favourite-weapon-and-the-threat-is-getting-bigger/).\n\nYour goal should be to build out the systems, procedures, and data needed to analyze risk in your supply shain. Both internal and external.\n\n\n\n## 8. Build Better Vendor Relationships\nBuilding a network of mutually beneficial relationships with your vendors will ensure you remain competitive in an increasingly unpredictable marketplace. \n\nBy working closely with your vendors, you can reduce costs, improve the quality of your goods, and get more on-time deliveries. As a result, you’ll become a more dependable business for your customers. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.\n\n[Vendor relationship management](https://quandarycg.com/vendor-relationship-management/) is tricky. It starts by choosing the right vendors. Next, you need to set a baseline of [KPIs to evaluate their performance](https://quandarycg.com/critical-vendor-management-kpis/). After, you'll work with them to ensure they meet those goals. \n\nThe key is to avoid adversarial relationships and instead focus on how you can work together to ensure everyone wins.\n\n## 9. Adapt Procurement Best Practices\nIs your procurement process [best practice](https://quandarycg.com/what-are-procurement-best-practices/)? Achieving best practice doesn’t happen overnight. You need to actively work at it over time. \n\nYou also need buy-in from leadership because they’ll need to invest in better systems to help streamline how purchasing happens in your organization. \n\nStill, don’t feel the need to run out and try to adapt every best practice overnight. Instead, you need to be realistic. If you’re only adopting one or two best practices right now, aim to add one or two more by the end of the year. \n\nBut which ones do you focus on? \n\nAim for the ones that [significantly reduce procurement costs](https://quandarycg.com/how-to-identify-and-significantly-reduce-procurement-costs/). The more resources you can save your organization, the more they’ll have to reinvest in better systems that can further streamline purchasing.\n\n## 10. Seek Out More Professional Development\nProcurement is a complex business process that’s constantly evolving. Not only is your supply chain constantly changing, but you also have new disruptive technologies appearing every day. Additionally, you need to develop your soft skills as well. \n\nThe key to helping your organization succeed with its procurement process is to never stop educating yourself. \n\nTake the time to learn more about new trends (socio-demographic, customer, ecological, political, technological, and more). Learn about new technologies like low code, automation, artificial intelligence (AI), [Robotic Process Automation (RPA)](https://www.automationanywhere.com/rpa/robotic-process-automation), and more. Don’t neglect your [soft skills](https://www.cips.org/knowledge/procurement-topics-and-skills/people-and-skills/soft-skills/) either: leadership, negotiation, communication, and more. \n\nMake it your goal to be a sponge, soaking up everything you can about procurement. The more you learn, the more of an asset you can be to your organization. \n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.\n","categories":[{"title":"Procurement"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-7d8a56b6-0003-51fe-b053-694f71e6d844","title":"56+ Critical Low-Code Statistics to Review for 2024","_createdAt":"2020-01-15T09:09:19Z","publishedAt":"2024-01-09T13:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/543cd1de8572551d76247717eec8c06dfdedc8fb-1920x1281.jpg?w=1920&h=1281&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/543cd1de8572551d76247717eec8c06dfdedc8fb-1920x1281.jpg?rect=0,2,1920,1278&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/543cd1de8572551d76247717eec8c06dfdedc8fb-1920x1281.jpg?rect=0,1,1920,1280&w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/543cd1de8572551d76247717eec8c06dfdedc8fb-1920x1281.jpg?rect=0,1,1920,1280&w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/543cd1de8572551d76247717eec8c06dfdedc8fb-1920x1281.jpg?w=1024&h=683&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/543cd1de8572551d76247717eec8c06dfdedc8fb-1920x1281.jpg?rect=0,1,1920,1280&w=1366&h=911&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/543cd1de8572551d76247717eec8c06dfdedc8fb-1920x1281.jpg?rect=1,0,1919,1281&w=1600&h=1068&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/543cd1de8572551d76247717eec8c06dfdedc8fb-1920x1281.jpg?w=1920&h=1281&auto=format 1920w","sizes":"(min-width: 1920px) 1920px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1920,"height":1281,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/543cd1de8572551d76247717eec8c06dfdedc8fb-1920x1281.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"low-code-statistics"},"body":"As the transition from traditional application development to low-code continues, it’s important to know what low-code is, why it matters, and how it can transform the way work gets done in your business.\n\nThese stats on low-code will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision when adopting the platform to support application development in your business.\n\nAfter you scroll through the latest low-code stats, be sure to check out our facts about low-code as well. While stats are informative, the facts behind the movement explain why more and more businesses are choosing the low-code path.\n\n## Critical Stats on Low-Code\n\n### Low-Code Market Trends for 2024 and Beyond\n1. The global market forecast for low-code is around [65 Billion U.S. by 2027](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1226179/). And it's expected to reach [$187 Billion by 2030](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/11/10/2123468/0/en/Global-187-Billion-Low-Code-Development-Platform-Market-to-2030.html). That's a CAGR of 31.1% for 2020 - 2030.\n\n_This is up from $10.3 Billion in 2019 with COVID 19 driving the shift due to increased remote work environments, the need for businesses to be agile, and the drive for lean, more efficient business systems._\n\n2. By 2025, organizations will build [70% of their new applications](https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2021-11-10-gartner-says-cloud-will-be-the-centerpiece-of-new-digital-experiences) using low-code or no-code platforms. (This is up from less than 25% in 2020.)\n\n### Low-Code Adoption in Businesses\n\n3. Most Enterprises (80%) will have policies in place for [citizen developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developers-in-construction-pros-and-cons/) by 2024, [according to Gartner](https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2021-06-10-gartner-says-the-majority-of-technology-products-and-services-will-be-built-by-professionals-outside-of-it-by-2024). \n\n_This will likely be an effort to reduce strain on IT departments while collectively improving workflows as businesses work in increasingly unpredictable markets._\n\n4. Currently, [72% of IT leaders](https://www.zdnet.com/article/5-cio-initiatives-that-should-be-topping-its-agenda/) state that their ticket backlog interferes with strategic projects. In fact, they spend much of their time maintaining legacy systems. \n\n5. [26% of executives](https://www.cio.com/article/193919/the-road-to-modern-delivery-low-code-development-market-speed-and-the-future-of-it.html#_ftnref2) believe low-code platforms are the most critical investment in automation (up from 10% since the pandemic).\n\n6. [82% of companies](https://appian.com/blog/2018/are-companies-truly-prepared-for-digital-transformation.html) cannot attract and retain the software engineers/developers they need. And this number may increase in the wake of the Great Resignation. \n\n### Facts on Low-Code Use\n\n7. Prudent enterprises ([as defined by Appian](https://assets.appian.com/uploads/2019/03/forrester-tlp-lowcode.pdf)), value the flexibility (83%), speed (63%), and automation (67%) qualities that low-code provides. These qualities matter more as businesses look for ways to fast track their digital transformations while reducing cost, risk, and waste in their organizations.\n\n8. Gartner states that [by 2023](https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/4005412), there will be 4x more citizen developers than professional developers at large enterprises.\n\n9. Citizen integrator tools (low-code platforms) will reach mainstream use [within 2 - 5 years](https://www.zdnet.com/article/top-8-trends-shaping-digital-transformation-in-2021/). \n\n10. [According to McKinsey](https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/technology-media-and-telecommunications/our-insights/developer-velocity-how-software-excellence-fuels-business-performance), organizations with the best tools drive \"Developer Velocity\" and they're 65% more innovative than bottom-quartile companies. Additionally, retention rates are 47% higher for companies that can provide access to these tools during development. \n\n_Low-code was considered by these companies as a critical tool for supporting \"Developer Velocity.\" And companies that embraced the citizen development movement scored 33% higher on innovation._ \n\n11. In [a 2017 report](https://www.techrepublic.com/article/report-60-of-apps-are-built-outside-of-it-and-thats-a-good-thing/) from 451 Research and Filemaker, Inc, 82% of firms stated that app development outside of IT was important. The piece noted that almost 60% of custom apps were made outside of IT. \n\n_According to Gartner, that number could reach [70% by 2024](https://www.theregister.com/2021/11/10/gartner_it_symposium/) thanks to low-code._\n\n12. Forrester estimated that by the end of 2021, [75% of all enterprise software](https://venturebeat.com/2021/07/24/low-code-a-promising-trend-or-a-pandoras-box) would be made with low-code. \n\n13. By 2023, businesses will develop [more than 500 million apps](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191029005144/en/IDC-FutureScape-Outlines-the-Impact-Digital-Supremacy-Will-Have-on-Enterprise-Transformation-and-the-IT-Industry) in the cloud (equivalent to the number of apps developed in the last 40 years). The majority of these will be to support digital transformations. \n\n_If this is the case, then Charles Lamanna, Corporate vice president of the citizen applications platform at Microsoft says that [450 million of these apps](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/01/new-microsoft-google-amazon-cloud-battle-over-world-without-code.html) will be built using low-code because there isn't enough talent out there to meet demand without it._\n\n14. By 2024, [75% of enterprises](https://www.zdnet.com/article/top-8-trends-shaping-digital-transformation-in-2021/) will use at least four low-code platforms for citizen development initiatives and business application development.\n\n15. Spurred forward by the pandemic, [over 50% of medium and large enterprises](https://www.outsystems.com/1/low-code-application-platforms-gartner-/) will use a low-code or no-code platform for application development. \n\n16. According to [Gartner's survey on citizen development](https://blogs.gartner.com/jason-wong/importance-citizen-development-citizen/), 41% of respondents currently had citizen development initiatives in place. And 20% of those that don't have them in place are in the process of developing or evaluating initiatives.\n\n_Organizations will fill an increasing pull to adopt these systems as they become more widespread and their benefits become more well-known to developers and IT leaders._\n\n17. [47% of developers](https://www.nuxeo.com/blog/low-code-essential/) said they don't have access to the tools they need to build applications fast enough to meet deadlines. And 41% of developers want more than half the apps their organizations make to be built on low-code platforms. \n\n_Rather than replacing developers, low-code streamlines their workflows, helping them build better apps faster._ \n\n### Stats on the Benefits of Low-Code\n\n18. [73% of CFOs](https://multiviewcorp.com/blog/six-questions-finance-teams-should-be-asking-themselves) state their businesses are already streamlining workflows and processes with automation and integrations.\n\n19. [Businesses report](https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/beyond-hiring-how-companies-are-reskilling-to-address-talent-gaps) a major skill gap within their IT department, second only to Data Analytics.\n\n20. The average salary for a software developer in the US for 2022 was $110,140 [according to US News](https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/software-developer/salary).\n\n21. [88% of IT leaders noted](https://www.zdnet.com/article/92-of-it-leaders-are-comfortable-with-the-use-of-low-code-tools-by-business-users/) that their workload increased during the pandemic with 60% saying it increased by more than 50%. And only 37% of IT leaders saying they finished the projects assigned to them the previous year.\n\n22. [IDC also found](https://appian.com/resources/resource-center/whitepapers/idc-business-value-of-low-code-development-and-intelligent-process-automation.html) that low-code spread up the software development lifecycle by 62% for new applications and 72% for adding new features, achieved an additional $19.8 million in annual revenue and increased productivity by 123%. \n\n23. [84% of enterprise organizations](https://assets.appian.com/uploads/2019/03/forrester-tlp-lowcode.pdf) have turned to low-code development to reduce strain on their IT departments as of 2018. They see low-code as an asset to further digital transformation faster.\n\n24. Low-code allows the average company to avoid hiring two IT developers, providing an additional [$4.4 million in business value](https://venturebeat.com/2021/08/31/risks-and-rewards-of-low-code-tools/#:~:text=According%20to%20Mendix%2C%20the%20average,years%20from%20the%20apps%20designed.) over three years plus labor reduction.\n\n25. Low-code can speed up application development [by a factor of 10](https://www.forrester.com/blogs/why-you-need-to-know-about-low-code-even-if-youre-not-responsible-for-software-delivery/), meaning that developers can brainstorm, build, test, and deploy new apps in days or weeks instead of months. \n\n26. Low-code and no-code platforms can reduce the time needed to build custom applications [between 50% -90%](https://www.redhat.com/cms/managed-files/mi-451-research-intelligent-process-automation-analyst-paper-f11434-201802.pdf) vs. traditional application development that relies on coding language. \n\n27. [An IDC report](https://appian.com/resources/resource-center/whitepapers/idc-business-value-of-low-code-development-and-intelligent-process-automation.html) found customers earned an ROI of 509% after five years using low-code and intelligent process automation. And [100% of low-code enterprises](https://assets.appian.com/uploads/2019/03/forrester-tlp-lowcode.pdf) earn an ROI from from their platforms.\n\n### Stats on Low-Code Use Cases\n\n28. Statista released a report on worldwide low-code application usage for 2021 with [33% of respondents](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1263327/low-code-benefits-organizations-use-applications/) stating data modeling and visualization as their primary use. Data security, automating processes, and e-commerce apps were other use cases mentioned by responders.\n\n29. Main reasons businesses use low-code according to [research from OutSystems](https://www.outsystems.com/1/state-app-development-trends/):\n - Accelerate Digital Transformation and Innovation\n - Reduce IT Backlog & Increase IT Responsiveness\n - Reduce or Avoid Legacy Debt\n - Reduce Dependency on Hard-to-Hire Technical Skills\n - Protect Technology Against Churn\n - Empower Citizen Developers to Improve Processes\n\nYou can find more specific use cases of [low-code here](https://www.techtarget.com/searchsoftwarequality/tip/Review-these-9-low-code-use-cases-and-industry-examples). Or, you can review [our case studies here](https://quandarycg.com/case-studies/).\n\n### Stats on Challenges with Low-Code Adoption\n\n30. While [4 out of 5 businesses](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/03/09/2400432/0/en/Low-Code-Development-Industry-is-Projected-to-Achieve-a-Global-Market-Size-of-US-187-Bn-by-2032-Currently-US-Accounts-For-the-Largest-Market-Share-in-the-World.html#:~:text=In%20the%20US%2C%20four%20out,as%20opposed%20to%2056%25%20globally.) in the US currently use low-code, there are still 20% that do not. Worldwide, that number is 23%. \n\n31. [According to Appian](https://assets.appian.com/uploads/2019/03/forrester-tlp-lowcode.pdf), 31% of enterprises currently using low-code haven't built or delivered any of their highest-value applications.\n\n32. The Outsystems's State of Applications Development Report from 2019 states several reasons businesses provided as to why they do not currently use or have a plan to use low-code: \n - Lack of knowledge about low-code: 43%\n - Concern about \"lock-in\" with a platform or vendor: 37%\n - Don't think low-code fulfills needs: 32%\n - Concerns about low-code app scalability: 28%\n - Concerns about low-code app security: 25%\n\n33. The workforce continues to change. Currently, [millennials make up 35%](https://teamstage.io/millennials-in-the-workplace-statistics/) of the US workforce. By 2025, millennials will make up 75% of the workforce. Gen Z made up 11.6% of the workforce in 2020 with that number expected to rise significantly.\n\nThis is a generation tied into technology with little patience for dated systems or clunky workflows. As both customers and employees, they expect processes to be streamlined and applications to be mobile. Low code can help businesses meet those expectations.\n\n### Low-Code Accessibility Statistics\n34. In a 2018 survey, [Mendix discovered that](https://www.mendix.com/blog/infographic-low-code-application-development-trends/): \n - 25% of their low-code developer community have no background experience in code.\n - Instead, 40% of users have a background in business.\n - 70% of the developers without any background experience in low-code learned how to build applications in one month. And 28% learned how to do it in under two weeks.\n - 72% of those who answered were deploying applications in 3 months with low-code vs. the six or months needed for traditional app development. \n\n35. In a [2019 survey from Appian](https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2019/05/09/1820665/0/en/Survey-79-of-IT-Developers-Say-Low-code-Can-Improve-Key-Aspects-of-Job-Satisfaction.html), 79% of IT developers said that low-code can improve job satisfaction by reducing pressure, demands, and stress on departments. \n\n### Statistics on Low-Code Developer Salary Ranges\n36. Low-code developer salaries typically range [between $108,491 - $122,388](https://www.salary.com/research/salary/employer/siemens/low-code-no-code-developer-and-consultant-sisw-salary) depending on skills and experience. \n\nSome estimates have base pay [estimated at $77,236](https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/low-code-developer-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm) with bonuses around $26,890. These bonuses can include things like profit sharing, commission, etc. \n\nWhether you're an expert on one platform or can navigate multiple low-code platforms can also impact your salary.\n\n## 5 Important Facts About Low-Code\nWhile statistics are useful, the merits of low-code go beyond the numbers. Below you'll find several critical points that underscore the importance of low-code. \n\n### 1. Low-Code Platforms Use Less Code\nForester coined the term “low-code” in 2014 and [has since modified the definition](https://go.forrester.com/blogs/why-you-need-to-know-about-low-code-even-if-youre-not-responsible-for-software-delivery/), “Low-code platforms employ visual, declarative techniques instead of traditional lines of programming. Both developers and non-developers can use these products, and they require less training to start. Common features include reusable components, drag-and-drop tools, and process modeling. Individuals or small teams can experiment, prototype, and deliver apps in days or weeks.\"\n\n### 2. Low-Code and No-Code Are NOT the Same\nLow-code requires some basic coding knowledge. No-code platforms, on the other hand, rely completely on a visual user interface. \n\nBoth programs use code. However, they hide most of it from the end-user to make it easier to use. This way, you don't need to sort through stacks of code to create a program.\n\n### 3. Citizen Developers Democratize Software Development\nThe concept of citizen developers dates all the way back to 1982, from a book written by James Martin called Application Development Without Programmers. It spawned a fourth-generation programming language using computer-assisted software engineering tools. Sadly, the movement fell short when it over-promised and under-delivered. \n\nStill, as low-code and no-code platforms become increasingly accessible and collaboration becomes easier, entire teams can work together to develop solutions. As a result, teams can build the precise [business applications](https://quandarycg.com/business-application-development-growth/) their people need.\n\n### 4. Drag-and-Drop Interfaces Make App Builds Easy\nLow-code uses visual modeling with drag and drop interfaces to help citizen developers interact with a visual representation of the code easily. With a little training, employees can rapidly create and secure scalable software.\n\n### 5. COVID Fuels Low-Code Adoption\n[The pandemic pushed](https://techcrunch.com/2020/08/27/covid-19-is-driving-demand-for-low-code-apps/) the need for low-code apps. With more people working at home, more people need accessible tools and systems that streamline their work from their home office. \n\nBusinesses dealing with budget cuts also needed to find ways to continue to add features to meet growing expectations. As a result they turned to low-code.\n\n## 15 Reasons Why Businesses Are Switching to Low-Code\nThere are several important factors driving businesses to either empower their IT team with low-code platforms or train non-developers on how to use these platforms. These points explain why and help you better see why your business should consider low-code.\n\n### 1. CIOs Struggle to Fill Tech Positions\n[83% of CIOs struggle](https://www.techrepublic.com/article/cio-jury-83-of-cios-struggle-to-find-tech-talent/) to hire staff to help meet increasing demands. The main gaps are in analytics, information management, and big data. \n\nThe tech demands of organizations are stronger than ever, but the pool of qualified applicants is small. This can force IT departments to overwork their staff.\n\n### 2. There's an Unprecedented Demand for Programmers\nBetween 2020 and 2030, the BLS predicts that the economy will [add 667,600 computer science jobs](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm). That growth rate of 13% will be fueled by an increase in cloud computing, information security, and big data for businesses.\n\nAs more organizations look to streamline processes with integrations and automation, the need for people with a background in computer programming grows as well. This is due to the reality that businesses realize they need an effective digital strategy to stay ahead of competitors. \n\n### 3. Salary for Software Developers Continues to Increase\nThe average salary for [software developers is $110,140](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm) as of May 2022. And, there are more than 189,200 software developer job openings in the US with companies struggling to fill these positions. \n\nFueled by supply and demand, the massive pull of talent has pushed salary premiums up, giving businesses with larger IT budgets the power to collect more talent. \n\n### 4. Technical Debt Accounts Wastes IT Budget \nTechnical debt is the cost companies pay to maintain and fix code in applications. On average, a company spends $3.61 per line of code. With the average-size application at 300,000 lines of code (LOC), that comes to $1,083,000 per application.\n\nWhat's worse, [33% of engineer's time](https://stripe.com/files/reports/the-developer-coefficient.pdf?ref=hackernoon.com) goes to dealing with technical debt. This huge hindrance prevents software engineers from focusing on building the tools businesses need to scale their business and better serve customers.\n\n### 5. Major Industries Are At Risk\nIncreasingly, large businesses will struggle to maintain customer relationships. Five major retail banking businesses (consumer finance, mortgages, SME lending, retail payments, and wealth management) will be [at risk by 2025](https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/McKinsey/Industries/Financial%20Services/Our%20Insights/The%20Fight%20for%20the%20Customer%20McKinsey%20Global%20Banking%20Annual%20Review%202015/McKinsey_Global%20Banking%20Annual%20Review_2015_d.ashx). \n\nThe reason? \n\nAttackers will drive prices lower due to margin compression. These leaner businesses will be able to offer more features and stronger relationships at a lower cost. \n\n### 6. Low-Code Is Affordable\nLow-code cost varies and usually runs as a subscription service. The more applications a business runs, the greater the cost. Estimates can be as low as [$25 per month](https://www.trustradius.com/low-code-development) to over $5,000 for enterprise-level software.\n\nCost scales with use. As a result, small businesses only pay for what they use, freeing up resources for other initiatives.\n\n### 7. Low-Code Has a Range of Use Cases \nWhile low-code platforms can be used to develop simple automation and integrations, they can also be used to build complex, enterprise-level applications. \n\nYou can build everything from a custom ERP to a custom CRM. And businesses often work with support partners or vendors to [automate procurement](https://quandarycg.com/procurement-automation-services/), HR, and other complex workflows. \n\n### 8. Low-Code Is Extremely Customizable and Scaleable\nLow-code works similarly to how building blocks work. You can quickly build and customize the applications you need using prefabricated sets of code or integrations (Workato refers to these as [recipes](https://app.workato.com/recipes/browse)). \n\nThis allows you to rapidly build custom solutions. Tweak them after to meet changing demands. And scale them to match the needs of your growing business.\n\n### 9. Low-Code Is Secure\nMany organizations have a hodge-podge collection of applications that they move data between with spreadsheets. And they share this data via email. \n\nThis puts them at unnecessary risk. All it takes is for an email or password to compromise your customer data.\n\nWith low-code, you get the cyber-security of an enterprise-level, cloud-based platform. And you have teams regularly updating those security measures to ensure all their customers stay compliant. \n\n### 10. Low-Code Is Low-Risk and High Reward\nOutsystems has helped businesses like [Schneider Electric](https://www.outsystems.com/case-studies/schneider-electric-low-code-digital-factory/) launch 60 apps in 20 months, with most delivered in just 10 weeks. And [Ricoh](https://www.outsystems.com/1/roi-low-code/) replaced their legacy systems, resulting in a 253% ROI in 7 months.\n\n[Process improvement](/process-improvement-tools) and optimization are often the key focus areas for low-code development. Automation and integration tend to yield rapid ROIs, making low-code an enticing platform for small and large businesses alike. \n\n### 11. Legacy Systems Are Too Expensive to Maintain\nLegacy systems tend to be more trouble (and cost) than they're worth. Over 75% of the federal government’s [$80 billion IT budget](https://www.nextgov.com/cio-briefing/2016/02/white-house-wants-give-agencies-new-pot-money-upgrade-aging-it/125788/) goes to maintaining legacy systems and many are over 25 years old. \n\nLegacy systems hold businesses back by absorbing most of their IT budget, chaining them to dated platforms that underdeliver and limit organizational responsiveness.\n\n### 12. Employees Can Learn Low-Code Quickly\nLow-code is designed to be simple and accessible. Employees only need brief training. From there, they can rapidly create the systems needed to improve businesses. \n\nFor example, the 402nd Software Maintenance Group learned and deployed an enterprise-class HRT application in [two weeks](https://www.appian.com/blog/a-crash-course-in-low-code-development/). \n\n### 13. Low-Code Reduces Steps in the Development Process\nBuilding software with low-code [reduces the steps](https://www.outsystems.com/blog/what-is-low-code.html) in the software development process from 16 to only seven. \n\nWith less code, you'll avoid steps like planning systems architecture, setting up backend frameworks, hard coding, and endless rounds of testing. \n\n### 14. App Development with Low-Code Is Faster\nCompanies can rapidly produce applications within a shorter time span and at a fraction of the cost with low code. There is a lot less code to deal with, after all. And less code means fewer issues. \n\nAs a result, the time to market for most apps is drastically faster. For example, Schneider Electronics launched 60 apps (they created most of those in [just 10 weeks](https://www.outsystems.com/case-studies/schneider-electric-low-code-digital-factory/).)\n\nThis is very important considering that in 2015, [Gartner predicted](https://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/how-to-deliver-enterprise-mobile-apps-faster) that IT departments see the demand for app development grow 5x faster than their ability to deliver. With faster development in low-code apps, IT departments can catch up.\n\n### 15. Low-Code Balances the Playing Field\nLow-code provides a clear alternative to custom application development. It levels the playing field between enterprise companies and growing SMEs by making building business applications more affordable. And it rapidly speeds up the time it takes for apps to go from idea to deployment.\n\n## Top Low-Code Platforms\nThere are a lot of high-quality low-code platforms out there offering a range of packages to support your business. These platforms have the ability to lean on prefabricated builds to push your business apps live faster or create new apps directly on the platform. \n\n### These are the top 12 low-code platforms out there right now: \n1. [Zoho Creator](https://www.zoho.com/creator/)\n2. [Appian](https://www.appian.com/)\n3. [PowerApps](https://powerapps.microsoft.com/en-us/)\n4. [Mendix](https://www.mendix.com/)\n5. [Outsystems](https://www.outsystems.com/)\n6. [AppMaker](https://appmaker.xyz/)\n7. [Quickbase](/quick-base-solutions)\n8. [Track Via](https://trackvia.com/)\n9. [Salesforce App Cloud](https://www.salesforce.com/eu/products/platform/overview/)\n10. [Kissflow](https://kissflow.com/)\n11. [Workato](https://www.workato.com/)\n12. [Pipefy](https://www.pipefy.com/)\n\nHowever, there are more than [220 low-code platforms](https://aimultiple.com/low-code-platform) on the market and [several](https://aimultiple.com/no-code-ai-tool) that use machine learning.\n\n## How to Use Low-Code in Your Organization\nLow-code has very few barriers to entry. Because it's essentially a SaaS platform, you simply need to reach out to the sales team at the leading providers and ask them for a demo. You can easily compare platforms, their features, support, and pricing. \n\nOnce you decide on a platform, you pay a setup license fee and a recurring monthly payment based on use. Price scales with cost, so it's often more affordable than enterprise-level solutions.\n\nThe challenge comes from knowing what types of automations, integrations, and applications to build. Knowing how to map out workflows, identify the root cause of your inefficiencies, and build solutions while onboarding your team to the new processes and workflows can be challenging.\n\nSome of the above platforms offer support services. However, depending on the complexity of your needs, it's often better to work with a low-code vendor. \n\nQuandary Consulting Group partners is a low-code vendor that has helped multiple businesses build the custom solutions they need.\n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Business Transformation"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-c8250547-4027-5265-ac94-ca77ffd568fd","title":"Citizen Integrators: The Key to Automating Your Tech Stack","_createdAt":"2023-10-25T02:21:12Z","publishedAt":"2023-10-25T01:52:07.488Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0a92c82f0b72de8e26b29552af9a3ae535510607-1280x853.jpg?w=1280&h=853&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0a92c82f0b72de8e26b29552af9a3ae535510607-1280x853.jpg?rect=0,1,1280,852&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0a92c82f0b72de8e26b29552af9a3ae535510607-1280x853.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0a92c82f0b72de8e26b29552af9a3ae535510607-1280x853.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0a92c82f0b72de8e26b29552af9a3ae535510607-1280x853.jpg?w=1024&h=682&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0a92c82f0b72de8e26b29552af9a3ae535510607-1280x853.jpg?w=1280&h=853&auto=format 1280w","sizes":"(min-width: 1280px) 1280px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1280,"height":853,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGAwf/xAAfEAACAgICAwEAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEABEFBiExUUH/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA/8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8A7Xd7jcr8lWiWJCjsFZSCPH0HKPsPPLxPHiwsLTMSAFB17xlZo1bJQzwRuUO12vo5rLBFMgWWNHUfhG8Cdp9srSQg2UMUm/K4Yws8DRnmaRo9E/MMD//Z"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0a92c82f0b72de8e26b29552af9a3ae535510607-1280x853.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"citizen-integrators-automating-tech-stack"},"body":"# Citizen Integrators: The Key to Automating Your Tech Stack\n\nThe average business has 200 tools in its tech stack. Few of these systems are connected. This severely limits data insights, cost savings, and agility. It also makes automation nearly impossible.\n\nThe solution seems simple: ask IT to integrate disparate platforms. \n\nExcept IT teams are overloaded.\n\nDemand for digital solutions is [higher than ever](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/). At the same time, there is a programmer shortage. Adding fuel to the fire, rising costs and slimmer budgets have forced businesses to reevaluate priorities.\n\nThis means that integration requests get brushed aside as programmers focus on what leadership identifies as more business-critical tasks.\n\nAn alternative approach is to leverage citizen integrators to build the necessary integrations, empowering organizations to scale automation.\n\n## Integration Challenges Facing Businesses\n\nBusinesses end up taking a backward approach to digital transformation unintentionally.\n\nIt starts with identifying a business need and a solution. Leadership rushes to onboard the new tool. It solves a pressing problem but silos data into a separate database. \n \nThat information sits there, unused. Impacted teams understand the importance of the data, so they reach out to IT, requesting a system integration. \n\nThe IT team is overwhelmed with a long backlog, though. So, they deprioritize the integration ticket and focus on more critical tasks. \n\nTeam members grow impatient. Automating new workflows appears impossible. Inevitably, they [use spreadsheets to fill the gaps between systems](https://quandarycg.com/shadow-IT-statistics/), wasting time and money. \n\nWhat started off as a business solution is now creating a new problem. Sadly, this often leads to adopting a new tool, which starts the cycle all over again.\n\nWithout integrations, businesses can’t take full advantage of their tech stack. More importantly, they can’t automate processes. Instead, they have a collection of data pools (or puddles). \n\nIt’s extremely inefficient. \n\nWhile IT teams are qualified to bridge gaps between systems, they have a growing number of obstacles to overcome.\n\n\n\n### Challenges Facing IT Teams\n\n- **Rising Customer Expectations**: People want a seamless experience with as minimal slowdown or redundancy as possible.\n- **Unclear Systems and Tools**: Teams usually build business systems outward, creating a patchwork of systems with layers of unnecessary redundancies and gaps.\n- **Misaligned Priorities**: In a rush to deliver “more”, businesses can overlook the automation and integration potential of systems and tools. \n- **Tech Bloat**: Chasing after the latest tools can lead to waste as IT teams try to integrate new systems that are quickly abandoned for newer ones.\n- **Lack of IT Resources**: The programmer shortage is real. Tech talent is hard to find and expensive. Burnout is also high, leading to higher turnover.\n- **IT Backlog**: [62% of organizations](https://www.mendix.com/resources/the-state-of-low-code-report/) report IT backlogs, with most requests going unmet and most major projects being behind schedule. \n- **Demand Will Rise**: Competition and shifting market trends will continue to make innovation necessary.\n\nDespite these challenges, IT teams manage to build integrations and automate systems when they can. This results in disconnected automations. \n\nWhile it’s somewhat beneficial, it’s not ideal for most businesses.\n\n## Businesses Need to Prioritize Integration and Automation\n\nBusinesses that can’t integrate processes can’t automate them. And if you can’t automate processes, you can’t compete against businesses that do. \n\nTo begin with, siloed data traps business insights. The only way to get a clear picture is to manually pull, clean, and combine data from different platforms. \n\nThis is a time-consuming process with a [high chance of error](https://www.qualitymag.com/articles/96853-manual-data-entry-and-its-effects-on-quality). And by the time you finish, the data isn’t up-to-date.\n\nWithout integrations, you can’t fully automate. Instead, you get pockets of automation and efficiencies that may be negated by other stages in the process.\n\nWorse, your team may use Shadow IT, spreadsheets, and even written notes to manage workflows. This makes data management essentially impossible and breaches more likely.\n\nAnd you’ll still need someone to move that data through systems, increasing slowdowns while driving up labor costs.\n\nThis is why [80% of data in businesses](https://tdwi.org/articles/2021/02/22/biz-all-no-more-wasted-data-turning-data-into-action.aspx) goes unused.\n\nDigital transformation has made this issue worse. The demand for more solutions has created increasingly fragmented businesses. More complex systems with more complex parts (many of which get overlooked) require more connections that don’t get made.\n\nOrganizations that integrate can automate systems and avoid those obstacles.\n\nTheir data flows between systems with minimal human interaction, giving their team more time to focus on strategic tasks. \n\nThat’s the time they use to innovate and grow. \n\nAnd it all starts with system integration.\n\n## How Citizen Integrators Bridge The Gap Between Systems\n\nCitizen integrators are full-time employees who use low-code tools to integrate and automate systems. They’re not professional developers, typically. Instead, they’re tech-savvy employees who use their business experience to create custom solutions. \n\nThey understand their workflows, systems, and tools. They’re also closer to the customer and know what they need. As a result, they’re expertly equipped to examine why processes exist and use integrations to get there faster. These solutions fit use cases, resulting in higher adoption rates and success.\n\nIt would be a mistake to think that citizen developers work outside IT oversight. Rather, they are an extension of IT, working with established guardrails and safe, sandbox environments.\n\nProgrammers focus on mission-critical tasks. Citizen developers manage less complex, integration-related tasks. Integrations no longer get deprioritized. Instead, businesses can scale systems and automate processes, resulting in cleaner data insights and increased efficiency.\n\n\n\n## How to Launch a Citizen Integrator Program (9 Steps)\n\n[Starting a citizen integration program](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-best-practices/) is much more complicated than paying for a usage license on a low-code platform and letting your team connect systems. \n\nIf you do that, you’ll waste a lot of time and money while putting your business at risk. \n\nWithout oversight, team members will use your low-code platforms suboptimally, data won’t be clean, and your ROI will be limited. \n\nTo succeed, you need a clear plan for deploying citizen integration in your business.\n\nThis is how you do it.\n\n\n\n### 1. Get Your IT Department On-Board\n\nThere is an assumption that because low code reduces dependency on IT that it aims to make professional programmers irrelevant. That is not the case. \n\nLow-code platforms are tools designed to aid teams with limited IT resources (which is essentially every business at this point). \n\nLeadership needs to highlight the benefits of low code while working with IT to establish the correct systems and guidelines. After, they need to lean on IT to govern citizen integrators, provide resources, and train team members on the technology.\n\nLead with the value citizen integrators and low code tools will provide for IT teams. Get them excited about reducing the stress and frustration from the ticket backlog. This is key.\n\n### 2. Analyze Existing Workflows and Tools\n\nThis cannot be said enough: Citizen integrators aren’t IT professionals. They’re business users trained on low-code platforms.\n\nBefore launching a citizen integrator program, you need to map your processes and workflows to identify and eliminate redundancies. \n\nTech stacks are rarely pruned. Chances are that your business pays for redundant, unnecessary applications. Look for opportunities to eliminate and combine tools. \n\nBe thorough.\n\nEvaluate processes and workflows to identify dated systems that don’t support current business goals or customer needs. And work with IT to create a plan for sunsetting these systems.\n\nDon’t be afraid to shrink your tech stack.\n\nIf you face pushback, focus on the cost of technical debt required to maintain these systems. And highlight the cost-saving benefits of improving systems with automation. \n\nBy mapping out your existing systems and tools, your citizen integrators can focus on building a more efficient tech ecosystem.\n\n### 3. Choose the Best Low-Code Solution\nYour citizen integrators need a low-code platform that fits your business niche and work culture. They’re not all the same. Each platform caters to specific use cases. \n\nTake the time to find the right one for your business.\n\n### 4. Integration Is a Tool (Not the Focus)\nYou want to set clear goals for your citizen integrators. Integration itself isn’t the goal. It’s a tool that helps you accomplish that goal. \n\nYour goals should be tied to the needs of your customers, employees, and business. \n\nThe aim of each integration should be to support overall automation that drives value to the business or the customer. \n\nIf your citizen integrators can’t explain how a solution will improve either in clear terms, it’s not a priority. This ensures your team doesn’t automate for automation’s sake. \n\n### 5. Establish Clear Frameworks And Guidance\nCitizen integrators lack the extensive experience and skills that professional developers have. Rather than push IT away, citizen integrators need professional oversight, mentioning, and education to succeed. \n\nStart by having your IT team design clear standards and guardrails for integration development. You need to provide resources and training as well. \n\n### 6. Be Prepared to Manage Change\nMost businesses have processes in place that took years to build. Despite being vastly inefficient, people will still cling to these systems because they’ve grown comfortable with them. \n\nIntegrating systems will completely rebuild these systems and workflows. Automation will reduce labor, costs, and headaches. Jobs and tasks will change. \n\nBut getting from Point A to Point B requires [effective change management](https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/change-management-process).\n\nDon’t be surprised at employee and customer pushback. Instead, have systems and resources in place to ensure process improvements stick. Underscore how each integration and automation will improve the lives of your team.\n\n### 7. Establish Baseline Data and Clear Goals\nWithout a baseline of data, it will be very difficult to measure KPI to gauge success. \n\nYou need to pull data from key systems at the start. Track time on tasks, delays, errors, etc. After, you need to establish clear goals for each project. \n\nThese goals should be realistic and measurable, allowing you to better determine your success rate on projects and ROI.\n\n### 8. Create a Culture of Improvement Through Transparency\nPeople learn from success and failure. After each project, ask your citizen integrators to share their insights. You should also clearly track and showcase the results of system improvements. \n\nShare the wins with the team. Positive feedback and other incentives can inspire a culture of process improvement that will help break down bottlenecks and automate more systems. \n\nAt the same time, don’t shy away from losses. Failures highlight changes that need to happen so future projects can be successful. This will help establish realistic expectations.\n\nThe goal is always to achieve a leaner, more efficient tech stack and effective automation. Reflecting on results will help ensure success.\n\n### 9. Continue to Educate Your Citizen Integrators\nTechnology is constantly growing and changing. As such, your citizen integrators need time and resources so they can continue to learn and grow. \n\nGive your IT team time to collaborate with your citizen integrators. Provide resources and training to help them become more efficient and successful. \n\nIt’s important to highlight the importance of continuous improvement in automating and integrating systems. \n\nIn 2021, [96% of small businesses](https://www.vcita.com/blog/small-business-tips/vcita-small-business-survey-2021) adopted a new tool. With new tools and features coming out constantly, you need to continuously look for ways to reduce inefficiencies in your organization. ","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-fa651a82-e377-5205-94f5-ab28682726f5","title":"Key Takeaways from Shell's DIY Citizen Development Program","_createdAt":"2023-09-25T05:13:18Z","publishedAt":"2023-09-25T05:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/c1cd9559ba14fbe24f6d6741bbdcb335f6515723-2250x1500.jpg?w=2250&h=1500&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/c1cd9559ba14fbe24f6d6741bbdcb335f6515723-2250x1500.jpg?rect=0,1,2250,1498&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/c1cd9559ba14fbe24f6d6741bbdcb335f6515723-2250x1500.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/c1cd9559ba14fbe24f6d6741bbdcb335f6515723-2250x1500.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/c1cd9559ba14fbe24f6d6741bbdcb335f6515723-2250x1500.jpg?rect=1,0,2249,1500&w=1024&h=683&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/c1cd9559ba14fbe24f6d6741bbdcb335f6515723-2250x1500.jpg?rect=1,0,2249,1500&w=1366&h=911&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/c1cd9559ba14fbe24f6d6741bbdcb335f6515723-2250x1500.jpg?rect=1,0,2249,1500&w=1600&h=1067&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/c1cd9559ba14fbe24f6d6741bbdcb335f6515723-2250x1500.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&auto=format 1920w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/c1cd9559ba14fbe24f6d6741bbdcb335f6515723-2250x1500.jpg?w=2048&h=1365&auto=format 2048w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/c1cd9559ba14fbe24f6d6741bbdcb335f6515723-2250x1500.jpg?w=2250&h=1500&auto=format 2250w","sizes":"(min-width: 2250px) 2250px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":2250,"height":1500,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/c1cd9559ba14fbe24f6d6741bbdcb335f6515723-2250x1500.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"shell-citizen-development"},"body":"# Key Takeaways from Shell's DIY Citizen Development Program\n\nWith increasing customer demands, shifting market conditions, business complexity, and competition, businesses need digital solutions. And they need to integrate with existing infrastructure to visualize clean data in real-time. \n\n[The global talent shortage of software engineers](https://quandarycg.com/programmer-shortage/) makes it nearly impossible for businesses to build those solutions. IT backlogs are extensive. Adding more tasks to their queue isn’t a viable solution. \n\n[The citizen development movement](https://quandarycg.com/what-is-citizen-development/) democratizes software development, extending developer capabilities beyond IT to tech-savvy business users trained on powerful low-code tools. \n\n[Still, digital transformations often fail](https://quandarycg.com/successful-digital-transformation/). \n\nTo help you succeed, we show you how the energy company Shell built a successful citizen development program. \n\nThat way, you streamline workflows, gain data insights, and meet customer demands without burdening your IT team.\n\n\n## It Doesn’t Happen Overnight\n\nCitizen development doesn’t just “happen.” \n\nYou need to create a plan that evaluates the risks and the business impact. You must also involve the right stakeholders from the start (IT, legal, compliance, security, business, etc.). \n\nShell started their [Citizen Development “Do It Yourself” (DIY) program](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366606376_How_Shell_Fueled_Digital_Transformation_by_Establishing_DIY_Software_Development) before the pandemic. It was an iterative process that took years to develop the systems, resources, and buy-in it has today. \n\nYour citizen development program will move through phases and iterations. As with any process or program, it will evolve and increase in complexity over time.\n\n## Citizen Development Should Have a Clear Mission\n\nThe mission of Shell’s DIY program is to “empower every employee to digitize work processes to improve productivity, increase agility, and create more value for customers.”\n\nThat mission focuses on the program, making it easy for teams to align their actions to this common goal. \n\nAt the same time, digital transformation is about better data management. \n\nAs a global enterprise organization, Shell sits on a [data lake](https://www.databricks.com/discover/data-lakes) with trillions of data rows. They manage thousands of equipment across hundreds of sites with over 80,000 employees. \n\nYour citizen development program needs to align with capturing the critical data in your organization so you can better serve your customer.\n\n## Standardized Processes Scale Results\n\nIf you want to drive scalable change in your organization, [you need standardized processes](https://quandarycg.com/process-improvement-cut-waste-and-improve-business-efficiency/). \n\nIt’s one thing for a single citizen developer to create a simple solution to a workflow. However, you need a consistent way to scale development and implementation across your business to impact organizational change.\n\nWithout that, your citizen developers will exacerbate problems by creating multiple siloed solutions.\n\n## Normalize the Citizen Development Program\n\nShell rolled out its citizen development program through four stages:\n\n1. **Sense-Making**: Evaluating the efficacy of existing processes for achieving digital transformation.\n2. **Stakeholder Participation**: Getting stakeholders to see how digital solutions can help them achieve their goals.\n3. **Collective Action**: Teams embracing and carrying out the work necessary to transform processes. \n4. **Evaluating Progress**: Reviewing actions (both formally and informally) teams take to improve processes and measure digital solutions' impact.\n\nThis process helped normalize citizen development, improving change adoption and reducing friction. \n\n[They also established a community-based CoE model](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-support/) to empower and inspire creativity among their citizen developers. \n\nThe CoE ensures the team delivers business value (cost reduction, process efficiency, customer satisfaction, etc.). As a result, the executive team can see a clear ROI from the program and continue to value its existence.\n\n\n## Citizen Development Requires Upskilling\n\n[Your employees must upskill](https://www.dronahq.com/spearheading-digital-disruption-with-citizen-development/) beyond their current business skills to become citizen developers. In short, they must understand low-code/no-code platforms (LCNC), data sources, IT frameworks, and their role in supporting digital transformations.\n\nShell doesn’t hire specifically for Citizen Development roles. Instead, they lean on existing business users and their experience to create solutions. Recently (due to the program’s size and success), they hired Citizen Development Coaches who work exclusively with their citizen development team to improve application development.\n\nWhile the DIY program is optional for employees, Shell provides a range of training (mandatory and optional) and resources for their citizen developers. \n\nThey set up a self-service portal, communities, and resources. \n\nThey have two mandatory training sessions (DIY Passport Learning and Visa Learning Path). This training explains the fundamentals of Citizen Development, the toolset, and compliance guidelines.\n\nThey also enrolled in courses to provide additional training. \n\nShell hosts training events (boot camps, hackathons, etc.) to give citizen developers more hands-on experience. Their “Hive Hackathon” had 243 participants, leading to the creation of an app that delivered $400,000 in immediate savings ($1.8M overall). Shell even hosted a “Shark Tank” event to gamify the process of pitching solutions to management. \n\nIT teams also use LCNC regularly, so developers can work with citizen developers to provide ongoing support.\n\n\n## Flexibility Is Critical\n\nCitizen development can take time to launch and build momentum at the start. Technology is also rapidly changing space.\n\nAs such, leadership needs to be flexible initially and as the program develops. They need to understand the program will change directions as it adapts to your organization's needs.\n\nCitizen development follows [agile development practices](https://www.atlassian.com/agile). Continuous improvement is key to its success. They prioritize individuals and interactions, working software, customer collaboration, and responding to change to drive success. \n\n## Start Small and Grow\n\nShell is a global company with over 80,000 people. Initially, they piloted a small version of their citizen development program. \n\nOver two years, their citizen development program transformed into 32 communities with 170 DIY coaches. Their team delivers 188 boot camps that have trained 6,500 developers and 4,000 employees. \n\nAs Shell continues to evolve, they’re seeking tech-savvy employees with a digital mindset and looking to train existing employees on citizen development. \n\n\n## You Need Buy-In at All Levels\n\nCitizen Development [requires a significant investment](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-challenges/) in tools, time, training, and disruption. To succeed, you need support from leadership and teams. \n\nShell’s executive team supported the launch of the DIY program because program owners positioned citizen development. Technology leaders in the organization understood the value of digital transformations and the limitations caused by talent shortages. \n\nThis positioned the program as a way of driving digital transformation by leveraging existing organizational skill sets. \n\nAs a result, program leaders reduced team tensions (specifically among developers concerned with losing their jobs). Instead, developers and executives saw citizen development as a way to scale output rather than replace workers.\n\nProgram leaders also focused on the practical benefits of citizen development. It can mainly improve workflows, automate manual processes, improve customer/employee satisfaction, enhance data accuracy/visualization, and improve collaboration.\n\n\n## Decide on the Tools\t\n\nWith so many LCNC tools on the market, Shell needed to select the ones that best fit the needs of their organization. \n\nTo begin, the team created a process for evaluating LCNC tools. For example, they looked at integration capabilities, cloud service support, data visualization, automation capabilities, tool evolution, and other factors to determine whether or not the tool could meet demands.\n\nAfterward, they evaluated the LCNC as they would any other tool. Specifically, they followed existing budget, planning, architectural, and portfolio steps for IT approval and adoption. \n\nNew tools must follow the same process and fit into the DIY framework with IT and executive support.\n\n\n## Clear Guardrails and Risk Assessment Is Essential\n\nShell developed [clear risk assessments and clear guardrails](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-governance-guide/) for application development to encourage innovation among citizen developers while protecting them and the organization.\n\nTheir DIY Zoning Model uses a traffic light system to determine the risk and complexity of application development projects:\n\n1. **Green (Full DIY)**: Anyone can develop solutions.\n2. **Amber (Partnered DIY)**: Developers must collaborate with specialists or upskill into departments before building solutions.\n3. **Red (Professional Development)**: Only professional developers can create apps for these business areas\n\n.\nAdditionally, Shell created a checklist for citizen developers to review when considering application development and carrying out the development.\n\n## Communicate ROI\n\nAs with any business program, leadership needs to understand the potential ROI. This means collecting baseline data, tracking investment, and evaluating the overall impact on the business. \n\nAt Shell, Citizen Development has saved the company millions of dollars in cost reduction, workflow efficiency, safety enhancement, and other value-adds.\n\nTeams are enthusiastic about the program as it empowers them to drive results while removing inefficiencies they found frustrating. Leadership also sees a clear return, driving further investment to unlock more value from citizen development at Shell.\n","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-40aa0818-ea6a-5c83-9293-be86df540bab","title":"Getting Buy-In For Your Citizen Developer Program","_createdAt":"2023-09-25T04:38:22Z","publishedAt":"2023-09-25T04:40:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0ecd3a4b3ff4c1383b29665a4023849a8a06b68e-5158x3434.jpg?w=5158&h=3434&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0ecd3a4b3ff4c1383b29665a4023849a8a06b68e-5158x3434.jpg?rect=0,1,5158,3433&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0ecd3a4b3ff4c1383b29665a4023849a8a06b68e-5158x3434.jpg?rect=0,2,5158,3431&w=654&h=435&auto=format 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2048w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0ecd3a4b3ff4c1383b29665a4023849a8a06b68e-5158x3434.jpg?rect=0,1,5158,3433&w=2560&h=1704&auto=format 2560w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0ecd3a4b3ff4c1383b29665a4023849a8a06b68e-5158x3434.jpg?w=3440&h=2290&auto=format 3440w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0ecd3a4b3ff4c1383b29665a4023849a8a06b68e-5158x3434.jpg?rect=1,0,5157,3434&w=3840&h=2557&auto=format 3840w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0ecd3a4b3ff4c1383b29665a4023849a8a06b68e-5158x3434.jpg?w=4096&h=2727&auto=format 4096w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0ecd3a4b3ff4c1383b29665a4023849a8a06b68e-5158x3434.jpg?w=5158&h=3434&auto=format 5158w","sizes":"(min-width: 5158px) 5158px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":5158,"height":3434,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0ecd3a4b3ff4c1383b29665a4023849a8a06b68e-5158x3434.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAARABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwABAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGBP/EACkQAAEEAAQEBgMAAAAAAAAAAAIAAQMEBQYRIRITM0EiMTJhcsE1cYH/xAAYAQADAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAwYBBP/EACIRAAIBAgUFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAwJCExQhMTIEESJxwf/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8Az2F4aI0CkBm5zt4dW1ZleqZTlp0xnsYgdyOX1McfC8f6UfLYzXsLeTmDEDC7tvv/ABaHLh2LtR4pLoE8QcW3kW/f3SstM7dzpzfTrv5bGUxDBwC0TCw6e6LrxixYjvGLwsWndt9UQYda0aNxY6tVUjkyh+KD4/SqZT6dv4/aIqhWEZbJ7+i11nRESZOTDh4I/9k="}}}}},"slug":{"current":"citizen-development-adoption"},"body":"# Getting Buy-In For Your Citizen Developer Program\n\n[Most digital transformations fail](https://quandarycg.com/successful-digital-transformation/). Meanwhile, businesses struggle to find and retain what little IT resources they have. Even worse, customer expectations are higher than ever while budgets and bandwidth are at an all-time low. \nCitizen development offers a viable solution. \n\nBut moving it from a PowerPoint deck to a powerful business impact is challenging. Before you can create a citizen development program, you need organizational buy-in.\nWe’ll show you how to get your leadership, IT teams, and employees on board with citizen development so you can drive successful digital transformations.\n\n## Leadership Buy-In for Citizen Development\n\nYour journey for citizen development buy-in starts with leadership. Your approach needs to justify the time, resources, and disruption implementing the new program will cost.\n\n### Present the Business Case\n\nYou need to present the real-world [business case for citizen development](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-use-cases/). \n\nStart by painting a picture of the grim reality: your organization struggles to innovate because of inefficiencies. These inefficiencies exist because IT teams are drowning in requests.\n\n[IT backlogs](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/) won’t go away on their own. \n\nAnd without change, your business will continue to burn through resources struggling to maintain the status quo while missing out on opportunities. \n\nYour goal is to simply illustrate the way things are. By highlighting the frustrations that leadership knows exist, you can guide them to a viable solution.\n\n### Focus on ROI\n\nBusiness leaders see initiatives as investments. The higher the return the investment brings, the more on board they will be. \n\nYou should highlight real-world examples of ROI-positive citizen development programs. Increasingly, organizations are sharing their stories. \n\nFor example, Rolls-Royce has seen returns between [£8m - £10m](https://www.zdnet.com/article/low-code-platforms-mean-anyone-can-be-a-developer-and-maybe-a-data-scientist-too/) in terms of efficiency and savings in 2022. Shell’s citizen development team built a single application that provided $400,000 in initial savings and potential savings of up to $1.8M. \n\n[Cost-saving](https://quandarycg.com/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/) is at the forefront of every business leader’s mind. Focusing on how citizen development can help an organization achieve those cost-saving goals through efficiency, customer satisfaction, lower app development costs, and employee retention is key to getting leadership buy-in. \n\n## Prepare a Plan for Implementation and Change Management\n\nWithout a plan, you’ll leave leadership wondering, “What next?” You need a clear plan for launching the program to get your executive team to back your citizen development initiative. \n\n[Your citizen development plan](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-best-practices/) should include how you will get buy-in from IT teams and employees. You should also map out how your team will recruit, train, and launch citizen developers. And you should provide a rough framework for governance and IT support.\n\nMost digital transformations fail because they lack a clear plan. You need a vision and mission for your citizen development program. Highlight what the program will accomplish.\n\nAnd remember, technology is only a part of the plan. Your goal is to solve real business problems while improving your team's workflows (and lives). You should also explain how you plan to collect and analyze data to track program success. \n\nTechnology is still important, however. As such, you should suggest low-code/no-code tools for your business and suggestions for evaluating those tools. \n\nKeep in mind your plan will change.\n\nMarkets are more unpredictable than ever. Business needs and customer demands shift continuously. You need to remain flexible as you [build your citizen development program](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-support/).\n\n## IT Buy-In for Citizen Development\n\nOnce you have leadership buy-in for your citizen development program, you must convince your IT teams. Success here involves understanding and [upholding IT standards](https://www.cimcor.com/blog/it-compliance-standards).\n\n### Promote Job Security\n\nNo matter how beneficial a program is, your team won’t help you if it means losing their jobs. When getting IT buy-in for citizen development, the first order of business is to communicate that citizen developers will not replace professional developers.\n\nCitizen development and [low-code tools](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-guide/) are levers for IT teams to pull, allowing them to increase their outputs exponentially. These tools keep the business competitive while making it easier for IT teams to deliver on digital demands.\n\nMost importantly, citizen developers are not professional developers. They’re tech-savvy business users. To succeed, they will need coaching and oversight. \n\nTo maximize buy-in, position citizen development as a way to make the lives of your IT teams easier. Citizen developers help reduce IT backlog by taking on menial development tasks. This gives professional developers more time to focus on mission-critical initiatives.\n\nIn short, you should position citizen development [as a force multiplier](https://quandarycg.com/agility-in-the-workplace/). \n\n\n### Establish Guardrails for Compliance and Governance\n\nWhile IT will appreciate the additional support, they will still have concerns with governance. After all, professional developers have a deep understanding of compliance, security, and [quality assurance guardrails](https://www.shakebugs.com/blog/importance-of-qa-in-software-development/). \n\nThey’ll be understandably worried about development tasks moving outside of IT. \n\nYou should underscore the value of governance, training, and frameworks to keep [app development secure](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-challenges/). You should also set up clear boundaries for what systems, applications, and data streams citizen developers can and can’t improve.\n\nShell uses a [three-tier zoning model](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366606376_How_Shell_Fueled_Digital_Transformation_by_Establishing_DIY_Software_Development) to set up proper governance. \n\nCitizen developers can work on green-labeled applications independently. They’ll need to work with IT teams on yellow-labeled applications. And citizen developers aren’t allowed to engage with red-labeled applications. \n\nYou’ll also want to highlight the need for regular training and support to ensure your citizen developers create high-quality, secure applications.\n\nFinally, you should make it clear to your IT team that they will provide the necessary oversight for the program. They should see citizen developers as an extension of their IT program, there to provide support.\n\n### Focus on Productivity and Efficiency Improvements\n\nIT teams are underwater. The backlog is high. Ticket times are higher. Relief is nowhere in sight. \n\nAnd it’s not your IT team’s fault. \n\nAs the only resource for building digital infrastructure in your organization, they’re effectively a bottleneck.\n\nYour developers must balance mission-critical development tasks with less minor tasks, creating a complex web of Work-in-Progress (WIP). Task switching decreases productivity. At the same time, the growing number of tasks leads to developer burnout.\n\nBy positioning citizen development as a way for your IT teams (and all teams) to work more efficiently, you’ll get the backing you need to launch the program.\n\nLow-code/no-code (LCNC) tools [streamline application development](https://quandarycg.com/increasing-developer-velocity/) by replacing code with a graphic interface. This makes it easy for users to build applications much, much faster than traditional development. \n\nCitizen developers aren’t the only ones who can benefit from using LCNC tools. Professional developers can also use them to speed up development on certain projects.\n\n\n## Employee Buy-In for Citizen Development\n\nYou don’t have a citizen development program without employee buy-in. \n\nThis can be challenging as you’ll need to find tech-savvy volunteers eager to take on additional responsibilities and change how work gets done in the organization. \n\n### Focus on Work Improvement\n\nCitizen development will have a direct, positive impact on employees by streamlining workflows. Primarily, they will work to eliminate menial tasks. \n\nFocus on how citizen developers can use LCNC tools to automate tedious tasks. Employees typically do not enjoy these tasks (data entry, manual processes, etc.). \n\n[Explain how they will reduce the stress and frustration](https://quandarycg.com/software-engineer-burnout/) caused by these tasks. At the same time, emphasize the benefits of eliminating menial work. For example, explain how citizen \n\ndevelopment will give them better data insights and more time to innovate. As a result, they can better serve the customer, exceed expectations, and improve performance.\n\nYou should also underscore how citizen development empowers employees to improve how work gets done in your business. We’re talking about positive, transformative change that impacts every area of your business. \n\nIn short, you should communicate how work gets better with citizen development.\n\n\n### Use Gamification\n\nGamification makes citizen development more exciting, building up enthusiasm around the program. This approach encourages competition while motivating users by taking something that may be boring to some and making it fun.\n\nHackathons, “App of the Month,” boot camps, and competitions are great examples of gamification models you can use to drive interest in citizen development.\n\nThese examples create a fun, competitive environment that rewards citizen developers for their efforts. And it provides public recognition for their accomplishments.\n\nCitizen development requires team members to go above and beyond their standard workflows. They will need to invest time in upskilling on LCNC tools and working with IT teams. \n\nBy making citizen development enjoyable, competitive, and prestigious, you will get more team members on board with the program. Plus, you inspire them to do their best work. \n\n### Build a Strong Citizen Development Community\n\nYour citizen developers need to know they aren’t alone. [By setting up communities](https://www.akana.com/blog/how-to-build-api-developer-community), you’ll provide the support network they need to be successful.\n\nGive your citizen developers a place to connect, share ideas, and display their work among peers. By sharing their wins, challenges, and frustrations, they can collaborate with like-minded developers to find solutions. \n\nA sense of community will help your citizen developers feel connected to a culture of change in your organization. As a result, they’ll feel like they have a more active, empowering role in transforming your organization.\n\nYour community will also help you identify gaps in your citizen development program. That way, you can build the resources, coaching, experiences, and additional support needed to improve the program.\n\nIt’s important to market your citizen development program internally effectively. Your efforts can encourage interest in the program, helping inspire top talent to become citizen developers. \n\n","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-a3b00e22-934a-5e96-aa5a-e1a698a9213a","title":"Addressing Citizen Developer Security Concerns","_createdAt":"2023-05-26T01:13:09Z","publishedAt":"2023-05-26T01:16:56.910Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/533fcbd3b9fb70fd94fe1f45d248b9a71bb513ae-2250x1500.webp?w=2250&h=1500&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/533fcbd3b9fb70fd94fe1f45d248b9a71bb513ae-2250x1500.webp?rect=0,1,2250,1498&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/533fcbd3b9fb70fd94fe1f45d248b9a71bb513ae-2250x1500.webp?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/533fcbd3b9fb70fd94fe1f45d248b9a71bb513ae-2250x1500.webp?w=768&h=512&auto=format 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Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAARABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwABAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGBP/EACkQAAEEAAQEBgMAAAAAAAAAAAIAAQMEBQYRIRITM0EiMTJhcsE1cYH/xAAYAQADAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAwYBBP/EACIRAAIBAgUFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAwJCExQhMTIEESJxwf/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8Az2F4aI0CkBm5zt4dW1ZleqZTlp0xnsYgdyOX1McfC8f6UfLYzXsLeTmDEDC7tvv/ABaHLh2LtR4pLoE8QcW3kW/f3SstM7dzpzfTrv5bGUxDBwC0TCw6e6LrxixYjvGLwsWndt9UQYda0aNxY6tVUjkyh+KD4/SqZT6dv4/aIqhWEZbJ7+i11nRESZOTDh4I/9k="}}}}},"slug":{"current":"citizen-developer-security-concerns"},"body":"The average cost of a data breach in 2022 is [$9.44 million](https://www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach). \n\nMost organizations will experience a data breach (84%) and nearly half of those will happen in the cloud (45%). \n\n[Forrester predicts that in 2023](https://www.forrester.com/blogs/predictions-2023-citizen-development-and-the-metaverse-stir-up-software-development/), “citizen development will lead to a headline security breach.”\n\nWhile citizen development can position organizations to scale application development without overworking IT teams, there are security concerns.\n\nWe’ll dive into what those concerns are and how to prepare your organization. \n\nThat way, you can unleash the full potential of your citizen development program.\n\n## Growing Citizen Developer Security Concerns\n\n[Low-code applications](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-guide/) now support critical business functions in many organizations. \n\nThe appeal of scaling application development with limited resources has accelerated the adoption of low-code tools by organizations globally. \n\nNow that nearly [39% of businesses](https://www.forrester.com/blogs/predictions-2023-citizen-development-and-the-metaverse-stir-up-software-development/) use low-code to empower developers outside of IT (and 27% planning to do so by the end of 2023), businesses need to be prepared for what this means inside their organization. \n\nEspecially from a security standpoint. \n\nWhile many low-code tools rely on cloud-based infrastructure for added security, they’re not invulnerable. Also, most security breaches are a result of human error. In short, it’s not that low-code apps lack cybersecurity features, it’s that the employees can use them in a way that invites security breaches. \n\nIt’s important to remember that [citizen developers aren’t professional developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-vs-professional-developer/). They’re full-time employees that build applications outside of IT departments. \n\nThis means that you cannot assume your citizen developers fully understand proper IT security protocols without training. Nor can you assume they’ll know how to properly connect the apps they build to existing business systems securely. \n\n## How to Ensure Your Citizen Developers Remain Secure\n\nLow-code platforms leverage cloud infrastructure to provide increased security. \n\nBut they’re not invulnerable.\n\nLeft unchecked, citizen developers can build applications with weak points outside parties can exploit. Risk to your business increases. And the fallout can be devastating (both from a financial and a brand perspective.) \n\nHere’s how you address and mitigate the security risks from your citizen developers.\n\n### Establish Governance Framework\n\nCreating a robust and secure citizen development program [starts with governance](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-governance-guide/). \n\nStart by evaluating the low-code tools that your organization uses or is considering using. Dive deep into the platforms. Access their security features, capabilities, costs, and support. Compare platforms. Read reviews. Speak with vendors. \n\nThere are over [220 low-code tools on the market](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-statistics/). \n\nYour IT team needs to pick the best one for your organization.\n\nNext, outline how your IT and security teams will provide governance. They need to map out the processes and workflows for citizen developers to create applications and collaborate. \n\nYou need to understand the [limitations and capabilities](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-challenges/) of your citizen developers. They are end-users, not professional developers. Some will be more tech-savvy than others. And they’ll come from a range of backgrounds with different needs.\n\nFrom there, you need to decide on qualifications for selecting citizen developers. Not everyone is suited for the role. You need to work with team members you can trust.\n\nYour IT team will also need to determine how your citizen developers will use low-code tools. \n\nYou’ll need to figure out who is creating what. \n\n### Creating a Tiered-Access System\n\nShell’s Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Citizen Development Program is a great example of security guardrails. \n\nThey divided the types of applications [into three categories](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366606376_How_Shell_Fueled_a_Digital_Transformation_by_Establishing_DIY_Software_Development), green, amber, and red:\n\n- **Green (Full DIY)**: Anyone can develop solutions. \n- **Amber (Partnered DIY)**: Developers must collaborate with specialists or upskill into departments before building solutions. \n- **Red (Professional Development)**: Only professional developers can create apps for these business areas.\n\nThroughout the year, Shell audits a collection of applications from each category. The goal is to ensure teams carry out the proper risk assessment and monitoring. \n\nThey also regularly coach developers on how to run these assessments and keep applications compliant.\n\n### Security Guardrails\n\nThe need for security guardrails increases exponentially when citizen developers move from creating applications for themselves to creating applications others will use. \n\nYou cannot assume citizen developers will focus on security when creating apps. \n\nIT teams working with business leaders should create security guardrails for citizen developers. The guardrails should empower citizen developers to innovate while keeping them safe.\n\nThe guardrails should determine what data citizen developers can access, use, and share. It should clearly outline policies and procedures for application development. \n\nYour citizen developers should understand that security teams dictate security guardrails and they are not allowed to override these.\n\n### Apply Zero-Trust Principles\n\nNever trust. Always verify. \n\nConsider applying zero-trust principles to citizen development applications. Your team should validate users continuously through authentication, authorization, and security configuration checks before granting access to resources. \n\nRestricting user access to essential resources citizen developers need to create applications. Doing so minimizes security risks. By implementing the “assuming breach” assumption, you’ll restrict lateral movement in case of a breach.\n\n### Manage APIs Effectively\n\nAPIs without adequate security measures are [prime targets for cyberattacks](https://www.techradar.com/opinion/why-apis-are-a-top-target-for-cyberattack). An API strategy ensures the applications citizen developers create don’t compromise the security of other systems. \n\nWith proper access controls and authorization mechanisms in place, your citizen developers can only access and manipulate data if they have authorization. This reduces the risk of accidental data exposure or misuse.\n\nIn some cases, it may be better to work with [citizen integrators](https://quandarycg.com/what-is-a-citizen-integrator/). These are a subclass of citizen developers that specialize in integrations.\n\nYour API strategy will enforce consistent security practices across all applications. As a result, it’ll be easier to monitor and audit applications for security issues.\n\n### Collaborative Culture\n\nFor your citizen development program to succeed, your citizen developers need to work with (not against) your IT and security team. \n\nWith everything above in place, you need to give your citizen developers the freedom to innovate. Security should not be positioned as a bottleneck. Otherwise, you’ll lose the core value of citizen development: building applications quickly.\n\nBy getting your citizen developers and IT teams on the same page, you’ll ensure future apps are secure. Meeting regularly, for example, keeps everyone on the same page. \n\nAt the same time, your IT and security teams need to see citizen developers as an extension of their departments, not a replacement. Pushback against citizen development happens either because people feel they’re being replaced or they’re worried it will create more work. \n\nGetting your citizen developers to collaborate with IT and security teams will show them that neither of those is the case.\n\nIn fact, they’ll learn that citizen developers can [reduce their workloads](https://quandarycg.com/how-citizen-development-supports-it/).\n\n### Resources and Upskilling\n\nTechnology changes rapidly. Citizen developers need to stay current. They also need to understand best practices for application development and security policies.\n\nIn short, citizen developers (like professional developers) need to upskill continuously. \n\nYou want to give your IT teams and citizen developers access to low-code resources and training. You also want to encourage both groups to experiment with the tools. \n\nFor citizen developers, it’s important that they stay current on [security policies for application development](https://www.stackhawk.com/blog/how-to-establish-an-application-security-policy/). They’ll also need time to work with IT and security teams to explain complex security protocols and policies to them. \n\nDepending on the type of business, citizen developers may also need to learn industry compliance and regulatory requirements. \n\n### Use an Enterprise App Store\n\n[Enterprise App Stores](https://www.zdnet.com/paid-content/article/how-many-kinds-of-enterprise-app-stores-are-there-today/) provide a consolidated view of the applications in your organization. This makes it easier for your team to audit security features. Plus, you can also thoroughly monitor apps within the organization. If your team finds unusual patterns of activities, they can investigate immediately.\n\nApps in the enterprise app store have to go through rigorous security checks before publishing. This ensures they meet organization standards. Plus, you can ensure users always have the latest, most secure version of an app, further enhancing the organization's security posture.\n\nEnterprise App Stores make it easy to manage app access. You can choose which teams have access to which applications, reducing the chance of unauthorized access or data misuse.\n\nAs an added benefit, it can help reduce Shadow IT, which can happen in spite of low-code tools [if the development goes unchecked](https://quandarycg.com/shadow-IT-statistics/).\n\n### Conduct Regular Security Audits\n\nIf your organization has already started deploying low-code apps outside of IT oversight, it’s important to have your developers audit those tools.\n\nSecurity audits shouldn’t be one-and-done, either. \n\nLow-code tools are accessible. And [the main benefit of citizen developers](https://quandarycg.com/increasing-developer-velocity/) is that they can use these tools independently. \n\nAs a result, an approved app can change over time. Citizen developers may add new features, connect other applications, or change the functionality of the app. This can weaken its security over time. \n\nWithout regular audits, these vulnerabilities can go undetected until there is a security breach.\n\nDon’t forget that security procedures can change over time, too. New technologies present new difficulties to manage. Old technologies become dated (and weaker) over time.\n\nRegular audits keep your infrastructure secure.\n\nYou should give your security teams time to evaluate new applications built by citizen developers. They should also have time to audit existing applications at intervals. \n\nAdditionally, your security teams need to share findings with citizen developers and coach them.\n\n### Acknowledge Risk From Professional Developers\n\nIt’s important to remember that security breaches happened before citizen developers. \n\nIn fact, 88% of data breaches are caused by human error.\n\nWhile IT professionals are less likely to be the cause of a data breach, it’s important for them to remember they are not immune.\n\nAs IT teams work with citizen developers to reduce security risks, they should also apply the same processes to their application development.\n\n## How to Keep Your Citizen Developers Secure\n\nCitizen development is on the rise.\n\nThe ability of citizen developers to help reduce IT backlog has encouraged more organizations to explore moving application development outside IT. \n\nIt’s not slowing down anytime soon. \n\nAnd it shouldn’t. \n\nOrganizations should embrace team members who are eager to improve processes. At the same time, they should have a citizen development program ready to provide support.\n\nWithout it, your citizen developers will do more harm than good. \n\nThe challenge is finding the time and experience needed to set it up properly. \n\nAt [Quandary Consulting Group](https://quandarycg.com/), we help clients create, deploy, and manage citizen developer programs. As leaders in the space, we lean on experience with low code tools to design a Center of Excellence (CoE) for citizen developers within your organization.\n\nWhether you need help managing citizen developers or expanding your existing program, we can help.\n\n[Reach out to learn more](https://quandarycg.com/contact/).\n\nOr, see how we’ve helped our clients in the case studies below.\n","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-1d821099-77dd-5438-b7cb-3c1500148e2c","title":"Maximize Developer Velocity and Unleash Innovation","_createdAt":"2023-05-24T23:36:35Z","publishedAt":"2023-05-24T23:38:01.041Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/fdd9f6f34c4ff8f4e432cea12d5863596b7a63d8-800x534.jpg?w=800&h=534&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/fdd9f6f34c4ff8f4e432cea12d5863596b7a63d8-800x534.jpg?rect=1,0,799,534&w=320&h=214&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/fdd9f6f34c4ff8f4e432cea12d5863596b7a63d8-800x534.jpg?rect=1,0,799,534&w=654&h=437&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/fdd9f6f34c4ff8f4e432cea12d5863596b7a63d8-800x534.jpg?rect=1,0,799,534&w=768&h=513&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/fdd9f6f34c4ff8f4e432cea12d5863596b7a63d8-800x534.jpg?w=800&h=534&auto=format 800w","sizes":"(min-width: 800px) 800px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":800,"height":534,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/fdd9f6f34c4ff8f4e432cea12d5863596b7a63d8-800x534.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"increasing-developer-velocity"},"body":"Companies that optimize developer velocity significantly outperform organizations that do not [by 4x - 5x](https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/technology-media-and-telecommunications/our-insights/developer-velocity-how-software-excellence-fuels-business-performance). Additionally, they drive 60% more shareholder returns and have 20% higher operating margins.\n\nThat’s why it’s important to nail down developer velocity. \n\nBut it isn’t easy. \n\nYou need a culture that understands the value of developer velocity and enables your team to move quickly. To succeed, implement these 20 game-changing techniques to significantly increase your developers’ capabilities.\n\n### 1. Plan Properly\nMaximizing developer velocity requires a plan. \n\nYour plan should clearly define the project, business goals, and how your team will accomplish them. It should also take into account current market conditions and developer trends.\n\nThe more specific, the better. Details reduce reworks. \n\nWith a clear plan, your team will know what to do, when to do it, and what comes next. This reduces confusion and slowdowns on your team.\n\nEach team will have different developer velocities. This is normal. \n\nWhatever you do, do not compare teams or have them compete against each. This doesn’t improve velocity. In fact, it can cause unnecessary stress and rivalry, creating a toxic work environment.\n\n### 2. Map Out Processes\n[Mapping out processes](https://quandarycg.com/business-process-analysis/) helps you identify bottlenecks that reduce developer velocity. \n\nSpeak with your team before starting a project. Ask your developers to point out slow downs. And work with project managers to track developer velocity through these processes.\n\nThis will help you identify additional bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and redundancies that you can optimize or eliminate. \n\nOnce you've identified these bottlenecks, you can make more informed decisions about resource allocation, ensuring that you have the right people or tools in place to handle these problem areas.\n\n### 3. Use Accurate Data\nCollecting data on your team helps you measure your current velocity so you can streamline performance. It also helps your team quantify the impact of improvements on workflows. \n\nBe careful with how you collect your data, though. \n\nAsking your developers directly can lead to inflated predictions. For example, developers can say tasks take longer than they do to fake high developer velocity. \n\nIt can also drive developers to prioritize speed over quality. They’ll work faster (knocking out more tasks) but create more errors along the way.\n\nInstead, focus on cycle time, iteration churn, and [change failure rate](https://waydev.co/change-failure-rate/).\n\nThat data will help you further identify bottlenecks, making it easier to [streamline processes](https://quandarycg.com/process-improvement-cut-waste-and-improve-business-efficiency/). \n\nAdditionally, your team can better allocate resources and use predictive analytics to make more informed decisions. This will reduce waste. And it’ll help your team anticipate future challenges and trends so they can respond proactively. \n ### 4. Invest in Your Team\nCutting-edge tools, technology, and a continuous learning environment can help your developers increase their velocity. Team-building exercises and open communication channels can also enhance productivity significantly by facilitating collaboration.\n\nYou also want to balance your teams. \n\nProjects consist of numerous tasks with varying complexity. Having a range of skilled developers helps you delegate effectively. It also helps your developers learn from each other as they work on a project. \n\nHigher developer velocity fuels job satisfaction and retention. \n\nDevelopers thrive when they can innovate and build exceptional products. Giving your team the resources and experience they need to build expertise keeps them invested and excited for the work they do.\n\nAs a result, they can solve problems faster and improve output.\n\nConversely, micromanaging, excessive pressure, and low morale lead to decreased productivity and [high turnover rates](https://quandarycg.com/software-engineer-burnout/). \n\nAll of which will negatively impact your developer velocity.\n### 5. Create a Safe Workspace\n[According to the survey by Stack Overflow](https://insights.stackoverflow.com/survey/2021#mental-health), nearly 10% of developers deal with anxiety. Overall, 32.5% had mental health concerns or considerations. \n\nDevelopers more freely share ideas and take calculated risks that lead to innovation when they feel safe and supported. \n\nMore so, helping reduce the level of anxiety, stress, frustration, and other negative emotions that can negatively impact developer performance goes a long way.\n\n[Increasing transparency](https://www.mentimeter.com/blog/transparency-at-work/6-things-that-leaders-can-do-to-promote-transparency-in-the-workplace) and allowing your team to fail in plain sight helps, too. Team members can see how leadership responds when an idea fails, empowering others to share their ideas. It also encourages [retrospective meetings](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.atlassian.com/team-playbook/plays/retrospective&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1684975746382403&usg=AOvVaw2E7JOibHLdGZjKH8FV9_LB) that improve success rates of future innovation.\n\nYou need systems in place that mitigate the negative impact caused by failures. For example, controlled releases, automated rollbacks, and featured flags can provide a safety net for developers.\n### 6. Establish a Product Owner\nProduct owners plan out the project, manage priorities, and keep development projects on track. \n\nThey understand the [law of diminishing returns](https://www.techtarget.com/searchcustomerexperience/definition/law-of-diminishing-returns) when it comes to software development. This helps them remind team members that “good enough” is often best. As such, this prevents development teams from letting “perfection get in the way of progress”. \n\nAt the same time, product owners ensure developers move quickly on the right path. To do this, they understand the business goals and user needs for the solution.\n\nThe best product owners understand how developers work, the technical requirements for the project, and the processes that govern developer teams. They also understand the framework and constraints of the project while helping their team deliver quality solutions that support business goals and fulfill customer needs.\n### 7. Consider a Minimal Viable Product (MVP)\nMVPs speed up developer velocity by focusing your team on the essential elements of a product. \n\nInstead of wasting time developing features customers won’t like or use, your team tests the waters with an MVP. This helps your team prioritize core features. \n\nPlus, it’s easier to scope out and budget an MVP because it's leaner. \n\nIf your customers or the market responds positively, you can build out the features in later updates. \n\nWith the MVP completed, your team will move faster knowing what challenges they need to overcome when developing future versions of the software.\n### 8. Provide Constructive Feedback\nHonest, constructive feedback ensures developers improve over time. \n\nYou shouldn’t lie to protect someone’s feelings or “sugarcoat” the truth. In fact, being “polite” instead of honest sets you up for failure. You don’t communicate your expectations to your team clearly. When the team falls short, frustrations bubble to the surface. \n\nThe sudden switch in your demeanor and values can shock your team, damaging relationships.\n\nInstead, you should provide accurate feedback in a productive manner. And you should explain that the goal of the feedback is to help your developers improve. \n\nGiving and receiving feedback are [skills that everyone must work on](https://virtualspeech.com/blog/advice-for-giving-and-receiving-feedback). Don’t assume people know how to do it. Instead, provide training and model how to do both.\n\nThat way, if people get upset during the process, you can redirect them to or remind them of their training. \n\nInstead of feeling accusatory, the feedback process will feel more productive.\n### 9. Reduce Dependencies\nProject dependencies are inevitable.\n\nBut managing them can improve developer velocity because it reduces the instances where developers wait for other tasks before moving forward. \n\n[Balanced developer teams help](https://tanzu.vmware.com/developer/learningpaths/application-development/balanced-teams/). \n\nYou want developers with a range of skills rather than all experts or new developers. Balanced teams can better delegate tasks and support each other, reducing dependencies.\n\nYou should also be aware of time zones and cultural differences that can create slowdowns. Teams with remote workers should [create plans that cover both](https://weworkremotely.com/working-across-different-time-zones-best-practices-tools).\n\nIf you’re [outsourcing application development](https://quandarycg.com/quandary-build/), work with a reliable firm that you trust. The more experienced they are with your business and pain points, the less time they’ll waste.\n### 10. Automate Repetitive Tasks\nThe average employee is productive for [less than 3 hours a day](https://quandarycg.com/process-improvement-statistics/).\n\nMenial, repetitive tasks waste a ton of time for your developers. In most cases, you can see huge improvements in developer velocity by [eliminating repetitive work through automation](https://quandarycg.com/5-examples-of-successful-workflow-optimization/). \n\nYou’ll increase developer productivity while reducing errors (and the time spent fixing them). For example, you can automate testing using scripts that care for a range of tests on software. Or, you can integrate tools that help collect and implement feedback on code changes before they turn into major problems later. \n\nAutomation also streamlines communication and collaboration. You can enhance version control or enable multiple developers to work on projects simultaneously without overwriting. \n### 11. Support the Coding Stage\nSwift feedback during the coding stage helps developers make critical changes quickly. This ensures code works properly, reducing the need to rework code.\n\nCode reviews should occur regularly. \n\nThis saves time by catching bugs early, speeding up development. You can also leverage pair programming (where two developers work together) to support knowledge sharing and collaboration. \n\nAdequate documentation reduces learning curves for new developers and makes it easier to understand the functionalities of different code segments. [With developer churn high](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/), documentation will save you time by tracking software development.\n### 12. Implement Agile Methodologies\nAgile methodology focuses on collaboration, feedback, and flexibility to speed up development times.\n\nSprints empower teams to develop, test, and receive feedback on their work quickly. They keep work in scope. And focus on using feedback cycles to improve code, leading to better solutions rapidly. Teams table work that’s outside of scope, revisiting it in later sprints. This prevents scope creep and work-in-progress (WIP) sprawl.\n\nWith a greater emphasis on feedback between team members and stakeholders, your team will face fewer misunderstandings or code reworks. Plus, developers will stay focused on the key features that matter.\n\n**Agile is Flexible.**\n\nWith rigid processes or dated requirements, your developers can shift rapidly to meet new market conditions or changing demands.\n\nAgile emphasizes productivity: [daily stand-ups](https://business.adobe.com/blog/basics/daily-stand-up), [Kanban Boards](https://kanbanize.com/kanban-resources/getting-started/what-is-kanban-board), [Test-Driven Development (TDD)](https://www.guru99.com/test-driven-development.html), Continuous Improvement and Development, pair programming, and retrospectives. These help teams reduce efficiencies and learn from mistakes. \n\nOver time, your developers will streamline operations, delivering results faster.\n### 13. Prioritize Communication and Collaboration\nClear communication prevents costly mistakes and unnecessary reworks. Your team needs to manage communication between clients, customers, business leaders, project managers, and developers seamlessly.\n\n**Easier said than done.**\n\nResponsiveness is vital. Delays in communication can lead to errors, misalignment, and frustration. Working together ensures projects align with expected outcomes and project objectives.\n\nCollaboration amplifies your team's capabilities by leveraging the strengths of your developers to solve problems faster. It also supports shared learning, speeding up future projects.\n\nFinally, collaboration and communication build trust and morale. The closer a team works together, the easier it is for them to work together.\n### 14. Reduce Work in Progress (WIP) Tasks\nMultitasking is notoriously inefficient. Context-switching drains focus and prevent developers from getting “in the zone”. \n\nWork in progress (WIP) is essentially a list of competing tasks developers have to manage. As they switch between secondary tasks and their main task, they lose focus.\n\n[By reducing the WIP tasks](https://www.pmi.org/disciplined-agile/controlling-work-in-process-wip) your developers manage, you’ll remove juggling priorities. As a result, they can dive deeper into their work faster and build solutions quickly.\n### 15. Encourage Learning and Development\nThe more your developers know, the easier it is for them to overcome challenges quickly. \n\nUpskilling puts your developers in a better position to solve problems and reduce errors. They’ll have a larger knowledge base to pull from, making it easier for them to work. \n\nThe more up-to-date your developers are with technologies, the easier it is for them to build solutions or apply advanced approaches to existing business challenges. \n\nAs leadership encourages learning, they simultaneously encourage innovation. \n\nThis opens the door for breakthrough approaches to development that can improve developer velocity and business outcomes. \n### 16. Use the Right Tools\nYour developers need the right tools to do the job quickly and efficiently. With the right tools, your team can be [65% more innovative](https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/technology-media-and-telecommunications/our-insights/developer-velocity-how-software-excellence-fuels-business-performance) while improving retention rates by 47%.\n\nWhat’s the best way?\n\nYou want to balance freedom and preference with budget and efficiency. Letting your developers add tools without oversight can lead to tech stack sprawl, [costly shadow IT](https://quandarycg.com/shadow-IT-statistics/), and integration challenges. \n\n[Low-code applications](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-guide/) (more on these later) can empower developers to build custom tools to fit their needs without adding to application sprawl or wasting your budget.\n\nFrom application development to project management to testing, plenty of solutions exist to improve developer velocity. \n\nTake the time to speak with your team and determine what they need.\n### 17. CI/CD Pipelines\nContinuous improvement and continuous development improve developer velocity by breaking up long, complex projects into smaller cycles. \n\nYour developers work in parallel to upload code, get feedback, and improve. \n\n**It’s a continuous loop:**\n1. Build\n2. Test\n3. Release\n4. Deploy\n5. Operate\n6. Monitor\n7. Plan\n8. Code\n9. Build\n\nAutomated testing is part of CI/CD. When developers submit a change, automated tests run to verify the functionality and integrity of the code. As such, your team will need to run fewer tests manually.\n\nThese shorter cycles make it easier to roll back updates and fix code if necessary. They also help developers find critical problems early on so they can rework the code.\n\nAs a result, your team can focus more on code development AND improvement (not one or the other.)\n\nAll of this means that CI/CD lowers development risks. \n\nCI/CD results in smaller, more frequent releases with fewer changes between them. Issues are easier to spot and solve. \n\nDowntime is minimal.\n### 18. Reflect on and Improve Repeatable Processes\nYou need repeatable processes to achieve optimal developer velocity. Otherwise, you’ll waste time “reinventing the wheel” with each new development project. \n\nInstead, you need to have [a comprehensive playbook](https://quandarycg.com/our-approach/) your development team can follow to achieve success with confidence. This cuts out the guesswork and speeds up velocity.\n\nIt goes beyond development.\n\nEfficient employee onboarding, training, and evaluation processes minimize disruption during projects. And clearly defined project management processes ensure teams carry out sprints smoothly.\n\n**Your team should look for ways to automate processes regularly:**\n\n- Record loom videos detailing repeatable processes\n- Create project templates\n- Automate notifications\n- Use tools when appropriate\n- Collect feedback regularly\n\n### 19. Leverage Low-Code Tools\n[Low-code platforms](https://quandarycg.com/quick-base-solutions/) speed up application development by helping developers build solutions faster. They use minimal code in highly visual interfaces that allow users to build applications by dragging and dropping prefabricated code snippets.\n\nAs a SaaS platform built on cloud-based infrastructure, they offer a secure, affordable way for businesses to build custom solutions. \n\nLow-code tools save developers time and businesses money because they make it possible to build custom applications without starting from scratch. As a result, developers [can build apps 10x faster](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-statistics/) than before. \n\nWhether they’re building business applications or tools to help improve the development process, low-code empowers developers. And empowered developers are more motivated, leading to further increases in productivity.\n\nBecause low-code tools use minimal code, there is less technical debt to manage. That means less headache, frustration, and stress from managing complex applications. \n### 20. Utilize Citizen Developers\n[Citizen Developers](https://quandarycg.com/what-is-citizen-development/) are business users trained on low-code tools. \n\nThese are full-time employees who often work outside of your development teams. They typically do not have a technical background nor are they [professional developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-vs-professional-developer/). \n\nInstead, they leverage their experience with workflows, business needs, and customer feedback to create [simple applications using low-code tools](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-use-cases/).\n\nBy allowing citizen developers to build simple solutions, they can shift numerous menial development tasks away from busy developers. \n\nThis lowers the number of WIP tasks developers have to manage, giving them more time to focus on complex development projects. \n\nStill, citizen developers require oversight to function properly. \n\nYour IT team will need to work with citizen developers to provide them with [the proper framework and governance](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-best-practices/) they need to create high-quality, secure applications. \n\n## What Negatively Impacts Developer Velocity\nDevelopers rarely work in a vacuum.\n\nThey have other projects to manage and other tasks to complete. These competing priorities lead to context-switching, reducing productivity. They also add additional stress. \n\nPlus, each project is different. \n\nDespite this extensive list of strategies your team can implement to improve developer velocity, they may not all be applicable. For example, the codebase for the next project may not support CI/CD. Or, developer churn may result in teams that are more unbalanced. Teams may be less receptive to feedback or collaboration. \n\nUltimately, you must do what you can with what you have. \n\n## The Challenge with Increasing Developer Velocity\nWith the complexity of hybrid work environments, pressing demands, shifting marketing places, talent shortages, and rising costs, improving developer velocity feels paramount.\n\nThis can drive leaders to obsess over developer velocity. Each sprint turns into a report card on developer performance without regard to the task or project complexity.\n\nIf your team focuses too heavily on developer velocity, you may make the situation worse. \n\nDeadlines trigger stress. Stress impacts productivity. Weak productivity leads to missed deadlines.\n\nIt’s a negative feedback loop. \n\nInstead, it’s best to use developer velocity as a guide. Finding ways to improve it can help reduce costly bottlenecks. Plus, it’ll be easier to scope out tasks better. \n\nWhen done correctly, it’s a win-win situation.\n\nBut, it’s also important to remember that each new project presents a unique set of challenges. Navigating them may be easier or more complex, depending.\n\nAs such, you don’t want to go all in on developer velocity. If you do, you could overlook the strengths and hard work of your team.\n","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-c4ba2bdf-439a-504a-88c4-c80d3c46d8a1","title":"Supercharging Growth: Defying the Software Engineer Shortage","_createdAt":"2023-05-23T23:58:00Z","publishedAt":"2023-05-23T16:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b5fa95ab162973b81a5ada0b91fa0b095e006ac3-2250x1500.jpg?w=2250&h=1500&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b5fa95ab162973b81a5ada0b91fa0b095e006ac3-2250x1500.jpg?rect=0,1,2250,1498&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b5fa95ab162973b81a5ada0b91fa0b095e006ac3-2250x1500.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b5fa95ab162973b81a5ada0b91fa0b095e006ac3-2250x1500.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b5fa95ab162973b81a5ada0b91fa0b095e006ac3-2250x1500.jpg?rect=1,0,2249,1500&w=1024&h=683&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b5fa95ab162973b81a5ada0b91fa0b095e006ac3-2250x1500.jpg?rect=1,0,2249,1500&w=1366&h=911&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b5fa95ab162973b81a5ada0b91fa0b095e006ac3-2250x1500.jpg?rect=1,0,2249,1500&w=1600&h=1067&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b5fa95ab162973b81a5ada0b91fa0b095e006ac3-2250x1500.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&auto=format 1920w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b5fa95ab162973b81a5ada0b91fa0b095e006ac3-2250x1500.jpg?w=2048&h=1365&auto=format 2048w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b5fa95ab162973b81a5ada0b91fa0b095e006ac3-2250x1500.jpg?w=2250&h=1500&auto=format 2250w","sizes":"(min-width: 2250px) 2250px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":2250,"height":1500,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b5fa95ab162973b81a5ada0b91fa0b095e006ac3-2250x1500.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"software-engineer-shortage"},"body":"\nDespite tech layoffs, [76% of IT professionals](https://www.mendix.com/resources/the-state-of-low-code-report/)\n\nIf you want to lead your industry, you need to integrate workflows, automate systems, and build applications that provide the features your customers and employees crave. \n\nYou also need clear data insights to make proactive, strategic decisions. \n\nIn short, [you need digital solutions](https://quandarycg.com/). And you need software engineers to build them.\n\nUnfortunately, the software developer shortage makes it nearly impossible to find and retain great talent. And without IT talent, you can’t keep up with existing demand. \n\nHere are eight ways to address the shortage of software engineers so you retain your existing talent, grow your team, and stay competitive.\n\n## 1. Focus on Retaining Current Talent\nStart by retaining the software developers on your team. On average, [only 29% of IT workers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/) wish to stay in their current role. \n\nWhy?\n\nSoftware development has become increasingly complex over the years. Customer and employee demands continue to grow. \n\nEven worse, leadership priorities can often misalign with IT needs. For example, 91% of IT leaders feel pressured to compromise on security. Leaders and team members want solutions quickly. Without a background in IT protocol, they can see compliance and security processes as obstacles. This puts IT teams in stressful positions that drive them out of an organization. \n\nInstead, you need to work with your existing IT team. \n\nGet leadership and team members on the same page. And find ways to reduce stressors. Encourage collaboration between your departments. Even get your teams together outside of work hours to interact and build relationships.\n\nWhile you can offer competitive benefits and compensation, your software developers are more likely to stay at a job they enjoy. A huge part of that is being part of a great team. \n\n## 2. Promote Remote Work\nIn a report by Terminal.io, [75% of developers stated](https://www.terminal.io/state-of-remote-engineering) that they prefer to work remotely at least 3 days a week. And more than 60% already work remotely full-time. \n\nIf your organization hasn’t already embraced remote work, it’s behind. \n\nDevelopers are in high demand. Salaries are competitive because they understand that they possess a skill that businesses need. \n\nAnd if your organization won’t provide remote support for your software engineers, they can easily find a business that will. \n\nYou can also stand out from other companies that require developers to be on-site, helping you attract more top-tier talent to your organization. Even better, hiring remote workers extends your talent pool beyond state lines and borders.\n\n## 3. Remove Degree Requirements\nYou don’t need a degree in programming or computing to become a talented software developer. In fact, [57% of senior HR professionals](https://comptiacdn.azureedge.net/webcontent/docs/default-source/research-reports/comptia-workforce-and-learning-trends-2021.pdf?sfvrsn=ff890a85_4) want to remove the traditional four-year degree requirement as a qualification. \n\nSoftware developers are curious, creative, and hardworking. They also know how to find information. And with so many developer communities, resources, and training programs, it’s easy for developers to find the information they need. \n\nIn fact, some [coding boot camps](https://www.computerscience.org/bootcamps/rankings/best-coding-bootcamps/) can skill up developers in a few months (not years.)\n\nRequiring developers to have a four-year degree puts an unnecessary obstacle in your path to finding great talent. Plus, there’s no guarantee that a degree will make them a better software engineer.\n\n## 4. Upskill Developers\nSoftware development is a rapidly shifting field with new languages, tools, and frameworks emerging constantly. \n\n[Helping your developers upskill](https://www.codemotion.com/magazine/soft-skills/it-careers/developers-continuous-learning-upskilling-cross-training/) makes it easier for them to knock out complex tasks efficiently. It also helps reduce their dependency on other developers. Instead of constantly trying to keep up or asking questions, they can gain ground and scale output. \n\nSoftware engineers are curious. And they enjoy creating solutions. It’s exciting. As a business leader, you need to nurture that curiosity. Help them keep their passion alive. \n\nAt the same time, upskilling gives your developers the tools they need to innovate and create which drives business growth and success. \n\nAll of these points working together increases job satisfaction, leading to higher retention rates while opening up the door to referrals. After all, when people enjoy their jobs, they share their experiences.\n\n## 5. Improve Talent Sourcing and Hiring Process\nSometimes the biggest obstacle to hiring new talent is in the hiring process itself. \n\nFor starters, boring, copy-pasted from a blog post or template is a no-go. (You can use templates as a starting place, but don’t stick to them completely.) Your job description [needs to sell the position](https://resources.workable.com/tutorial/how-to-write-the-best-job-description-ever). It should be clear, exciting, and targeted. \n\nThe more detail you can provide, the better. \n\nYou should also leverage the right social media channels, communities, and forums to attract a wider range of potential candidates. \n\nThe job application process is the first interaction your potential employees have with your business. It should be streamlined. If there are too many steps or the process is too long, candidates can get frustrated and give up.\n\nCreate a careers page on your website to simplify the process further. \n\nFinally, you don’t need to wait until you have an open position to hire new developers. Reach out on LinkedIn and connect with developers. This gives you a talent pipeline you can tap into as needed.\n\n## 6. Outsource Development\nOutsourcing development reduces the headaches and obstacles associated with finding, hiring, training, and retaining internal software engineers. \n\n[By outsourcing custom application developers](https://quandarycg.com/quandary-build/), you can focus on your critical business tasks. Meanwhile, your development team will work on building, integrating, and automating systems.\n\n**There are a few downsides to outsourcing.**\n\nWhile offshore and nearshore development can expand your talent pool and decrease costs, it opens you to risk. For example, there may be cultural differences or time zone distances that make collaboration difficult. They may also create weaker solutions or solutions that address symptoms instead of the [root cause of the problem](https://quandarycg.com/our-approach/).\n\nYou can face similar challenges with outsourcing to onshore developers but at a higher cost.\n\nBefore outsourcing to any developer (freelance or consultancy), you should take time to do your research, read reviews, ask for references, and interview the team. \n\nYou’re looking for a partner who can provide value without adding more unnecessary work to your plate. \n\n## 7. Scale Output with Low Code\n[Low-code tools](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-guide/) allow developers to scale application development. \n\nThese tools use a simple drag-and-drop interface along with prefabricated snippets of code to create custom applications rapidly ([days and weeks](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-statistics/) instead of months or years).\n\nWhile some developers are antagonistic about low-code tools, adoption rates are increasing. It’s no longer “pro-code” vs. “low-code”. Instead, developers ask, “What tool can I use to complete this task effectively.”\n\nLow-code applications are cloud-based, SaaS platforms. This means that costs scale with use, making them more affordable than custom application development. And they leverage the cloud-based infrastructure, making them secure.\n\nFor organizations struggling to fill developer roles, low-code tools are powerful force multipliers. They amplify your team’s capability, making it easier for them to keep up with existing demand. \n\n## 8. Launch a Citizen Development Program\nIn many cases, it’s not possible to hire more software engineers. This can be due to hiring freezes, budget constraints, or other issues. When this happens, you should consider citizen developers. \n\n[Citizen developers](https://quandarycg.com/what-is-citizen-development/) are non-technical business employees who use low-code tools to design simple, powerful digital solutions. \n\nInstead of a technology background, they leverage their experience with workflows, customers, and data to create custom solutions. As a result, customer and employee satisfaction increase. Plus, adoption rates are much higher.\n\nCitizen developers also [drastically reduce IT backlog](https://quandarycg.com/programmer-shortage/). Instead of submitting tickets every time they have a problem or need a solution, they can build it out using low-code tools. \n\nFor any citizen development program to be successful, you need the proper framework and governance. With that, the program [can spiral into shadow IT.](https://quandarycg.com/shadow-IT-statistics/) \n\nStill, it’s a great way to extend the capabilities of your existing software engineers. \n\n## How Are Tech Layoffs Impacting the Developer Shortage?\nCompanies laid off nearly [145,000 tech workers](https://news.crunchbase.com/startups/tech-layoffs/) by May 2023. Up from around 93,000 tech layoffs In the whole of 2022.\n\nDespite headlines, many of these roles are supporting functions, not developers. As such, there’s [still a shortage of developers](https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-03-07-do-recent-layoffs-mean-the-tech-talent-crunch-is-over). \n\nThe current demand far outweighs the supply of talented developers. And as customer expectations continue to rise, businesses will need more digital solutions to meet those needs.\n\n## How Will AI Impact the Developer Shortage?\nAI can speed up application development. \n\nFor example, low-code platforms are in the process of [adopting AI to streamline app development](https://www.mendix.com/evaluation-guide/app-lifecycle/mendix-assist/#:~:text=Mendix%20Best%20Practices%3F-,How%20Does%20Mendix%20Leverage%20AI%20to%20Help%20Users%20to%20Build,consistency%20and%20with%20higher%20quality.). This will make it easier for users to create applications and automate systems faster.\n\nThat said, a rising tide raises all ships. \n\nAs more companies develop more systems using AI, the level of competition will increase. This increases demand for better systems and features, driving more application development. \n\nUltimately, demand will scale with output and businesses will still need software developers to help them build solutions. \n## How Long Will the Developer Shortage Last?\nThe software developer shortage isn’t going away anytime soon. \n\nAs mentioned, technology complexities and increasing customer expectations will drive demand for the foreseeable future. \n\n[According to the US Labor Department](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm), “About 162,900 openings for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.” \n\nThat rate is higher than the average for other occupations. \nWhat Is the Impact of the Developer Shortage?\nBusinesses need to innovate at scale to remain competitive. \n\nWithout digital solutions, your team gets trapped in menial tasks that waste time and burn resources. [Productivity suffers greatly](https://quandarycg.com/process-improvement-statistics/). And your team is forced to work longer hours to meet deadlines, driving them to burn out faster.\n\nYou also need developers to integrate applications, collate data properly, and use those insights to create features your customers and employees crave.\n\nIn short, you need software developers to grow your business. Any shortage in that talent supply puts your business at risk.\n","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-4a8d2eb8-543b-5fc1-8144-766dafbfa697","title":" Unleashing Citizen Development: Eye-Opening Use Cases","_createdAt":"2023-05-17T04:57:56Z","publishedAt":"2023-05-17T05:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/9a9194ea9326e8d6d78a201718d9089a697b9c88-2250x1500.jpg?w=2250&h=1500&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/9a9194ea9326e8d6d78a201718d9089a697b9c88-2250x1500.jpg?rect=0,1,2250,1498&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/9a9194ea9326e8d6d78a201718d9089a697b9c88-2250x1500.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/9a9194ea9326e8d6d78a201718d9089a697b9c88-2250x1500.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/9a9194ea9326e8d6d78a201718d9089a697b9c88-2250x1500.jpg?rect=1,0,2249,1500&w=1024&h=683&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/9a9194ea9326e8d6d78a201718d9089a697b9c88-2250x1500.jpg?rect=1,0,2249,1500&w=1366&h=911&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/9a9194ea9326e8d6d78a201718d9089a697b9c88-2250x1500.jpg?rect=1,0,2249,1500&w=1600&h=1067&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/9a9194ea9326e8d6d78a201718d9089a697b9c88-2250x1500.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&auto=format 1920w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/9a9194ea9326e8d6d78a201718d9089a697b9c88-2250x1500.jpg?w=2048&h=1365&auto=format 2048w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/9a9194ea9326e8d6d78a201718d9089a697b9c88-2250x1500.jpg?w=2250&h=1500&auto=format 2250w","sizes":"(min-width: 2250px) 2250px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":2250,"height":1500,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/9a9194ea9326e8d6d78a201718d9089a697b9c88-2250x1500.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"citizen-developer-use-cases"},"body":"IT teams can’t keep up with increasing demand. Rising costs, developer shortages, and lengthy development cycles bury developers beneath an avalanche of Work-In-Progress (WIP).\n\nCitizen developers armed with low-code tools can alleviate those challenges by taking over menial development tasks. \n\nStill, the [citizen development movement](https://quandarycg.com/what-is-citizen-development/) is new to many. And CIOs are hesitant to move app development outside of IT. In fact, [data shows that while 70%](https://webcon.com/the-state-of-low-code-2023-study/) of companies plan on using citizen developers, only 50% believe it’s going well.\n\nBut there are several companies that have seen success.\n\nAnd it goes deeper than [building a bartender for trade shows](https://www.servicenow.com/blogs/2023/how-citizen-developers-cook-up-innovation.html) using low-code tools…\n\nThese citizen development use cases illustrate how many major companies found success with citizen developers.\n\n## Shell Employees Use Citizen Development to Scale Transformation\n\nEnergy company, Shell, is tackling the challenges of scaling digital transformations head-on with citizen developers. \n\nKnown as the [Shell DIY Program](https://www.shell.com/energy-and-innovation/digitalisation/news-room/do-it-yourself-software-development-the-power-is-in-your-hand.html), the organization has been tackling inefficient processes using low-code tools as an organization.\n\n**Their 4-part process for implementing citizen development at Shell:**\n\n- **Sensemaking:** Analyzing existing practices to find areas for digital transformation and continuous improvement. \n- **Stakeholder Participation:** Working with team members involved in processes to adopt new approaches to workflows.\n- **Collective Action:** Implementing new practices using digital tools to meet demands by streamline workflow.\n- **Evaluating Progress:** Providing formal/informal feedback of Citizen Development programs while analyzing the impact of digital transformations in the organization.\n\nOver two years, Shell has made significant improvements in processes leveraging citizen developers. \n\nHere are 3 examples:\n\n### Manual Process Automation with Data Visualization\n\nShell Deer Park Refinery in Texas relied heavily on paper-based methods for pump repairs. Evaluating pump performance, maintenance records, and operation conditions were difficult and time-consuming.\n\nRefinery engineers used [low-code tools](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-guide/) to automate the workflows. The process they created provided accurate data in a centralized database, simplifying maintenance management.\n\nWith a single source of data, engineers increased pump efficiency. They also reduced the risk and costs associated with unplanned downtime.\n\nTheir goal for the app is to reduce annual repair time by 50%\n\n### Save Time and Money with Improved Workflow\n\nThe Shell team developed a “Lifting and Hoisting” application to speed up the manual review process carried out during each lift and hoist maneuver. \n\nAt Shell Polymers Monaca petrochemical complex in Western Pennsylvania contractors conducted 40 - 120 each day. Before each operation, the team had to manually approve the process. To carry out this process, the team would often have to travel across the site. Ultimately, this added additional 2.5 hours for every maneuver. \n\nThe application their citizen developers create [automated the paper-based process](https://quandarycg.com/automating-workflows/). It streamlined approvals using automation. The end result was a faster, safer operation that reduced overall time from 2.5 hours to 1 hour per maneuver. \n\n### Enhanced Customer Experience\n\nTo meet the increasing demand of customers who want transparency around greenhouse gas emissions, Shell’s DIY team developed a Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) Calculations app.\n\nTo improve the B2B marketing and sales process, DIY created the app to help improve transparency around carbon emissions data. This empowered customers to choose products that helped them reduce their carbon footprint.\n\nThe application collects all the carbon emissions data on each product before it leaves Shell. Customers can request the data via email. After submitting the request, the app pulls the data from the system and shares it directly with the customer.\n\n_For more detailed information and examples, please read the full report from Shell, “[How Shell Fueled a Digital Transformation by Establishing DIY Software Development](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366606376_How_Shell_Fueled_a_Digital_Transformation_by_Establishing_DIY_Software_Development).” (Jan. 2023)_\n\n## Citizen Developers at SBI Streamline Lead Data Validation\n\nB. Ramkumar, a blind manager in the digital transaction banking unit for India’s largest bank, The State Bank of India (SBI), [created a low-code app](https://news.microsoft.com/en-in/features/employees-at-indias-largest-bank-embrace-the-citizen-developer-revolution-with-microsoft-power-apps/) with no formal developer training. \n\nAs a citizen developer, Ramkumar worked with SBI’s IT team to build out the full functionality of the app within the low-code platform. \n\nThe application they designed streamlined the collation of lead data from 1,500 offices across India, [drastically reducing the time and cost](https://quandarycg.com/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/) of managing the data collection processes.\n\nBefore the app (Digi Toolkit), the SBI had to manually pull the data every day. There were multiple people working on the various versions of documents, creating numerous errors. \n\n**A lot of the data was inaccurate.**\n\nRamkumar worked with SBIs developers to create an app that provided a singular view of lead data. Branch managers can access the app using their smartphones. And users only have access to their data, so they cannot corrupt data from other offices.\n\nThe platform also has reminders built in, eliminating the need for manual follow-ups.\n\nDigi Toolkit allowed his team to automate the collecting, validating, and processing of the data without [tripping over each other in spreadsheets](https://quandarycg.com/warning-spreadsheets-will-ruin-your-business/). Data accuracy and visibility have improved.\n\nBest of all, branch managers have better customer insights. They now know which customers are interested in which products. And they can follow up much easier.\n\nMoving forward, the team behind Digi Toolkit has added features that allow customers to input their data into the system automatically. As a result, they’ve further streamlined their processes.\n\nAnd they will continue to look for new ways to add value to the system.\n\n## Baker College Works with Staff and Students to Expand SIS Functionality\n\nBaker College wanted to [update its student information center](https://edublog.microsoft.com/en-au/2022/10/barker-college-staff-and-students-become-citizen-developers-with-power-platform/), making it accessible and useful to everyone. \n\nThe challenge with building out a student information system (SIS) is that you need a custom solution. Each university is its own culture, its own world. And the system needs to reflect the direct needs of the student. \n\nThe more students you have, the more variables. This exponentially complicates an already complex system.\n\n[The downside of custom application development](https://quandarycg.com/business-application-development-growth/) is that it tends to be painstakingly slow and expensive. Baker College sped up the process with citizen developers empowered by low-code tools.\n\nWhile the school’s IT team tackled the infrastructure of the main SIS, the staff and students used low-code tools to build custom solutions on the back of that system.\n\nFor example, they worked with students to create an inventory tracking system for school equipment. Students update the database with information on the inventory (condition, location, damage, and report stolen items). And the system tracks that data. \n\nThe IT team at Baker College works regularly with students and staff to continuously deploy new features on the existing infrastructure with relative ease.\n\n## Cineplex Saves Thousands of Manual Hours with Citizen Developer-Led Solutions\n\nUsing Microsoft Power Apps, [Cineplex built 7 automations](https://powerautomate.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/cineplex-digital-transformation-with-power-automate-rpa-led-by-citizen-developers/) over 4 months to eliminate 2,600 hours of manual work. \n\nCineplex used the downtime brought on by the pandemic to evaluate and improve processes using [Robotic Process Automation](https://www.uipath.com/rpa/robotic-process-automation) (RPA). They started off small, focusing on improving individual processes and celebrating success. \n\nEventually, these successes led to the wide-scale adoption of Power Automate across the organization with a focus on using RPA to further streamline workflows.\n\n### Gift Card Automation \n\nOne major area their team focused on was the process of activating gift cards. Before, a member of the customer service team had to log in, compile a list of new gift card purchases, and then log into a third-party system to activate the gift card. \n\nActivating the gift card required the team member to manually enter the serial number along with the amount before shipping the card. With up to 700 new orders each day, this was a time-consuming process and prone to errors.\n\nWithin two weeks, the citizen development team at Cineplex built a solution that redefined the workflow and automated the process using RPA. \n\n### Ticket Adjustments \n\nCineplex’s legacy systems handled most ticket refunds. However, there were certain exceptions that required manual processes due to limitations built into the existing system.\n\nWhen the legacy system couldn’t process the refund, service agents had to manually submit ticket details to the treasury department. That data would be captured and validated in Excel. After, the team would process the refund through a third-party website. And the team would also need to manually track inventory and adjustments.\n\nThis took around 8 minutes, on average, for each refund.\n\nEven worse, human error would add complications to the process. Refunds were provided daily, meaning some employees had to carry out tasks on weekends and holidays. And managing the systems was a nightmare due to a dated, complex management system.\n\nUsing low-code tools, Cineplex’s citizen developers automated these processes. They broke the process into two workflows. One workflow validated information. The other adjusted inventory. \n\nAnd the team reduces thousands of hours of manual labor while removing the need for employees to update the system daily.\n\nToday, Cineplex has established a [Center of Excellence](https://www.fortra.com/resources/guides/business-leaders-guide-automation-center-of-excellence) for process improvement in their organization. Their citizen developers have the resources they need to build solutions to tedious, manual processes that are accessible, secure, and effective.\n\nCurrently, they have several automation opportunities in development that can eliminate thousands of hours of manual tasks. \n\nOverall, they improved process efficiency by 92%.\n\n## Microsoft Employees Use PowerApps to Become Citizen Developers\n\nMicrosoft’s launch team identified challenges in the process of launching products and services and leveraged citizen developers to build a solution.\n\nThe launch process involved numerous tools in disparate systems that forced team members to [waste time verifying data](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-statistics/) in these siloed systems.\n\nInstead of wasting time manually reviewing data (and increasing the risk of data errors), Microsoft’s citizen developers [brainstormed a solution](https://www.microsoft.com/insidetrack/blog/citizen-developers-use-microsoft-power-apps-to-build-intelligent-launch-assistant/). Once they figured out the features and functionalities of the solution, they built a launch app during a hackathon.\n\nAfter developing the prototype, they had the momentum they needed to create more solutions as citizen developers. \n\nStill, there was hesitation with moving development outside of IT and putting it in the hands of developers. Especially with an app that was going to support critical business functions.\n\nWhat’s important to note here is that Microsoft already had tools and processes in place. This meant that the citizen developers could work without disrupting existing services. \n\nAt the same time, they were moving quickly. \n\nEither they would build a solution that worked, or they would create a framework for IT to develop a more complex solution. The investment in time and resources would pay off.\n\n**Win-win.**\n\nAfter 40 days and 250 iterations, their citizen development team created an app that could be used by other launch managers. \n\nBecause the citizen developers were building the app, they could do so faster and more accurately than relying on IT teams. No change requests. No bug logging. No waiting for IT teams to fix issues.\n\nAs the app evolved into a more complex system, iterations slowed down. Once they started connecting the app to other systems, they put guardrails in place and had regular meetings to keep the app secure. \n\nCollaboration between citizen developers and their IT teams was frequent. They met to discuss new features, demo the app, and ask for support.\n\nThe end result was a more cohesive launch app that pulled half the data from the “Microsoft Dynamics 365-based platform that serves as the “single version of truth” for all work activities across the operations teams at Microsoft.”\n\nThe app connected with various systems and provided relevant tracking and management features that were previously non-existent. Team members have a more fluid experience with launching new products and services. \n\nMeanwhile, Microsoft’s developer team continues to analyze the business impact of the tool to determine if it’s worth investing more resources to build out the app further.\n\n## Citizen Developers Extend John Deere’s Tech Stack\n\nJohn Deere has been leveraging citizen development to scale [since 2020](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/modernizing-our-information-tech-stack-deeres-global-ganesh-jayaram/?trk=public_profile_article_view). \n\n[Desperate data systems would drastically impact](https://quandarycg.com/process-improvement-statistics/) its ability to collect, analyze, and use those insights.\n\nTheir tech stack is a complex mesh of IT systems that facilitates data transfer between vendors, customers, and business partners globally. Integration and automation are vital for success.\n\nAnd with increasing demand for smart farm equipment, Deere needed a way to scale value across their organization rapidly. \n\nTo help them meet those needs, they employed citizen developers. This allowed team members to support IT by building out solutions extending the capabilities of their tech stack. \n\nAs a result, their IT team can better support their mission to “drive better business outcomes for our customers” while providing the “necessary guardrails for product teams to innovate,” According to former CIO of John Deere, [Ganesh Jayaram](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ganesh-jayaram/).\n\nUltimately, being able to scale IT innovation creates a positive feedback loop that continuously improves future developments.\n\nAs [demand for John Deer equipment increases](https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/deeres-sales-expected-rise-increased-demand-2022-08-18/), the organization is better positioned to meet that demand.","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-aaa8b8b0-0583-5d90-9ebf-21fd8d7e3f8f","title":"Improving Digital Transformation Success Rates","_createdAt":"2023-05-06T01:27:31Z","publishedAt":"2023-05-05T16:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d620c5e5cd7ace539b491291d2211fc8bb3f9ae8-2247x1500.png?w=2247&h=1500&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d620c5e5cd7ace539b491291d2211fc8bb3f9ae8-2247x1500.png?rect=3,0,2243,1500&w=320&h=214&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d620c5e5cd7ace539b491291d2211fc8bb3f9ae8-2247x1500.png?rect=2,0,2245,1500&w=654&h=437&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d620c5e5cd7ace539b491291d2211fc8bb3f9ae8-2247x1500.png?rect=1,0,2246,1500&w=768&h=513&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d620c5e5cd7ace539b491291d2211fc8bb3f9ae8-2247x1500.png?rect=1,0,2246,1500&w=1024&h=684&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d620c5e5cd7ace539b491291d2211fc8bb3f9ae8-2247x1500.png?w=1366&h=912&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d620c5e5cd7ace539b491291d2211fc8bb3f9ae8-2247x1500.png?w=1600&h=1068&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d620c5e5cd7ace539b491291d2211fc8bb3f9ae8-2247x1500.png?rect=1,0,2246,1500&w=1920&h=1282&auto=format 1920w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d620c5e5cd7ace539b491291d2211fc8bb3f9ae8-2247x1500.png?w=2048&h=1367&auto=format 2048w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d620c5e5cd7ace539b491291d2211fc8bb3f9ae8-2247x1500.png?w=2247&h=1500&auto=format 2247w","sizes":"(min-width: 2247px) 2247px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":2247,"height":1500,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/png;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d620c5e5cd7ace539b491291d2211fc8bb3f9ae8-2247x1500.png"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"successful-digital-transformation"},"body":"## How to Improve Digital Transformation Success Rates\n\n[Only 30% of digital transformations](https://www.bcg.com/publications/2020/increasing-odds-of-success-in-digital-transformation) are successful.\n\nThe rest are failures. \n\nStill, you cannot hope to successfully navigate your market in the face of challenging macroeconomic climates without digital solutions. \n\nManual processes waste your team’s time, burn resources, and keep you from innovating. As such, you cannot simply avoid change. \n\nDoing that puts you [on the path of Sears](https://fortune.com/longform/sears-couldve-been-amazon/), Blockbuster, and many other companies that failed to adapt to shifting markets. \n\nInstead, you need a way to drastically improve your digital transformations' success rate. Especially with [so much on the line](https://www.thedigitaltransformationpeople.com/channels/the-case-for-digital-transformation/what-can-happen-to-businesses-who-dont-digitally-transform/)…\n\nWe’ll point out 9 reasons why digital transformations fail and share solutions for navigating those challenges. \n\nImplementing the strategies here should help you improve your success rate.\n\n### 9 Reasons Why Digital Transformations Fail (with Solutions)\n\nThese are the main challenges you’ll face as you try to build, integrate, and automate solutions in your business. \n\nKnowing what challenges to expect and how to navigate them is essential for improving your digital transformation success rate.\n\n#### Problem #1: Lack of Clear Strategy and Goals\n\nDigitizing processes without defining a clear vision is like practicing archery blindfolded. Your chances of landing on target are very small. \n\nThe chances of collateral damage… are much higher. \n\nMost businesses start trying to improve processes without a definite strategy. As a result, they inevitably fail.\n\n[Without a clear strategy](https://quandarycg.com/our-approach/), you end up automating for the sake of automating. And that leads nowhere. \n\n#### Solution: Collect Data and Define Goals\n\nA well-defined DX strategy keeps your process improvements aligned to your business goals, mission, and vision. It also provides guardrails for digitizing processes and validating ROI on each new implementation. \n\n**A clear strategy contains:**\n\n- Vision - ‘why to transform’. It includes validation of change, short-term goals, and long-term objectives.\n- Plan - ‘what to transform’. It includes people, processes, and [legacy systems](https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/technology/articles/legacy-infrastructure-modernization.html).\n- Execution - ‘how to transform’. It includes tactics, [KPIs](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2020/06/25/14-important-kpis-to-help-you-track-your-digital-transformation/?sh=341057d59342), priorities, and interactions among information, teams, and technologies.\n\n**The step-by-step process for developing a digital transformation strategy:**\n\n1. Collect and assess data to identify the current organizational state.\n2. Perform market research to become aware of emerging technologies and customer preferences.\n3. Define transformation objectives and align them with the organization’s short-term and long-term goals.\n4. Create a roadmap that outlines the actionable steps, timelines, skilled resources, priorities, KPIs, and budget allocation.\n5. Communicate the strategy to all stakeholders and regularly update them on progress.\n6. Implement the strategy with rigor while continuously evaluating and refining it.\n7. Use KPIs and stakeholder feedback to measure outcomes accurately.\n\n#### Problem #2: Not Identifying the Root Problems\n\nDigital transformation is not about buying new technologies and automating processes. Instead, it’s about [rethinking how systems function](https://quandarycg.com/workflow-integration/), and businesses work.\n\nSystems are complex. \n\nWithout diving deep, you’re much more likely to slap an automation, integration, or custom solution onto the symptom of a much deeper problem. \n\nAs a result, you only half-fix the problem. The return is minimal. And your team doesn’t get to experience the full benefits of digital transformation.\n\n#### Solution: Map Out Workflows and Processes\n\nSuccessful transformation starts with clearly understanding how work gets done in your business. To do this, you need to [map out existing workflows](https://business.canon.com.au/insights/the-importance-of-business-process-mapping-in-digital-transformation). \n\nYou’ll quickly identify bottlenecks, slowdowns, redundancies, and other complications by mapping out workflows and processes. From there, you can start to rethink how certain processes operate and what you need to improve them.\n\nYou can do this using a whiteboard, sticky notes, or [process mapping tools](https://clickup.com/blog/process-mapping-tools/) to draw out your processes. \n\nOnce mapped out, your team can quickly visualize the workflow and brainstorm improvements. \n\n#### Problem #3: Weak ROI\n\nWith businesses spending nearly [4% of their annual revenue](https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/mi/Info/0920/digital-transformation-energy-whitepaper.html?utm_campaign=PC018769&utm_medium=social-network&utm_source=blog1) on digital transformation, there’s a real need to see a return on that investment. \n\nThe mistake a lot of businesses make is that they rush to automate everything and anything they can. \n\nWorse, they focus on complex automation tasks from the start. These complex projects are riskier, stress-inducing, and time-consuming. \n\nMeanwhile, leadership anxiously awaits a return.\n\nOften, these projects sprawl as developers uncover other issues during development. As the scope creeps, the cost of these projects increases with it until the team shelves the project and reverts to the “old way of doing things”. \n\n#### Solution: Focus on Low-Hanging Fruit First\n\nWhile complex system overhauls can result in a substantial business improvement, they’re often not the best place to start in organizations looking to improve systems.\n\nInstead, you need to start with small goals first.\n\n**Focusing on attainable goals first will:**\n\n- Provide momentum for subsequent achievements\n- Enable a quick return on the investment required to fund the next iterations\n- Motivate your team and make them more agile\n- Facilitate a strategy review and necessary changes to fulfill the overall vision\n- Let you meet your customers’ needs while you upgrade\n\nAs your team gains experience from smaller, more successful transformations, they’ll be better prepared for future, more complex projects.\n\n#### Problem #4: Trying to Transform Too Much, Too Quickly\n\nDigital transformation is not an overnight journey. \n\nChange takes time.\n\nTo start with, your team needs to adopt the new technology and workflows. Your customers need to provide feedback. And your organization needs to evaluate performance and reflect on the experience.\n\nAll this takes time. \n\nIf you don’t take the time to analyze the impact of your digital improvements, you risk starting new initiatives without fully understanding what’s working and what’s not. \n\nAdditionally, you risk [burning out your team](https://quandarycg.com/software-engineer-burnout/) if you have too many projects happening simultaneously.\n\n#### Solution: Narrow the Scope and Prioritize\n\nThe best solution is to use an [agile approach](https://www.atlassian.com/agile). An agile approach focuses on tackling tasks incrementally (instead of all at once). \n\n**How an agile transformation works:**\n\n- Create a DX roadmap with short, manageable milestones\n- Form skilled, agile teams\n- Prioritize initiatives related to digital customer engagement\n- Execute the transformation in short sprints\n- Use previous sprints to gain insights about the next sprints\n\nThe [benefits of an agile approach](https://www.cohnreznick.com/insights/five-principles-digital-transformation) in digital transformations are flexibility, improved teamwork, customer-centered, faster delivery, and better quality and risk handling.\n\nPlus, you’ll reduce project sprawl and burnout as you transform systems. \n\n#### Problem #5: Hiring the Wrong Team\n\nExperts can provide vital insights, improving the success rate of digital transformations.\n\nYou need the right people to do the job. Yet, only [25% of organizations](https://www.bcg.com/publications/2020/increasing-odds-of-success-in-digital-transformation#factor3) hire leaders with digital transformation expertise and other critical skills. \n\nThis puts most transformations at risk.\n\nWithout insights from experienced team members, you’re likely to make avoidable mistakes, waste resources, and put the success of your project at risk. \n\n#### Solution: Work With Proven Experts or Consultants\n\nYou need experienced, interested parties with relevant skill sets leading and support your digital transformations. \n\nEmployees with skill sets in the cloud, data analytics, digital experience, and cybersecurity are best. \n\nAlternatively, you can hire [external consultants](https://quandarycg.com/) to manage digital transformations. They’ll leverage their experience to help complete successful transformations faster. \n\nFor example, Quandary Consulting Group [has helped numerous organizations](https://quandarycg.com/case-studies/) build, test, and deploy custom solutions with a 100% adoption rate. \n\nThis allows clients to focus on growing their business without having to manage digital transformation projects.\n\nEither way, you want the best people for the job. Otherwise, your risk of failure increases.\n\n#### Problem #6: Resistance to Change\n\nAccording to McKinsey, [70% of digital transformations fail](https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/the-how-of-transformation) due to employees’ resistance to change. \n\nIt’s not that people prefer time-consuming, manual tasks.\n\nInstead, they’re often stuck in old ways. It’s familiar. Learning something new requires effort, conscious change, and hope that it’ll be better.\n\nAs a result, most people push back against new systems. \n\nWithout your team and customers adopting new solutions, you won’t see a positive return on your investment. Instead, they’ll continue to use the old systems (the old way of doing things) for as long as possible.\n\nIf you want to succeed, you need your team to adopt new systems. \n\n#### Solution: Build a Digital-First Culture\n\nTo encourage adoption, you need to [create a digital culture](https://www.lucidchart.com/blog/designing-a-digital-culture) that embraces digital transformation. \n\nStart with [a mindset shift](https://www.intelligentautomation.network/transformation/articles/how-to-cultivate-digital-transformation-mindsets). Everyone from the C-suite to new recruits need to embrace process improvement, technology, and [feedback loops](https://www.qualtrics.com/experience-management/customer/feedback-loop/). \n\nConduct regular training sessions for your employees to help them embrace the new digital culture. Encourage stakeholders to get involved. Give your team time to learn and use the new systems. And coach those who struggle with change.\n\nAt the same time, you should encourage transparency. Show your team where they fit into the future of the business. Get them on board and excited for the change.\n\nFinally, it’s important to establish clear communication with your team. You should also encourage everyone to share ideas. The more involved they feel, the better they understand the outcome, and the more likely they’ll embrace new systems.\n\n#### Problem #7: Inadequate Technology and Infrastructure\n\nYou need high-performing IT infrastructure and modern technologies to offer digital solutions, integrate data streams, and automate systems securely.\n\nThat requires an investment in technology and infrastructure. \n\nEverything from data centers and communication networks to IT security and end-user technologies must support the goal of offering speed and agility. \n\nBut building new software and solutions from scratch is often too expensive for businesses.\n\nWorst case, a business can run out of funds before a transformation is complete due to scope creep or complications in custom builds.\n\nAfter all, [enterprises spend $27.5 million](https://whatfix.com/blog/digital-transformation-cost/)(on average) for digital transformation projects.\n \n#### Solution: Use Low-Code Tools\n\nYou don’t have to spend a fortune upgrading IT infrastructure and technologies. \n\n[With low-code application development](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-guide/), you can build digital solutions [faster and more affordable](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-statistics/) than traditional application development.\n\nIt’s a SaaS platform, so costs scale with use. And the tools are cloud-based, making them secure and accessible.\n\nLow-code tools allow users to create custom applications using a drag-and-drop interface quickly. Users can learn the tools within a matter of weeks without a programming or application development background. \n\nAlternatively, your development team can use low-code tools to increase their output. In short, it’s like a force multiplier for IT teams. \n\nAs a result, you can scale application development in your organization without burning through resources.\n\n#### Problem #8: Poor Support from Leadership\n\nDigital transformation can fail quickly without leadership support. [52% of organizations](https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252470092/Lack-of-executive-leadership-lowers-digital-project-success-rate) said it was IT, not leadership, driving their digital transformation initiatives. \n\nWithout a top-down approach to digital transformation, your IT team will inevitably collide against the leadership. You need commitment from leaders who understand the business mission and can help align transformation goals to business goals. \n\nWithout that level of commitment, your team won’t feel encouraged to embrace the change. It will feel like something IT is trying to force on them, not a critical part of organizational change.\n\n#### Solution: Adopt a Top-Down Approach to Digital Change \n\nLeadership needs to lead digital transformation initiatives. They must understand that in a world full of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), you need to be agile. \n\nAgility cannot be achieved through personal efficiency alone. You need technological solutions. It’s the only way organizations can collect, manage, and use data at scale. \n\nLeadership understands the business mission and what’s needed to stay competitive in the space. And they need to work with IT leaders to create roadmaps for change. Additionally, they need to work with teams to encourage trust and growth. \n\nWith a digitally-minded leader driving change, the rest of the organization will follow. \n\n#### Problem #9: Failed Adoption\n\nToo many companies focus on acquiring new technology instead of using it. This leads to impressive, expensive tech stacks that go underutilized. \n\nOn average, businesses waste [37% of their software budget](https://iaitam.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/The-Real-Cost-of-Unused-Software.pdf) on “shelfware”. \n\nAt the same time, they waste money building systems that may be worse than what currently exists. \n\nThis typically happens because there isn’t a plan in place to collaborate with team members on what they need out of a solution or train them on how to use it.\n\nWorse case, team members will go out of their way not to use new systems. Instead, they’ll [deploy shadow IT](https://quandarycg.com/what-is-shadow-it/), leveraging tools they prefer and trust. And this exposes the business to [additional risk and costs](https://quandarycg.com/shadow-it-statistics/).\n\nEither way, without adoption, your digital transformations will go nowhere. \n\n#### Solution: Promote Citizen Development\n\nThe best way to improve adoption rates is to [embrace citizen development](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-digital-transformation/). \n\n[Citizen developers](https://quandarycg.com/what-is-citizen-development/) are business users who are empowered with low-code tools to create custom solutions to the challenges they face every day. \n\n**They’re not developers.** \n\nInstead, they’re tech-savvy, full-time employees interested in improving workflows. \n\nRather than wait for IT to create solutions (hoping they’ll work), they use their experience and knowledge of low code to create simple integrations, automations, and applications that help them work better. \n\nCitizen developers help organizations scale faster by offloading the workload from IT departments. They manage simple builds, giving developers more time to focus on critical tasks. \n\nAdoption rates are higher because the people directly involved in the processes are creating the solutions. They understand the unique challenges and work to solve them.\n\n\n### Improve Your DX Success Rates with Quandary\n\nYou cannot afford for your digital transformations to fail. At the same time, you cannot avoid digital improvements to your business. \n\nIf you want your business to succeed, you need to leverage technology to improve your systems. And you need to do it in a way that generates a positive ROI. \n\nBut, that’s not easy to do on your own. \n\nWithout experience transforming processes and workflows, you can make costly mistakes that reduce the overall positive impact of your digital initiatives. \n\nWorse, you can waste money, damage your workplace culture, and negatively impact your customers with failed transformations. \n\nThat’s why we exist. \n\nAt [Quandary Consulting Group](https://quandarycg.com/), our team of low-code experts helps businesses navigate digital transformations and build the solutions they need to stay competitive. \n\nCheck out our results below:\n\n","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-4889bf2a-f8e9-5294-bfa9-1d95845da285","title":"How to Reduce IT Pressure, Bottlenecks, and Burnout","_createdAt":"2023-04-27T05:30:35Z","publishedAt":"2023-04-26T16:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/073df7602a28bf9ef7ffa33753fcfd7cd7d93013-1125x750.webp?w=1125&h=750&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/073df7602a28bf9ef7ffa33753fcfd7cd7d93013-1125x750.webp?rect=0,1,1125,749&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/073df7602a28bf9ef7ffa33753fcfd7cd7d93013-1125x750.webp?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/073df7602a28bf9ef7ffa33753fcfd7cd7d93013-1125x750.webp?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/073df7602a28bf9ef7ffa33753fcfd7cd7d93013-1125x750.webp?rect=1,0,1124,750&w=1024&h=683&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/073df7602a28bf9ef7ffa33753fcfd7cd7d93013-1125x750.webp?w=1125&h=750&auto=format 1125w","sizes":"(min-width: 1125px) 1125px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1125,"height":750,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/073df7602a28bf9ef7ffa33753fcfd7cd7d93013-1125x750.webp"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"software-engineer-burnout"},"body":"Software developers are the very foundation of companies trying to scale operations.\n \nWhether you need to provide new features, improve employee workflows, and exceed customer expectations, your ability to deliver results rests on your developers.\n\nWhen you overload your team for too long without any sense of progress or relief, they begin to burn out. Eventually, those pillars start to collapse. \n\nAnd with that collapse, you damage your employee’s mental health, workplace culture, customer relationships, and ability to remain competitive.\nRoughly [83% of software engineers](https://haystack-books.s3.amazonaws.com/Study+to+understand+the+impact+of+COVID-19+on+Software+Engineers+-+Full+Report.pdf) have experienced burnout. A rate that has been increasing since the start of the pandemic.\n\nIf your business is going to maintain momentum, you need to know how to identify developer burnout, and you need systems in place to prevent it.\n\nWe explore both below.\n\n## Why Is Burnout Common Among Software Developers\n\nThe Mayo Clinic notes that jobs with heavy workloads, long hours, and minimal work-life balance where employees feel like they have little or no control over their work lead to burnout. \n\nIt gets worse when employees have unclear job expectations, dysfunctional workplace dynamics, and a lack of social support.\n\nThese conditions are often the same conditions developers face.\n\nDemand for technical solutions is increasing exponentially. In fact, [46% of software engineers](https://checkmarx.com/blog/developer-pulse-check-coding-amidst-covid19-one-year-later/) say they’re expected to build applications faster than before the pandemic.\n\nThere are talent shortages, limited budgets, and rising backlogs that put added pressure on developers. As a result, [IT departments are overwhelmed](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/). \n\nMeanwhile, developers have to work within IT parameters and navigate company bureaucracy to deliver results.\n\nAll this pressure forces developers to sacrifice their well-being or miss deadlines. Unfortunately, this leads to fatigue and takes a toll on overall performance.\n\nBesides, professional developers also face constant pressure to stay current on new technologies. [They must continuously up skill](https://www.infoq.com/articles/developer-learning-imperative/) as the industry changes constantly.\n\nAdd to that the emergence of AI, the fallout from the pandemic, and remote work blurring the boundaries between professional life and personal life, and it’s clear to see how developers are at high risk for burnout.\n\n## Signs and Symptoms of Software Engineer Burnout\n\nSymptoms of burnout among software developers include loss of interest in routine activities, decreased cognition, and a general feeling of self-doubt.\n\nIn fact, [80% of developers](https://codingmindfully.com/the-software-developer-burnout-survey-2019-2020/) claim the main burnout symptom is a general lack of energy to work and complete coding projects.\n\nA loss of interest in programming itself is a **red flag**. \n\n[Most developers are passionate](https://codegym.cc/groups/posts/672-why-do-people-love-coding-explaining-the-passion-for-profession) about the work they do. They enjoy building applications. If that passion fades, it can make developers feel as though they’re going through the motions.\n\nA general disinterest in coding can also lead to disinterest in other areas.\n \nDevelopers may be unable to collaborate or enjoy the company of co-workers. They may even start complaining about work, negatively impacting those around them. \n\nAs a result, they may distance themselves from others. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, intensifying their burnout.\n\n### Side Effects of Burnout on Software Engineers\n\nDeveloper burnout can cause havoc on your teams and throughout your organization. Knowing how to identify it can help you take action before it negatively impacts your business. \n\n**Software developers experiencing burnout are more likely to:**\n- Miss deadlines\n- Work inefficiently\n- Produce more errors\n- Innovate less\n- Miss opportunities\n- Negatively impact others\n- Quit\n\nDevelopers with a healthy work-life balance are optimistic about the work they do. And they look for opportunities to innovate and grow. \n\nBurnt-out developers struggle to keep up. Work feels like a punishment rather than an opportunity. Once they hit this mindset, it’s only a matter of time before they leave.\n\nThe side effects impact their personal lives, too. Software developers experiencing burnout are at an increased risk for anxiety and depression. \n\n## Does Working From Home Increase Burnout?\n\nWhether or not burnout is work for remote workers depends on the individual.\n\nSome people enjoy working from home because [they’re more productive](https://www.greatplacetowork.com/resources/blog/remote-work-productivity-study-finds-surprising-reality-2-year-study). They also save time by not having to commute every day. And it can be easier to do certain activities, like go to the gym or raise a family. \n\nHowever, it can be harder for remote workers to [separate work from their personal life](https://www.charityjob.co.uk/careeradvice/keep-work-and-home-life-separate/). Boundaries can blur. And in some cases, there may be more interruptions at home.\n\nFor others, an office setting works better. It can provide stable and secure IT infrastructure. And it’s easy to collaborate with others. Plus, the commute can give time to ramp up focus before work or wind down after work.\n\nBut, there can be more interruptions with how accessible team members are in office settings. Additionally, everyone has [different times of the day](https://priceonomics.com/when-does-work-actually-get-done/) when they are the most productive.\n\n## How to Reduce Burnout for Software Engineers\n\nBurnout among software engineers not only affects individuals but can also impact their companies.\n\nIn fact, a Gallup study indicated that burnout decreases productivity, costing companies [$322 billion annually](https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace-2022-report.aspx). Ultimately, it’s in everyone’s best interest to tackle burnout head-on.\n\nHere’s how you can reduce burnout in your organization.\n\n### 1. Promote Healthy Habits\n\nMaintaining healthy habits is key to preventing burnout among your developers. \n\nThey don’t need to be drastic changes, either. Even small, incremental changes can make a profound, positive impact over time.\n\nFor instance, sitting for long periods [can be harmful](https://okanagan.mcmaster.ca/importance-of-movement-while-at-the-office/) to your developers. That’s why it’s important to move around instead of sitting at your desk for prolonged periods. \n\nTo offset this, you can encourage your team to take short breaks to stretch, go for a short walk, exercise, or even do a few small yoga moves.\n\nThese techniques can help achieve a sense of mental clarity and well-being. They get the blood flowing, clear the mind, and make it easier to focus on new tasks.\n\n### 2. Underscore Work-Life Balance\n\nOne of the issues that developers face is [working overtime](https://alcor-bpo.com/your-own-rd-office-news/work-life-balance-for-a-software-engineer/), which often leads to possible burnout and impacts their work-life balance.\n\nAs a leader, encourage your developers to cultivate time management skills and prioritize their daily tasks. Set clear boundaries so they don’t stretch beyond their official working hours.\n\nSome team members may take on more tasks, sacrificing their paid time off (PTO). However, this leads to negative health consequences.\n\nMake sure your developers take their time off and use their vacation days. [And offer resources](https://www.dri.org/dri-for-life/work-life-balance) to help them understand how work-life balance can impact their overall well-being and success.\n\n### 3. Provide Support\n\nYou should establish a supportive environment for your developers. This will make your team feel less alone, reducing instances of burnout. \n\n**You can do this by:**\n- Setting clearly defined, achievable goals for your team\n- Providing the resources your team needs to work effectively\n- Promoting diversity and inclusion\n- Recognizing successes and using failures as learning opportunities\n- Establishing clear, open communication with leadership \n- Giving your team a chance to share ideas\n- Organizing team-building activities both inside and outside of work\n\nBe careful when organizing team events. If done incorrectly, [they can negatively impact](https://teambuilding.com/blog/disadvantages-of-team-building) your business.\n\nHowever, you can create a supportive community built on shared interests that provides a safe space for your developers with the right approach. \n\n### 4. Listen to Your Team\n\nThere’s a possibility that your developers may be going through burnout but aren’t communicating their concerns with you.\n\nWhen leading a team of software engineers, one of the things you can always do better is to [listen to your team](https://hbr.org/2021/12/how-to-become-a-better-listener). Create an open line of communication. And encourage your team to share their ideas, views, frustrations, anxieties, and difficulties.\n\nGive your team members the tools to voice their opinions. If they’re stressed and unclear about the steps needed to recover, assist them in planning their daily work routine.\n\n[Build a ramp-up plan](https://www.business2community.com/human-resources/hit-the-ground-running-create-a-new-hire-ramp-up-plan-02226923) together and adjust their workload where possible.\n\nFollow up after every few weeks to ensure things are improving. Remember, your role should be to support their journey. Not drive it.\n\n### 5. Give Teams Time to Learn\n\nFor developers, upskilling is key to growth and success. If their work becomes repetitive or less challenging, they may not feel motivated to complete it.\n\n[33% of tech employees](https://www.devprojournal.com/software-development-trends/training/how-upskilling-leads-to-happier-more-loyal-employees/) will leave their existing jobs if they don’t get enough skill development opportunities. Lack of upskilling also impacts productivity and can create bottlenecks in production and delivery systems.\n\nSend a clear message to your employees that you want to invest in their skills and build long-term relationships. Give them the right resources and training opportunities to support their skill-building goals.\n\n### 6. Train Managers to Identify and Prevent Burnout\n\nEmployees often hesitate to express dissatisfaction, even when experiencing burnout. That's why it’s critical to train managers on spotting the symptoms and addressing the root causes.\n\n**Train your managers to:**\n- Engage with employees and understand their concerns\n- Work with team members and solve their issues\n- Identify opportunities to organize work that benefits the employee and organization\n- Build a work-life alignment model for employees to prevent burnout\n\nManagers must also be realistic about task expectations and allocation. Micromanaging and a lack of autonomy will only do more harm than good.\n\nBy taking preventative measures, your frontline managers will remain well-equipped to address burnout before it spirals out of control.\n\n### 7. Enforce Time Off\n\nWhile taking time off is a personal decision, this is not always the case for developers. The pursuit of perfection can cause developers to push themselves to the point of burnout.\n\nThis is why enforcing time-off policies is essential.\n\nEmphasize the importance of taking breaks. Educate your employees on how it can help them avoid burnout. And maintain their productivity in the long run.\n\nBesides, you can also offer your employees various opportunities to recharge, such as vacations and mental health days. \n\nBy prioritizing employee well-being, you’ll create a supportive work environment that benefits both the employees and your organization.\n\n### 8. Reduce Work in Progress (WIP)\n\nExpecting an extensive Work in Progress (WIP) backlog can mentally exhaust developers.\n\nToo many open tasks can create confusion, drive scope creep, and lead developers to miss deadlines. As a leader, you can reduce this complexity with the right resources and processes.\n\nInstead of letting WIP run wild, [you need to control it](https://www.pmi.org/disciplined-agile/controlling-work-in-process-wip). \n\nFor example, you can use a [Kanban Board](https://www.atlassian.com/agile/kanban/boards) that organizes the projects and individual tasks to prevent your team members from scratching their heads.\n\nYou should also set rules that prevent developers from feeling pressured by WIP backlogs. This will empower developers to focus on critical tasks without worrying about other issues.\n\n### 9. Encourage Innovation\n\nSoftware engineers are creative people. Without a culture of learning and growth, they’re likely to feel stuck and unmotivated with their current roles.\n\nUnleash your team’s potential by encouraging your software engineers to explore new ideas. \n\n[Trust your team](https://www.mindtools.com/aqdolgk/building-trust-inside-your-team). And give them the autonomy to pursue their ideas. Set up rapid prototyping and experimentation processes to allow developers to try out novel ideas at minimum cost.\n\nAt the same time, give your team room to fail. Ensure they won’t be punished if an idea fails to meet expectations. And maintain transparency, so your team can learn and grow from failure.\n\n### 10. Automate Tasks\n\nDevelopers often need to carry out complex tasks that demand a high cognitive load. These tasks may include building new features, identifying security vulnerabilities, testing, and maintenance. \n\nAt the same time, there are numerous repetitive, low-value tasks in the development process. These tasks wear down your team, waste their time, and add stress. [Automate them](https://quandarycg.com/5-examples-of-successful-workflow-optimization/).\n\nThe best way to identify these tasks is to map out your workflows. Work with your team to identify slowdowns. And then build solutions that [streamline these processes](https://quandarycg.com/process-improvement-cut-waste-and-improve-business-efficiency/).\n\n### 11. Reflect and Improve Processes with AI\n\nWhile working on eliminating redundancies and bottlenecks, your team can also identify ways to improve processes using AI.\n\nThere is a goldmine of AI tools like [Github Copilot](https://github.com/features/copilot), [OpenAI Codex](https://openai.com/blog/openai-codex), [Intellicode](https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/services/intellicode/), and more. These tools can help you rethink your approach to work while helping you complete tasks faster. \n\n[88% of developers](https://github.blog/2022-09-07-research-quantifying-github-copilots-impact-on-developer-productivity-and-happiness/) stated they were more productive using AI tools to complete work. And they were able to complete tasks 55% faster.\n\n### 12. Reduce Scope Creep\n\nRevisions from customers and additional work for developers are unavoidable in any project. However, they can lead to continuous scope creep if not managed properly.\n\nTo avoid this, ensure the project requirements have clear documentation. [Set up change control processes](https://asana.com/resources/change-control-process) and create a well-defined project schedule that teams must follow.\n\nYou can also explore the scope of extra funding and resources from your client to evenly distribute and manage your team's workload.\n\n### 13. Encourage Collaboration and Team Bonding\n\nSitting at a desk for prolonged hours and working in isolation can also impact the morale of your developers.\n\nBuilding an environment where all the team members remain engaged and find the workplace enjoyable is essential. Only through a collaborative environment can you achieve better productivity and reduce the likelihood of employee burnout.\n\nOne of the ways you can achieve a cohesive team is through team-building activities. LAN games and [programming marathons](https://beecrowd.io/en/blog/programming-marathons/) are excellent ways to bond through healthy competition.\n\nRemember, these initiatives must be interactive and memorable. They should be interesting for everyone to participate in. Otherwise, you may discourage some team members.\n\n### 14. Outsource Development\n\nYour team doesn’t have to manage everything internally. In fact, it often becomes more expensive to manage all your development needs in-house.\n\nWhether you have a [shortage of programmers](https://quandarycg.com/programmer-shortage/), limited internal resources, or your team lacks experience designing certain platforms, consider outsourcing application development. \n\nBy working with [expert application developers](https://quandarycg.com/quandary-build/), you can quickly build the apps you need to drive results in your business without burning out your team.\n\n### 15. Use Low Code to Scale App Development\n\nSoftware developers need a force multiplier in the face of [increasingly difficult](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-statistics/) conditions.\n\nRising costs, developer shortages, and internal pressures to [work around security procedures](https://quandarycg.com/shadow-IT-statistics/) stress developers and push them toward burnout.\n\nInstead of building applications from scratch, you should consider low-code development.\n\n[With low code tools](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-guide/), your team can build applications in a drag-and-drop interface. This makes it easier for your developers to build high-quality applications in a fraction of the time.\n\nAs a result, they can quickly catch up on the backlog.\n\n### 16. Embrace Citizen Development\n\n[Citizen developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developers-in-construction-pros-and-cons/) are employees trained on low code tools. These tech-savvy teammates can create simple business applications, integrations, and automations that fit their needs. \n\nCitizen development programs [accelerate digital transformations](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-digital-transformation/). Rather than submit tickets for simple IT tasks, wait for approval, review the build, suggest updates, and test the completed solution (all interfering with priority IT tasks), Citizen developers can quickly build the solutions they need. After, IT reviews the apps to ensure compliance.\n\nThis reduces IT backlog while giving developers more time to focus on mission-critical tasks, reducing burnout.\n\nIncreasingly, more businesses are building citizen developer programs to reduce the pressures on IT while delivering on increasing customer expectations.\n\n## Reduce Developer Burnout in Your Organization\n\nOften, the easiest way to reduce developer burnout in your organization is to outsource development. \n\nWhether you’re looking to reduce your IT backlog or stand up a citizen developer program, Quandary Consulting Group can help you.\n\nWe’re a team of low-code developers who build custom applications and integrations designed to help businesses stay competitive. \n\n[Get in touch](https://quandarycg.com/contact/) with us to learn more.\n\nOr check out the results of our work below:\n\n\n\n","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-b8a37349-03f9-5183-b517-259d849c2005","title":"18 Proven Ways to Expedite Software Development ","_createdAt":"2023-04-21T05:44:09Z","publishedAt":"2023-04-21T03:43:25.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/c43d340594d7c2885ec2924cbc013d6442cb2b06-1125x750.jpg?w=1125&h=750&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/c43d340594d7c2885ec2924cbc013d6442cb2b06-1125x750.jpg?rect=0,1,1125,749&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/c43d340594d7c2885ec2924cbc013d6442cb2b06-1125x750.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/c43d340594d7c2885ec2924cbc013d6442cb2b06-1125x750.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/c43d340594d7c2885ec2924cbc013d6442cb2b06-1125x750.jpg?rect=1,0,1124,750&w=1024&h=683&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/c43d340594d7c2885ec2924cbc013d6442cb2b06-1125x750.jpg?w=1125&h=750&auto=format 1125w","sizes":"(min-width: 1125px) 1125px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1125,"height":750,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/c43d340594d7c2885ec2924cbc013d6442cb2b06-1125x750.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"how-to-speed-up-software-development"},"body":"It has never been more important to build applications quickly. Covid accelerated digital transformation for many businesses. To keep up, businesses need digital solutions.\n\nUnfortunately, application development can turn into an excruciatingly long process. And the longer it takes to build apps, the more expensive they get. Worse, you could end up missing opportunities or making an application that’s no longer relevant. \n\nAll of these increase the risk to your business, damage customer relationships, and burn your resources. \n\nInstead, you must speed up the software development process to meet your business's and the market's constantly changing needs.\n\nTo help get your team on track, we’ll point out what slows down software development and how you can radically speed it up.\n\n## What Slows Down Software Development\n\n[Software development](https://quandarycg.com/business-application-development-growth/) is a complex process where many things can go wrong, slowing down the process. Identifying these slowdowns will help you adjust to create business applications faster.\n\n### Scope Creep\n\nIn software development, change is inevitable. \n\nProject requirements change often. Markets shift, causing new demands. Teams ask for additional functionalities. Users can stack on additional requests.\n\nThis can all happen without warning.\n\nScope creep occurs when there is no systematic procedure for dealing with changing requirements after your team starts a project. If your team doesn’t manage it properly, it can cause issues such as budgeting and delivery delays.\n\nIn fact, a [PMI survey](https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/learning/thought-leadership/pulse/pulse-of-the-profession-2017.pdf) noted that half of all projects suffer from scope creep. Only 57% get completed within the allocated budget. And only 51% get completed on time.\n\n### Human Factors\n\nHumans are complex entities. They do not work like machines.\n\nFactors such as competing priorities, distractions, long working hours, and personality clashes can slow the development process and delay delivery.\n\nLooking into these factors and acquiring highly skilled and enthusiastic engineers can relieve you of uncertainties regarding timely delivery.\n\n### Code Quality\n\nWriting high-quality code requires time. You have two options: develop fast or develop well. Either way, you’re working within a deadline.\n\nCompromising the quality of code to develop it faster won’t help. If you do so, problems will likely occur later in the stage, eventually costing you more time, effort, and money.\n\nTools like low-code (which we will discuss later) can help you get both: high-quality code quickly. \n\n### Competing Priorities\n\nEverything in a project may seem important and has a high priority.\n\nHowever, deciding which tasks to prioritize is vital for the success of your project, team involvement, and your role as a good manager. Plus, it'll [save you time and resources](https://quandarycg.com/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/).\n\nTo manage priorities, you must clearly define goals and objectives and have a two-way communication channel with team members during the project lifecycle.\n\n### Workplace Culture\n\nWorkplace culture affects the way employees work. As per the [Global Culture Research Report](https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/trends-and-forecasting/research-and-surveys/Documents/SHRM%202022%20Global%20Culture%20Report.pdf) by SHRM, about 45% of employees have considered resigning due to poor work culture.\n\n[It’s very common](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/) in the IT space.\n\nA positive workplace motivates employees to achieve goals efficiently and complete projects on time. In contrast, a negative workplace with poor leadership, community engagement, and communication can cause [employee burnout](https://quandarycg.com/programmer-shortage/), delays, and loss of resources.\n\n### Development Team\n\nOnly great development teams can build great software.\n\nThe dev team’s performance is one of the primary elements affecting the project's direction. Factors that could [negatively affect team performance](https://www.smarttask.io/blog/factors-affecting-employee-performance) include lack of communication, mutual support, common goals, coordination, cohesion, trust, and diversity.\n\nThe manager’s task is to deal with these aspects and lead the team toward timely software delivery. You can do this by setting up clearly defined processes, implementing effective project management, and upskilling your team.\n\n## 18 Ways to Speed Up Software Development\n\nTo stay competitive, businesses need digital solutions. And they need them fast. As such, demand for development will only increase. To match that demand, you need speed. \n\nHere’s how you get it. \n\n### 1. Start with the Data\n\nThe quality of the software development depends on the quality of the data. You can only improve what you can measure.\n\n[Data-Driven Decision-making (DDDM)](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-data-driven-decision-making-magnusmageltd) requires you to collect data, analyze it, and convert it into relevant metrics. Afterward, you need to base your decisions on these insights.\n\nSetting goals and introducing solutions based on the metrics will speed up the development process and decrease time spent on repetitive tasks.\n\n**The benefits of DDDM include:**\n\n- A more agile process\n- Improved task prioritization\n- Improved efficiency and performance\n- Reduced risks, delays, and costs\n\n### 2. Plan Thoroughly\n\nYou cannot ignore the significance of a [detailed project plan](https://miro.com/aq/ps/templates/project-planning/?). \n\nA systematic plan for software development entails smooth working of the team since they clearly understand the goals and deliverables.\n\nA thorough project plan boosts success rates, saves money, optimizes resources, enhances team communication, allows easy tracking of progress, and ensures on-time delivery.\n\n### 3. Establish a Clear Roadmap\n\nOnce the plan is in place, the next step is to [devise a project roadmap](https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/tips-for-project-roadmap) by consulting with the team. \n\nA project roadmap visually represents goals, milestones, deliverables, assigned resources, and schedules. It provides an overview of the project without going into the minute details.\n\nThis roadmap serves as a reminder of the overall vision and goals of the project. It also helps convey information visually to the stakeholders and investors. In addition, it allows them to understand better the strategic milestones achieved and track progress.\n\nIf the entire team is aware of the roadmap, there will be fewer roadblocks that slow down software development.\n\n### 4. Use Smaller Teams\n\nAn efficient way to meet deadlines is to divide a large team into smaller groups.\n\nDoing so will enhance information sharing and collaboration among members, resulting in faster completion of work. Using [smaller teams](https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/get-things-done-with-smaller-teams/) leads to faster iteration and more innovation, providing a competitive advantage to companies.\n\nStudies show that small teams make decisions quickly, have few communication issues, and demonstrate higher productivity. Large teams develop, while small teams disrupt.\n\n### 5. Prioritize Tasks and Reduce Work in Progress\n\nWith goals and objectives clearly defined, it is much easier to prioritize tasks and limit the number of simultaneous tasks performed by the developers. \n\n[Multitasking is a myth](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/08/16/the-myth-of-multitasking-in-a-hybrid-world/?sh=c95c8726b62d). The reality is that too many ongoing tasks will overwhelm the developers and decrease their productivity.\n\nA great way to avoid assigning several tasks to a developer is using the Kanban Board. It is a tool that teams can use to visualize tasks, optimize WIP (work-in-progress), and achieve high productivity.\n\nThe core elements of a Kanban Board are cards and columns. \n\nEach card holds data about the task. Each column represents the stage the work has reached. For instance, the stages can be Waiting, In-Progress, and Completed.\n\nThe cards move from one column to the next where a task has reached. Focusing only on the ‘in-progress’ tasks will make developers less distracted and work faster.\n\n### 6. Outsource Development\n\nAnother way to speed up development is [outsourcing development](https://quandarycg.com/quandary-build/) to external teams. Having an in-house IT team might be tempting since it allows full development process control. \n\nBut it has its downsides too.\n\nFor huge enterprises, the number of ongoing projects is also large. While for smaller companies, there is the problem of funding the IT staff. In any case, it's expensive to recruit and maintain an IT team large enough to satisfy the growing needs of your business.\n\n**Instead, outsourcing development can provide you with several benefits as follows:**\n\n- Savings in time and expenditure\n- Faster time-to-market\n- Scaling the Business\n- Access to the best professionals and technology advancements\n- Focus on core strategies\n- Higher flexibility\n- Broader perspectives\n\n### 7. Eliminate Unnecessary Meetings\n\n_\"If you had to identify in one word the reason why the human race has not achieved and never will achieve its full potential, that word would be 'meetings.”_ – Dave Barry.\n\nNobody loves meetings. \n\nMeetings are unnecessary. They hinder development by killing quality and productivity. Moreover, excessive meetings demoralize team members by wasting their valuable time.\n\nIn fact, [83% of executives](https://hbr.org/2017/07/stop-the-meeting-madness) believed meetings are unproductive. US professionals agree they are the “number one office productivity killer.”\n\nThere are [better alternatives](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/10/28/5-alternatives-to-having-a-meeting/?sh=2643a651dacf) to meetings that you can use, such as emails, project management tools, brainstorming sessions, short explainer videos, and organic gatherings.\n\n### 8. Communicate Expectations Regularly and Clearly\n\nEffective communication is key to the success of any project. As a manager, you can save time by clearly communicating expectations to your team members.\n\nIn case you don’t, you risk misinterpretations, delays, and low individual engagement. It'll give you a headache to explain the goals at a later stage, and the speed of development will suffer anyway.\n\nA [Gallup study](https://www.gallup.com/workplace/391922/employee-engagement-slump-continues.aspx) found that one of the primary reasons for the dip in employee engagement (only 34% felt engaged) from early 2021 to 2022 was the lack of clarity of expectations and responsibilities.\n\nClear expectations are highly beneficial since they eliminate uncertainties, give employees confidence and freedom, make work less stressful, increase involvement, and improve overall communication.\n\n### 9. Document Development in Detail\n\nDocumenting every project from the onset is a surefire way to ensure a smooth and efficient development process.\n\n[Poor documentation](https://cds.cern.ch/record/383260/files/p135.pdf) wastes 64% of your team’s time. They’re more likely to misunderstand needs, forcing them to rewrite existing code later. Even worse, it reduces your time and budget for developing new features.\n\nOn the other hand, good documentation will help you manage the project efficiently, keep track of its progress, and enable easy onboarding of new members.\n\nThorough documentation facilitates a clear understanding of requirements and effective communication among team members and stakeholders.\n\n### 10. Test Early and Often\n\nToday, testing is no longer a process carried out at the end. Not only will you risk detecting blunders (not errors) at a later stage, costing you a fortune, but it will also increase your time-to-market.\n\nYou must perform software testing along with the development to speed up the QA process. This will allow you to build quality software in less time.\n\nOne of the ways you can do this is by automating the testing. Automated testing tools allow you to run tests with automatic regression without doing repetitive tasks manually. It'll save you time which you can use to build new features.\n\n### 11. Don’t Cut Corners on Quality\n\nAlthough cutting corners on quality to speed up software development may be tempting, this practice will cost you dearly, as you’ll spend time rewriting code and solving errors.\n\nYou must use [software quality assurance](https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/software-quality-assurance/) (SQA) throughout the project lifecycle to detect errors early on and save time and money.\n\n**SQA offers the following benefits:**\n\n- Client satisfaction\n- Secure product\n- Maintains developer and client reputation\n- Provides a competitive advantage\n\n### 12. Implement CI/CD Pipelines\n\n[Continuous Integration](https://aws.amazon.com/devops/continuous-integration/) (CI) is an approach where every team member instantly uploads the changes made to the code several times a day to a shared repository everyone can access. \n\nEach time your team uploads the changes, automatic build and integration occur. This allows early error detection in the pipeline.\n\n[Continuous Delivery](https://continuousdelivery.com/) (CD) is a practice that allows developers to build code in short iterations and release the software more frequently and in less time. \n\nContrary to the common belief that frequent releases compromise on quality, CD combined with automated testing can deliver quality services faster.\n\n**The CI/CD pipeline strategy of software development has several benefits:**\n\n- Reduced time to market\n- Automated and low-risk releases\n- Better quality\n- Savings on cost\n- Happier and more productive teams\n\n### 13. Avoid Burnout\n\nBurnout among employees has been one of the biggest causes of turnover since the pandemic and has resulted in the Great Resignation phenomenon. \n\nAs per the [State of the Global Workplace: 2022 Report](https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=gallup_access_branded&utm_term=&gclid=Cj0KCQjw54iXBhCXARIsADWpsG-dvSXXa2CHuDpQAysF3ES20y1fYBEQb3EycTtImjIUtnsDfi7I5lYaAsPtEALw_wcB#ite-393248) by Gallup, a whopping 60% of employees feel disengaged and burnt out at work due to long working hours. Decades of studies have shown that working more than 45 hours a week decreases productivity.\n\nDue to extensive workloads, employees have become increasingly difficult to manage a work-life balance. \n\nAs a manager, you must allow your team members to work fewer hours. Create an environment of well-being and promote engagement and shared accountability. \n\nAutomating menial tasks and [improving workflows is key](https://quandarycg.com/5-examples-of-successful-workflow-optimization/). The less time your team wastes, the more time they have to complete work within manageable hours. \n\nYou can also use [citizen developers](https://quandarycg.com/how-citizen-development-supports-it/) to take the extra work pressure off of your IT team. (More on this later.)\n\n### 14. Use Agile Methodologies\n\nThe [agile approach](https://www.techtarget.com/searchsoftwarequality/definition/agile-software-development) encompasses flexible methods and practical strategies to build the software faster. An agile method requires quick iterations, which involve releasing parts of the software quickly and in short durations.\n\nChange management also becomes easier due to shorter iterations. Since the stakeholders remain involved in every phase, delays accompanied by changes reduce considerably.\n\n**Some of the benefits of the agile approach are:**\n\n- More collaboration and stakeholder engagement\n- High-quality product\n- Better change and risk management\n- Faster return on investments\n\n### 15. Avoid Technical Debt\n\nTechnical debt is the negative outcome of choosing a suboptimal coding approach that prioritizes time over quality. In the long term, poor code will be a reason for more complex issues and delays in delivery.\n\nOnly use suboptimal code when necessary. And never forget to refactor it as per the original plan. Measure technical debt in the number of errors and failed CI and CD.\n\nOther ways to prevent or reduce technical debt are: creating a plan to reduce debts, using standardized codes, automating testing, trusting the personnel, and using issue trackers and management tools.\n\n[Managing technical debt](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-statistics/) can get expensive, so you want to be mindful of this.\n\n### 16. Automate Processes\n\nWhile it may not be possible to automate the entire software development process, you can use several automation tools to streamline the process and develop the product faster.\n\nUse those tools to automate as many processes as possible. \n\nFor example, use shared repositories for automated delivery, automated testing tools, communication tools, project management tools, etc.\n\n### 17. Use Low Code\n\nUnlike traditional coding, a low-code approach empowers users to build applications faster. Users need minimal coding knowledge. Instead, they can drag and drop prefabricated snippets of code together to create high-quality applications quickly. \n\n[Low-code applications like QuickBase](https://quandarycg.com/what-is-quick-base/) use visual interfaces to make application development easier. As a result, developers can use these tools to scale their output. \n\nAll without sacrificing quality.\n\nBecause these tools scale outputs, it’s possible for smaller IT teams to compete with enterprise-level organizations without expanding their teams. \n\n### 18. Use Citizen Developers\n\n[Citizen developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-pros-cons/) are business users (full-time employees) who, while tech-savvy, aren’t necessarily software developers. Instead, they’re FTEs trained on low-code tools. As a result, they can use these tools to build simple integrations, automation, and applications. \n\nThis allows businesses to delegate low-level software development. Ultimately, this frees up developer bandwidth to focus on high-priority tasks. \n\nThe key to success is having [proper frameworks](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-framework/) and governance for your citizen developers. Done properly, your team can leverage citizen developers to build applications faster using low-code or no-code tools. \n\nAnd with labor costs rising, customer demands increasing exponentially, and the [developer shortage](https://quandarycg.com/programmer-shortage/) continuing for some time, citizen developers offer a simple solution.\n\nAs a business leader, you can use citizen developers to satisfy increasing application demands with a low budget and faster delivery time.\n\n## Accelerate Your Development Process with Quandary\n\nSpeeding up the development process is key to succeeding in today’s competitive business market. Scaling operations, reducing costs, increasing your team’s efficiency, improving customer satisfaction, and staying competitive—all achievable with technical solutions.\n\nUnfortunately, businesses struggle to keep up. \n\nTraditional application development is expensive and time-consuming. In the end, you burn through resources and miss opportunities.\n\nWhile there are several things you can do to speed up the process, to make truly measurable gains, you need low-code tools and citizen developers. \n\nAt Quandary Consulting Group, we’re a team of low-code specialists helping businesses get the most out of their citizen development initiatives.\n\nWhether you need help building low-code applications or you want to deploy and govern a citizen development program, we’re here to help you.\n\n[Get in touch](https://quandarycg.com/contact/) with us to learn more.\n\nOr, check out our results below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-b663c498-2022-5705-b48e-543cf4d85fac","title":"Workplace Agility: The Best Way to Grow Your Business","_createdAt":"2023-04-21T02:48:51Z","publishedAt":"2023-04-20T16:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0ab9903dd38d70615f4836cf3eec4a0517330b5d-1125x750.png?w=1125&h=750&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0ab9903dd38d70615f4836cf3eec4a0517330b5d-1125x750.png?rect=0,1,1125,749&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0ab9903dd38d70615f4836cf3eec4a0517330b5d-1125x750.png?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0ab9903dd38d70615f4836cf3eec4a0517330b5d-1125x750.png?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0ab9903dd38d70615f4836cf3eec4a0517330b5d-1125x750.png?rect=1,0,1124,750&w=1024&h=683&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0ab9903dd38d70615f4836cf3eec4a0517330b5d-1125x750.png?w=1125&h=750&auto=format 1125w","sizes":"(min-width: 1125px) 1125px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1125,"height":750,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/png;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0ab9903dd38d70615f4836cf3eec4a0517330b5d-1125x750.png"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"agility-in-the-workplace"},"body":"The need for businesses to [pursue digital transformation](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-digital-transformation/) continues to increase. Accelerated by the pandemic, businesses need ways to streamline workflows and processes so their teams have more time to think and work strategically.\n\nWhile digital solutions are a vital component of successful digital transformations, workplace agility is also critical.\n\n**Unfortunately, businesses struggle to set up a truly agile workplace.**\n\nDone right, workplace agility creates an environment that optimizes productivity and profitability. And paired with digital solutions, you create a truly competitive business.\n\nTo get there, you need a clear roadmap with goals. And you need to understand the benefits of workplace agility to inspire your transition. \n\nLet’s dive into it.\n\n## What Is the Goal of Workplace Agility?\nWorkplace agility focuses on providing an enabling environment for employees. This environment allows teams to work more efficiently, collaborate better, and be more productive. All while reducing stress and obstacles to growth. \n\nWorkplace agility aims to simplify business processes and reduce inefficiencies so the organization can better adapt to change. As a result, a company can achieve goals faster, inspire team members, and improve customer satisfaction.\n\nWorkplace agility focuses on the _employees_. \n\nIt’s about reconfiguring the workplace environment to better support success. Some changes are cultural. Others are technical. \n\nEither way, changes enable teams to access information better and enjoy a work-friendly atmosphere, which boosts productivity. \n\nThis environment allows organizations to make quick changes without derailing employee engagement, productivity, or customer satisfaction. \n\nEven better, agile companies are better positioned to recognize market shifts and business challenges (often before they arise). This improves business performance, creating a positive feedback loop that drives further agility and employee/customer satisfaction.\n\n## How to Establish Workplace Flexibility\nThe results are clear: agile companies experience a [20% - 30% increase](https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/enterprise-agility-buzz-or-business-impact) in their financial performance. \n\nBut implementing and supporting a flexible work environment isn’t always easy.\n\nHere are some actionable steps to get you started:\n\n### Hire the Right People\nThe human workforce is an integral part of a company's setup.\n\nHiring the wrong people leads to inefficiencies. Plus, it can negatively impact workplace culture. Worse, it can create a toxic or stagnant environment for the business.\n\n[Hiring the right people](https://articles.bplans.com/13-ways-to-ensure-you-always-hire-the-right-person/) leads to tangible results. But, it can be difficult. You can either do it yourself or outsource it to a Hiring Manager.\n\n**When hiring, be sure to:**\n\n- Determine the positions to fill.\n- Determine the qualities you need.\n- Write and post the job descriptions where applicants can see them.\n- Conduct interviews to find the best fit(s).\n- Onboard the selected applicants.\n\nWithout the right people, you’ll struggle to progress toward an agile workplace. The right people create a firm foundation for workplace agility to form.\n\n### Promote Influential Leaders\nChoosing employees with the right leadership traits encourages agility in the workplace.\n\nBad leaders are insensitive to the needs of the company and their coworkers. This leads to frustration, disunity, and [unhealthy competition](https://goskybound.com/unhealthy-and-healthy-competition/) among the staff.\n\nIt also leads to a drop in productivity.\n\nA leader is empathetic, responsible, and admits mistakes. They seek ways to progress the company and create an agile environment for other staffers.\n\n[Evaluating your team](https://trainingindustry.com/articles/leadership/a-managers-mini-guide-to-identifying-and-assessing-leadership-potential/) can help you identify candidates with leadership traits.\n\n### Allow Flexible Schedules\nAs of 2022, [16% of companies](https://www.zippia.com/advice/remote-work-statistics/) in the US are fully remote. And more employees crave remote work environments. In fact, [24% of employees](https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/workers-quit-employers-revoke-remote-work/) would agree to a pay cut of 10% - 20% if allowed to work remotely.\n\nOrganizations that don’t offer remote openings risk missing out on the best talent. If you don’t offer that kind of flexibility, your competitors might. \n\nAnd that puts you at a disadvantage.\n\nWorkplace agility and flexible hours also allow employees to choose their work hours. In short, they can work at the time of the day when they’re the most productive. \n\nUltimately, they can knock out work quicker, [achieve better results](https://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/digital-workers-say-flexibility-is-key-to-their-productivity), and still maintain a work-life balance. \n\nIf your business can function with remote workers, you should consider it. But that’s not always the case for certain types of businesses.\n\n### Collect Accurate Data\n[Without accurate data](https://www.safegraph.com/guides/why-accurate-data-is-important), it isn't easy to establish agility in your workplace. After all, your team cannot work efficiently if they’re working off inaccurate or dated insights. \n\nAccurate data provides you with the knowledge and experience to handle challenges better. With clear data, your team can identify challenges early on (or before they arise). \n\nThis accelerates their productivity, enhances their results, and improves customer satisfaction. Those results from feedback back into your business culture, fueling further improvements that impact agility.\n\n### Inspire Innovation\n\nThe most successful businesses inspire innovation. Innovation means evolution. It’s key to remaining competitive. And a business either evolves or dies.\n\nThere is no middle ground.\n\nChallenge your employees to develop and share (new) ideas with their colleagues.\n\nTo achieve this, [put ego aside](https://hbr.org/2002/08/inspiring-innovation) and assure your workers that you value their ideas. Encourage them to speak up without fear of criticism.\n\nThis creates a sense of belonging and boosts their ego. They believe they're capable of wonderful innovation. As a result, they’re motivated to do more.\n\n### Embrace Failure\nSuccess isn't achieved without failure.\n\nCreating agility in your workplace means your team needs to embrace the possibility of failure and the lessons it provides.\n\n**Here's how:**\n\n- Accept that failure is part of the process.\n- Encourage feedback.\n- Be transparent with losses.\n- Reflect on failures and underscore learning opportunities.\n- Discuss challenges and solutions openly.\n- Set soft repercussions for failed experiments.\n\nEmbracing failure creates creativity, builds confidence, and increases productivity. All of which are key to maintaining an agile workplace.\n\n### Promote Employee Empowerment\nEmployee empowerment means giving your team the right resources to carry out tasks.\n\nIt promotes independence of thought. And builds the trust your employees need to be incredibly productive.\n\nIt also involves establishing a hybrid workplace arrangement.\n\nThe employees, in turn, feel more responsible and accountable. As a result, they’re inspired to carry out their assignments diligently.\n\n**How to empower your employees:**\n\n- Trust your team to carry out tasks.\n- Inspire them to lead.\n- Emphasize clear communication.\n- Pay for them to attend capacity-building workshops.\n- Organize seminars to update them on new business developments.\n- Give them time to learn and grow.\n- Bring in outside thought leaders to share insights.\n\n### Emphasize Communication\nCommunication is key to an agile work environment.\n\nIt involves proper expression of thoughts between team members with ease and minimal confusion or misinterpretation.\n\nIneffective communication not only decreases productivity but also causes disharmony and hinders collaboration.\n\n[Effective communication](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/communication-benefits) gives each team member a voice. This increases the bond among team members.\n\nYou should have clear systems for communication among team members. Whether you use a project management tool, email, calls, or in-person meetings, there should be a system for tracking communication. \n\nAdditionally, everyone should know which channels to use for each type of communication.\n\nIdeally, collaborative tools like Slack, Asana, MS Teams, G Suite, or Basecamp can improve communication. But without systems, even the best tool can turn into a noisy, chaotic environment. \n\nThe last thing your agile team needs.\n\n### Listen to Your Team\nEmployees quit their jobs when they feel the employer doesn't listen to them.\n\nThis is a loss of human capital and decreases productivity.\n\n[82% of employees](https://smallbusiness.co.uk/employee-ideas-business-listening-2544393/) have better ideas for moving the company further. But many employees feel unheard at work.\n\nAs a leader, you need to listen if you want your teams to be agile.\n\n**How do you become a good listener?**\n\n- Request feedback from your team.\n- Take notes on ideas your team shares.\n- Give your team time to share their insights with you.\n- Run surveys to gather ideas.\n- Meet with team members 1-on-1.\n- Involve your employees in decision-making.\n\n### Nurture Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing\nTeamwork makes the dream work. Collaboration is key.\n\nLack of collaboration renders an agile team ineffective. It breeds unhealthy competition among teammates.\n\nTeam members who collaborated on tasks [stayed longer on the job 64%](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022103114000420?via%3Dihub) more than employees who didn't.\n\nMost workers in Europe and the USA [believe their teammates hoard knowledge](https://www.gallup.com/workplace/245999/weave-agility-throughout-corporate-culture.aspx). Ultimately, this means that the company doesn't use the best ideas to solve problems.\n\n**To foster team collaboration and knowledge sharing:**\n\n- Set goals for collaboration.\n- Get employees working together.\n- Create teams designed to promote strengths.\n- Organize off-work social activities that foster bonding.\n- Don’t pit employees against each other.\n- Reward teamwork.\n- Lead by example.\n\n### Leverage Low Code\nIn addition to workplace changes, your employees need the right tools. Otherwise, they’ll end up wasting time on menial processes. And that will negatively impact your overall business agility.\n\nThis is why so many organizations are transforming the way they do work.\n\nHowever, [the need for digital transformation](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-digital-transformation/) constantly burdens your software engineers and budget. This creates bottlenecks that reduce your organization’s ability to scale while limiting resources.\n\n[Low-code](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-guide/) tools tackle this problem.\n\nLow-code tools speed up application development by empowering users to build custom apps with prefabricated code snippets on an accessible user interface.\n\nIn short, you can drag and drop new applications into existence. \n\n[Within days or weeks](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-statistics/), your team can build custom applications at a fraction of the cost. Teams can integrate tools, automate systems, and create applications that speed up workflows and refine processes. \n\nBy [streamlining business processes](https://quandarycg.com/automating-workforce-management-with-low-code/), your team can save time and increase productivity. Instead of getting bogged down by menial tasks, they can automate systems and get more time to focus on high-level, strategic goals. \n\n### Embrace Citizen Development\nWhile speeding up the application development is key to remaining agile, it can still overburden IT teams and developers. \n\nCitizen development can reduce that burden. \n\n[Citizen developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-digital-transformation/) are tech-savvy employees who design apps using low-code/no-code tools. As business users, they leverage their unique work experience to build simple solutions. \n\nThey don’t replace IT teams and software engineers. \n\nInstead, they reduce your IT department's overload. As a result, they help reduce bottlenecks and free up IT backlog by tackling low-level development tasks.\n\n\nUltimately, IT teams get more time to focus on business-critical tasks. And citizen developers can create the exact tools they need to do their best work. \n\nCitizen development ensures collaboration among the staffers, driving workplace agility. \n\nBut, you need [a structured framework](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-framework/) to lead citizen developers properly. Otherwise, you’ll end up scaling inefficiencies while increasing risk and costs.\n\n## 5 Benefits of Workplace Agility\nAgile organizations are better positioned to succeed. If you’re on the fence about transforming your business into a more agile organization, here are 5 benefits to consider.\n\n### 1. Greater Employee Satisfaction\nA flexible environment improves job satisfaction since the employees set the working conditions. And there are clear benefits here: \n\n - **More Profitability:** Companies with a strong and positive work culture could see a [400% increase in revenue. ](https://teamstage.io/company-culture-statistics/#:~:text=6.-,94%25%20of%20entrepreneurs%20and%2088%25%20of%20job%20seekers%20say%20that,a%20400%25%20growth%20in%20revenue.)\n - **Reduced Employee Churn:** Agile organizations retain employees longer because they often feel more job satisfaction.\n - **Reduced Costs:** It costs businesses roughly [33% of a worker's annual salary](https://www.benefitnews.com/news/avoidable-turnover-costing-employers-big?brief=00000152-14a7-d1cc-a5fa-7cffccf00000&utm_content=socialflow&utm_campaign=ebnmagazine&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social) to replace an employee.\n - **Attract Better Talent:** Satisfied employees recommend their workplace to other employers and employees.\n\n### 2. Increases Productivity\nAgile teams are [25% more productive](http://www.deltamatrix.com/why-are-agile-teams-25-more-productive/) than their peers when given the same time and level of expertise.\n\nFlexibility enables a seamless environment where workers meet targets. It fosters collaboration, leading to better business processes and increased productivity.\n\n### 3. Faster Time to Market\nSpeed is the most important component to business profitability. The quicker you deliver your products, the more money you'll make, provided the quality is the same.\n\nAgility makes it easy for companies to get their products to market. It reduces the time delay between product creation and market entry.\n\nYour team can detect changes in market trends early and take necessary actions.\n\n### 4. Improved Profitability\nAgile businesses see a 25% increase in profits. This is because flexibility boosts confidence, motivating your workers to finish tasks.\n\nAgile teams have more time and energy to innovate and think strategically. They complete tasks faster, see better results, and use that feedback loop to drive more innovation. \n\nThis increases profitability. \n\n### 5. Increased Customer Satisfaction\nCustomer satisfaction is the focus of every business.\n\nAgility in the workplace prioritizes effective communication with customers. It also encourages customer feedback on the company's products and services.\n\nCustomer satisfaction generates word-of-mouth marketing for your business, driving more business. \n\nTo get there, you need agility. \n","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-3a6c7b06-a057-5dfc-bacb-65684ca663d8","title":"Citizen Development Best Practices","_createdAt":"2023-02-27T23:13:02Z","publishedAt":"2023-02-26T16:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a8caaae024d17603160ad2e05e5d470c17332d55-1125x750.webp?w=1125&h=750&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a8caaae024d17603160ad2e05e5d470c17332d55-1125x750.webp?rect=0,1,1125,749&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a8caaae024d17603160ad2e05e5d470c17332d55-1125x750.webp?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a8caaae024d17603160ad2e05e5d470c17332d55-1125x750.webp?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a8caaae024d17603160ad2e05e5d470c17332d55-1125x750.webp?rect=1,0,1124,750&w=1024&h=683&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a8caaae024d17603160ad2e05e5d470c17332d55-1125x750.webp?w=1125&h=750&auto=format 1125w","sizes":"(min-width: 1125px) 1125px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1125,"height":750,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a8caaae024d17603160ad2e05e5d470c17332d55-1125x750.webp"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"citizen-development-best-practices"},"body":"According to Statista, [70% of companies](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1269776/worldwide-organizations-talent-shortage-skills-tech/) still struggle to find professional developers for technical roles.\n\nThe IT shortage is a real challenge for businesses. \n\nIncreased demand, constant innovation, and rising costs have created an impossible situation for many businesses trying to stay competitive in a rapidly changing environment.\n\nCitizen developers [can help businesses overcome these challenges](https://quandarycg.com/programmer-shortage/), provided leadership takes the right approach to implement and govern these programs.\n\nTo keep your citizen development program from [spiraling into unchecked shadow IT](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-shadow-it/), you need the right approach. \n\nThis article highlights the best practices for implementing a citizen development program, so you get the most out of your citizen developers. \n\n\n## 1. Get Buy-in From Leadership\n\nStrong leadership buy-in is essential for any new technology or citizen development program to be successful. Without buy-in, your citizen development initiative will unravel. \n\n**To ensure success, you should:**\n- Educate yourself on the value of no-code applications and citizen development, so you understand how these tools and techniques will change your organization.\n- Seek input from IT to understand the challenges of launching, governing, and supporting citizen developers.\n- Define clear roles for citizen developers and IT teams to reduce confusion and conflict. \n- Involve business leaders in the decision-making process while leading with the benefits of citizen development.\n\n\n[Studies show](https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JBIM-03-2017-0068/full/html?skipTracking=true) that corporate leadership support is essential for establishing a link between the openness of technology adoption and service innovation. \n\nIf you want your citizen development program to succeed, your business needs to understand that this initiative has leadership support. \n\n\n## 2. Choose a Low-Code Platform\n\nThere are [a lot of low-code tools](https://www.g2.com/categories/low-code-development-platforms) out there (over 227). Choosing the best one is no small task.\n\nEach business is different. You face different challenges, have different customers, and manage different teams. Your low code tools need to reflect those needs.\n\n**Consider the following criteria when choosing a low-code platform:**\n- User-Friendliness\n- Security\n- Scalability\n- Integration Capabilities\n- Cost\n- Reviews/Testimonials\n- Level of Support\n- IT and Team Preference\n- Vendor-Lock In\n\nTo make the right decision, you need to dig deep. Don’t hesitate to ask for a live demo to see the low-code platform in action.\n\n\n## 3. Define Roles\n\nWell-defined roles and expectations are essential for citizen development success.\n\nRole clarity helps team members to focus and align goals with the project's purpose. In fact, clearly defined roles can [improve performance by 25%](https://www.effectory.com/knowledge/hr-analytics-role-clarity-impacts-performance/).\n\nEach project needs proper ownership of tasks, planning, and control. This is especially true for IT and citizen developers.\n\nIT should guide in terms of security, scalability, and integration as needed but not assume control over citizen developer projects. They’re there to provide [resources and oversight](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-resources/).\n\nAt the same time, citizen developers need to respect IT boundaries. \n\nThey should never try to circumvent the IT team's security protocols or use unauthorized applications. This leads to shadow IT, increasing risk to the business.\n\n## 4. Create Goals\n\nOrganizational goals, objectives, and expectations must be clearly defined before citizen developers start app development.\n\nYou need a clearly defined end state, aligned with the business vision. \n\nEvery improvement citizen developers carry out needs to align with those goals. If it doesn’t add value (to the business, customer, or user), it’s not worth pursuing. \n\n**This is vital.**\n\nBusinesses that set and communicate goals effectively see [3.6x greater employee engagement](https://www.biworldwide.com/research-materials/blog/four-keys-to-goal-setting/).\n\nAs such, management must ask questions, address any obstacles or routines, and rearrange the team to meet these objectives.\n\n- How is this project in line with the organization's overall vision?\n- What are the goals and expectations for the project?\n- What types of resources do we need to complete this project?\n- What type of timeline do we need to keep to succeed?\n- Should we address any risks associated with this project?\n\nAnswering these questions can help define concrete and realistic goals for the project.\n\nOnce you define the goals for your citizen developers, ensure every stakeholder understands the purpose and expectations of the project.\n\nOtherwise, the project could lack focus or fail to reach its potential.\n\n\n## 5. Plan Out Use Cases\n\nIt’s important to plan out potential app usage before your citizen developers dive into any low-code project.\n\nStart by gathering user requirements and pain points. This helps you understand the app's purpose and design an interface that meets expectations.\n\nAlso, consider different use cases for your application—how will you use it in various scenarios? This includes aspects like data visualization, collaboration, and user authentication.\n\nThe use cases should cover all potential scenarios that the application could encounter. This includes potential obstacles, user roles and responsibilities, data flow, and more.\n\n**These questions will help you understand the project scope:**\n- What are the business goals and objectives citizen developers help achieve?\n- Is there a similar external business example we can reference?\n- What are the specific use cases or business processes where citizen development can be most effective?\n- Who are our potential citizen developers, and what are their skill sets?\n- What training will be necessary for citizen developers to create and maintain applications?\n- How will we integrate citizen-developed applications with existing systems and processes?\n- What are the security and governance considerations for citizen development?\n- How will we address these considerations?\n- How will we measure and evaluate the success of citizen development?\n- What is the expected return on investment for the project?\n- How can we mitigate the potential risks and challenges of implementing citizen development?\n\n\nThese questions will help you understand how your business will use citizen development to [expedite digital transformation](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-digital-transformation/).\n\n\n## 6. Create a Citizen Developer Framework\n\n[An effective citizen developer framework](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-framework/) provides the necessary structure and guidance your citizen developers need to create solutions successfully. \n\n**An effective citizen developer framework:**\n- Enforces data security\n- Reduces cost\n- Eliminates duplicate tasks and application redundancies\n- Reduces unauthorized use of technology (known as shadow IT)\n- Keeps your citizen developers aligned with IT guidelines\n\nFor more information, we’ve mapped out the steps necessary to [create an effective citizen development framework here](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-framework/).\n\n## 7. Establish Citizen Developer Governance\n\nMultiple app versions, inefficient processes, and unsupported apps–these are all common (but avoidable) issues with [citizen developer governance](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-governance-guide/). \n\nYour IT and leadership teams will be primarily responsible for oversight of your citizen development program. \n\nSetting up successful governance requires proper training, support, and resources for citizen developers. It’s important to remember that they’re [not professional programmers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-vs-professional-developer/). So, it’s not fair or reasonable to assume they understand IT policies and procedures. \n\n**Instead, you’ll need to work with them.**\n\nAt the same time, you need to provide an environment to support creativity and innovation while keeping your business safe. [Sandbox environments](https://www.proofpoint.com/us/threat-reference/sandbox) are great for this. \n\nFinally, you’ll need to track performance, sharing wins and losses with the organization. This will help teams learn and grow. \n\n\n## 8. Understand and Mitigate Risk\n\nLeaders need to understand the risks that accompany citizen development so they can reduce, eliminate, and manage them.\n\n**These risks are:**\n- **Security:** Is the application secure from unauthorized access? Can it protect confidential data?\n- **Operational IT:** Does the app meet IT standards for performance, reliability, scalability, and availability?\n- **IT Architecture:** Does the application integrate with existing IT components to ensure a smooth user experience?\n- **Regulatory:** Will the application meet the relevant industry regulations and standards?\n- **Reputational:** Will the application reinforce the company's brand and reputation?\n- **Financial:** How much will the application cost, and what are the expected returns on investment?\n\nManaging citizen developer risks ensures apps comply with rules, regulations, and IT principles. As a result, the business is less exposed to security breaches, damaged brand reputation, and other negative consequences. \n\n**To mitigate risks, organizations must ensure the following:**\n\n- Adequate security measures are in place to protect against data breaches, poor user access control, and other threats.\n- Platforms are easily managed, maintained, and used within the organization's IT standards.\n- Citizen developers comply with relevant industry standards and legal/regulatory requirements.\n- Users don’t build apps that damage the organization's reputation or financial health.\n- Apps integration is well thought out and tested before implementation.\n- The apps are monitored and tested continuously.\n- The application's architecture promotes quick adaptability for rapidly shifting markets.\n\n\n## 9. Plan Change Management\n\nWithout change management, business users will be reluctant to try new technologies. Fortunately, change management is much easier with citizen developers. \n\nCitizen developers are business users, creating tools and solutions to existing problems they face with their teams. As a result, they design solutions that are aligned with their exact needs. \n\nStill, you can’t expect everyone to embrace change (even if there’s a clear positive outcome). Plus, other teams may be antagonistic to implementing a citizen development project in general. After all, it does [change how businesses build applications](https://quandarycg.com/no-code-movement-software-development-changes/).\n\nIn those cases, you must be prepared to manage objections and get your team on board.\n\nThe best way to manage objections is a top-down approach focusing on the value these new systems bring. At the same time, you must hear objections and put them to rest. \n\n\n**Data is key to success.**\n\nHighlighting time to market and costs for current processes and comparing them to the potential improvements with citizen development goes a long way. \n\nAt the same time, you should underscore the value each team will experience with these changes. \n\nIt also helps to encourage your team to share concerns and objections. This prevents resentment and frustration from building up, painting a clearer picture of your team’s attitude toward new changes.\n\n\n## 10. Promote Citizen Developer Culture\n\nYou must create a culture that embraces citizen development and innovation. This will inspire teams to reflect on processes, offer suggestions, experiment, and grow.\n\nGive your team time to reflect on workflows and think of new solutions. Champion citizen development across your organization. Help citizen developers identify high-value, low-effort project wins to prove success. And incentivize developers to find ways to solve problems. \n\nWith a positive attitude toward citizen development and excitement around change, your business will be better positioned to drive lasting organizational change. \n\n\n## 11. Collaborate Often\n\n[86% of executives](https://www.salesforce.com/ca/blog/2014/08/how-soft-skills-are-crucial-to-your-business-.html) believe poor collaboration and communication are the leading causes of business failure.\n\nTo prevent this, your IT team should actively participate at every stage of the process. They should provide guidance, review changes, and ensure each app meets standards.\n\nYou achieve this through regular collaboration between teams.\n\nAfter all, a successful low-code, no-code development environment is about more than designing effective apps. It's also about working together to build solutions that transform how businesses carry out tasks and support customers.\n\nYour team can do this through regular meetings, workshops, feedback sessions, and reviews.\n\nIt doesn’t have to be an intrusive process either. \n\nAs your citizen development program grows, your citizen developers will take on more of the simpler application development tasks, freeing up your IT team to focus on higher-level tasks like governance. \n\n\n## 12. Reflect and Improve Citizen Development Program\n\nYou should view your citizen development program through the lens of continuous process improvement. \n\nRegularly collect feedback from business users, assess the impact of your apps, and look for areas where you can improve. \n\nAt the same time, go beyond qualitative insights. **Be sure to constantly measure key metrics:**\n\n- **Speed and efficiency of citizen-developed apps:** How quickly can you build and deploy apps?\n- **Increased IT bandwidth:** How much time does citizen development free up for IT?\n- **Innovation:** Are your team members coming up with new ideas thanks to the program?\n- **Enhanced organizational IP from citizen developer-created apps:** Are you building apps that add to your organization's intellectual property?\n- **Reduction in shadow IT:** Are team members bypassing the IT team to build their own apps?\n\nBy leveraging KPIs, you can easily track the success of your program and share the results with your team. They can use this data to make improvements.\n\n\n## 13. Work with Citizen Developer Consultants\n\nImplementing citizen development best practices can be challenging. You need well-thought-out plans, implementation strategies, and user acceptance.\n\nAnd that requires time to build. \n\nSadly, IT teams and business leaders often [don’t have the time](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/) to set up a citizen development program and ensure best practices.\n\nThis forces leaders to continue with a “business as usual” approach while burning through revenue, throttling efficiency, and limiting innovation. \n\nOr, worse, they give citizen developers a “free pass” to create apps without oversight leading to a host of problems. \n\nOperational costs increase drastically. Margins get much smaller. And businesses struggle to keep up despite investing in better technology. \n\nThat’s why Quandary Consulting Group works with businesses to support their citizen development programs.\n\nWe’re a team of expert low-code developers who use industry insights and experience to help businesses [build, launch, and manage citizen development programs](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-support/). \n\nWithout burdening existing teams with more demands.\n\n\nCheck out our case studies below to see the results we’ve helped our clients achieve.","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-ac906d91-20f7-56e0-a358-763c79f525f5","title":"Everything You Need to Become a Citizen Developer","_createdAt":"2023-02-24T06:06:45Z","publishedAt":"2023-02-24T06:23:15.996Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/855640340c7ff1fa43d9375b01a6d3855a903bee-1000x667.png?w=1000&h=667&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/855640340c7ff1fa43d9375b01a6d3855a903bee-1000x667.png?rect=0,1,1000,666&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/855640340c7ff1fa43d9375b01a6d3855a903bee-1000x667.png?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/855640340c7ff1fa43d9375b01a6d3855a903bee-1000x667.png?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/855640340c7ff1fa43d9375b01a6d3855a903bee-1000x667.png?w=1000&h=667&auto=format 1000w","sizes":"(min-width: 1000px) 1000px, 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Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"how-to-become-citizen-developer"},"body":"\nCitizen developers are essential to organizations eager to stay competitive in a constantly changing digital landscape. \n\nWith the demand for new solutions [higher than ever](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-statistics/) and a programmer shortage, businesses need to look outside of their IT department for support. \n\nThis is where the citizen developer shines. \n\nBy learning how to add this skill set to your toolbox, you’ll become a critical team member as your business looks for new ways to scale growth.\n\nThis guide will give you all the resources you need to become an effective citizen developer in your organization. \n\n## What Does a Citizen Developer Do?\n\nCitizen developers are business experts with limited to no technical background. These individuals aim to develop self-service apps that solve targeted business problems. \n\n\nWith a better understanding of business workflows, [citizen developers address specific pain points](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-pros-cons/) within processes and improve them with low-code/no-code tools.\n\n\nThese new app developers reduce the dependency [on strapped IT departments](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/). Even better, they enable organizations to improve business processes while keeping costs low.\n\n\nSince citizen development enables business app development without coding knowledge, anyone can become a citizen developer by learning to use low-code/no-code tools.\n\n\n## Differences Between Citizen Developers and Software Engineers\n\nCitizenship development is less about coding and more about understanding business processes to meet goals.\n\nCitizen developers [aren’t professional developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-vs-professional-developer/).\n\nInstead, citizen developers are tech-savvy business users. They know low-code and no-code platforms. And they can build simple solutions. Professional developers, on the other hand, have expertise in building intricate technology solutions using programming languages.\n\nWhile software engineers or programmers focus on developing technology, the role of a citizen developer is much broader. These individuals focus more on saving time and resources for the organization by optimizing their workflows.\n\nAnother key difference is that software engineers need specialized education and expertise in coding languages like Java, C++, and Python. Such proficiency better suits software development at an enterprise level.\n\nMost importantly, citizen developers don’t start off with an innate understanding of IT policies and procedures. Rather, they must work with developers to build up competencies in these areas.\n\n## 7 Must-Have Citizen Developer Skills\n\nIf you want to become a citizen developer, you need to master these skills. \n\n### 1. Operational Knowledge\n\nCitizen developers must have operational knowledge of their workflows and processes. These insights are key to designing tools and solutions that work.\n\nKnowing why processes exist and how they operate will help you identify areas for improvement. You also know which data is vital, so you can collect and use it appropriately. \n\nThe more experience you have in the role, the more effective your solutions will be.\n\n### 2. Team Player\n\nCollaboration is essential for a successful citizen development program. You must work within IT guardrails and under IT guidance to create secure, effective solutions. \n\nCitizen development cannot replace IT (nor should it). Instead, it will bridge gaps between departments and IT leaders. This means both teams will need to work closely together.\n\nYou should be great at collaborating with team members and not afraid to reach out for support. Also, you should be open to feedback and learning more from expert developers.\n\n### 3. Critical Thinker\n\nCitizen developers are critical thinkers. They’re actively analyzing workflows and processes, looking for gaps and inefficiencies. They ask questions and challenge the status quo. \n\nMost importantly, they’re curious. They understand that change is constant, so learning and reflection must also be constant. \n\nAs a result, citizen developers ask powerful questions, avoid confirmation bias, and dive into data to create effective solutions.\n\n### 4. Process Focused\n\nEffective processes drive efficiency. Citizen developers understand this, so they think in terms of processes. \n\nIt’s not enough to identify a problem. Instead, they think about what solutions they need to reach the end result faster.\n\n### 5. Independent Learner\n\nCitizen development requires continuous learning. \n\nThere are numerous no-code/low-code development platforms available in the market. Plus, there are new technologies, approaches, and concepts emerging constantly. \n\nIt’s a rapidly changing market, and citizen developers must understand what’s changing and why. This will help them better work with IT teams and design solutions businesses need and customers crave.\n\n### 6. Tech Savvy\n\nSpecialized knowledge of coding languages or databases isn't necessary for a citizen developer. Still, you need to be interested in technology.\n\nBusinesses are constantly launching new apps with new features every day. Sorting through that deluge of tech can be exhausting, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. \n\nCitizen developers should be excited about change and actively involved in communities that share insights and ideas about emerging technologies. \n\n### 7. Determined\n\nThere is a lot of start-stop with digital projects (especially when they’re done alongside daily tasks). Pushback, slowdowns, scope creep of daily tasks, and failed solutions can derail your enthusiasm and focus.\n\nCustomer demands shift constantly. IT leaders may also be antagonistic toward moving application development outside of IT. Even worse, team members may be frustrated with change management. And leadership can foster doubts.\n\nCitizen developers need to be resilient and determined to succeed. As champions of this new approach to application development, they'll help lead change in their organizations. \n\n## How to Become a Citizen Developer (6 Steps)\n\nFollow these 6 actionable steps to become a citizen developer in your organization. \n\n### 1. Review Your Company’s Citizen Development Program\n\nA [citizen development framework](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-framework/) is critical for success. If your business has one, start by reviewing those documents. If it doesn't have one, you should consider creating one.\n\nThe framework will tell you what platforms the business uses, available resources, and any policies or procedures for creating solutions. It should also have a dedicated process that you can follow to become a citizen developer in your organization.\n\n### 2. Speak with Leadership\n\nWithout leadership buy-in, change won’t happen. But, you need to [know how to approach leadership](https://hbr.org/2015/01/get-the-boss-to-buy-in) to get support. \n\nLead with data while focusing on the value that citizen development will have for the business, customers, and employees. Tie improvements to business goals. And illustrate the final result.\n\nIf your organization already has a citizen development program, express your interest and explain how you’ll add value to the program.\n\n### 3. Use Low Code to Create a Simple Solution\n\nOnce you understand the basics and speak with leadership, the next step is to build a simple solution using low-code platforms.\n\nAs a business user, you should focus on a small, critical slowdown you could improve with low-code tools. Start by mapping out the process, then create a simple solution.\n\nYour goal should be to get the desired result faster and easier.\n\n### 4. Request Feedback\n\nBefore launching any solution, you need to get feedback from IT teams and leadership. \n\nYou want to make sure the solution is secure and compliant. And you want to avoid causing any major disruptions. \n\nNothing will take the wind out of your sails faster at the start of a citizen developer initiative than making things worse by accident. \n\nBe open to feedback and insights. The more guidance you can get at this stage, the better, as it’ll make future developments much easier.\n\n### 5. Get Experience\n\nWith your first solution built, you should look for new opportunities. Remember: experience triumphs over all. \n\nAnalyze other workflows in your department and look for opportunities to create low-code applications and integrations that increase efficiency.\n\nAnd don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.\n\nOffer to create solutions for other team members or even other departments. (Though, be aware that the further removed you are from a project, the less effective your solution may be.)\n\n### 6. Continue Learning\n\nAs mentioned before, continuous learning is key to becoming an effective citizen developer.\n\nWith so many new, emerging technologies, you must stay on top of trends to provide actionable insights to business leaders and key stakeholders.\n\nWhile you don’t need to learn code, it’s a good idea to learn a few fundamental programming concepts. Consider enrolling in introductory programming language courses or purchasing books to train yourself. It can make communicating with IT professionals easier and more beneficial. And it can give you a broader perspective. \n\nStill, there are plenty of citizen developer resources available that you should frequent. This will help you stay on top of your game.\n\nMore on this next.\n\n## Are There Citizen Developer Courses or Certifications?\n\nGiven the rapidly growing market for citizen development, there are several courses available today for those eager to delve into it.\n\nFrom database management to application deployment, there are low-code/no-code courses for individuals with little experience to expert developers. \n\nSome of the popular courses include:\n\n### PMI Citizen Developer™\n\nAs a globally recognized institution providing certification and training in the field of project management, PMI offers a [course on citizen developers](https://www.pmi.org/citizen-developer) targeted toward project managers.\n\n**The course covers all the fundamentals from scratch to the end, including:**\n\n- Understanding the role of the citizen developers\n- Identifying flaws in processes\n- Selecting the right no-code platform\n- Designing visual models\n- Deploying applications\n\n### 30 Days Of No Code\n\nAs the name suggests, the [30 Days Of No Code training program](https://30daysofnocode.super.site/) aims to teach its users the process of learning no-code development in merely 30 days.\n\nThe general idea is to make visitors sign up for a newsletter, which then gets distributed in the span of 30 days.\n\nAnd at the end of 30 days, the visitor won't only be acquainted with the idea of no code but also be able to design and build apps, workflows, and automations independently.\n\n### Codeless.how\n\n[Codeless.how](http://codeless.how/) offers 10-minute tutorials for aspiring no-code learners. With courses on various subjects like automation and application deployment, Codeless.how offers brief and detailed video tutorials for its users.\n\nIn addition, users can compare and contrast no-code/low-code platforms. This can help your organization choose the best platform for its needs.\n\n### Makerpad\n\n[Makerpad](https://www.makerpad.co/?tags=tutorials) is one of the biggest communities of no-code learners.\n\nEstablished by Ben Tossel in 2019, Makerpad quickly became the largest source of tutorials and content for no-code development.\n\nCourses offered by Makerpad range from no-code development to detailed guides on automation.\n\nWhat makes Makerpad much more valuable is its strong community of entrepreneurs who are no-code enthusiasts. These members regularly share their experiences on how they're building applications within their start-ups.\n\n### AirSlate Academy\n\nAimed at providing no code is more than a trend, AirSlate designed a very intricate course on no code. The course teaches AirSlate’s own capabilities as a no-code tool.\n\nBesides covering technicalities, AirSlate also focuses on the role and mindset of becoming a citizen developer. Moreover, the academic course also explains the impact of no-code tools on businesses.\n\nFor a full list of citizen developer resources, [check out our guide here](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-resources/).\n\n## 3 Benefits of Becoming a Citizen Developer\n\nAre you looking for motivation to become a citizen developer? Here are three main reasons to start investing in this skill set. \n\n### 1. Increase in Pay\n\nGiven the [growing market](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/) of no-code and low-code application development and skewed supply demand in the market, the rise in pay for citizen developers isn’t surprising.\n\nAccording to Glassdoor, an entry-level software engineer has an average salary of around [$88K](https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/us-entry-level-software-developer-salary-SRCH_IL.0,2_IN1_KO3,33.htm). On the other hand, citizen developers, although from a non-IT field, have an [average salary of $102K](https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Citizen-Developer-Salary).\n\nCitizen developers include job titles like process automation engineer, rapid application developer, and workflow automation.\n\nThe big difference here is that citizen developers are FTE in other fields with the ability to build solutions. While these team members earn more, it’s also more cost-effective for the business owner because they don’t have to hire an additional developer.\n\n### 2. More Vital Role in Company\n\nAccording to a Survey, [26% of top executives](https://www.cio.com/article/193919/the-road-to-modern-delivery-low-code-development-market-speed-and-the-future-of-it.html) considered their investment in low-code/no-code tools most crucial for their automation.\n\nThe reason why citizen developers are vital to an organization is to [speed up digital transformations](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-digital-transformation/) without bogging down the IT department with more requests.\n\nReduced costs and increased efficiencies give organizations more bandwidth to innovate. The extra time and money they save can be invested in improving more areas of the business or testing out new ideas.\n\nAnd with you leading the way as a citizen developer, you’ll get a seat at the table as a driver of positive change in your company. \n\n### 3. Improve Work-Life\n\nCitizen developers use their vast experience with existing workflows to improve how work gets done in businesses. Rather than grind through inefficient processes and workflows, they can redesign them. \n\nUsing integrations and automation, citizen developers can streamline tasks. They automate away the menial tasks like data entry. As a result, they can [do more with less](https://quandarycg.com/process-improvement-statistics/).\n\nInstead of working longer hours and weekends to catch up on work, they get more time to focus on what really matters. This reduces burnout and improves their overall work-life balance.\n\n## Convincing Leadership to Adopt Citizen Developer Programs\n\nIf your business doesn’t have a citizen developer program, it’s critical to consider building one. \n\n[The programmer shortage is real](https://quandarycg.com/programmer-shortage/).\n\nAnd demand for digital solutions will continue to increase. Without the ability to invest in better systems that help your business scale, it won’t be possible to keep up. \n\nAdopting low-code/no-code development to processes gives businesses the time and resources they need to stay competitive. \n\nStart by being a champion for citizen development. \n\nLearn the platforms independently and get a feel for what you could do with the technology. Then work with leadership to test out solutions and evaluate the process. From there, you can scale out citizen development in your organization with the support of IT. \n\n**Alternatively, you can work with us.**\n\nQuandary Consulting Group is a team of low-code experts and [citizen development consultants](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-support/) who use our expertise to create, launch, and govern citizen development projects.\n\nWe offer the training and framework you need to get the most out of citizen development while reducing risk and disruption to your business.\n\nReady to launch your citizen development program? \n\n\n[Reach out to us today](https://quandarycg.com/contact/)!","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-a2c6a976-278a-518c-8185-a36a4f7704db","title":"How Will Citizen Developers Disrupt Project Management?","_createdAt":"2023-02-22T15:33:16Z","publishedAt":"2023-02-21T16:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/49b9ca332fd80012cc0153cb94f260e89494ce59-2250x1500.jpg?w=2250&h=1500&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/49b9ca332fd80012cc0153cb94f260e89494ce59-2250x1500.jpg?rect=0,1,2250,1498&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/49b9ca332fd80012cc0153cb94f260e89494ce59-2250x1500.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/49b9ca332fd80012cc0153cb94f260e89494ce59-2250x1500.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/49b9ca332fd80012cc0153cb94f260e89494ce59-2250x1500.jpg?rect=1,0,2249,1500&w=1024&h=683&auto=format 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100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":2250,"height":1500,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/49b9ca332fd80012cc0153cb94f260e89494ce59-2250x1500.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"citizen-development-and-project-management"},"body":"The need for digital solutions has never been higher. \n\nRemote work, increased competition, rising costs, and slimming margins have forced businesses to find new ways to streamline processes and workflows.\n\nThat’s led many companies to create [Citizen Developer Programs](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-support/), changing how organizations approach IT projects by democratizing application development.\n\nAs a result, a lot of project managers are questioning their future. After all, if everyone can easily build apps, where does project management fit into the process?\n\nChange in the project landscape will continue to accelerate. \n\nProject managers that adjust to these changes will succeed. Those who don’t will struggle to meet increasing demands in a rapidly shifting environment.\n\nHere’s exactly how citizen developers will disrupt project management.\n\nAnd what you can do to come out on top.\n\n## How Does Citizen Development Fit Into Project Management?\n\nTypically, professional developers managed the entire application development process within IT. Unfortunately, that’s no longer feasible. \n\n[**And the stats prove this**](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/)**:** \n- [88% of IT leaders](https://www.salesforce.com/resources/research-reports/top-it-trends/) saw increased workloads in 2022.\n- [Two-thirds of major software projects](https://www.mendix.com/resources/the-state-of-low-code-report/) are behind schedule.\n- [77% of IT and 71% of businesses agree](https://www.mendix.com/wp-content/uploads/IT-Business-Alignment-Study-Global.pdf) IT solution requests go unmet.\n- [62% of organizations](https://www.mendix.com/resources/the-state-of-low-code-report/) have growing IT backlogs.\n\nIT teams are underwater, with demand showing no signs of slowing down. The only solution is for businesses to move application development outside of IT. \n\nAnd that’s where the value of citizen development shines. \n\nBy allowing other teams to help with application development, you reduce the backlog, encourage innovation, and strengthen team collaboration. \n\n[The benefits are undeniable](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-pros-cons/). \n\nTo be clear, IT departments still need to manage complex projects, guide citizen developers, and work with project managers to ensure projects align with business needs. \n\nCitizen development isn’t a free pass for application development to go rogue. \n\nRather, citizen developers are business users ([not professional developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-vs-professional-developer/)) and generally not leaders in the organization. They’re full-time employees with access to LCNC tools. \n\nMore so, they don’t have the 10,000-foot view that comes from being a project manager. Instead, they’re typically focused on their workflows and immediate pain points.\n\nAnd that’s why project managers will continue to be important. Project managers can connect the dots between leadership, IT, and citizen developers to scale organizational change. \n\nStill, effective project management looks different with citizen developers. And if you’re going to be successful, you need to adapt accordingly.\n\n## 6 Ways Citizen Development Will Change Project Management\n\nProject managers plan, procure, execute, and manage the completion of projects to ensure they stay within scope, cost, and timeline. \n\nCitizen development is a boon to project managers, providing support to ensure project managers fulfill these roles. By embracing these benefits, project managers will quickly find they can accomplish much, much more. \n\n### 1. Faster Development Time\n\nCitizen developers can create applications up to [10x faster than traditional application](https://www.forrester.com/blogs/why-you-need-to-know-about-low-code-even-if-youre-not-responsible-for-software-delivery/) development with low-code applications. \n\nEven though professional developers differ from citizen developers, they can still use LCNC tools to create solutions faster than traditional application development.\n\nLCNC increases output, meaning a faster time to market for more solutions. As a result, project managers will need to adjust timelines to account for rapid application development. \n\n### 2. Cost Reduction\n\nIt’s much more affordable to build applications using LCNC platforms [than to start from scratch](https://www.forrester.com/blogs/why-you-need-to-know-about-low-code-even-if-youre-not-responsible-for-software-delivery/). These are SaaS applications that charge based on use, so costs are lower. Faster development times reduce labor costs as well. \n\nThis is great news for project managers. More budget means teams can get more projects in the pipeline, [speeding up digital transformation](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-digital-transformation/).\n\n### 3. Easier to Conceptualize and Plan \n\nIt’s very difficult for project managers to conceptualize and plan complex projects that span months or even years. People overlook important aspects of these types of complex projects, leading to delays, increased costs, and expanding scope.\n\nWith Citizen Development, project managers work closely with business users to create [built-to-suit solutions](https://quandarycg.com/quandary-build/) much faster. Plus, these projects are much easier to map out, reducing scope creep.\n\nAs an added bonus, project managers can build automated solutions to support project management using low-code platforms. This makes it easier to manage projects of all sizes. \n\n### 4. Improved Data Insights\n\nThere are a lot of great applications out there businesses can use to provide additional features that customers and employees crave. Sadly, many of those systems don’t speak to each other. \n\nThis forces businesses to use tools like spreadsheets to move data between these systems. Spreadsheets are problematic, creating more menial work for people and increasing the chance of human error. \n\nBuilding integrations between these systems is easy with citizen developers (or [citizen integrators](https://quandarycg.com/what-is-a-citizen-integrator/)). As a result, you’ll get cleaner insights and more transparency across your organization. \n\nProject managers can turn around and use that data to better plan new projects.\n\n### 5. Faster (Overall) Digital Transformation\n\nCitizen developers help [automate processes driving results](https://quandarycg.com/process-improvement-statistics/) while giving businesses more time and resources to innovate. \n\nConnected systems provide cleaner insights, leading to more data-backed decisions. All this feeds into business development. And that inspires the creation of more solutions. \n\nIt’s a positive feedback loop. And the momentum fuels change across the organization, leading to a leaner, more agile business that can better serve its customers. \n\nThis is essential when markets, demands, and (as a result) tools change faster than ever. The quicker project managers can adapt, the easier it will be for them to conquer rising challenges.\n\n### 6. Increased Project Satisfaction\n\nOne of the most common complaints with IT-led solutions is that the final project doesn’t fit the exact use case. This is why change management is so challenging. \n\nIf a team doesn't like a solution, they’ll push back on it. This can lead to dissatisfaction, waste, and in most cases, [shadow IT](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-shadow-it/). \n\nCitizen development increases the chances of adoption dramatically. Business users design solutions based on their needs, leading to higher satisfaction.\n\n## Will Project Managers Lose Their Jobs Because of Citizen Development?\n\nCitizen developers will change the role of project managers. In short, project managers will either help govern citizen developers or lead as citizen developers in an organization. \n\nProject managers who manage a citizen development project [must follow the appropriate frameworks](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-framework/). Additionally, they must use the appropriate project management tools to assess whether or not citizen developers are right for the job. \n\nIf a citizen developer is right for the job, they'll work within established frameworks to create the necessary tool. And the project manager will work with IT teams to ensure the tool works properly.\n\nAlternatively, project managers can work as citizen developers to create critical assets for business development using LCNC tools. \n\nFor example, project managers can automate work intake forms, product creation and launch, task delegation, reminders and notifications, and reporting. They can even build systems to identify bottlenecks. \n\nThis is much more efficient than using spreadsheets, email, and even paper notes to track projects. The old way of managing projects was time and resource expensive, leading to roughly [11.4% wasted investment](https://www.pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/pulse/pulse-of-the-profession-2020) due to project performance. \n\nThe new way of managing projects with citizen development leads to increased efficiency and collaboration.\n\nStill, it becomes more complex when you move development outside of IT. After all, these tools need to be created within established IT frameworks. \n\nAnd that’s why it’s critical for project managers to understand these platforms. It’s even better if they use them. Once project managers understand how LCNC tools work and their limitations, they can quickly decide whether or not the tool is right for the job.\n\nIn short, properly trained project managers help your business get more out of your citizen development initiatives.\n\n## How Do You Manage Citizen Developers?\n\nCitizen development can't succeed without proper management.\n\nYour developers need resources, frameworks, and [governance](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-governance-guide/) in place to create a culture of innovation while keeping your developers and your business safe. \n\nIn fact, a lack of a central governance system is what keeps most business and IT leaders from adopting citizen development. \n\n**Broadly speaking, citizen developer governance should:**\n\n- **Ensure Collaboration:** IT teams must work together with developers to better understand IT processes and principles. \n- **Create Structure:** Citizen developers need structure to ensure they do not create duplicate, redundant, or subpar applications.\n- **Provide Resources:** Keep team members up-to-date and ensure best practices with a [range of high-quality assets](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-resources/).\n- **Establish Guardrails:** Ensure assets are secure and compliant to protect critical data.\n- **Facilitate Oversight:** Keep projects aligned with the overall business mission and goal. \n- **Track Results:** Gauge the success of implementations by collecting baseline data first and then tracking data after improvements.\n\nStill, IT teams (already strapped for time) often don’t have the resources to stand up a citizen development program. And project managers have competing priorities, too. \n\nThis forces leaders to continue with a “business as usual” approach while burning through revenue, throttling efficiency, and limiting innovation. \n\nOperational costs increase drastically. Margins get much smaller. And businesses churn through customers and employees trying to stay afloat without better systems. \n\nThat’s why Quandary Consulting Group works with businesses to support their citizen development programs.\n\nWe’re a team of expert low-code developers who use industry insights and experience to help businesses [build, launch, and manage citizen development programs](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-support/). \n\nWithout burdening existing teams with more demands.\n\nCheck out our case studies below to see the results we’ve helped our clients achieve.\n\n","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-477cbc38-eb49-5dfa-9e8c-65973bc7fcc4","title":"18 Best Citizen Development Resources","_createdAt":"2023-02-20T05:45:33Z","publishedAt":"2023-02-19T16:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/99608434115da1904ba32457ccc7d1dcbec80f51-4477x2965.jpg?w=4477&h=2965&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/99608434115da1904ba32457ccc7d1dcbec80f51-4477x2965.jpg?rect=2,0,4475,2965&w=320&h=212&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/99608434115da1904ba32457ccc7d1dcbec80f51-4477x2965.jpg?rect=0,1,4477,2964&w=654&h=433&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/99608434115da1904ba32457ccc7d1dcbec80f51-4477x2965.jpg?rect=2,0,4474,2965&w=768&h=509&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/99608434115da1904ba32457ccc7d1dcbec80f51-4477x2965.jpg?rect=0,1,4477,2964&w=1024&h=678&auto=format 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100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":4477,"height":2965,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/99608434115da1904ba32457ccc7d1dcbec80f51-4477x2965.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"citizen-development-resources"},"body":"With citizen development, business users can build apps and [automate workflows](https://quandarycg.com/rpa-citizen-developer/) while maintaining a high level of quality. \n\nAll without a background in coding.\n\nBut you don’t learn to be a [citizen developer](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-pros-cons/) overnight.\n\nLow-code platforms still require some technical expertise. Your team needs proper training and guidance to ensure the applications and integration they build meet compliance, security, and IT guidelines.\n\nOtherwise, you’ll waste resources while putting your business at increased risk. In fact, without proper training, citizen development can spiral into [unchecked shadow IT](https://quandarycg.com/shadow-IT-statistics/).\n\nThe key to proper training is resources. \n\nWe’ve hand-selected the 18 best resources for training your citizen developers. \n\n## 1. [Project Management Institute (PMI)](https://www.pmi.org/citizen-developer)\n\n\n\nPMI is the world's leading project management organization. They offer different courses and certifications to help business users succeed in the field. \n\nRecently, PMI launched a citizen development training program. **It's packed full of educational resources for citizen development:**\n\n- A handbook for creators\n- Citizen development e-courses\n- News and highlights\n- A community of 700,000 global members\n\nTheir goal is to establish and enforce best practices for citizen developers, so you can unlock the full potential of your team and drive change across your organization. \n\nThe program is vendor-agnostic, prioritizing value and education for citizen developers. They have an education suite with guiding principles for your team. \n\nThe PMI sets industry standards and best practices for citizen development, as it does for project management. It’s the best place to start for resources when launching a citizen development program.\n\n[**While they have a blog**](https://community.pmi.org/blog-post/70819/citizen-development--a-joint-venture-between-it-and-business-#_=_) **that covers some citizen development topics, they primarily focus on courses and certifications:**\n\n- PMI Citizen Developer Foundation: 1.5 Hours, 3 Modules, 2 PDUs ($79.00)\n- PMI Citizen Developer Practitioner: 6-8 hours, 8 Modules, 6 PDUs ($249)\n- PMI Citizen Developer Business Architect: 6-8 hours, 4 Modules, 8 PDUs ($375)\n\nFinally, PMI has a newsletter people can follow to get the latest updates on all things citizen development.\n\n## 2. [No Code Ops](https://www.nocodeops.com/)\n\n\n\nWith over 10,000 ops professionals in their community, No Code Ops is the fastest-growing online community of citizen developers. \n\nThe platform focuses on collaboration and knowledge-sharing between its members. And with over 200 content contributors from diverse backgrounds, they have expert insights for everyone.\n\n**They offer various valuable resources:**\n\n- Weekly newsletter\n- Detailed guides\n- Free live webinars\n- Interviews with top professionals in the industry\n- AMAs and office hours\n- And even discounts on low-code tools and platforms\n\n## 3. [30 Days Of No Code](https://30daysofnocode.super.site/)\n\n\n\n30 Days Of No Code is a one-month course to become a professional developer in no-code. \n\nThey offer a range of resources and training designed to help your team quickly learn how to get the most out of low-code and no-code platforms.\n\nIt’s a simple platform that focuses on key topics in the space. (Their newsletter has since been discontinued.)\n\n## 4. [Web Architecture 101](https://medium.com/storyblocks-engineering/web-architecture-101-a3224e126947)\n\n\n\nWeb Architecture 101 is a Medium publication put together by Jonathan Fulton with over 10,300 followers. It aims to help citizen developers understand the basics of website architecture. \n\nA successful project starts with a strong foundation. Citizen developers who want to build apps in a critical business environment need to know how web architecture works.\n\nYou need to understand the basics of how a website or app works to create an effective product. \n\nCitizen development works best when you break down silos and [get teams working together](https://quandarycg.com/how-citizen-development-supports-it/). This resource will help make collaboration between your teams easier and more useful.\n\n## 5. [Inside NoCode](https://inside.com/nocode)\n\n\n\nInside NoCode is the Reddit for the no-code community. They have threads, discussions, and articles by trending writers to keep you updated on no-code development.\n\nThe site aims to be a “one-stop-shop” for the developer space, focusing on three pillars; community, newsletters, and events. Whether you’re looking to share ideas, connect with other professionals, or get support, it’s a great resource for citizen developers.\n\nThe website also offers weekly newsletters with important updates about the no-code industry. They have it all: events, tutorials, guides, new products, and feature updates for various tools.\n\nThe people behind Inside NoCode aim to make the newsletter as value-adding as possible. Everything they send undergoes quality control to ensure it's relevant and valuable.\n\n## 6. [NoCode Journal](https://www.nocodejournal.com/)\n\n\n\nNoCode Journal is an excellent source of information on no-code and citizen development. It has various content to educate and inform readers on the latest trends in the industry. \n\nAnd it’s led by enthusiastic developers who are platform/tool agnostic, and eager to help develop the industry.\n\n**The website covers a range of topics:**\n\n- History of no-code\n- Comparison [between no-code and regular development](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-vs-professional-developer/)\n- Various tools\n- Benefits of using no-code\n\nIt also provides news, insights, and trends from the no-code, low-code, and citizen developer spheres. \n\nThrough global collaboration with industry professionals and readers, the website is continuously updated. You'll always find fresh and diverse content for its users. \n\nBut the real cherry on the top is their [State Of NoCode page](https://www.nocodejournal.com/state-of-nocode).\n\nThe page compiles all no-code tools for different objectives. This makes it easy and convenient to find the perfect tool for your project.\n\n## 7. [Nocode Essentials](https://nocodeessentials.com/)\n\n\n\nWhether you're just getting started or already a citizen development professional, Nocode Essentials is your go-to source for information.\n\nThe website gathers the best resources about NoCode from all over the web and organizes them in an easy-to-navigate directory. It’s also easy to submit content if you’d like to contribute. \n\nEach resource has a tag so you can quickly find the content that is most relevant to you. Visitors can like their favorite resources and leave reviews, so you know what other people think of the content. \n\nIf you don't want to miss out on the most recent NoCode news, you can [sign up for their newsletter](https://nocodeessentials.com/newsletter).\n\n## 8. [Modern Makers](https://modernmakers.io/)\n\n \n\nModern Makers is the perfect place to learn about the growing field of citizen development. It's essentially a weekly newsletter with the latest resources.\n\n**By subscribing to the Modern Maker's newsletter, users gain access to the following:**\n\n- Valuable project-building tutorials\n- Book recommendations with key learnings\n- New technologies\n- Product updates of their favorite no-code tools\n\nThese resources are all designed to help everyone become a successful citizen developer.\n\nNewsletter subscribers can also learn more about projects created by other members and get advice on their business needs.\n\n## 9. [100DaysOfNoCode](https://www.100daysofnocode.com/)\n\n\n\nWhat started as a Twitter challenge, has now grown into a website dedicated to providing quality, accessible no-code education. \n\n100DaysOfNoCode is the perfect destination for those looking to unlock their inner citizen developer. They’re essentially an online campus, offering support to citizen developers. \n\nEveryone, from beginners to advanced users, can find something that works for them. The website is jam-packed with useful articles about the no-code movement. \n\n**But what makes this program truly unique is the range of no-code courses for every level:**\n\n- **Intro to No-Code**: Ideal for absolute beginners, this guide will help you understand the basics of no-code. You will learn the lingo, landscape, and more to jumpstart your citizen development journey.\n- **The 100DaysOfNoCode Challenge**: Get daily 30-minute bite-sized lessons delivered right to your inbox. These include guided lessons, tips and tricks, and bonus mini-challenges to take your skills to new heights.\n- **The No-Code MVP Bootcamp**: Here, you’ll get a truly immersive learning experience as you build projects alongside experts and get 1-1 advice. Plus, join peer groups to collaborate and problem-solve.\n\nThe community is over 12,000 members strong and growing, making it a great place to connect with other professionals. \n\n**They also offer the “The No-Code Digest” weekly newsletter, which shares the following every Sunday:**\n\n- 10 no-code gems\n- 3 products built with no-code\n- 1 tweet of the week\n\nWith all these resources, your citizen developers will have what they need to create better applications confidently.\n\n## 10. [NoCodeHackers](https://www.nocodehackers.es/)\n\n\n\nThis Spanish website is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning how to become a citizen developer. \n\nIt offers free access to a variety of courses and materials which teach people how to use no-code tools and turn their app development ideas into reality. \n\nWith easy-to-follow tutorials for all levels, it's the perfect place for citizen developers to start their journey. \n\n**Especially interesting are their workshops dedicated to no-code:**\n\n- **Bubble Camp**: an 8-week program with a professional Bubble developer. The course Includes weekly training sessions and challenges. You learn the basics and best practices for Bubble development, all in an interactive format, with hands-on guidance. \n- **No-code Workshop**: a 6-week program for just 20 participants. This course will help you build five projects for your portfolio, fast-tracking your career.\n- **Flutterflow Camp**: a 6-week program that teaches you how to create professional, native apps ten times faster with one of Spain’s Flutterflow developers. Attendees replicate an AirBNB-style project and complete five challenges to show their knowledge.\n\n## 11. [Low-code Daily](https://low-code-daily.com/)\n\n\n\nNigel Warren is an expert researcher and devotee of citizen development. His online platform, Low-code Daily, is the best way to stay up to date with all the news and low-code/no-code development trends.\n\nThe Low-code Daily delivers a curated digest of webinars, news, and articles. The topics come from leading software developers and sources in no-code/low-code application development.\n\nThere's also a newsletter that shares the latest in the industry. And they take submissions if your team wants to share thought leadership on the low-code/no-code space.\n\n## 12. [No Code List](https://nocodelist.co/)\n\n\n\nIf you've recently started with your no-code journey and need help determining which tool to use, No Code List can help you. \n\nNo Code List is an online directory that has made it easier for citizen developers to access necessary tools and resources. The list saves time by giving users a one-stop shop to research and rate no-code tools and services they might need. \n\nWith over 300 items in the directory, there's something available for every project. From CRM support to website builder tools, the website has it all. \n\n## 13. [No Code Weekly](https://www.nocodeweekly.co/)\n\n\n\nA weekly newsletter showing how to build websites, apps, and software with zero coding experience.\n\nNo-code and citizen development tools are constantly evolving. Development processes are becoming faster and more accessible to non-experts. No Code Weekly's mission is to keep you updated with the latest news and trends to help you make the most of these tools.\n\nAnd if you're looking for an extra reason to subscribe, employees of famous companies like Amazon are already part of this newsletter list.\n\n## 14. [Gartner](https://www.gartner.com/en)\n\n\n\nWhile not low-code specific, Gartner is an American company that provides tech insights, advice, and tools for IT professionals. \n\nGartner is famous for its annual \"Magic Quadrant\" reports. It's a great resource that helps organizations select the most appropriate tools for their project.\n\nThe company also offers a wide range of [no-code/low-code resources on its website](https://www.gartner.com/en/search?keywords=low%20code). Case studies, webinars, and reports are just some of the content available. \n\nGartner also provides tools like [Gartner Peer Insights](https://www.gartner.com/reviews/market/enterprise-low-code-application-platform). It helps organizations select the right platform by connecting them with peers using the same technology. \n\nThis enables users interested in no-code to get real feedback on their chosen tool before making a purchase.\n\n## 15. [Makerpad](https://www.makerpad.co/)\n\n\n\nMarkerpad is a website where people from all over the world come together to learn low-code development.\n\nLaunched in 2019, Makerpad has become a great place for anyone wanting to learn no-code. In March 2021, Zapier (the world's leading automation and integration platform) acquired them.\n\nThe website offers free courses, blog posts, newsletters, and job boards. And their content library contains projects and stories from successful no-code entrepreneurs.\n\n\n\nIf you need help figuring out where to start, Markerpad has a comprehensive curriculum to get you started. The courses are in simple language, designed to take beginners from the start of no-code to certification.\n\nBest of all, it's free!\n\n## 16. [TIMS](https://www.gettims.co/)\n\n\n\nIf you're looking for a reliable source of information about the best no-code tools and resources, TIMS is your answer! \n\nTIMS is a growing directory of free, no-code tools and resources to help citizen developers and programmers make their project ideas a reality. This library has been expertly curated. And it includes all the tools you need for your project. \n\nOver 250 no-code web apps, extensions, downloadable assets, and more are all accessible in their spreadsheet. You just need to download it.\n\nWith categories sorted by objective and tags for easier searching, TIMS makes it easy to find the perfect tools in minutes. And even better, they're all free or offer very affordable plans. \n\nBy using TIMS, you can save time and money when launching your projects. This list is an invaluable asset for anyone looking for no-code resources for citizen development. \n\n## 17. Your Low-Code Platform’s Website\n\n\n\nNearly every low-code platform out there has extensive content on the low-code movement and digital transformation. Most of these platforms have detailed knowledge bases that answer common challenges users have with the application. \n\nAnd if you can’t find the answers you’re looking for, you can message the support team directly or work with service consultants.\n\nMany low-code platforms work with [business development partners](https://quandarycg.com/your-complete-guide-to-quickbase-partners/) who have extensive experience getting more value out of these tools.\n\n## 18. [Quandary Consulting Group](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-support/)\n\nQuandary Consulting Group offers support with setting up, launching, and governing citizen development programs for businesses of all sizes. \n\nWe understand that most IT teams are overwhelmed with tasks. Running a citizen development program, despite the benefits, just isn’t possible. But we also understand how vital [the proper framework and governance](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-governance-guide/) are for a successful citizen development program.\n\nAs low-code technology partners and experienced developers, we’ve helped countless clients get more out of these platforms while training their teams. \n\nReach out to us for more information on how we can help educate, train, and support your citizen development team. \n","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-71afead1-527d-5cff-ad3f-317b32c4c703","title":"What Is a Citizen Integrator? (And Why They're Crucial)","_createdAt":"2023-02-13T09:59:18Z","publishedAt":"2023-02-12T16:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/219648127435898b4db429ed2f5112937bc6fa88-1000x667.jpg?w=1000&h=667&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/219648127435898b4db429ed2f5112937bc6fa88-1000x667.jpg?rect=0,1,1000,666&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/219648127435898b4db429ed2f5112937bc6fa88-1000x667.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/219648127435898b4db429ed2f5112937bc6fa88-1000x667.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/219648127435898b4db429ed2f5112937bc6fa88-1000x667.jpg?w=1000&h=667&auto=format 1000w","sizes":"(min-width: 1000px) 1000px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1000,"height":667,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGQAAAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYDBAUH/8QAHhAAAgICAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDBAARBQYhMVH/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA/8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8A7Zb7jbg5OtEIUKOwDKQQdfQcYuw88vEUFsLC0zMQAoOveaVijVslDNBG5Q7UlfRyWavFMoWWNHUedMN4C/S7XVkgDWVMMm/KnDL1ngKM8zSNHon5hgf/2Q=="}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/219648127435898b4db429ed2f5112937bc6fa88-1000x667.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"what-is-a-citizen-integrator"},"body":"Typically, building system integrations fall to IT specialists who code solutions from scratch. This is a time-consuming, costly process that no longer works. \n\nIncreasing demands on IT resources have created extensive backlogs where integration requests end up pushed aside as teams focus on more critical business initiatives. \n\nEven when IT teams manage to create integration, there’s the risk that it won’t completely satisfy the need. \n\nCitizen integrators simplify the complexity of system integration by empowering business experts to build the custom integration solutions they need with minimal technical knowledge. \n\nBusinesses looking to scale digital solutions and better connect their systems should consider using citizen integrators. \n\nHere’s why.\n\n## What Is a Citizen Integrator?\nCitizen integrators are non-technical team members who use [low-code/no-code platforms](https://quandarycg.com/no-code-movement-software-development-changes/) and their industry expertise to integrate applications with limited or no IT support. \n\nAs a result, they can quickly connect applications, providing more transparent data streams without bogging down IT with costly integration requests. \n\nWhile citizen integrators aren’t technical, they know their industry, processes, workflows, and data models. They also know the weak points and opportunities, putting them in the best position to build effective integrations. \n\nAnd because low-code/no-code platforms are intuitive, users can simply drag and drop integrations into existence without an extensive background in coding. This relieves the burden on IT departments, freeing them up to focus on more critical tasks. \n\n### Citizen Integrators vs. Citizen Developers\nWhile there is some overlap with [citizen developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-pros-cons/), they are not the same. \n\nCitizen integrators focus on building custom integrations that connect systems. Citizen developers build custom applications. \n\nBoth work outside of direct IT supervision, use their industry knowledge to build effective solutions, and work to [reduce costs](https://quandarycg.com/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/) and IT burdens. \n\n### Citizen Integrator Characteristics\nSuccessful citizen integrators are tech-savvy, subject-matter experts who understand their workflows and which data matters most. \n\nThey understand analytics and reporting. At the same time, they’re eager to improve data insights to help the business serve customers better. \n\nCitizen integrators should be self-learners with a growth mindset who are eager to learn new tools that can help improve data transparency. \n\nAnd while low-code/no-code platforms [are quick to learn](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-statistics/), technical stills make the process smoother.\n\n## Why Organizations Need Citizen Integrators\nDemand for IT services continues to rise. Both customers and employees expect more from businesses. In fact, [76% of businesses](https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmg/xx/pdf/2020/07/customer-experience-in-the-new-reality.pdf) expect e-commerce services from their partners.\n\nThis puts a lot of pressure on businesses to develop digital solutions with features that meet these growing expectations. \n\nAt the same time, IT departments face increasing challenges. [88% of IT leaders](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/) saw increased workloads in 2022. \n\nMeanwhile, [77% of IT and 71% of businesses agree](https://www.mendix.com/wp-content/uploads/IT-Business-Alignment-Study-Global.pdf) IT solution requests consistently go unmet. And regardless of the effort, [62% of organizations](https://www.mendix.com/resources/the-state-of-low-code-report/) have growing IT backlogs.\n\n**Still, businesses face many [integration challenges](https://zigiwave.com/top-integration-challenges/):** \n* Siloed data\n* Different departments using different systems\n* More complex integrations\n* Scalability issues\n* Bi-Directional integrations\n\nAs businesses grow increasingly complex, they add new applications to provide new features and collect new data streams. Ultimately, integrations are necessary to keep that data accurate and usable.\n\nHowever, IT departments are underwater with extensive backlogs. \n\nAs a result, many integration requests get deprioritized for more critical tasks. This reduces an organization’s ability to scale. And that’s where citizen integrators can help. \n## 8 Benefits of a Citizen Integrator\nCreating a team of citizen integrators can drastically improve your business. Here are 8 benefits to consider before launching your citizen integrator initiative.\n### 1. Improved Employee Engagement\n[Only 32% of employees](https://www.gallup.com/workplace/391922/employee-engagement-slump-continues.aspx) are fully engaged at work, costing the US economy roughly [$500 billion dollars](https://hbr.org/2020/03/how-to-work-with-someone-whos-disengaged). This level of engagement makes it hard to run, let alone scale, a company.\n\nEmployees want to be heard. \n\nThey face challenges and frustrations every day. But when these suggestions for improvement get passed on to IT departments to be forgotten, it can damage employee morale. \n\nAfter all, why try to change anything if nothing ever happens with your suggestions?\n\nCitizen integrators flip the script.\n\nRather than waiting on IT, they can proactively find and create solutions that improve workflows.\n\nConnecting data systems leads to better insights, improved performance, and more recognition. It also removed time-consuming, menial tasks that employees don’t enjoy.\n### 2. Reduced IT Burden\nIt can [take months or years](https://www.mendix.com/wp-content/uploads/IT-Business-Alignment-Study-Global.pdf) to implement stakeholders' business digital transformation ideas. IT departments struggle to keep up. They have limited resources and growing demands. \n\nCitizen Integrators can alleviate that burden by handling simpler integration requests. This allows IT departments to focus on more complex tasks that require coding knowledge. \n\nThe integrations that citizen integrators build can also improve data transparency, providing clearer insights IT can use to guide and improve future developments.\n### 3. Data Transparency + Error Reduction\nApplications, departments, and even individual team members create data silos. This increases the likelihood of duplicate data while reducing transparency. \n\nSilos also [create slowdowns and errors](https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatamanagement/definition/data-silo). \n\nManual data entry is a time-consuming process that [significantly increases error rates](https://academic.oup.com/jamia/article/26/3/269/5287977?login=false). And reporting between separate disparate systems requires human labor to translate and interpret the data.\n\nCitizen integrators connect disparate data sources, automating the transfer of information between systems. This eliminates numerous data silos, improving transparency.\n### 4. Cost Reduction\n[IT salaries are expensive](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm).\n\nAs such, you want your IT resources focused on complex initiatives that require the full use of their skillset. Building simple integrations is often not the best use of their time. \n\nAdditionally, they typically don’t have as much experience with the workflows or tools that citizen integrators do. This leads to ineffective or inefficient integrations that may cause more problems than they solve. \n\nCitizen integrators are a more cost-effective approach. Their solutions have higher success and adoption rates. Plus, they free up your IT resources to focus on more technical challenges. \n### 5. More Productivity\nInaccurate data, slow reporting, and errors create all kinds of problems and bottlenecks. Additionally, sending a ticket to IT and then working with them to build a desired solution takes time (especially when they’re unfamiliar with the workflow, tool, or process).\n\nCitizen integrators are domain specialists. They can build what they need quickly using low-code/no-code platforms. With connected systems, they get more accurate insights empowering them to get work done faster and more efficiently.\n### 6. Improved Service\nCitizen integrators are often closer to the customer than IT. \n\nThey know what kind of experience customers crave and the features needed to make that happen. They know what will work and what won’t. \n\nAs such, they can build solutions that enhance the customer experience. \n### 7. Better Integrations\nCitizen integrators often know the tools they use better than IT resources. They know what data they need to deliver results. And they know what systems need to be connected. In short, they’re better situated to create more effective solutions.\n### 8. Increased Agility\nConnected systems improve an organization’s ability to adapt to change. Technology and a more global, connected world have increased the rate at which markets can shift. \n\nCitizen integrators help create a more connected business. They also empower IT by reducing their backlog so they can focus on more business-critical tasks. This helps them get ahead of tasks and focus on building the solutions businesses need to stay competitive.\n\n## Tools Citizen Integrators Use\n- [Workato](https://quandarycg.com/workato-solutions/)\n- [Outsystems](https://www.outsystems.com/)\n- [Pipefy](https://quandarycg.com/pipefy/)\n- [Integrate.io](https://www.integrate.io/)\n- [Salesforce Lightning](https://www.salesforce.com/campaign/lightning/)\n\n## How to Empower Citizen Integrators\nWhile the benefits of citizen integrators are immense, they struggle to succeed (or make matters worse) without [proper governance](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-governance-guide/). \n\nYour customer data is critical. Keeping it safe and secure [requires the right frameworks](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-framework/) that enforce compliance. Additionally, your citizen integrators need the right training, resources, and guidance to ensure they build quality solutions that drive your desired results. \n\nIt would be a mistake to assume citizen integrators would naturally adhere to IT guidelines without regular governance.\n\nInstead, you’re more likely to put your business at unnecessary risk.\n\nCitizen integrators need oversight, training, and guidance. That falls to the IT department or ([trained citizen development consultants](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-support/)). You should foster a culture of communication and collaboration between citizen integrators and IT. \n\nFor example, build resources to help train your citizen integrators. Create a Slack channel for them to share their ideas and questions. Establish regular meetings so teams can collaborate. And provide sandbox environments to test out new solutions safely. \n\nThis will help ensure compliance while encouraging innovation and the development of secure solutions that benefit your business. \n","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-dfc833e5-79fe-5c9e-b2fe-21e8005071f5","title":"Will Citizen Developers Reduce Programmer Shortages?","_createdAt":"2023-02-13T06:55:28Z","publishedAt":"2023-02-12T16:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/3b40d68ef8493234d4da8b0204d7fa3d0ba19206-1000x667.jpg?w=1000&h=667&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/3b40d68ef8493234d4da8b0204d7fa3d0ba19206-1000x667.jpg?rect=0,1,1000,666&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/3b40d68ef8493234d4da8b0204d7fa3d0ba19206-1000x667.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/3b40d68ef8493234d4da8b0204d7fa3d0ba19206-1000x667.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/3b40d68ef8493234d4da8b0204d7fa3d0ba19206-1000x667.jpg?w=1000&h=667&auto=format 1000w","sizes":"(min-width: 1000px) 1000px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1000,"height":667,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/3b40d68ef8493234d4da8b0204d7fa3d0ba19206-1000x667.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"programmer-shortage"},"body":"Businesses need digital solutions now, more than ever.\n\nThe pandemic accelerated demand, driving businesses to adopt remote work environments. More competition, market uncertainty, and rising consumer expectations increased that demand exponentially. Rising labor costs and inflation will only drive demand further.\n\nIf you want to compete, your business _needs_ digital solutions.\n\nUnfortunately, programmer shortages only complicate matters. There simply aren’t enough developers to build the software solutions businesses need. They can’t keep up.\n\nThis slows growth, forcing businesses to table initiatives that could improve processes for both customers and employees. \n\nFortunately, the citizen development movement can reduce the impact of programmer shortages by democratizing software development. \n\nWith an effective citizen development program, businesses can build the digital solutions they need within existing budgets and without hiring additional programmers. \n\nHere’s how. \n## Why Is There a Programmer Shortage? (4 Reasons)\nAccording to the US labor department, there were [1.6 million open software development jobs](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm) in 2021. And by 2030, the global talent for tech jobs shortage is expected to reach [85.2 million](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/06/08/is-there-a-developer-shortage-yes-but-the-problem-is-more-complicated-than-it-looks/?sh=58e108293b8e).\n\nThis lack of programming talent will have a major impact on businesses. Many will struggle to meet increasing expectations because they can’t create the features and solutions customers crave. As a result, companies will miss out on $8.4 trillion in potential revenue globally. \n\nThe programmer shortage is a real threat to business stability and development.\n\nAnd unfortunately, it’s not a problem that can be fixed by waiting for more people to learn how to code. The current situation is a cycle that feeds on itself.\n\nHere’s how.\n### 1. Increased Demand for Digital Solutions\nGartner predicts IT budgets will [grow 5.1% in 2023](https://www.cio.com/article/415220/it-leaders-adjust-budget-priorities-as-economic-outlook-shifts.html), despite economic uncertainty. \n\nWhile IT leaders will be more careful with the digital initiatives they choose to pursue, cutting down spending isn’t an option. \n\nCompanies need to stay competitive. \n\nCustomer and employee demand will continue to increase. Customers expect better services and features. Employees expect a reduction in manual tasks and better data insights, so they can meet established KPIs. \n\nWithout both, your customers and your employees will look elsewhere.\n\nAnd unfortunately, you can’t satisfy those needs _without_ digital solutions. \n\n**That’s why the demand for transformative business solutions is stronger than ever:** \n* [88% of IT leaders](https://www.salesforce.com/resources/research-reports/top-it-trends/) saw increased workloads in 2022.\n* [Nearly half (48%) of small businesses](https://topdesignfirms.com/app-development/blog/mobile-app-trends) have a mobile app.\n* The projected CAGR for the digital transformation market is [23.6% by 2030](https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2022/12/23/2578978/0/en/Digital-Transformation-Market-to-Exhibit-a-Remarkable-Growth-of-USD-4339-82-billion-by-2030-Size-Share-Trends-Key-Drivers-Demand-Opportunities-and-Competitive-Outlook.html).\n\nCompetition and increasing expectations will continue to drive the need for digital solutions that help businesses scale growth. \n\nThat’s not going away anytime soon. \n### 2. Continuously Changing Expectations\nCustomer and employee expectations rise and change quickly. \n\nThere's constant competition in the tech space that drives innovation. Businesses release new applications with new features and updates regularly. \n\nEmployees hear about new tools or how other businesses seamlessly connect their systems, and they expect the same in their workplace. \n\nAdditionally, younger workers are more tech-savvy and not okay with menial tasks when they can quickly find applications that can streamline their workflows.\n\nAt the same time, other companies expand their features and services to provide optimal user experiences. Whether e-commerce or B2B, it doesn’t matter. Customers expect a smooth buyer’s journey. And they’ll gravitate toward businesses that offer that. \n\nIt’s a constant state of growth and competition. \n\nAll these requests end up as tickets programmers have to manage. Backlog grows. And developments get delayed. IT departments move as fast as they can. But by the time new updates roll out, there’s a list of new requests.\n\nIt seems endless.\n\nTo make matters worse, developers need a growing tech stack to manage their workloads. As a result, the bar for programmers continues to rise, making it harder to maintain that skill set.\n\nAnd this makes it all but impossible to catch up.\n### 3. More Complex Projects\nSoftware development projects are more complex. Rather than using a single, on-premise system, businesses rely on sprawling tech stacks often hosted in the cloud. \n\nCompanies under 50 employees use around [16 SaaS applications on average](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/saas-statistics). That increases to 24 applications for companies with up to 100 employees. \n\nThis doesn’t include other business applications and tools.\n\nAs businesses grow to meet increasing customer and employee expectations, they have to integrate these systems into their existing tech stacks. They often have to build unique, custom applications to fit specific use cases.\n\nEither way, these projects need skilled developers to navigate their complexities while ensuring security, compliance, and quality. \n\nThe larger the business, the more complex that technical web gets.\n\nEnterprise organizations can afford to acquire more programmers to help facilitate these changes (in most cases). This drives up the demand and cost for programmers, making it more difficult for smaller organizations to fill tech jobs. \n### 4. Burnout (Toxic Environment)\nHaving said all this, it’s not surprising that IT developers are frequently burnt out and leave their jobs.\n\n**The Mayo Clinic highlights the [four main risk factors](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642) for burnout:**\n- Heavy workload and long work hours\n- Difficulty achieving work-life balance\n- Working in a support position\n- Having little or no control over work\n\nProgrammers struggle with work expectations regularly, despite [high salaries](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm). \n\nThey have to deal with a never-ending list of requests. Plus, they have to manage increasing pressure to finish tasks in a field where it seems impossible to get ahead.\n\n**And the stats illustrate this:**\n- [77% of IT and 71% of businesses agree](https://www.mendix.com/wp-content/uploads/IT-Business-Alignment-Study-Global.pdf) IT solution requests consistently go unmet.\n- [64% of IT professionals](https://www.outsystems.com/higher-education/-/media/1561DFEFA30542ECA8F5D63D96A855FC.ashx) said they have a backlog in app development.\n- IT leaders report that [two-thirds of major software projects](https://www.mendix.com/resources/the-state-of-low-code-report/) are behind schedule.\n\nProgrammers are often at odds with managers and team members over priorities. The teams are often siloed, creating miscommunication and frustration between departments.\n\nAs a result, [58% of security and software developers](https://www.cobalt.io/blog/the-state-of-pentesting-2022-how-labor-shortages-are-impacting-cybersecurity-and-developer-professionals) experience burnout. And when programmers are burnt out, they leave their jobs.\n\nEven if you manage to hire new software developers, they’re less likely to stick around.\n\nAll this keeps businesses from building momentum toward transformative changes. \n## What Is the Impact of Tech Shortages?\nWithout digital innovation, businesses are extremely limited. \n\n[Most effective cost-cutting methods](https://quandarycg.com/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/) involve digital solutions. For example, automating invoices or integrating applications to streamline reporting requires software. \n\nWithout software, there’s only so much you can do to reduce costs.\n\nInnovation also slows down without programmers. Employees are discouraged from thinking outside the box. They know that any process improvements they suggest will be ignored because their organization lacks the resources to make positive changes.\n\nIt’s pointless.\n\nWithout innovation and cost reduction, business development slows down. \n\nCompanies can’t remain competitive. Customers leave for competitors that offer what they need. Revenue drops. And businesses go from being proactive to reactive as they try to stay afloat.\n## The Need for a New Approach to Hiring Developers\nWith the increasing demand for professional programmers and solutions, businesses need to rethink how they approach software development. \n\n[Citizen developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-pros-cons/) offer a simple solution. \n\nCitizen developers are full-time employees that use low-code and no-code platforms to build business solutions without technical knowledge.\n\nUsing various [low-code platforms](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-guide/), citizen developers can rapidly build custom applications, integrations, and automations to streamline workflows. \n\nThey work with IT teams, leveraging their unique business experience to create custom digital solutions that fit their unique needs. And because they better understand the tools, workflows, and necessary features, they can create more effective solutions.\n\nAdoption rates are high. Customer satisfaction is higher. [And the results are impressive](https://quandarycg.com/case-studies/).\n## How Citizen Development Can Reduce Programmer Shortages\nLeveraging citizen developers to combat programmer shortages can help you stay on track for your digital initiatives while reducing your reliance on programmers. \n\nIn fact, Gartner predicts that by the end of 2023, active citizen developers will outnumber professional developers [by 4 to 1](https://www.gartner.com/en/doc/745430-future-of-work-trends) at large enterprises.\n\nMore citizen developers. Less reliance on professional developers. \n\nThis is why:\n\nCitizen development breaks down departmental silos by inspiring collaboration between developers and business users. This leads to more productivity among teams.\n\nStill, [citizen developers aren’t programmers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-vs-professional-developer/). They may have a technical background, but they’re not IT experts. As a result, effective citizen development programs require IT oversight. \n\nIn short, citizen developers need to work within [established frameworks](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-framework/). Sandbox environments, for example, encourage citizen developers to innovate. Clear compliance and security guidelines protect the business. And a set of standards for application development ensures team members create high-quality solutions.\n\nOnce those frameworks are in place, citizen developers can innovate safely. They are empowered to test out ideas and solutions, knowing they can’t disrupt business functions. \n\nThis means that citizen developers can lean on their business experience (instead of your IT teams) to build their custom solutions. And because they’re closer to the problem, their solution is much more likely to work better. \n\nAll the while, IT can move away from menial application builds and focus more on governance. This scales application development and process improvement without needing to hire additional programmers.\n\nInstead, your IT resources can focus on more business-critical tasks while your citizen developers handle easier tasks.\n\nCitizen development is essentially a force multiplier for your IT team.\n\nIt redistributes work, allowing businesses to reduce their dependence on professional developers. There are fewer bottlenecks, slowdowns, backlogs, and, ultimately, a reduction in burnout. \n\nAs an added benefit, low-code applications can scale development drastically. \n\nThis makes it easier for developers and citizen developers to create more applications. Ultimately, you can create more applications with fewer programmers on staff.\n## Next Steps: Implementing Citizen Development\nWhile the benefits are immense, you must properly set up your citizen development program. This means having the proper [governance models](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-governance-guide/) and training in place to guide your citizen development team to success.\n\nIt would be a mistake to assume citizen developers will follow IT best practices to keep your business secure and compliant. \n\n**Remember:** they’re not professional developers. They’re tech-savvy employees with an understanding of low-code platforms. \n\nThey need guidance and support. Without it, they can do more harm than good.\n\nThat’s why Quandary Consulting Group helps businesses stand up and govern citizen development programs. \n\nWe provide the resources, training, and frameworks you need to get the most out of citizen development while reducing risk and disruption to your business.\n\nReady to launch your citizen development program? [Reach out to us today](https://quandarycg.com/contact/)!","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-2391ab21-b73f-5060-931d-0d1ed8cd8b3b","title":"Citizen Developer: All Hype Or the Future of Coding?","_createdAt":"2023-02-13T08:29:15Z","publishedAt":"2023-02-12T16:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/555761561dc6e6a9cd075d2dc2e5f785a4245864-2250x1500.jpg?w=2250&h=1500&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/555761561dc6e6a9cd075d2dc2e5f785a4245864-2250x1500.jpg?rect=0,1,2250,1498&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/555761561dc6e6a9cd075d2dc2e5f785a4245864-2250x1500.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/555761561dc6e6a9cd075d2dc2e5f785a4245864-2250x1500.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/555761561dc6e6a9cd075d2dc2e5f785a4245864-2250x1500.jpg?rect=1,0,2249,1500&w=1024&h=683&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/555761561dc6e6a9cd075d2dc2e5f785a4245864-2250x1500.jpg?rect=1,0,2249,1500&w=1366&h=911&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/555761561dc6e6a9cd075d2dc2e5f785a4245864-2250x1500.jpg?rect=1,0,2249,1500&w=1600&h=1067&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/555761561dc6e6a9cd075d2dc2e5f785a4245864-2250x1500.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&auto=format 1920w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/555761561dc6e6a9cd075d2dc2e5f785a4245864-2250x1500.jpg?w=2048&h=1365&auto=format 2048w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/555761561dc6e6a9cd075d2dc2e5f785a4245864-2250x1500.jpg?w=2250&h=1500&auto=format 2250w","sizes":"(min-width: 2250px) 2250px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":2250,"height":1500,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/555761561dc6e6a9cd075d2dc2e5f785a4245864-2250x1500.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"citizen-developer-hype"},"body":"Gartner has forecasted the era of the citizen developer a few times. The latest prediction states that by 2023 citizen developers will [outnumber programmers 4 to 1](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/). \n\nThat won't be the case.\n\nIn fact, most businesses still aren’t sure [what a citizen developer](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-pros-cons/) is despite having low-code platforms in their tech stack. Things don’t look good.\n\nBut does that mean the citizen development movement is dead? \n\nNot quite. \n\nFar from hype, the citizen development movement is just getting started. The key to success rests in governance and managing expectations. \n\nThe truth is that businesses need citizen development now, more than ever. While overhyped in the past, citizen development is on a fast track to becoming the norm. \n## Citizen Development and Low Code Trends\nTo determine whether or not the citizen development moment is all hype or the future of coding, you need to look at app development and programmer trends. \n\n**Here are the facts:**\n\n1. [76% of customers](https://assets.kpmg/content/dam/kpmg/xx/pdf/2020/07/customer-experience-in-the-new-reality.pdf) expect e-commerce services from B2B experiences.\n2. The demand for software developers [will continue to increase](https://stats.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm).\n3. [88% of IT leaders](https://www.salesforce.com/resources/research-reports/top-it-trends/) saw increased workloads in 2022.\n4. [Two-thirds of major software projects](https://www.mendix.com/resources/the-state-of-low-code-report/) are behind schedule.\n5. IT solutions [regularly go unmet](https://www.mendix.com/wp-content/uploads/IT-Business-Alignment-Study-Global.pdf). \n6. [Most IT professionals](https://www.outsystems.com/higher-education/-/media/1561DFEFA30542ECA8F5D63D96A855FC.ashx) have a backlog in app development.\n7. Low-code platforms can build solutions up to [10x faster](https://www.forrester.com/blogs/why-you-need-to-know-about-low-code-even-if-youre-not-responsible-for-software-delivery/) than traditional development.\n\nDevelopers are swamped with requests. Increased customer demands and labor costs, along with a talent shortage and extensive IT backlogs, put businesses in a bind. They need digital solutions and they need them quickly to stay competitive and give customers more. \n\nTraditional application development can’t keep up. (And hasn’t been able to for some time.)\n\nAnd with inflation and trimming budgets, businesses need a way to do more with less. Low-code application platforms combined with citizen developers do just that. \n\nAs a result, they’ll [change the very nature](https://quandarycg.com/no-code-movement-software-development-changes/) of software development.\n\nCitizen developers work as an extension of IT. They use low-code and no-code platforms to build solutions that fit their specific business needs. And because they’re close to the work that needs to get done, the resulting solutions have a high acceptance rate.\n\nThat’s better than having IT create applications that may or may not do the job well, and then forcing teams to use these tools.\n## Why Businesses Need Citizen Developers\n[Citizen developers can support digital transformations](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-digital-transformation/) in numerous ways. There are seven key areas where these assets can break through the hype and make a real, measurable impact on your business. \n### 1. Increased Demand for Digital Solutions\nYou can only transform so much in your organization without investing in better systems. \n\nAutomation and integration break down data silos and streamline processes. The time and resources saved can empower your team to find better solutions. \n\nBusinesses that don’t invest in better solutions end up treading water, unable to innovate until competitors overtake them.\n\nCustomers also want more features, stronger support, and a better user experience. You need digital solutions to meet these needs as well. \n### 2. Limited Budgets\nTraditional application development [is expensive](https://imaginovation.net/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-build-mobile-app/). Low-code no-code (LCNC) application platforms are much more affordable. And as SaaS platforms, cost scales with use.\n\nWhen businesses are [laying off tech positions](https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/feature/Tech-sector-layoffs-explained-What-you-need-to-know) and trimming down expenses, low-code applications development and citizen developers can help you get more results at a lower cost.\n\n\n### 3. Long Development Times\nBuilding applications the traditional way [takes a long time](https://www.uptech.team/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-make-an-app), roughly 7 - 12 months (or longer). \n\nThis is problematic. Businesses need solutions quickly to [reduce costs](https://quandarycg.com/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/) and stay competitive. Longer development times lead to more expense and missed opportunities. Additionally, it’s possible that the problem changes before the new solution is ready. \n\nWhen that happens, you waste a lot of time and money developing features your team and customers no longer need. \n\nCitizen developers can build applications much faster, in days or weeks instead of months and years. \n### 4. The Risk of Change Management\nChange management is more challenging with solutions that are created outside of the departments that use them. This can lead to [waste and a host of other problems](https://www.prosci.com/blog/the-costs-risks-of-poorly-managed-change).\n\nIT teams are far removed from the daily problems of your team. They may not be familiar with the tools they use either. This can lead to waste when developers create solutions nobody wants to use.\n\nCitizen developers are essentially building tools to solve their problems. Adoption is much higher because they know the features needed to do the job.\n### 5. Inspires Innovation\nThere’s nothing more frustrating than suggesting ways to improve workflows only to watch them get ignored. It stifles creativity while making you feel trapped. \n\nCitizen development rewards creativity by empowering employees. You can drastically improve your workflows and processes by actively building the solutions you need. \n\nSandbox environments can protect citizen developers from disrupting business accidentally. And incentives can further encourage improvements. \n\nBest of all, your team will feel inspired to make real, lasting changes that improve their lives and the work they do. \n### 6. Improves Business Operations\n\nThe main goal of citizen developers is to build solutions that will streamline business operations. This benefits everyone. Citizen developers integrate systems, automate tasks, and reduce waste. The end result is better workflows and clearer data streams. \n\nAt the same time, they free up IT teams from menial development tasks. This empowers them to focus on complex business problems, building the solutions needed to improve the business.\n### 7. Increases Collaboration\nMost departments see IT as an obstacle. \n\nThey want a tool to make their jobs easier, but IT “never listens”. Ideas for improvement often get ignored (because IT teams are busy with other tasks). \n\nIn most cases, employees will simply sidestep IT, finding a solution that works. This leads to [shadow IT](https://quandarycg.com/what-is-shadow-it/), waste, and increased risk.\n\nCitizen developers build a bridge between departments and your IT team. IT teams work with citizen developers, training them on IT policies and frameworks, and ensuring solutions are effective and secure. \n\nThe relationship becomes more collaborative as opposed to adversarial. \n## Why Citizen Developers Fail\nIf there are so many benefits to citizen developers and a clear, pressing need for adoption, then why hasn’t the citizen development movement caught on, yet? \n\nAfter all, Gartner has been broadcasting its arrival for years. \n\nThe pandemic caused a lot of chaos. For starters, it accelerated [the need for digital solutions](https://kpmg.com/us/en/home/insights/2020/09/digital-acceleration.html). But at the same time, made businesses hesitant to adopt new technologies and approaches. \n\nThere has also been a lot of pushback against LCNC platforms and citizen developers from traditional programmers. Those with a negative view of the movement see citizen developers as antagonists trying to eradicate their jobs. They also feel that LCNC platforms create subpar applications. That LCNC is somehow weaker than traditional development. \n\nBoth of these ideas are wrong.\n\nStill, it has led to a sheepish, somewhat hesitant approach to embracing citizen developers. After all, who wants to work with someone they believe is trying to replace their job or use tools that create applications they don’t believe will work? \n\nMoreover, businesses don’t fully understand what’s needed to launch a citizen developer program. \n\nThey often choose employees who aren’t the best candidates, give them access to a low-code platform, and tell them to create solutions. All without any kind of governance or support. \n\nThis leads to scope creep, wasted resources, operational slowdowns, and increased risk.\n## Citizen Developers Need IT Support to Succeed\nIf you want your citizen developers to succeed, you need a culture change. \n\nIt starts with leadership understanding what the citizen development movement is and how it can provide value to the organization. \n\nNext, you need to get your IT leaders on board. \n\nThere will be operation changes they must prepare for. They will need to provide support, resources, and guidance. This will take time, which will be difficult as most IT teams are underwater. \n\nBut, it’s necessary to ensure your citizen developers succeed. \n\nFinally, you need to educate and train your citizen developers. At the same time, you need to tailor expectations. \n\n[They’re not professional developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-vs-professional-developer/). There will be limits to what they can do, regardless of the tools they use. \n\nInstead, your IT leaders will need to work with citizen developers to teach them [the processes and framework](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-framework/) needed to build agile, secure solutions. Oversight is key, as IT must ensure that citizen developers work toward established business goals. \n\nThis can be hard for citizen developers to do as they mostly focus on their job and workflow. It’s difficult to connect the dots to other systems, constraints, and goals.\n\nThat’s why IT oversight is key. \n\nIn short, you can’t throw citizen developers in the deep end and expect them to swim.\n\nThey won't. They’ll drown. \n## The Value of Citizen Developer Consultants\nIf your IT team is overwhelmed and launching a citizen developer program isn’t something they can do with their current workload, then there is another solution. \n\nWorking with citizen developer consultants, you can outsource the implementation, training, and governance of your citizen developers.\n\nYou get a citizen development program that works. And your IT team gets more time to focus on critical tasks without disruption.\n\nAt Quandary Consulting Group, we help businesses launch citizen development programs. Using our experience as low-code experts and business consultants, we train your teams on the tools we use to help other businesses scale their systems. \n\nWant to learn more? [Reach out to us today](https://quandarycg.com/contact/)!","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-d2d063bf-f846-5e90-a70e-9afa4ee29533","title":"Is Citizen Development Shadow IT?","_createdAt":"2022-12-27T09:30:59Z","publishedAt":"2022-12-26T16:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0aac261c530029ba6a5c29d5be74e078d615e70a-800x533.webp?w=800&h=533&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0aac261c530029ba6a5c29d5be74e078d615e70a-800x533.webp?w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0aac261c530029ba6a5c29d5be74e078d615e70a-800x533.webp?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0aac261c530029ba6a5c29d5be74e078d615e70a-800x533.webp?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0aac261c530029ba6a5c29d5be74e078d615e70a-800x533.webp?w=800&h=533&auto=format 800w","sizes":"(min-width: 800px) 800px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":800,"height":533,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0aac261c530029ba6a5c29d5be74e078d615e70a-800x533.webp"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"citizen-development-shadow-it"},"body":"The citizen development movement is in full force with [84% of companies](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/) acknowledging that it can provide a competitive edge. Business leaders and employees are thrilled at the idea of building out custom solutions that make their day-to-day jobs easier.\n\nBut many IT departments don’t see it in the same light. Instead, many IT leaders worry citizen development is nothing more than unchecked shadow IT.\n\nAnd they have a right to be cautious.\n\nAfter all, your IT department is responsible for ensuring tech stays compliant and secure. They understand [how damaging data breaches](https://www.metacompliance.com/blog/data-breaches/5-damaging-consequences-of-a-data-breach) and [compliance violations](https://www.cornerstoneondemand.com/au/resources/article/what-are-risks-employee-compliance-violations/) are.\n\nThey also understand that shadow IT can burn through resources while creating more inefficiencies than they solve.\n\nBut is citizen development shadow IT?\n\nLet's lay out the facts.\n\n## What Is Citizen Development?\n\nThe need to automate processes and integrate applications continues to drive the need for new digital solutions. Unfortunately, traditional (IT-centric) development can’t keep up.\n\nThis has [necessitated an alternative approach](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-digital-transformation/): Citizen development.\n\nCitizen development has emerged to fill the gap between business app demand and limited IT resources. \n \nIn short, non-IT employees use low-code applications to build custom solutions to everyday business problems. And they do so without any coding knowledge.\n \nUsing a drag-and-drop interface, they arrange predefined modules into UIs, processes, and functions. These platforms handle the rest, generating the code needed to create fully functional applications.\n\nCitizen developers can build applications faster and at a lower cost than conventional app development. Most importantly, citizen developers leverage their unique experience with the business problems they face. As a result, they create custom solutions that work.\n \nThe “secret sauce” of citizen developer expertise results in apps that better fit business requirements. Adoption and success rates are higher.\n\n## What Is Shadow IT?\n\nFundamentally, shadow IT springs from an imbalance between business needs and technology resources. \n \nBusinesses need more technology solutions. IT needs time to build new apps and review approval requests. Increasing demand and limited resources stretch IT departments thin. \n \nWait time for builds and approvals increases. And employees, with ever-growing pressure to deliver results, side-step IT and deploy solutions independently.\n \nShadow IT is an insidious problem for IT departments that increases business risks. \n\nOnly [8% of all businesses](https://blogs.cisco.com/cloud/the-shadow-it-dilemma) know the extent of shadow IT within their organization. And over 80% of employees use unsanctioned shadow IT applications. Worse yet, it’s becoming more widespread, with [shadow IT increasing 112%](https://quandarycg.com/what-is-shadow-it/) yearly.\n \nShadow IT isn’t just about side-stepping IT protocol and downloading an unsanctioned app from the web. Security concerns may be the most serious risk posed by Shadow IT. Gartner estimates that [one-third of cyber attacks](https://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/protect-your-organization-from-cyber-and-ransomware-attacks) result from shadow IT.\n \nIt can be easy to blame shadow IT on bureaucratic IT departments.\n \nIn fairness, complex IT policies and procedures are a contributing factor. IT is often slow to respond to new app requests, with [64% of IT departments](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/) reporting a backlog.\n \nHowever, blaming IT will not reduce shadow IT or resolve its root causes. But citizen development can leverage the strengths of shadow IT while minimizing risk.\n \nAs long as your business takes the right approach.\n\n### The Benefits of Shadow IT\n\nShadow IT isn’t all bad. In fact, many businesses are embracing it. They see it as a strategy they can use to grow their businesses.\n\n **Benefits of Shadow IT**:\n- **Increased employee productivity**: Employees are more efficient when using tools they prefer and understand.\n- **More familiarity with cloud computing**: Team members get more experience with agile, cloud-based work solutions, improving their productivity.\n- **Higher engagement and empowerment**: Shadow IT encourages team members to rethink how they work and create more streamlined processes.\n- **Frees up IT resources**: Citizen developers can knock out small tasks, so developers have more time to focus on strategic issues.\n\n### Why More Businesses Embrace Shadow IT\n\nShadow IT gives businesses the solutions they need to stay competitive and exceed customer expectations. And they do so at a time when [software developers are in short supply](https://codesubmit.io/blog/shortage-of-developers/). \n \nOrganizations can’t afford to wait around for new talent to meet increasing workloads. Everyone craves more streamlined processes. With automation [becoming the norm](https://www.benefitnews.com/news/as-job-automation-becomes-the-norm-upskilling-sees-big-demand), people (customers and employees alike) expect results faster. \n \nPeople are also tired of menial, repetitive tasks. For example, manually pulling data from spreadsheets is a soul-crushing, time-consuming task. Employees don’t want to do it. Employers don’t want to pay people to do it. Automation is a simple solution.\n \nWith or without IT approval. \n \nAdditionally, most employees are tech-savvy. They use computers, smartphones, and apps daily. As a result, they are less likely to wait around for IT to approve something they can “figure out” on their own.\n\n## Citizen Development vs. IT\n\nCitizen development can have strained relationships with IT, CIOs, and software engineers. They fear losing control over development. And they are wary of potential security issues, redundancies, and poor app quality. \n\nTo be fair, these concerns are valid. Citizen development can be at odds with IT if it is not properly governed. \n\nWhile citizen developers do not work for IT, they still need to collaborate with developers. They’re not programmers. Their knowledge of IT systems is limited. They need [guidance, support, and collaboration](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-support/) to be successful.\n\nWith the right structure and collaboration, citizen developers and IT complement each other. The sooner they realize they’re on the same team and share common goals, the sooner they can support one another and drive more results.\n\n## Citizen Development’s Impact on Shadow IT\n\n[With proper governance](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-governance-guide/), citizen development can reduce the need for shadow IT.\n \nShadow IT happens because business environments push employees to leverage unapproved technology to get work done better and faster. \n \nCitizen development gives developers the tools they need to create the exact solution they need. This removes the incentive for employees to download unapproved applications.\n \nWith the proper framework, IT and citizen developers can work closely together to accomplish business goals faster. As a result, everyone wins.\n \nWithout proper governance, citizen development can make shadow IT much worse.\n \nEmployees can create multiple versions of the same application that cause unnecessary waste. And if citizen developers don’t integrate these applications, you essentially end up with expensive spreadsheets that still need manual data processing. \n \nIf citizen developers use unapproved low-code applications with weak security or compliance concerns, they can expose the business to unnecessary risk. \n \nUltimately, [governance](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-governance-guide/) determines exactly how citizen development impacts shadow IT.\n\n## How to Reduce Shadow IT With Citizen Developers (10 Steps)\n\nMake no mistake, the no-code movement [will change software development](https://quandarycg.com/no-code-movement-software-development-changes/). If you want to reduce shadow IT from your citizen developers, you need the right approach. \n\nIn short, you need a citizen development program with a [structured framework](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-framework/) to reduce or eliminate shadow IT. Follow these 10 steps to make it happen.\n\n### 1. Create a Citizen Developer Center of Excellence (COE)\n\nLocated at the center of a structured framework, a [Center of Excellence (COE)](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-governance-guide/) acts as a go-to citizen development hub. It consolidates developer resources, support, and leadership control all in one place. \n\nA COE sets standards, selects platforms and supporting technologies, and provides testing and QA. It keeps stakeholders and policies aligned while serving as a focal point for citizen developers, IT, and leadership.\n\nThe COE maintains a repository of key developer resources. These include best practices, application templates, pre-built code modules, and developer documentation. \n\nAdditionally, the COE hosts secure development sandboxes. This allows citizen developers to innovate in a safe environment.\n\n### 2. Establish a Collaborative Environment\n\nCitizen developers are most productive when working in a collaborative environment. This allows IT departments to track projects, catch overlaps, and bridge gaps easily. \n\nCitizen developers and IT working together improves developer productivity and application quality. At the same time, collaboration reduces wasted effort and cost.\n\n### 3. Choose the Right Low-Code/No-Code Platform\n\nA wide variety of [low-code/no-code platforms](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-guide/) are available. Some won’t be a good fit for your business, so you should choose carefully.\n\nWhen choosing a platform, start by assessing base functionality. Other factors like strong workflow automation and integration connectors are also important.\n\nOnce you’ve settled on a platform, it’s best to standardize. Choosing a single platform helps with community building, developer training, and additional support.\n\n### 4. Train Your Citizen Developers\n\nCitizen developer training is a key success factor. Training should include detailed instructions on using the approved low-code/no-code platform for your business.\n\nBut your citizen developers also need instruction on security, integration, and data integrity. Remember, [they aren’t traditional programmers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-vs-professional-developer/). So, there will be some limitations. You’ll need to work within those limitations and train your citizen development team. \n\nWell-trained developers are better equipped to create great apps and avoid issues before they occur. That experience is key for citizen developers to produce applications that align with IT standards and business needs.\n\n### 5. Provide Important Tools and Resources\n\nThe right tools and resources are critical for successful citizen development. It starts with providing developers with a sanctioned low-code/no-code platform but includes much more.\n\nYou should establish a dedicated platform help desk. Additionally, it’s important to provide platform and security training along with documentation. \n\nYou'll also need integration support, development sandboxes, templates, and reusable modules. This ensures your citizen developers have everything they need to learn and grow.\n\n### 6. Promote Creativity in a Safe Environment\n\nA safe citizen development environment includes at least two key components: a citizen developer community and a secure, sandbox environment. \n\nA citizen developer community provides peer support and IT guidance, allowing developers to learn and grow.\n\nSecure developer sandboxes provide safe environments for developers to innovate, experiment, and, most importantly, make mistakes. \n\nThese completely self-contained environments encourage citizen developer creativity. They can try out new ideas unconcerned with disrupting other apps, databases, or systems.\n\n### 7. Control Access\n\nAccess control can be very effective in reducing potential citizen developer risk. Platforms, tools, and resources should be accessible only to authorized developers.\n\nThis simple action helps protect program security and gauge needed resource levels. It also provides a starting point for setting up and tracking KPIs.\n\n### 8. Monitor Usage\n\nEven with proper guidance and support, citizen developers can cut corners or ignore policies. They may go completely rogue and engage in shadow IT. \n\nAlternatively, inadvertent mistakes can occur even with the best intentions.\n\nIt’s essential to monitor citizen developers and their activities to safeguard against risks. With citizen development, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.\n\n### 9. Know When to Take Over\n\nCitizen developers can be overly ambitious at times. As a result, they may take on a project that's too complex for their skillset.\n\nWhen citizen developers get in over their heads, it’s up to IT to help them out. Through regular monitoring, IT will know when they need to step in and take over.\n\n### 10. Track KPIs\n\nAs part of a structured development framework, IT should implement appropriate policies and KPIs. Tracking KPIs ensures that citizen developers create apps that drive results.\n\nLeadership should sit with IT and citizen developers to determine how they will measure success. Transparency is key here. \n\nOnce your business establishes KPIs, you can use them as benchmarks to gauge the success of citizen developers and the applications they create.\n\nReflecting on KPIs and using them to inspire your citizen developers is critical. Success is a powerful motivator. At the same time, it allows your team to learn from mistakes and grow.\n","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-597e0a44-e8a6-5f51-9830-f64bfe47708e","title":"25 Detailed Cost Reduction Techniques for Growing Businesses ","_createdAt":"2020-01-16T03:03:59Z","publishedAt":"2022-12-20T15:27:37.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/6e800e310989b6a83588858f0553cae53ad271a3-1000x625.jpg?w=1000&h=625&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/6e800e310989b6a83588858f0553cae53ad271a3-1000x625.jpg?w=320&h=200&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/6e800e310989b6a83588858f0553cae53ad271a3-1000x625.jpg?rect=1,0,999,625&w=654&h=409&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/6e800e310989b6a83588858f0553cae53ad271a3-1000x625.jpg?w=768&h=480&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/6e800e310989b6a83588858f0553cae53ad271a3-1000x625.jpg?w=1000&h=625&auto=format 1000w","sizes":"(min-width: 1000px) 1000px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1000,"height":625,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/6e800e310989b6a83588858f0553cae53ad271a3-1000x625.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business"},"body":"## How to Lower Business Expenses\n\nThere’s more to cutting costs than leaving the creamer out of the break room. Serious expense reduction requires serious thought and an organized approach so that you’re can reduce waste without impacting the quality of your services and products. \n\nBut it’s not as simple as you’d think. In fact, a lot of businesses focus on the wrong strategies to save pennies instead of making the right investments that will save them way more. \n\nIf you’re looking for ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency in your organization, you’re in luck. There are plenty of strategies you can deploy to cut expenses without cutting your staff or benefits. \n\n## What Is Cost Reduction?\nCost reduction is the process of reducing unnecessary expenses to increase their bottom line. Methodologies and results vary from business to business. However, effective cost-cutting is a dynamic, continuous, and reflective process. Businesses are fluid, and cost reduction needs to follow suit.\n\n_But, it’s not as simple as you think..._\n\nIf you approach cost reduction from an elimination-only mindset, you’re missing out on a lot of other very useful strategies. Shockingly, you could actually end up costing your business more. \n\n**There are 6 types of cost-saving approaches:**\n- **Adaptation:** Adjusting to customer and market demands with leaner solutions.\n- **Combination:** Bundle goods and services across an organization to reduce costs.\n- **Elimination:** Remove unnecessary products, processes, benefits, and workflows.\n- **Optimization:** [Streamlining processes](https://quandarycg.com/5-examples-of-successful-workflow-optimization/) and workflows to reduce bottlenecks and redundancies.\n- **Substitution:** Using cheaper products or services.\n- **Repurposing:** Utilize existing tools, technology, and processes in new, unique ways that meet demands.\n\nEach of the cost-cutting strategies outlined here uses one or more of the methods described to help you drastically reduce costs in your organization.\n\n## Why Cost Reduction Fails\nMost cost initiatives fail because they’re too ambitious, lack a clear strategy, and don’t have buy-in from leadership. Sadly, [nearly half (43%)](https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2020-10-26-gartner-says-finance-leaders-who-avoid-four-cost-management-mistakes-will-help-their-organizations-emerge-stronger-from-the-covid19-crisis) of cost-cutting initiatives fail. If you want to move your organization past dreaming about becoming more efficient, then you need a roadmap. \n\nAs [process improvement consultants](https://quandarycg.com/about-us/), we’re uniquely positioned to share our experience with helping businesses reduce costs. Rather than seeking quick wins, our guide will walk you through how to set a strong foundation for a lean business. \n\nAs a result, you’ll not only succeed at cost-cutting, you’ll transform your organization into a highly efficient competitor in your space. \n\nReady to finally succeed at cost-cutting and saving money?\n\n**Follow these easy steps to reduce waste in your organization today!**\n\n\n\n## 1. Establish Realistic Goals\nBefore you start looking at how to reduce expenses, you need to [establish realistic goals](https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikekappel/2020/12/10/become-a-pro-at-setting-business-goals-in-the-new-year-with-these-6-tips/). This way, you can quickly see if your initiatives are successful. Goals should be specific and detailed. And you need to establish milestones for measuring progress. \n\n## 2. Evaluate Business Expenses\nYour next step should be to evaluate what your business spends money on. Pull all the data for expenses. You should build both a snapshot and an itemized list of expenses. This will help you see where your money is going. Often, this is a quick way to identify waste. \n\n## 3. Get Staff Buy-In\n[Changing your organization’s mindset](https://quandarycg.com/overcoming-operational-challenges/) on cost reduction is key to success. Share the benefits of reducing waste in your organization. And meet with leaders to underscore the importance of their role in helping the business reduce costs.\n\n## 4. Ask Employees\nNo one knows the ins and outs of their department better than the employees working there. Take the time to ask your staff where they think waste might be. Note those areas. And evaluate whether or not cost-cutting is possible there. You can also encourage and reward your staff for finding more efficient ways to work. \n\n## 5. Hire Remote Workers and Freelancers\nMore people work remotely [than ever before](https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/13/people-who-work-from-home-earn-more-than-those-who-commuteheres-why.html). Hiring remotely can save you money on office space, around [$10,000 per employee per year](https://www.pgi.com/blog/2019/11/how-telecommuting-saves-money-and-the-planet-too/). And while self-employed freelancers and contractors may have higher hourly rates, they don’t need benefits.\n\nStudies also show that remote workers are happier in their jobs and as a result, more effective. Plus, a remote staff means fewer sick days and higher productivity levels. \n\n![\"office\"](\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dnla85pdq/image/upload/v1579152663/QuandaryCG/annie-spratt-wgivdx9dBdQ-unsplash-980x655.jpg\")
\n\n## 6. Outsource\nDespite a bad reputation, outsourcing can give you high-quality products and services at a reduced cost. And you don’t need to outsource abroad either. Working with contractors based in cities with a lower cost of living often charge lower rates, helping you reduce costs. \n\n## 7. Reduce Wages\nThis should only be used as a last resort. Reducing wages can damage employee morale. However, if it’s wage reduction or dismissal, employees will often prefer wage reduction. Still, be very careful before reducing wages. There are plenty of other **(better)** cost-cutting measures.\n\n## 8. Combine/Bundle Purchases\nA lot of organizations miss out on the cost-cutting benefits of combining purchases and services. Rather than letting each department order what they need, you can combine orders or requests and get bulk discounts. With software, insurance, and other products, you can often get discounts for bundling your needs with the same providers.\n\n## 9. Go Green\nReplacing dated appliances, lights, and fixtures with long-lasting, energy-efficient alternatives. Reduce the use of paper by going paperless. [Using smart thermostats](https://www.kw-engineering.com/how-small-businesses-save-money-ac-air-conditioning-smart-thermostats/) and appliances can also help you reduce energy bills. And establishing a workplace culture that focuses on reducing carbon footprints can also help you achieve additional cost reduction.\n\n## 10. Reassess Your Services and Products\nBusinesses tend to rely on the, “If isn’t broke, don’t fix it” mindset. But that approach is in direct opposition to cost reduction. You should regularly revisit the type of services and products you provide. Ask yourself, “Do our customers want this? Is there a better or cheaper way to deliver the same or better level of service? What are our competitors doing?” \n\n## 11. Evaluate New Products/Services Costs\nBefore adding new functionality to an existing product, expanding your service line, or building out a new product, you need to consider the cost. Most organizations [underestimate the cost of projects](https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/project-management-accomplishment-value-procedure-1832). This can stall development and tie up critical resources. It can also put an organization at unnecessary risk. And always evaluate the ROI before launching a new product.\n\n## 12. Combine Staff Events\nRather than keep team-building activities and training second, get the most out of each event you schedule by combining them. You’ll cut costs while still maintaining a positive workplace culture. Also, look at the time of day and week for certain activities. You may save more money by shifting the time around. \n\n\n\n## 13. Replace Unproductive Staff\nMost likely, there is at least one member of your team that’s underperforming. While you may be holding off on releasing them due to a number of personal reasons, there comes a time when letting them go is more cost-beneficial than keeping them around. \n\n## 14. Promote Productivity Over Hours Worked \nShift the mindset away from working long hours and focus more on accomplishing tasks. There’s a certain point where more hours doesn’t result in more productivity, anyway. With this change in mindset, your employees will produce more results. \n\n## 15. Reduce Maverick Spend\nUnapproved spending (or [Maverick Spend](https://www.purchasecontrol.com/blog/maverick-spending/)) is particularly rampant in organizations without clear insights into purchase order approvals. By [increasing transparency in your procurement process](https://quandarycg.com/the-procurement-management-strategic-playbook), you’ll reduce unapproved spending, consolidate orders, and get discounts on goods and services that keep your company within budget. \n\n\n\n## 16. Integrate Systems\nData siloes can ruin your business. The more siloes, the more blind spots. And the more blind spots, the more likely it is for waste uncontrolled maverick spending, fraud, and theft to occur in your business.\n\n[By integrating systems and applications](/everything-you-need-to-know-about-integrations) in your organization, you’ll increase transparency and make it harder for malicious spending to happen. \n\n## 17. Review Previous Cost-Cutting Strategies\nOrganizations often have to put tasks on hold. Unexpected things happen and that causes the focus to shift. Rather than waste time and resources reinventing solutions, review previous cost-cutting strategies and see if they’re still applicable. \n\n## 18. Reduce Meetings\nMost meetings are an expensive waste of time. On average, [organizations spend 15% of their time](https://hbr.org/2014/05/your-scarcest-resource) in meetings, 37% of which are meaningless. Meetings should be short, only involve key players, and have a strategic goal. Remove any meetings that don’t meet these criteria. And use other channels like presentations, email, and memos to share information. \n\n## 19. Evaluate Potential Process Improvements\nWhen’s the last time you evaluated the workflows in your organization? As businesses grow and their customers’ needs change, simple systems often become a tangled mess. [Continuous process improvement](https://quandarycg.com/process-improvement-cut-waste-and-improve-business-efficiency) focuses on constantly looking for ways to improve workflows.\n\n## 20. Transform Business Processes\nIn 60% of jobs, [at least 33% of the activities](https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/jobs-lost-jobs-gained-what-the-future-of-work-will-mean-for-jobs-skills-and-wages#part1) can be automated. Automation and integration reduce the need for time-intensive, manual tasks. Integrations [connect your disparate systems](https://quandarycg.com/benefits-of-systems-integration/). And automation moves the data between chose systems efficiently. \n\nFor example, if you're still manually processing invoices, you're wasting a lot of time and money. Manually processing invoices can cost between $12 - $40 per invoice. The quickest way to reduce costs in your business is to move from manually processing invoices to automating the process. (That only costs around $3.50 to process...an incredible difference.)\n\n## 21. Ditch The Legacy Systems\nLegacy systems are time and resource-intensive to maintain. On average, a company spends $3.61 per line of code. With the average-size application at 300,000 lines of code (LOC), that comes to $1,083,000 per application to maintain and fix legacy software.\n\nPlus, [33% of engineer's time ](https://stripe.com/files/reports/the-developer-coefficient.pdf?ref=hackernoon.com)goes to dealing with technical debt. That's time wasted on repairing existing software, not working on new innovations that could increase revenue. \n\n## 22. Leverage Low Code Platforms\n[Low-code](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-guide/) provides an easily approachable solution to reduce inefficiencies while reducing costs in businesses of any size. \n\nIn short, low-code platforms make it easy for anyone to quickly drag and drop new applications into existence. All without extensive coding, testing, or building of back-end infrastructure. \n\nAs a result, you can [build the apps you need](/quandary-build/) and connect them to your existing systems at a fraction of the cost of traditional, custom app builds. By doing this, you'll be able to scale your systems to support your growing business without burning through your budget on IT resources.\n\nEven better, you can train your team to become [citizen developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-pros-cons/) (full time employees who can easily build the technical solutions they need). With citizen developers, you can cut IT costs without sacrificing quality. This leads to[ faster (and more affordable) application development](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/) and more business agility.\n\n## 23. Deploy Robotic Process Automation (RPA)\n[Robotic process automation](https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/the-next-acronym-you-need-to-know-about-rpa) (RPA) is great for rapidly managing transactional-based tasks that are highly repetitive and rule-based. It also provides a very high ROI ([between 30% - 200%](https://www.uipath.com/rpa/robotic-process-automation) in the first year.)\n\nLeveraging AI, bots can do everything from extracting data to moving files and folders. They can even interpret text, engage in conversations, and understand unstructured data. With RPA, you can reduce the time spent on menial tasks, giving your staff more time to [focus on vendor relationships](https://quandarycg.com/vendor-relationship-management/) or value add activities.\n\n![\"eye](\"https://images.pexels.com/photos/577585/pexels-photo-577585.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=650&w=940\")
\n\n## 24. Invest in Better Systems\nThere is only so much you can do to improve your business as it is now. At some point, if you want to see a truly impressive ROI, you need to rethink how you do business. And that means organizational transformation.\n\nThat shouldn't scare you. And no, we're not talking about 7-figure plus IT projects that may or may not yield a positive ROI. \n\nInstead, we're talking about a strategic approach to improving the functionality of your business by investing in systems designed to increase efficiencies and cut costs. But to build those systems, you need to invest in the right technology. \n\nLuckily, as we mentioned, low code makes it easy to build custom applications and integrations for a tiny fraction of what custom application development costs. Still, there is an initial investment in the system, training, and cultural shift. \n\nEffective business transformation starts with a cost-cutting strategy. And while the other tactics on this list are about removing costs, building better systems requires spending more money now knowing that the ROI will pay out immensely over time. \n\n## 25. Work With Business Transformation Specialists\nThere are a lot of ways to cut costs in your organization. Some are quick wins. Others will take time. And still, there are approaches that may end doing more harm than good. That's why if you won't want to waste money trying to save money, you need to team up with experts. \n\nWorking with consultants that specialize in business transformation will save you time and money while ensuring any investment you make in better systems yields a high return. \n\nRather than get tangled up in business expense reduction, you need to work with a team that can leverage experience gained in multiple channels to help you avoid expensive mistakes and reduce waste quickly.\n\n### What Quandary Offers\n\nAt Quandary Consulting Group, [business transformation specialists](/tech-consulting/) can help you improve your workflows and systems by building custom applications and integrating your disparate systems. \n\n _Always_ on time. _Always_ within budget.\n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Business Transformation"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-9639319c-6e55-5cc5-8d52-b4370f47c0c3","title":"47 Critical Process Improvement Statistics to Drive Change","_createdAt":"2022-06-14T11:10:07Z","publishedAt":"2022-12-13T12:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2bdda131ef6d9449a259b05a05a63a9d57bbc11d-5760x3840.jpg?w=5760&h=3840&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2bdda131ef6d9449a259b05a05a63a9d57bbc11d-5760x3840.jpg?rect=0,3,5760,3834&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2bdda131ef6d9449a259b05a05a63a9d57bbc11d-5760x3840.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2bdda131ef6d9449a259b05a05a63a9d57bbc11d-5760x3840.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 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Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 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Manual tasks and processes absorb your team’s time, keeping them from focusing on what really matters. [These costs add up](https://quandarycg.com/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/), wasting vital resources to keep your business competitive. Streamlining your systems with automation and integration can make drastic changes in your organization. \n\nHowever, getting buy-in from leadership can be tricky. Onboarding new systems require time and financial investment. Still, with the right data, you can quickly convince your team to start improving your workflows. \n\nTo make that conversation easier, lean on these 47 critical process improvement statistics that illustrate why your organization needs to start optimizing workflows today.\n\n## Customers Expect More from Businesses\n- 54% of customers have higher expectations for customer service today than they did one year ago. - [Customer Thermometer](https://www.customerthermometer.com/customer-service/customer-service-and-satisfaction-statistics-for-2020/)\n- 55% of customers are less likely to engage with a company after a bad mobile experience. - [Super Office](https://www.superoffice.com/blog/customer-experience-statistics/)\n- 76% of customers expect companies to understand their unique needs and expectations. And 66% are ready to leave if they feel that they’re treated like a number instead of an individual. - [Salesforce](https://www.salesforce.com/research/customer-expectations/)\n- 73% of companies with above-average customer experience are more profitable than competitors. - [Experience Matters](https://experiencematters.blog/2018/04/10/report-state-cx-management-2018/)\n- Businesses prioritizing the customer experience are 60% more profitable than those that don’t. - [SuperOffice](https://www.superoffice.com/blog/customer-experience-statistics/)\n- Customers in America will pay 17% more to purchase from a company that provides better customer service. - [American Express](https://templatelab.com/american-express-study/)\n\n## Employee Productivity and Workflows Suffer\n- The average office worker is productive for 2 hours 53 minutes out of a working day. - [Voucher Cloud](https://www.vouchercloud.com/resources/office-worker-productivity)\n- Executives spend 16 hours a week on administrative work. - [Service Now](https://www.servicenow.com/company/media/press-room/servicenow-survey-shows-2018-as-the-year-of-automation-for-routine-enterprise.html)\n- Employees spend 1.8 hours daily (9.3 hours a week) searching and gathering information. - [McKinsey](https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/technology-media-and-telecommunications/our-insights/the-social-economy)\n- Most employees spend 30 hours each month in meetings. - [Atlassian](https://www.atlassian.com/time-wasting-at-work-infographic)\n- The average employee spends 4.1 hours a day checking their inbox. - [Washington]( https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-intersect/wp/2016/10/03/how-many-hours-of-your-life-have-you-wasted-on-work-email-try-our-depressing-calculator/) Post\n- 14% of telecommuters are more productive than office-bound employees. - Stanford University\n- American companies lose $65B due to employee sleep deprivation annually. - [Harvard University](https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323301104578257894191502654)\n- 41% of stressed workers say stress leads to a loss in productivity. - [Colonial Life](https://www.coloniallife.com/about/newsroom/2020/april/worker-productivity-engagement-suffering-amid-pandemic )\n\n## Manual Data Entry Prevents Process Optimization\n- 60% - 73% of data within an enterprise goes unused by analytics. - [Forrester](https://go.forrester.com/blogs/hadoop-is-datas-darling-for-a-reason/)\n- Over 90% of all spreadsheets have errors in them. - [MarketWatch](https://www.marketwatch.com/story/88-of-spreadsheets-have-errors-2013-04-17)\n- Even tested and proven spreadsheets have errors in 1% of all formula cells. - [Market Watch](https://www.marketwatch.com/story/88-of-spreadsheets-have-errors-2013-04-17)\n- Organizations lose $13.3 million annually on average due to bad data. - [Gartner](https://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/how-to-stop-data-quality-undermining-your-business/)\n- Over 77% of organizations believe they’ve lost revenue due to data issues. - [CIO](https://www.cio.com/article/3060839/how-to-intigrate-business-data-with-business-it-partnerships.html)\n- Employees waste up to 50% of their day managing menial data entry and management tasks. - [MIT Sloan](https://sloanreview.mit.edu/projects/artificial-intelligence-in-business-gets-real/)\n- Bad data eats up between 20% - 30% of operating expenses for organizations on average. - [Pragmatic Works](https://blog.pragmaticworks.com/the-cost-of-bad-data-infographic)\n- On average, 40% of leads are invalid, incomplete, or duplicates. - [Integrate](https://www.demandgenreport.com/industry-topics/data-management/3094-study-40-of-generated-leads-are-invalid-incomplete-or-duplicated/)\n\n## Process Automation Is Critical to Improving Workflows\n- Businesses waste between 32% - 41% of their software budget on features or platforms they don’t need or use. Roughly $259 per desktop worldwide. - [1E](https://www.1e.com/news-insights/press-releases/over-a-third-of-all-software-purchased-goes-unused-reveals-new-research-from-1e/)\n- Out of 20 companies surveyed, 55% had returns of $100,000 - $500,000 from business process management improvements made. - [Gartner](https://www.processexcellencenetwork.com/business-process-management-bpm/articles/calculating-return-on-investment-roi-on-business/)\n- In 60% of jobs, one-third of the tasks required by employees could be automated. - [McKinsey](https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/featured%20insights/Digital%20Disruption/Harnessing%20automation%20for%20a%20future%20that%20works/MGI-A-future-that-works-Executive-summary.ashx)\n- 54% of employees believe they can save 2 hours of work each day through automation. - [Work Market](https://www.workmarket.com/go/2020-insight-report-what-ai-automation-mean-for-work)\n- 78% of business leaders said they can save 3 hours of work a day. - [Work Market](https://www.workmarket.com/go/2020-insight-report-what-ai-automation-mean-for-work)\n- ERP software can reduce operational costs by as much as 23% and administration costs by as much as 22%. - [G2](https://learn.g2.com/erp-statistics)\n- CRM software can earn a business around $8.71 for every dollar spent. - [Nucleus Report](https://nucleusresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/o128-CRM-pays-back-8.71-for-every-dollar-spent.pdf)\n- Automating the onboarding process can save HR departments 50% or roughly $5,000 for every 30 employees hired. - [Greenhouse](https://www.greenhouse.io/guidance/calculating-the-roi-and-benefits-of-hr-software)\n- Companies that use automation can expect to see revenue increases of around 32% by 2022. - [Accenture](https://www.accenture.com/_acnmedia/pdf-94/accenture-capital-markets-vision-2022.pdf)\n\n## Ineffient Processes Lead to Employee Churn\n- 62% of small business owners work more than 50 hours a week - [Gallup](https://news.gallup.com/poll/18088/work-labor-love-smallbusiness-owners.aspx) \n- The median cost of turnover is around 21% of an employee’s annual salary - [The Center for American Progress](https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/economy/reports/2012/11/16/44464/there-are-significant-business-costs-to-replacing-employees/)\n- It takes 8 months for a new employee to reach maximum productivity levels - [HBR](https://hbr.org/2015/03/technology-can-save-onboarding-from-itself)\n- 63.3% of business owners state that it’s harder to keep employees than hire them, with 68.3% experiencing turnover in the last 12 months. - Zenefits\n- 1 in 3 business leaders expect employees to stay for less than one year. - Zenefits\n- 72% of small business owners feel overwhelmed by roles and responsibilities. - [The Alternative Board](https://www.thealternativeboard.com/pulse-survey-business-leaders-productivity)\n\n## Software Is Critical to Process Improvement\n- The number of software apps deployed across large firms increased by over 68% between 2015 - 2019, with companies using an average of 129 apps. - [Okta Inc](https://www.okta.com/businesses-at-work/2019).\n- Global IT spending on enterprise software continues to increase with a predicted 8.8% growth between 2020 and 2021. - [Statista](https://www.statista.com/statistics/203428/total-enterprise-software-revenue-forecast/)\n- 80% of businesses in North America and Europe expect year-over-year tech spending to stay the same or increase. - [SWZD](https://swzd.com/resources/state-of-it/)\n- The average median price of custom application development is $171,450. - [Clutch](https://clutch.co/app-developers/resources/cost-build-mobile-app-survey-2015)\n- Cost for custom applications can vary between $15,000 (for simple freelance apps) $200,000+ (for enterprise applications). - [Innovation](https://www.imaginovation.net/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-build-mobile-app/ )\n- Expected time to complete custom applications 3 - 4 months for simple applications and over 8 months for a full custom enterprise app. - [Innovation](https://www.imaginovation.net/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-build-mobile-app/)\n- On average, businesses spend $3.61 per line of code to maintain systems and manage technical debt annually. - CastSoftware\n- Low-code application platforms can help users build custom software solutions 10x faster than traditional software development. - [Forrester](https://go.forrester.com/blogs/why-you-need-to-know-about-low-code-even-if-youre-not-responsible-for-software-delivery/)\n- 24% of low code users had no background in code. - [Mendix](https://www.mendix.com/blog/infographic-low-code-application-development-trends/)\n- 65% of app development will be on low code platforms by 2024. - [Gartner](https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/3956079/magic-quadrant-for-enterprise-low-code-application-platf)\n\nFor a deeper dive into low-code facts and statistics, [check out our resource here](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-statistics/).\n\n## The Biggest Obstacle to Change\nThe fastest way to succeed is to focus on what you’re good at and delegate everything else. Most executives and many in leadership know this. And yet, they still struggle with letting go of the reigns. \n\nThe truth is that if you want to streamline your business and steal back your time, you need to focus on what you do best. Outsource the rest. \n\nWhile you can improve your systems and workflows, it requires an extra push that you may not have the bandwidth for right now.\n\nStill, continuing down your current path means bleeding out money while slowly poisoning your workplace culture. After all, no one wants to work with a company that forces them to work continuously without an end in sight. \n\n**Remember: You can’t sprint a marathon.** \n\n## How to Streamline Process Improvement\nRather than try to improve your existing systems in-house, further straining your depleted team, you should outsource your [business process optimization](https://quandarycg.com/) to a team of qualified tech consultants.\n\n_“At least 40% of all businesses will die in the next 10 years… if they don’t figure out how to change their entire company to accommodate new technologies.”\n — [John Chambers, Cisco System](https://www.rossross.com/blog/40-percent-of-businesses-today-will-die-in-10-years)_\n\nAt Quandary Consulting Group, we untangle growing businesses from their inefficient systems. Our integration and application experts build custom solutions rapidly that yield high returns. \n\nAs a result, our clients become long-term partners, trusting us to find ways that help them steal back more time from their businesses.\n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Business Transformation"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-f829a9f3-38ce-5aff-b09e-bd3c8d511168","title":"How to Lead Citizen Developers [Structured Framework]","_createdAt":"2022-12-08T20:40:13Z","publishedAt":"2022-12-08T16:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2840df10fd4f93e31ce445817e169aa919a22fce-2250x1500.jpg?w=2250&h=1500&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2840df10fd4f93e31ce445817e169aa919a22fce-2250x1500.jpg?rect=0,1,2250,1498&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2840df10fd4f93e31ce445817e169aa919a22fce-2250x1500.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2840df10fd4f93e31ce445817e169aa919a22fce-2250x1500.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2840df10fd4f93e31ce445817e169aa919a22fce-2250x1500.jpg?rect=1,0,2249,1500&w=1024&h=683&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2840df10fd4f93e31ce445817e169aa919a22fce-2250x1500.jpg?rect=1,0,2249,1500&w=1366&h=911&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2840df10fd4f93e31ce445817e169aa919a22fce-2250x1500.jpg?rect=1,0,2249,1500&w=1600&h=1067&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2840df10fd4f93e31ce445817e169aa919a22fce-2250x1500.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&auto=format 1920w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2840df10fd4f93e31ce445817e169aa919a22fce-2250x1500.jpg?w=2048&h=1365&auto=format 2048w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2840df10fd4f93e31ce445817e169aa919a22fce-2250x1500.jpg?w=2250&h=1500&auto=format 2250w","sizes":"(min-width: 2250px) 2250px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":2250,"height":1500,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2840df10fd4f93e31ce445817e169aa919a22fce-2250x1500.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"citizen-developer-framework"},"body":"Businesses today typically face non-stop challenges that demand rapid responses and out-of-box thinking. And they [need numerous of applications](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1233538/average-number-saas-apps-yearly/) to resolve these challenges.\n\nIT and traditional developers can’t meet the rising demand for new apps, but [citizen development](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-pros-cons/) can pick up the slack. These “developers” can take the lead on new application development to reduce IT backlogs.\n\nBut citizen development needs structure and support to succeed. And this takes leadership, governance, and IT collaboration.\n\nThat's where a citizen developer framework comes in handy. It's the best way to support citizen development, maximize business value and build maintainable solutions.\n\n## Structured Citizen Developer Framework 10 Steps\n\nCitizen developers work best within a citizen development framework. They thrive with the tools, leadership, discipline, and support a framework provides. \n\nYour organization benefits as well. Your framework helps protect data security, [reduce costs](https://quandarycg.com/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/), minimize duplication, and combat shadow IT.\n\nFollow these 10 steps to build your structured framework and optimize citizen development.\n\n### 1. Create a Democratic Development Culture\n\nCitizen development democratizes technology and reorders software development culture within an organization. Application development is no longer _just_ an IT responsibility.\n\nCitizen development disperses development rights widely to include non-IT employees.\n\nAs a result, a new development culture is emerging outside IT. If executed effectively, it will reduce IT backlog, improve business agility, and enable more cohesive relationships between business and IT management.\n\nIt’s important to encourage a new culture of experimentation, agility, and innovation. And it's to your advantage to [empower your citizen developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-support/) to push the envelope.\n\nEnsure they are well-trained in using [low-code/no-code tools](https://geekflare.com/nocode-platforms-to-build-product/). Provide them with adequate technical support. Get IT and leadership fully engaged.\n\n### 2. Identify Citizen Developers in Your Organization\n\nBuilding your developer team begins with identifying the best candidates within your organization. [Look for employees with core traits](https://www.techrepublic.com/article/looking-for-citizen-developers-heres-how-to-spot-them-in-your-team/) like a deep understanding of business processes and a creative mindset.\n\nCommunication and collaboration play a big part in candidate identification and recruitment.\n\nBy getting the word out, you’ll capture the attention of innate problem-solvers. Many will jump at the opportunity to volunteer and take an active role in solving business problems.\n\nCollaborate with department heads and HR. Request their guidance. They can help identify candidates with the right attributes and provide introductions.\n\n### 3. Collect Ideas from Your Team\n\nMany employees have ideas for improving the processes that affect their day-to-day jobs. Set up accessible communication channels, including regular meetings, Slack channels, and internal web forums.\n\nLet your employees know those channels are open for them to suggest and discuss their suggestions and insights. Make it clear that all input is welcome. Underscore that the best ideas will make their way into new applications.\n\nThis is a great way to get a steady stream of high-quality ideas. Plus, you’ll identify some viable developer candidates in the process.\n\n### 4. Establish Expectations, Timeframes, and Goals\n\nA successful citizen development program doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time to onboard developers, foster a new culture, and build a structured framework. \n\nBut setting the right expectations, timeframes, and goals is important. They help reinforce a budding citizen development culture, improve morale, and create KPI baselines. \n\nCitizen development brings a lot of change quickly for most organizations. But establishing these guideposts keeps everyone on the same page and the project on track.\n\n### 5. Choose the Best Code/No-Code Platform For Your Business\n\nNot all [low-code/no-code platforms](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-guide/) have the same functionality, so selecting the right one for your business is critical. To narrow the field, follow a systematic approach to make the best choice for your business.\n\nA tool set is not limited to low-code development. Still, it should also include workflow automation capabilities and business-ready integration connectors.\n\nStart by detailing your requirements for functionality, security, integration, and automation capabilities. After, distill these into a list of key criteria and map them against each platform's capabilities to create a shortlist of finalists.\n\nRun in-house pilots of each finalist, and be sure to involve essential stakeholders. Include both developers and IT staff to get their input. Finally, compile the results and feedback from your pilots and make your final choice.\n\n### 6. Establish A Governance Framework: Center of Excellence (COE)\n\nA Center of Excellence (COE) is a key component of a [citizen development governance framework](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-governance-guide/).\n\nA COE is a centralized hub that consolidates resources, establishes standards, selects technologies, and enables control in one place. It keeps stakeholders and policies aligned and provides a focal point for citizen developers, IT, and leadership.\n\nThe COE is home to best practices, templates, and documentation to guide your developers. It hosts a secure development environment and application sandboxes. And it provides QA and testing, along with a repository of reusable code modules.\n\n### 7. Train Your Citizen Developers\n\nTo be most effective, citizen developers need training in design and the use of low-code/no-code platforms. Training boosts productivity and helps protect against mistakes, security threats, and integration issues.\n\nDevelopers that understand their platform's capabilities are more confident and innovative. And that leads to better apps.\n\nFormal onboarding and basic training are necessary. Advanced training should also be available to enable developers to broaden their expertise as needed.\n\n### 8. Encourage Collaboration Between IT Departments and Citizen Developers\n\nIT departments can be antagonistic toward citizen developers and reluctant to collaborate. In fact, [87% of companies report ](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220209005275/en/87-of-Enterprises-Now-Pursuing-Digital-Transformation-Gaining-Measurable-Business-Benefits-Even-in-Early-Stages)friction between IT and citizen developers.\n\nBut successful citizen development depends on collaboration. Up to 45% of companies report collaboration benefits, even in the early stages of an initiative. \n\nRemember: Citizen developers [aren’t professional developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-vs-professional-developer/). They’re not here to replace your IT department. Instead, they should support your developers.\n\nIt is in the IT department's best interests to mentor and support their new development partners. As an example, Gartner reports [lower IT authority](https://blogs.gartner.com/jason-wong/importance-citizen-development-citizen/) among departments that refuse to collaborate.\n\nThe sooner IT helps developers get up to speed, the sooner they can take the lead on app development. And IT can shift their focus to other pressing priorities.\n\n### 9. Acknowledge and Reward Successes\n\nAt first, your citizen developers may feel overwhelmed. Worse, IT could drag its feet on collaboration. As a result, citizen development can get off to a slow start.\n\nBut successful app launches can help overcome early program growing pains and help build momentum. Celebrating each new app breaks down collaborative barriers and boosts morale and confidence.\n\nAcknowledging successful new apps and rewarding contributors builds camaraderie and accelerates progress. Skeptical employees get on board, and the citizen developer culture builds.\n\n### 10. Establish Maintenance Processes\n\nTracking new apps produced through an active citizen developer program takes time and effort. Some will need maintenance or updates, while some will become obsolete.\n\nIT should manage the process by keeping a master list of new apps and a copy of each in the COE. The COE should maintain each app's version control, specifications, and integration details. The COE is also responsible for QA and security, and functional testing.\n\nA structured maintenance process goes a long way in ensuring that only current, high-quality applications are in use. And it provides an effective check on shadow IT, protects against security risks, and promotes monitoring and control.\n\n## Project Management and Citizen Development\n\nAt first glance, project management and citizen development may appear at cross purposes. But in practice, they often work well together and complement one another.\n\nFor one, many project managers and citizen developers share common characteristics and interests. Both are problem-solvers interested in building better business processes and end-user workflows.\n\nAdding a citizen developer to a project management team enhances the team's capabilities and can help complete a project. Or a citizen developer can build a custom app to streamline a project and better align it with business needs.\n\n## How to Launch Citizen Development in Your Organization\n\nCitizen development continues to [transform software development](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-digital-transformation/), disrupting traditional IT. Most companies are on board, with [84% of firms](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/) relying on citizen developers.\n\nWhile still evolving, citizen development makes a real difference in technology usage and control. For the first time, non-IT employees can build solutions themselves without coding skills or depending solely on IT.\n\nAt the same time, citizen developers need leadership, support, and structure to be most effective. Structured development frameworks incorporate these three attributes.\n\nThey are the most effective way to lead citizen developers to make them as successful as possible. \n","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-4acdfcea-0ba3-5a70-8880-8335942bfc08","title":"Will the No Code Movement Change Software Development?","_createdAt":"2022-12-08T22:37:12Z","publishedAt":"2022-12-08T16:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/44d6c9fdceaf5a98c6fd9a6bd0bb6bd7dd14ef67-2247x1500.webp?w=2247&h=1500&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/44d6c9fdceaf5a98c6fd9a6bd0bb6bd7dd14ef67-2247x1500.webp?rect=3,0,2243,1500&w=320&h=214&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/44d6c9fdceaf5a98c6fd9a6bd0bb6bd7dd14ef67-2247x1500.webp?rect=2,0,2245,1500&w=654&h=437&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/44d6c9fdceaf5a98c6fd9a6bd0bb6bd7dd14ef67-2247x1500.webp?rect=1,0,2246,1500&w=768&h=513&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/44d6c9fdceaf5a98c6fd9a6bd0bb6bd7dd14ef67-2247x1500.webp?rect=1,0,2246,1500&w=1024&h=684&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/44d6c9fdceaf5a98c6fd9a6bd0bb6bd7dd14ef67-2247x1500.webp?w=1366&h=912&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/44d6c9fdceaf5a98c6fd9a6bd0bb6bd7dd14ef67-2247x1500.webp?w=1600&h=1068&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/44d6c9fdceaf5a98c6fd9a6bd0bb6bd7dd14ef67-2247x1500.webp?rect=1,0,2246,1500&w=1920&h=1282&auto=format 1920w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/44d6c9fdceaf5a98c6fd9a6bd0bb6bd7dd14ef67-2247x1500.webp?w=2048&h=1367&auto=format 2048w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/44d6c9fdceaf5a98c6fd9a6bd0bb6bd7dd14ef67-2247x1500.webp?w=2247&h=1500&auto=format 2247w","sizes":"(min-width: 2247px) 2247px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":2247,"height":1500,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/44d6c9fdceaf5a98c6fd9a6bd0bb6bd7dd14ef67-2247x1500.webp"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"no-code-movement-software-development-changes"},"body":"Corporate demand for new applications is booming, accelerated by key business initiatives like process automation and [business transformation](https://quandarycg.com/what-is-business-transformation-as-a-service-btaas/). Overwhelmed by new app requests, most IT and development teams simply [can’t keep up](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/83-of-it-and-business-leaders-say-adapting-to-change-requires-better-apps-and-infrastructure-according-to-economist-intelligence-unit-report-supported-by-appian-301373488.html).\n\nProfessional developers are in short supply, with backlogs bottlenecking business initiatives. These circumstances have created a severe app shortfall, with 77% of app requests going unmet.\n\nThe no-code movement can help fill the gap between app demand and supply.\n\nWith no code tools, non-programmer employees can build the apps they need without writing a single line of code or sending a support ticket to IT.\n\nBut what does this mean for software developers?\n\nWill they have a place in this new business environment? One where everyday employees have the power to build custom applications with ease?\n\nThe truth is that software developers are in for some changes.\n\n## What Is the No-Code Movement?\n\nAt a very high level, the [no-code movement](https://gole.ms/blog/low-code-no-code-movement-game-changer-world-digital-services) democratizes application development. It empowers non-IT employees to create custom applications and integrations. \n \nFor a while, IT and professional programmers have been solely responsible for application development. Now, employees with no coding skills can build custom applications.\n \nBy distributing development capabilities, the no-code movement allows businesses to [create more business apps](https://quandarycg.com/quandary-build/) without overworking their IT departments.\n \nNo-code also speeds up app development while significantly lowering costs. This allows businesses to tackle backlogs without burning through more resources.\n \nWith no-code tools, business-unit employees can create apps to improve their workflows without over-relying on IT. Plus, they can use their direct experience to build apps that better meet their needs. \n \nBusinesses can also transform their workflows with no-code apps that automate manual processes and integrate disparate data systems. IT backlog drops. Workflows become streamlined. Employees can do more with less.\n \nWhile no-code platforms depend on a simple drag-and-drop interface, specialized no-code tools really shine for specific use cases. \n \nNotable no-code tools include [Shopify](https://www.shopify.com/) for eCommerce, [Bubble](https://bubble.io/) for desktop and mobile apps, [Glide](https://www.glideapps.com) for data-intensive web apps, and [Webflow](https://www.webflow.com) for custom websites.\n \nYou can easily find the right no-code tool that meets your business needs.\n\n### Who Are Citizen Developers? (and Why You Need Them)\n\n[Citizen developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-pros-cons/) are non-IT employees who use a low-code or no-code platform to develop applications that solve problems in their everyday jobs. \n \n[Unlike professional developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-vs-professional-developer/), they are business unit employees first and developers second. \n \nTheir hands-on employee perspective makes them uniquely qualified to apply technology to improve their everyday processes and workflows. Low-code/no-code tools give them the power to make those improvements directly.\n \n[Citizen developers support IT](https://quandarycg.com/how-citizen-development-supports-it/) and complement scarce IT resources. \n \nMany organizations need citizen development to keep pace with increasing application demand. Done properly, they can [leverage citizen developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-support/) for competitive advantage.\n\n## The No-Code Movement’s Increasing Popularity\n\nThe increasing need for new business apps combined with persistent IT backlogs increasingly drives employees to take control. \n \nEmployees want smarter ways of working. They don’t want to drown in menial, time-consuming, repetitive tasks. They find them soul-draining and unrewarding.\n \nAnd with increasing pressures to perform in their jobs, they need solutions that reduce these monotonous tasks so they can focus more on strategic projects. \n\nEmployers also feel the pressure of shrinking bottom lines and the push to stay agile. [Cost reduction](https://quandarycg.com/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/) and increased productivity are constant concerns.\n \nUltimately, employees who waste time on administrative tasks that don’t move the needle have less time to focus on meeting customer needs and business goals.\n \nNo-code offers a solution to all these problems.\n \nThese tools allow anyone in the organization to develop apps that help them do their jobs better.\n \nThe no-code moment continues to increase in popularity. By 2023, businesses will use low-code or no-code technologies to build [70% of new applications](https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2021-11-10-gartner-says-cloud-will-be-the-centerpiece-of-new-digital-experiences).\n \nIn the process, no-code will continue to democratize software development and empower employees to develop their own apps.\n\n## No-Code vs. Low-Code Apps\n\nNo-code vs. low-code platforms share similarities but are not the same. In practice, no-code and low-code serve different users building different types of applications.\n \n| Attribute | \nLow-Code | \nNo-code | \n
|---|---|---|
| Primary Users | \nProfessional Developers + Citizen Developers | \nCitizen Developers | \n
| Key | \nRapid Development | \nEase-of-Use | \n
| Coding Required | \nLow/Minimal | \nNone Needed | \n
| App Complexity | \nModerate to High | \nSimple | \n
| Customization Capabilities | \nTotal | \nLimited/Pre-Built Templates Only | \n
| Locked Platform? | \nUnlocked, Applications Are Portable | \nDependent on Platform | \n
![\"quandary\"](\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/9202ce7b1a577b4213d5167a21886890d6e8bcbc-458x458.jpg?w=1000&h=1000&fit=max\")
\t\t\t\n\t\tWe work with manufacturing clients, helping them buy and sell two classifications of equipment: Fabrication equipment and CNC equipment.
\n\t\t\t@LinkedIn![\"quandary\"](\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/21636527c1bfcc4a2cbdc36ca38d2fe12c34da03-232x221.png?w=1000&h=1000&fit=max\")
\t\t\t\n\t\t![\"quandary\"](\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/c5059b2956a17a944fbf6a7700aca7a3226a2b62-250x250.png?w=1000&h=1000&fit=max\")
\t\t\t\n\t\tFindPeopleFast helps users find people by finding the complete biographical data to verify the people you search online and their public records.
\n\t\t\t@Linkedin![\"quandary\"](\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/fa16bac2e6a9220f6bb1a0bc848fbbf8f750f98a-1024x1024.jpg\")
\t\t\t\n\t\tWe perform deep dive research on business software with the aim of helping small business owners find the right products for their needs.
\t\t\t\n\t\t\t@Twitter\n\t\t![\"quandary\"](\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/6bf474b2f7a628fd170c733b5d0bc7f68b760df3-305x306.png?w=1000&h=1000&fit=max\")
\t\t\t\n\t\tVPNOverview covers all topics on VPNs, online privacy, internet security, and internet freedom.
\n\t\t\t@Linkedin![](\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/8fcf90ab6943c2e45c5a67c45abc7c3f8b93e0eb-800x800.jpg?w=1000&h=1000&fit=max\")
\t\t\t\n\t\t![\"quandary\"](\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/55b2b108a544bf7c8eb459a498c8774df04743ee-314x314.jpg\")
\t\t\t\n\t\tI am a Tech Expert, Microsoft Excel MVP, and have been awarded the prestigious \"Excel MVP Award\" by Microsoft for my contributions in sharing my Excel knowledge and helping people.
\n\t\t\t@Linkedin![\"quandary\"/](\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d618f98e50a1f17aa7a8e93a860d442193405e7e-169x169.jpg\")
\t\t\t\n\t\tAquarium Store Depot offers a limited selection of vetted products to make it simply the aquarium hobby so beginners can thrive.
\n\t\t\t@Linkedin![\"boxes\"](\"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1587293852726-70cdb56c2866?ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&ixlib=rb-1.2.1&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1052&q=80\")
\n\n### 8. Improve Vendor Relationship Management\nWith vendor relationship management platforms, you can improve communication between your organization and vendors. And you can evaluate their performance, holding your suppliers to agreed on standards. This can improve deliveries while reducing costs to your business. \n\n### 9. Provide Vendor Self-Service Portals\nSave time and money by providing a way for your vendors to manage their own account information, view transactions, and communicate with your organization. This cuts down on unnecessary back-and-forth communication while ensuring deliveries meet specifications.\n\n### 10. Set Up Reverse Auctions\nReverse auctions let the vendors bid on your proposals. This drastically reduces the time and headache involved in selecting the best vendor for the job. \n\n### 11. Establish Clear Procurement Policies\nTo avoid unnecessary spending, set up clear parameters for purchases that your team can easily access and follow. This will ensure that you maximize your inventory before making further purchases.\n\n### 12. Educate and Train Staff\nProcurement is a central pillar of your organization. And optimizing cost savings is critical to keep your business functioning. Educate your team on [the best procurement practices](/what-are-procurement-best-practices/) to ensure you reduce spending.\n\n![\"meeting\"](\"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1568992688065-536aad8a12f6?ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&ixlib=rb-1.2.1&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1189&q=80\")
\n\n### 13. Optimize Procurement Management\nIt’s not enough to train your employees on best procurement practices. As a critical department in your organization, you need to evaluate your procurement management practices and ensure they’re aligned with your budget and business strategy.\n\n### 14. Improve Risk Management\nUnexpected events can cause your procurement costs to skyrocket. [Procurement risk management](/procurement-risks-and-how-to-navigate-them/) helps you avoid or reduce risks to your business. So, when unfortunate events do happen, your business will be better prepared to act in a way that can avoid unplanned costs. \n\n### 15. Collect Better Data\nAccurate data can help improve procurement forecasting, helping your business get the best prices for goods and services. It can help you get a better understanding of your customers. And it can help reduce unnecessary spending.\n\n### 16. Integrate Procurement Systems\nSystems integration can provide your business with [major benefits](/benefits-of-systems-integration/), especially in procurement. Connected systems provide better data and cut down on menial tasks, saving you more time and money.\n\n### 17. Transition to E-Procurement \nThere are plenty of great e-procurement tools out there that can help you automate your procurement process. These systems provide better data insights, tracking, and document management. And over time, they can provide an ROI of over 720%.\n\n### 18. Automate Procurement Process\nManual invoice processing can cost up to $15 per invoice. Automating invoice processing can reduce that cost to under $5. Plus, you can avoid late fees and even get early payment discounts. \n\nThe fewer people that are involved in your procurement process, the less chance there is of costly errors. Plus, you can reduce labor costs by removing menial tasks like data entry and manual invoice processing. These costs [add up drastically](/case-study/revamped-the-erp-and-crm-in-quick-base/). \n\n**Automation removes them.**\n\n### 19. Centralize Your Data\nDisparate data systems can’t provide real-time reporting. Instead, users have to manually collect and interpret that data (if they can find it.) Streamline your data insights and reduce procurement costs with a [centralized procurement data system](/quandary-connect/).\n\n### 20. Change The Attitude Toward Procurement Savings\nProcurement savings isn’t just a procurement issue, it’s an organizational issue. From sustainable procurement practices to business operations, getting your entire team on board to adopt a mindset of procurement savings will help cut costs throughout your organization.\n\n\n![\"meeting\"](\"https://res.cloudinary.com/quandary-consulting-group/image/upload/v1630248807/20_Procurement_Cost_Saving_Strategies_lbz1mq.png\")
\n\n## Rapidly Deploy Procurement Cost Savings\nAt Quandary Consulting Group, [our process consultants](/tech-consulting/) can help you improve your workflows and systems by building custom applications and integrating your disparate procurement processes. \n\n_Always_ within budget. _Always_ delivered on time. \n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.\n","categories":[{"title":"Procurement"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-7abe36e7-c0ed-527c-af8d-155bbae1c9af","title":"10 Procurement Risks (And How You Avoid Them)","_createdAt":"2021-06-27T21:18:15Z","publishedAt":"2021-07-21T15:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/fbaf210aa46fe04d90c9741945eb6ed1861f86f6-1000x667.jpg?w=1000&h=667&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/fbaf210aa46fe04d90c9741945eb6ed1861f86f6-1000x667.jpg?rect=0,1,1000,666&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/fbaf210aa46fe04d90c9741945eb6ed1861f86f6-1000x667.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/fbaf210aa46fe04d90c9741945eb6ed1861f86f6-1000x667.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/fbaf210aa46fe04d90c9741945eb6ed1861f86f6-1000x667.jpg?w=1000&h=667&auto=format 1000w","sizes":"(min-width: 1000px) 1000px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1000,"height":667,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/fbaf210aa46fe04d90c9741945eb6ed1861f86f6-1000x667.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"procurement-risks-and-how-to-navigate-them"},"body":"There are risks behind every purchase a business makes. They cannot be avoided. But, they can be managed. If you want to keep your supply chain intact and your business operational no matter what the world throws your way, you need to identify these 10 procurement risks and know how to navigate them successfully. \n\n## What Is Effective Risk Management\nProcurement risk management is the process of identifying both internal and external risks to your supply chain. Effective risk management demands eliminating situations that put your organization at unnecessary, increased risk. It also involves finding solutions to mitigate both internal and external and external risks. \n\nEffective risk management also requires risk analysis. In short, you need to map out potential risks, the likelihood of their occurrence, and whether or not you can effectively avoid those risks without disturbance to your supply chain. \n\nRisk management is not a one-off event, either. Instead, your organization should conduct regular risk assessments to ensure you’re prepared for any disruptions. And you’ll need to identify possible courses of action. \n\n**These include:**\n- Ignoring risks that pose no real threat\n- Reducing the likelihood of a risk occurring\n- Removing the possibility of a risk occurring\n- Managing risk potential with prepared solutions\n\nYour procurement risk management process should also delegate which team members are responsible for handling certain types of risks. That way they’re ready for an organized, quick response.\n\n**The TL;DR of Procurement Risk Management:** Identity, Analyze, Mitigate, Plan, and Monitor potential risks to your supply chain. This gives you the best chance to remain operational when something goes wrong. \n\n## What Risks Face Your Supply Chain?\nNow that you know how to prepare for risks to your procurement process, you need to identify how risk enters your organization, what types of risks you face, and how to mitigate them. \n\n### Where Do Supply Chain Risks Come From?\nThere are **two types of risks** to your supply chain. Internal and external risks. Each type requires a different approach.\n\n- **Internal risks** come from how your business operates, your employees, project demands, and your procurement processes. \n- **External risks** enter through your supply chain in the form of global events, political events, vendor relationships, and outside actors.\n\n## 10 Supply Chain Risks and Solutions\nYou can mitigate internal and external risk by the types of risk management practices you have in place. However, you can never remove risk completely. You can only have the best procurement practices in place to help prevent them from happening.\n\nHere are 10 major risks to your supply chain and how to avoid or reduce them.\n\n\n \n### 1. Price Instability\nPrices can fluctuate over time. Despite what your contract stipulates, some vendors need to increase costs due to certain factors. Other times, unexpected expenses occur.\n\n**The Solution:** make sure you have the budget to cover any unexpected expenses. Don’t accept price increases without hesitation. And stand ready to negotiate any increased prices with your vendor directly.\n\n### 2. Supply Chain Disruptions\nSupply chain disruptions come in various forms. Most recently, we’ve seen how a pandemic can impact supply lines. Political unrest, economical changes, natural disasters, new technologies, and even [a boat getting stuck in a canal](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-56625680) can disrupt your supply chain.\n\n**The Solution:** Assess your suppliers to understand which ones are most at risk for supply chain disruption. Diversify your suppliers and have secondary suppliers on standby.\n\n![\"puzzle\"](\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/8c17be491e64ca530cdb0b46fc7806ac79cf046a-1350x900.jpg\")
\n\n### 3. Complex Projects\nThe more complicated a project is, the higher chance there is that something could go wrong. Complex projects have many unknowns, no matter how well they’re planned out. \n\nEach stage in the project also relies on previous stages and influences. As a result, minor issues can cascade into complex problems that drive a project to a sudden stop.\n\n**The Solution:** Clear communication and evaluation of the project along with its procurement demands will help keep everyone on the same page and identify potential issues faster.\n\n### 4. Fraud\nCorruption is not uncommon in business, least of all procurement. From bribes to fake invoices to embezzlement, there are plenty of places in the procurement process where bad actors can take advantage of blind spots in procurement processes and steal from a business. \n\nWhen this happens, it puts the whole organization at risk.\n\n**The Solution:** Improve procurement transparency. Moving away from manual processes to automated procurement processes means more accountability and transparency in purchasing.\n\n### 5. Changing Work Environments\nMore organizations work remotely, but with more remote work comes more challenges. Collaboration on projects and with vendors can become difficult. Overlooked processes, ignored requirements, and missed deadlines can easily happen without being able to verify or follow up in a face-to-face environment. \n\n**The Solution:** Choose a single platform for communication and establish procedures for sharing progress, meeting deadlines, and discussing any supply chain issues.\n\n### 6. Poor Supplier Performance\nYour supplier is a vital business partner that should work with you to increase your success. Suppliers should deliver on expectations, communicate clearly, and collaborate with your team. When suppliers underperform, it puts unnecessary strain on your business to meet customer expectations.\n\n**The Solution:** Work with your suppliers and track performance. Using a vendor management system, you can rate your suppliers and compare their performance over time.\n\n### 7. Unethical Sourcing\nCustomers expect ethical and sustainable business practices. And even though your organization may go out of its way to work with partners that match your business values, it’s possible that the vendors they work with don’t. Ultimately, the onus falls on your business to ensure your vendors meet your sustainability and ethical goals. \n\n**The Solution:** Vendor management systems allow you to store all relevant data on vendors and compare them to other competitors. This can help give you better insights into your suppliers.\n\n![\"land\"](\"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1532601224476-15c79f2f7a51?ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&ixlib=rb-1.2.1&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1350&q=80\")
\n\n### 8. Overspending\nOverspending can put your business at peril. Without an adequate budget, you could face additional fees, damaged vendor relationships, or a complete shutdown of your procurement process. \n\nIt can lead to unneeded products occupying expensive warehouse space. Worst of all, it can force you to take out emergency loans to cover basic expenses (like payroll).\n\n**The Solution:** Leverage [e-procurement solutions](/the-top-5-procurement-software-for-your-business/) to automate invoicing and purchase orders, giving you greater transparency into your budget and spend in real-time.\n\n### 9. Inaccurate Supply Chain Forecasts\nMiscalculating the supply chain forecast can leave you paying more for goods and services (or not being able to acquire either when you need them). Not only do you miss out on the best pricing, but you may also face other costs such as warehouse storage and rushed delivery fees.\n\n**The Solution:** Use supply chain management software to collect the data needed to provide accurate forecasting, so your business can get secure delivery at the best market prices.\n\n### 10. Manual Procurement Process\nOrganizations that still rely on manual procurement processes face unnecessary risk. Most of the issues discussed so far come from a lack of transparency in the procurement process. Manual procurement processing makes it impossible to get that transparency.\n\nManual data entry opens your organization up to costly data entry errors. A lack of real-time reporting makes it easy to miss the signs of an approaching catastrophe. And data silos create multiple (potentially inaccurate) pictures of a project’s progress. \n\nAll of these events expose your business to unnecessary risk and make it harder for your procurement team to develop potential solutions should something happen. \n\n**The Solution:** Automate your procurement process with e-procurement platforms. These expansive, integrated systems provide the real-time reporting and data tracking you need to avoid many of the potential risks your supply chain faces.\n\n## The Biggest Procurement Risk Mitigation Challenge \nWithout [better systems and workflows](/our-approach/), you end up scrambling for time to focus on the bigger issues facing your organization’s procurement process. While you can create better procurement plans and improve procurement management internally, there are limits to what you can accomplish in-house. \n\nBuilding a procurement system that can easily mitigate risk requires the right tools and expertise. Sadly, most internal teams have their hands busy running their business.\n\n**Fortunately, there’s a better solution:** hire procurement specialists to create a risk-resistant procurement process for your growing organization.\n\n## How to Navigate Procurement Risks Easier\nAt Quandary Consulting Group, [our process consultants](/tech-consulting/) can help you improve your workflows and systems by building custom applications and integrating your disparate procurement processes. \n\n_Always_ within budget. _Always_ delivered on time. \n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.\n\n","categories":[{"title":"Procurement"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-23cdae23-57ce-5945-afc1-ca889abf59aa","title":"10 Unbelievable Benefits of Systems Integration","_createdAt":"2021-06-27T21:50:53Z","publishedAt":"2021-06-23T05:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0d68744a0445bddd097583ad50ddb51c2b798e82-1350x900.jpg?w=1350&h=900&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0d68744a0445bddd097583ad50ddb51c2b798e82-1350x900.jpg?rect=0,1,1350,899&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0d68744a0445bddd097583ad50ddb51c2b798e82-1350x900.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0d68744a0445bddd097583ad50ddb51c2b798e82-1350x900.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0d68744a0445bddd097583ad50ddb51c2b798e82-1350x900.jpg?rect=1,0,1349,900&w=1024&h=683&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0d68744a0445bddd097583ad50ddb51c2b798e82-1350x900.jpg?w=1350&h=900&auto=format 1350w","sizes":"(min-width: 1350px) 1350px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1350,"height":900,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0d68744a0445bddd097583ad50ddb51c2b798e82-1350x900.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"benefits-of-systems-integration"},"body":"## Why Your Growing Business Needs to Integrate Its Applications\nModern businesses of all sizes use a vast collection of applications to meet their needs. But these systems don’t always integrate, leaving employees to move data manually. \n\nThe simple solution is to integrate these disparate systems. \n\nIf you’re ready to scale your business processes, then you need to [integrate your systems](https://quandarycg.com/quandary-connect/). To inspire action, here are 10 benefits of integrating the systems in your growing business.\n\n## 1. Better Data Access\nIf you use multiple systems within your business, that means that you have multiple data siloes you have to manage (and that puts you at a huge disadvantage). Finding documents and information becomes a time-consuming nightmare. \n\nIntegrating your systems combines these data siloes, giving you better access to your data.\n\n\n\n## 2. Real-Time Data\nWithout connected data streams, you have no way of getting real-time reporting. Instead, you typically need to wait at least a day for employees to run and combine reports. As a result, you’re put into a reactionary position instead of a proactive one. \n\nGone are the days when you felt in the dark about your business performance. \n\nIntegrated systems transfer data in real-time into a single data dashboard that allows for quick reporting and data interpretation. \n\n## 3. Single Customer View\nRemoving bad and duplicate data is the only way to get a single customer view in your organization. With integrated systems, you’ll remove irrelevant data points and capture a more accurate view of your customers.\n\n## 4. More Sales\nWith a better view of your customers and accurate reporting, you can better serve your customer needs. \n\nFrom more engagement to cross-selling services to more accurate promotions, you’ll know what your customers want and you’ll be better positioned to deliver on those expectations. \n\n![\"money\"](\"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1553729459-efe14ef6055d?ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&ixlib=rb-1.2.1&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1050&q=80\")
\n\n## 5. Save Time and Money\n[Manual data entry](/warning-spreadsheets-will-ruin-your-business/) is the bane of an employee’s existence. No one enjoys staring at spreadsheets, waiting for data to populate, and being held responsible for manual entry errors. \n\n**It’s _not_ fun.** \n\nIntegrated systems remove the need for these menial tasks, giving your employees more time to focus on what really matters. Best of all, you’ll need fewer employees to manage these tasks. \n\nThat means you’ll keep your business lean and scalable without overworking your staff.\n\n(We’ve saved our clients [1000s of hours with integrated systems](/case-studies/).)\n\n## 6. Improved Work Culture\nBurnout happens because employees feel like they have to work harder and hard without making any real progress. Meanwhile, mind-numbing tasks like manual data entry and finding documents pile up, leaving them scrambling to find time to focus on high-level tasks.\n\nIf this happens for a long period of time, your employees will give up and move on. After all, inefficient systems are one of the main reasons employees quit. \n\nBy integrating your systems, you’ll reduce your employees’ workload (and turnover). They’ll be less stressed. As a result, they’ll have more bandwidth to focus on tasks that can grow your business. This will make their work feel more meaningful and improve the overall work culture.\n\n## 7. Avoid Costly IT Expenses\nLegacy systems are problematic. But, they’re often costly to replace, and training new employees on new systems are time-intensive as well. if you’re currently tied to your legacy systems, integrations help you extend their life.\n\nBy connecting new applications to your existing systems, you can keep up with market changes and customer demands with the features you need to stay competitive. (Without breaking the bank.)\n\n## 8. Data Forecasting\nIntegrated systems provide cleaner data. And cleaner data opens the door to better data forecasting. With connected applications, you’ll have the power to make better predictions that can give you the edge and position your business for continued success.\n\n## 9. Reduced Bottlenecks\nInefficient systems mean more slowdowns. From communication delays to siloed data, the ability for a large organization to act quickly with disparate systems is greatly reduced. \n\nIntegrated systems break down those bottlenecks and reduce the need for unnecessary back and forth. This results in greater efficiency across your organization. \n\n\n\n## 10. Improved Data Security\nSpreadsheets aren’t secure. Even if they’re password-protected, anyone with access to that password can access all of your customer data. All it takes is one missent email or an employee to click on the wrong link, and you have a major data breach on your hands. \n\nIntegrated systems remove the need to use spreadsheets to capture data. Instead, your sensitive information is collected into a secure database. \n\n## What Is Systems Integration?\nSystems integration is the process of connecting disparate data platforms to form a larger, functioning system that provides a single source of truth for a business with cleaner data. \n\nMost application platforms focus on optimizing their offerings and don’t prioritize their platform’s ability to connect with other applications. Whether you have a custom application for your business or an off-the-shelf solution, this can leave you with two disparate data streams. \n\nThis data does not move between systems. Instead, employees have to manually pull the data and collect it (usually in spreadsheets). This manual data entry and transfer process are error-prone and time-consuming. \n\nSystems integration solves that problem by using application programming interfaces (APIs) to connect the two systems. APIs are basically bridges between different platforms that allow information to move seamlessly between them. \n\nBuilding APIs from scratch usually has a high initial investment. However, they tend to pay for themselves in cost savings over time. Luckily, low code application platforms like [Workato](/workato-solutions/) and [Quickbase](/quick-base-solutions/) make it much easier for users to rapidly build custom integrations for much cheaper.\n\n![\"road\"](\"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1560964645-5296b5099677?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1050&q=80\")
\n\n## Why Data Integration Matters\nData integration matters because you cannot compete in this digital age without accurate, real-time data sets. Anything less than that has you acting on impulse and intuition. \n\n**Neither lead to regular, predictable business success.** \n\nInstead, with the benefits of data integration, you’ll better understand your customer, prospect, and the shifting digital landscape. As a result, you can make impactful decisions that amplify your success and take your business further.\n\nBest of all, you’ll keep your customer data protected, reducing unnecessary risks to your business. And you’ll reduce menial data entry tasks in your organization, saving you time and money while drastically [improving your work culture](/how-to-empower-employees/).\n\n## What Most Businesses Get Wrong About Data Integration\nMost businesses take the wrong approach to systems integration. They don’t build a proper roadmap to [improve their workflows](/5-examples-of-successful-workflow-optimization/). As a result, they waste time and money integrating the wrong platforms first. Worse, they build solutions that aren’t sustainable. \n\nThe key to successful data integration is to move your data from siloes into a streamlined, single data repository. And to do this in a way that yields the highest ROI without minimal interference with the day-to-day operations of your business. \n\n**That’s no easy task.**\n\nHowever, by working with an integration specialist, you can avoid the pitfalls of data integration and streamline your systems faster (and with less of a headache).\n\n## Integrate Your Business System Faster and Cheaper\nAt Quandary Consulting Group, our process consultants can help you improve your workflows and systems by building custom applications and integrating your disparate systems. \n\n_Always_ within budget. _Always_ delivered on time. \n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.\n","categories":[{"title":"Systems Integration"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-5a18c20c-3020-5a4d-ab88-a143d593c186","title":"How to Conquer Operational Challenges (Your Cheat Sheet)","_createdAt":"2021-06-10T13:55:15Z","publishedAt":"2021-06-16T13:30:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f69867dd9ae89d65c765820a2e15dbf5814a8e7a-1000x667.jpg?w=1000&h=667&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f69867dd9ae89d65c765820a2e15dbf5814a8e7a-1000x667.jpg?rect=0,1,1000,666&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f69867dd9ae89d65c765820a2e15dbf5814a8e7a-1000x667.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f69867dd9ae89d65c765820a2e15dbf5814a8e7a-1000x667.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f69867dd9ae89d65c765820a2e15dbf5814a8e7a-1000x667.jpg?w=1000&h=667&auto=format 1000w","sizes":"(min-width: 1000px) 1000px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1000,"height":667,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f69867dd9ae89d65c765820a2e15dbf5814a8e7a-1000x667.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"overcoming-operational-challenges"},"body":"In any type of business, you’ll face a range of operational challenges. Some are nothing more than a few irritating extra tasks to manage. Others [are major problems](/8-warning-signs-that-you-need-to-automate-your-business/) that could grind your business to a halt. \n\nWhile they range in size and impact, one thing is constant: operational challenges are always there.\n\n**But how can you fix them?** \n\nIf you’re trying to scale a growing business, then the chances are that your staff may be on the brink of exhaustion. Budgets may be tight, making it hard to hire new employees. \n\nAnd the thought of trying to untangle the inner complexities of these challenges might even feel overwhelming. _Not to mention the fear of making things worse..._\n\nSo, where do we even start?\n\nLuckily, with the right set of strategies, a sound mindset, and an idea of what you’re about to face, you can conquer any operational challenge you encounter.\n\n## 5 Common Operational Challenges Business Face\nThese are common operational challenges businesses of any size face. By identifying what they are and how they form, you can put your business in a better position to overcome them.\n\n### 1. Weak Systems and Inefficient Processes\n[Internal systems and processes](/business-process-analysis/) are made up of detailed procedures that businesses use for consistent, measurable results. Ideally, your systems and processes are streamlined and profitable. \n\nBut, that typically isn’t the case. \n\nCommon operational challenges deal with internal systems and processes. For example, multiple portals and systems facilitating only one part of a multi-tiered process. Or, a workflow that jumps from operation to operation through different systems is a recipe for disaster. \n\nThese half-baked systems always produce inferior results until they eventually fail. They do not scale; they’re not agile, and they’re so inefficient that they require people to prop them up and fill in the gaps. Over time, they will fail.\n\n[Streamlining these systems](/5-examples-of-successful-workflow-optimization/) with better processes gives business owners more time to focus on more complex problems. In short, process optimization sets management and employees free from their business, giving them the time and resources they need to conquer other operational challenges.\n\n### 2. Work Fatigue\nHow many times have you heard or said this in your business: “If you want something done right, do it yourself” or “It will be quicker for me to do it than try to train someone else”?\n\nIf this is your management mindset, you’re riding the express lane to burnout. Work fatigue is a common challenge growing businesses face. After all, one of the most challenging parts of scaling a business is giving up some control.\n\nThat’s why common causes of work fatigue are irregular work hours, a lack of feeling progress, and increased job/mental loads. \n\n![\"bone\"](\"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1598983870677-01e066a0b901?ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&ixlib=rb-1.2.1&auto=format&fit=crop&w=885&q=80\")
\n\nWhen your systems and processes aren’t streamlined, your employees take more time to complete their tasks. Instead of focusing on strategic initiatives that can grow your business, they’re running around completing low-level tasks, worrying if they’ll have enough time to focus on what really matters. On the tasks that actually define their jobs. \n\nAs the number of those tasks increases, the overwhelmed feeling your team has will increase along with it.\n\nEmployee fatigue not only affects the individual but creates major issues for the business as a whole. “Fatigue makes fools of us all. It robs us of our skills, our judgment, and blinds us to creative solutions,” states American Businessman and author Harvey Mackay.\n\nWhat creative solutions are you missing because of employee fatigue? \n\nThe easiest way to conquer this operational challenge is to prioritize your employees’ workload. Give them time to focus on the tasks that are crucial to both your and their success. You should also keep an open door and listen to the challenges they face. After all, the most effective process improvement starts within an organization. \n\n### 3. Waste (Muda)\nBusiness waste is perhaps the most dangerous operational challenge your business faces. You can manage to get by, put-putting along with poorly developed systems and burnt-out employees for a while. However, if you are not adequately [managing the money and costs](/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/), your business will struggle to survive. \n\nWhen time, labor, and materials are used ineffectively or being wasted, it radically impacts your company’s bottom line. Too much waste can prevent you from focusing on the bigger picture, increasing productivity, and scaling your business. \n\nAnd when 29% of startups fail because they run out of money, it becomes overly apparent how important it is for your organization to reduce waste. But, it isn’t so simple.\n\n![](\"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1554768803-2ae381da5645?ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&ixlib=rb-1.2.1&auto=format&fit=crop&w=2952&q=80\")
\n\n“The most dangerous kind of waste is waste we don’t recognize,” states Shigeo Shingo, Industrial Engineer and leading expert on manufacturing practices for Toyota.\n\nWhat activities provide value to your company? Which ones don’t? You need to recognize what provides value for the health of your business. Everything else can be eliminated.\n\nBut don’t just take a look at obvious expenses. Dive into how your business functions and look for opportunities to reduce costs there as well. The chances are that when you pull back the hood and untangle what’s there, you’ll find even more sources of waste.\n\n### 4. Client Dependence\nIf a single client makes up more than half of your income, you have already set your business up for failure. Diversifying your client base is vital to growing your business. \n\nIf you haven’t yet, you need to understand that one day you will run into the issue with client payments. \n\nWhether they quit paying altogether or they stop making their payments on time, your cash flow will fluctuate. And if you have all your eggs in one basket, that can be dangerous for your business.\n\nThis ultimately affects how you pay your employees and operational costs leading to a snowball effect of uncertainty and stress. \n\nIt can also impact how your organization runs. If you have a business trajectory, but your client provides enough cash flow to hold sway over how you operate, you could find your entire business change to serve your client’s needs. And this can cause all kinds of problems. \n\nMissed opportunities. Constant stress from being overly invested in one client. Being forced to invest in and develop a set of features that caters mostly to your client’s unique needs. The list goes on and on. As a result, your business could lose its freedom and find itself functioning more or less as an extension of one client’s company.\n\nBusinesses do best when having a diversified client base to pick up the slack when any single client cannot deliver payment.\n\n### 5. Balancing Quality and Growth\nEvery business hits a growth spurt. And while this is a good thing (it’s the goal of any business), it isn’t always completely positive. Small businesses that provide very customized personal services will need to make sacrifices to adapt to the change. But, this can be challenging. \n\nAfter all, most small businesses become successful because of the personalized attention they provide clients. And no customer wants to feel neglected because the company they work with has started to grow. \n\nIncorrectly, many growing businesses feel that they must choose between the level of attention they provided at the start of their organization on their success. In reality, it’s about learning how to step back as a leader and [evolve how your business functions](/how-to-empower-employees/). \n\nBusiness owners must learn to take a look at how their business functions and see where they can improve the services they provide. They’ll need to hire the right people. And they’ll need to set up a plan for managing their growth, too. \n\n![](\"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1561900478-5001f6b4d8ed?ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&ixlib=rb-1.2.1&auto=format&fit=crop&w=885&q=80\")
\n\nBut, they’ll also need to look at which services they can double-down on that will help them continue to scale past the operational challenges their success has created. And which services they can let go of. \n\nIt’s not that a growing business has to provide a weaker end-product. It’s that they need to learn how to expand and improve the products and services their customers value most.\n\n## How to Defeat Operational Challenges [in 4 Easy Steps]\nWhile we’ve provided some general solutions to operational challenges, finding real solutions requires a bit more of a roadmap. To make it easy for you to conquer operational challenges and lead your business success, follow these four simple steps. \n\n### 1. Identify the Issues\n“The starting point for improvement is to recognize the need,” states Masaaki Imai, Japanese organizational theorist, and management consultant. It would be a mistake to believe that your organization is functioning at peak efficiency. No matter the size of your company, there’s always room for improvement. \n\nThe landscape for business is always changing. To maintain your success, you need to be ready to change with it at all times. \n\nIt’s time to have a heart-to-heart with your business.\n\nThink back to the five operational challenges listed. Which one affects your business the most? Where do you see the most room for improvement? Which area of your business is costing you the most? The only way to overcome operational challenges is to analyze them objectively.\n\n**Scan through your processes and systems and ask yourself these questions:**\n\n- Am I using more than two system products to run my business processes?\n- Is anyone in the business working more than 40hrs each week?\n- Do I have one or two clients that I depend on to keep my business alive?\n- Are any of our processes wasting company resources?\n- Do I find myself overwhelmed staying on top of client relationships?\n\nIf you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s time to make some changes. \n\n### 2. Create a Plan\nAnalyzing a business process is relatively simple as long as you follow a series of steps. It’s important not to cut corners when reviewing processes. Any missed step could multiply inefficiencies later on when you deploy a new solution. \n\nAfter you have identified the problem areas in your growing organization, you need to find the right solutions. There are a lot of out-of-the-box solutions you can use that will add functionality to your business. But, they’re limited. Custom applications are great because they can be tailored to your unique needs, but they can be costly. \n\nA great alternative solution is to use [low code platforms](/low-code-guide/) to automate processes. In short, low code is a subscription-based platform that provides a drag and drop interface for creating custom applications.\n\nFrom automatic approvals to data transfer, you can build the optimizations you need to break down bottlenecks, reduce manual entry errors, and successfully scale your business. This will give you the solutions you need to reduce wastes and work fatigue while helping you improve the products and services you provide.\n\n![](\"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1590103514966-5e2a11c13e21?ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&ixlib=rb-1.2.1&auto=format&fit=crop&w=885&q=80\")
\n\n\n### 3. Remove the Obstacles\nOnce you have analyzed your business processes and identified waste, it is time to throw out the things that don’t provide your company value. \n\n_That's easier said than done..._\n\nWe are creatures of habit. There will be pushback. People aren’t fond of change. And watching a company shift its workflows can be seen as a personal attack by some. Plus, it can be equally frustrating to adopt new processes (no matter how much better they are).\n\nThat’s why it’s best to be transparent with your staff. Let them know the reasoning behind the changes. And support them, giving them the guidance and patience they need to adopt the new systems. \n\nEffective change management involves communicating with your employees, providing support, accepting feedback, and planning to grow and improve as a team. \n\n### 4. Enjoy the Success \nOnce you take that step towards streamlining your operations and defeating those operational challenges, you’ll begin to experience the freedom and growth of revolutionizing your business.\n\n**Enjoy that success.** \n\nBut remember: sooner or later, it’ll come time to scale your business again. That’s why you should always evaluate how your business functions. Keep an eye on operational challenges, and be ready to optimize your workflows when the time comes again. \n\n![](\"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1551892589-865f69869476?ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&ixlib=rb-1.2.1&auto=format&fit=crop&w=885&q=80\")
\n\n## How to Conquer Operational Challenges Successfully Every Time \nPreparing your business to handle operational challenges is key to ensuring your business doesn’t just survive, that it thrives. But that isn’t always easy. After all, if you and your team have their hands full trying to manage your success, that can be a challenge.\n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Culture"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-cae94047-b897-5c2a-b8af-15bff42658d3","title":"The Benefits of a CRM Consultant (And How to Hire One)","_createdAt":"2020-01-21T08:20:15Z","publishedAt":"2021-06-03T16:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a96a8d216039fb88558ca77881a7b9aa0f0b166d-3600x2400.jpg?w=3600&h=2400&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a96a8d216039fb88558ca77881a7b9aa0f0b166d-3600x2400.jpg?rect=0,2,3600,2396&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a96a8d216039fb88558ca77881a7b9aa0f0b166d-3600x2400.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a96a8d216039fb88558ca77881a7b9aa0f0b166d-3600x2400.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a96a8d216039fb88558ca77881a7b9aa0f0b166d-3600x2400.jpg?rect=1,0,3598,2400&w=1024&h=683&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a96a8d216039fb88558ca77881a7b9aa0f0b166d-3600x2400.jpg?rect=1,0,3599,2400&w=1366&h=911&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a96a8d216039fb88558ca77881a7b9aa0f0b166d-3600x2400.jpg?rect=1,0,3599,2400&w=1600&h=1067&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a96a8d216039fb88558ca77881a7b9aa0f0b166d-3600x2400.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&auto=format 1920w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a96a8d216039fb88558ca77881a7b9aa0f0b166d-3600x2400.jpg?rect=0,1,3600,2399&w=2048&h=1365&auto=format 2048w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a96a8d216039fb88558ca77881a7b9aa0f0b166d-3600x2400.jpg?rect=1,0,3599,2400&w=2560&h=1707&auto=format 2560w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a96a8d216039fb88558ca77881a7b9aa0f0b166d-3600x2400.jpg?w=3440&h=2293&auto=format 3440w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a96a8d216039fb88558ca77881a7b9aa0f0b166d-3600x2400.jpg?w=3600&h=2400&auto=format 3600w","sizes":"(min-width: 3600px) 3600px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":3600,"height":2400,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a96a8d216039fb88558ca77881a7b9aa0f0b166d-3600x2400.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"crm-consultant-benefits"},"body":"If you want to avoid gaps in your customer service, expand your bottom line, and lower your costs, then your CRM needs to fit your exact business needs. Whether you already have a CRM in place and you're looking to get more out of it or you need to implement one in your business, a CRM consultant can help you get the most out of that system. \n\nHere's what you need to know about CRM consultants, the benefits they provide, and how working with one can help you maximize your customer relationships. \n\n## What Is a CRM System?\nCRM system stands for Customer Relationship Management system. It is a software tool that allows businesses to organize customer data and easily access it whenever necessary. From onboarding new customers to maintaining existing ones, the best CRMs automate your customer relationships and increase your bottom lines. \n\nToday, managing relationships with customers is a very complicated process. And if you want to compete in your industry, you need a reliable CRM software system.\n\nCRM software connects marketing, sales, and customer service departments of a given company and organizes information about their activities and metrics into one cohesive system. \n\nThe goal of any CRM system is to improve business relations and customer experience. The companies that invest in CRM typically see a significant increase in leads, customer retention, conversion, and sales revenue. And businesses that use CRMs also benefit from more accurate sales reporting, improved sales forecasting, and maximized ROI of their marketing campaigns.\n\n### What Types of Businesses Use CRMs?\n\n- **Both B2C and B2B businesses**: Support marketing, sales, HR, customer service as well as supply chain and partner management.\n- **Startups and Small Businesses**: Provide extensible features at affordable prices, helping new companies compete against the bigger players in their industries.\n- **Enterprise Organizations**: Use advanced CRM features such as [workflow management](/workflow-automation-software), sales and marketing automation, territory management, advanced analytics to cover every aspect in the business cycle and unify operations.\n\nHowever, before you start to reap the benefits of advanced CRM software solutions, you need to understand the capabilities, features, and functions that make CRM systems valuable. \n\nAfterward, you’ll be able to better determine which CRM software is the correct fit for your business. You can also hire a qualified CRM consultant to help you make the right choice.\n\n![\"talking\"](\"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1556741533-6e6a62bd8b49?ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&ixlib=rb-1.2.1&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1050&q=80\")
\n\n## What is a CRM Consultant?\n\nYour CRM consultant will help you set up the CRM system that will be optimal for your business. They help you navigate the pitfalls of deploying and optimizing your CRM. And they'll also work with your team to onboard the software and accelerate employee onboarding. \n\nWith a CRM consultant, you'll ensure that you get the most out of your CRM without the headache or frustration most businesses face when deploying a new system. \n\n### 5 Benefits of Hiring a CRM Consultant\nYour CRM Consultant is a critical asset to your successful CRM deployment. With the right CRM consultant, you'll be able to:\n\n1. **Choose the Right Platform:** Every business is different. And every CRM is different. A CRM consultant will be familiar with a range of products out there and can help you pick the best one for your exact business needs. \n2. **Save on Expenses:** Without the right guidance, you may end up stuck with a software suite that doesn't suit your business needs, pays more for features you don't need, or make critical mistakes that leave your business exposed to security issues.\n3. **Get More Out of Features:** Many businesses end up paying for features they never use. Or, they use them incorrectly. A CRM consultant will connect your CRM to your existing systems and ensure you get the most out of the platform. \n4. **Optimize the Platform:** There's a lot of work that needs to be done after a CRM goes live. Your CRM consultant will help you test, deploy, and optimize your new system.\n5. **Train Your Employees:** Employee adoption is critical for any new system to succeed. Your CRM consultant will have training procedures in place to ensure your team is quickly onboarding and has success with your new platform. \n\n## 4 Types of CRM Consultants\n\nThere are a lot of different CRM systems out there. As a result, there are a lot of different CRM consultants out there that can support your business. If you already know which platform you want, it's best to work with a consultant that has expertise in that platform. \n\nHere are the different types of CRM consultants out there.\n\n### 1. Dynamics CRM Consultant\n\nMicrosoft Dynamics 365 is a cloud-based enterprise suite that offers ERP and CRM features in one place and gives businesses a comprehensive view of their customers and operations. \n\nThere are business applications to automate sales, marketing, customer service, finance, and operations. They can be integrated with existing systems and with tools like Outlook and Excel. \n\nThe biggest advantage of Dynamics 365 is that you can use it as a subscription, purchase subscriptions by role, and scale it up as your business grows. Plus, businesses can get actionable insights that are based on Predictive Analytics, Machine Learning, and Power BI.\n\nAn experienced Dynamics CRM consultantcan help small- and medium-sized businesses and corporations in different industries take advantage of the great potential of Dynamics 365.\n\n### 2. SAP CRM Consultant\n\nSAP CRM enables companies to provide a smooth and personalized customer experience across multiple channels by anticipating and proactively responding to their customers’ needs. \n\nSAP CRM cloud-based solutions offer advanced capabilities in addition to core CRM functionality and provide technologies based on machine learning and big data insights to power real-time customer experience.\n\nYour SAP CRM consultant will have knowledge SAP business suite and how it supports such areas as marketing, sales, and customer service.\n\n### 3. Zoho CRM Consultant\n\nZoho CRM is cloud-based software for managing sales, marketing, and customer support in a single system. It offers a set of robust features such as intuitive user interface, sales pipeline management, AI sales assistant, workflow automation, comprehensive reporting, email marketing tools, analytics, social media tools, etc. \n\nIt also comes with a nice price tag that is very friendly to SMBs.\n\nThe best way to ensure that your Zoho CRM project is managed and implemented professionally is to hire a qualified and experienced Zoho CRM consultant.\n\n### 4. Quickbase CRM Consultant\n\n[Quickbase](/what-is-quick-base/) is fully-customizable cloud-based CRM software that requires minimal technical training from end-users. It allows you to take advantage of a native drag-and-drop interface and form builders and quickly and efficiently develop custom CRM solutions based on the needs of your company without coding. \n\nYou can build apps by choosing a template and adding modules or starting from scratch. The Quickbase platform is scalable and accessible on any mobile device. \n\nYou can contact [a CRM consultant](/quick-base-solutions/) that has experience in the development and maintenance of QuickBase applications to help you with planning and developing your CRM solution and extending its functionality.\n\n![\"meeting\"](\"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1552581234-26160f608093?ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&ixlib=rb-1.2.1&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1050&q=80\")
\n\n\n## How a CRM Consultant Supports Off-The-Shelf Implementations\n\nImplementing a CRM system is an important decision and is one of the hardest tasks for any business. You can’t just buy a new CRM platform with a variety of great features, install it, and expect that your business relationships become better at once and you win more deals. \n\nIn reality, [CRM implementation](/custom-crm/) is a rather complicated process with lots of challenges so you’ll need a lot of planning before you can start.\n\nIf you fail to develop an effective strategy, your CRM implementation can be a complete disaster and will cost you money and productivity. \n\nBut relationships with customers determine the success of any business and that means you need CRM. \n\nIn most cases, it’s quite reasonable to consider hiring an experienced external CRM consultant who can give you good advice on choosing the best option for your specific needs and provide guidance on CRM implementation. \n\n[Consultants typically actively participate](/our-approach/) in the implementation process and can help you at different stages, including business process mapping, choosing a suitable configuration, developing system integration strategies. \n\nYour consultant can give recommendations on how you should optimize the application and take care of security. Besides, they will help you select the right methods to capture, extract, transfer your business data and analyze it.\n\n## How CRM Consultants Support Custom Implementations\n\nWondering whether you should start with buying a canned solution because it is fast and cheap or invests in building custom software? \n\n**Consider the following:**\n- Off-the-shelf software is less expensive but as your business grows, the lack of customization may lead to inefficient manual processes and you’ll eventually need to invest a lot of money in the proprietary software so you could scale effectively.\n- Despite initial costs, [building custom software](/quandary-build/) is a smart decision if you want to scale effectively and the return on investment can be well worth it.\n\n### Why You Need a Custom CRM Solution\nBuilding your own software that is tailored to your company’s specific needs can help make your business more scalable. Here are three benefits to having a custom CRM:\n- It can give you a competitive advantage and help you outperform your competitors who rely on off-the-shelf software.\n- You can build an integrated platform that keeps all your data in one place for faster, more accurate reporting. \n- Your team will be able to work faster and smarter with a custom system in place rather than having to rely on a helter-skelter collection of different programs.\n- As your business evolves and needs change to stay competitive, you will be able to shift technology strategies fast and succeed in the market.\n- You'll get the custom features you need to match your exact business and customer needs, giving you the power to build the best version of your business.\n\n## Choose The Best CRM Consultant\nWhen you make a decision to build custom software, it makes sense to hire an experienced CRM consultant that will guide you through the entire process. \n\nLuckily, the custom development team at Quandary can create a perfect CRM system for your specific business needs and according to your requirements.\n\nYou'll get a powerful application with advanced analytics tools that allow configuring reports for specific business units and roles. And with automated reports, you’ll get actionable insights for data analysis and will never have to use spreadsheets ever again. \n\n(That alone is pretty awesome.)\n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Business Transformation"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-7840e39d-0de3-5215-b1cd-25cb0202e78c","title":"How to Become an Empowering Leader (8 Actionable Steps)","_createdAt":"2020-01-15T09:40:48Z","publishedAt":"2021-06-02T15:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/604f3d3414b1912d9e6b94e6992adb6101c905c3-5760x3840.jpg?w=5760&h=3840&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/604f3d3414b1912d9e6b94e6992adb6101c905c3-5760x3840.jpg?rect=0,3,5760,3834&w=320&h=213&auto=format 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Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 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But becoming an empowering leader isn't as easy as it seems. After all, there's a time and place to empower your staff and a time to take the reigns. \n\nIf you want to keep your business on the path to success, you need to know when and how to become an empowering leader. With the right strategy and mindset, you can continue to scale your growing business. \n\nThis guide will show you how to make that happen. \n\n## What Is Employee Empowerment?\nEmployee empowerment is a management strategy designed to increase the success of a business by delegating certain activities to individual employees and giving them the authority to complete tasks without constant oversight. This transition frees up management to focus on more critical areas while giving employees a more direct say in how a business functions. \n\nEmployee empowerment works when employees have the freedom to make important decisions and the support necessary to avoid making critical errors. They should be empowered to think freely while working within established guardrails set by management. \n\n## The Benefits of Empowering Leaders\nThere's a saying, \"they call it a job because no one would do it for free.\" But, that's the last mindset you want your staff to have.\n\nInstead, you want your employees to feel motivated at work. You also want them to feel like **their contributions matter**. And you want them to feel free to work in a way that will provide the best outcome. \n\nWhy?\n\nThere are a lot of reasons to empower your employees. Here are a few:\n\n1. **Employees will care more about their work.** When employees are empowered, they feel more in control. And that gives them a deeper connection to the work they do and the results they get. \n2. **Employees will take more calculated risks.** Because your employees will be more invested, they'll want to [try new strategies that improve business operations](/business-process-analysis/) and drive more growth. \n3. **Workplace culture will improve.** No one likes to feel like a cog in the wheel. The more people are invested, the less work feels like something that \"has to get done\" and more like something people can be a part of. \n4. **Employees will be more creative.** Empowered employees are more creative. They care about the work they do and are proud of the outcomes they create. That workplace environment is the perfect environment for enhanced creativity.\n5. **Your business will perform better.** Employees that feel connected to their jobs, care about the outcome of initiatives. They'll be ready to provide better feedback and help the organization avoid catastrophic errors.\n\n## Does Employee Empowerment Work?\nIf you're going to take the time to become an empowering leader, you need to know that your efforts won't be wasted. You also don't want to lead your business down a path of increased (and unnecessary) risks and liabilities. \n\nAfter all, empowering employees should improve your business, not ruin it.\n\nIt's also important to note that while some jobs require more creative thinking than others to come up with unique solutions, this isn't always the case.\n\nStill, just because a job has limited creative needs, doesn't mean that the business can't benefit from employees providing creative insights. \n\nThere's always a better way to way to run a business. And giving your employees the green light to think of [better ways to streamline systems](/5-examples-of-successful-workflow-optimization/) can reduce costs while increasing efficiencies. It's the perfect recipe to scale any growing business. So, at some level, you need to empower your employees, no matter what business you run.\n\n**Easier said than done.**\n\nBut how exactly do you become an empowering leader? \n\nYou need a roadmap that helps you change your mindset and helps you create the necessary workplace culture for your employees to feel empowered. \n\nThis is how you make _that_ happen. \n\n![\"road\"](\"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1471958680802-1345a694ba6d?ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&ixlib=rb-1.2.1&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1432&q=80\")
\n\n## Step 1. Create a Culture of Success\nAppreciation goes a long, long way. And in the hustle and bustle of busy business lives, the power of a \"thank you\" can easily get overlooked. \n\nIn a 2018 survey, 89% of employees agreed that “performance-based recognition increases engagement.” And employees of companies that recognize success are 2x as likely to recommend their workplace to others. \n\nYour first step toward becoming an empowering leader is to create a company that stops and takes the time to recognize success. You don't want a staff full of employees that simply \"does the work\". You want people doing work they're proud of doing, where they're excited to share the results. \n\n**But, don’t fake it.**\n\nGeneral platitudes can often cheapen an employee’s success. Taking the time to be sincere and specific will go a long way toward recognizing the efforts of your employees. In turn, they’ll strive for future successes. \n\nFailing to notice and appreciate success can backfire. It can leave employees feeling underappreciated. And that can stifle future creativity. Don't do it.\n\n## Step 2. Provide On-The-Job Training\nYour employees need to grow through the work they do at your company. By educating them, you give them the skills they need to succeed.\n\nAs Richard Branson once tweeted:\n\n\n\nKnowledge is a great way to empower your team. Give them opportunities for career development and training they can use to help both themselves and your business grow. \n\nJust be careful that the training you provide is in the interest of your employees. \n\nNo one enjoys feeling forced to learn something they feel as though they'll never use or never want to use. Instead, align your employees' goals with your business goals. \n\nWhen people feel like they can grow with your company, they'll take more initiative to test their training and perform better.\nTrain people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don't want to http://t.co/QHONOZYXEy
— Richard Branson (@richardbranson) March 27, 2014
![\"calendar\"](\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dnla85pdq/image/upload/v1579082159/QuandaryCG/manasvita-s-9q5vptiE2TY-unsplash-980x655.jpg\")
\n\n### Why You Need to Reduce Menial Tasks\n\nNo one wants to feel like the work they do is meaningless, and nothing is more meaningless than menial tasks. \n\nThe number of boring, repetitive tasks employees have to do on a given day depends on the job. But, in most cases, these tasks can often be automated.\n\nRobots are great at the type of jobs people hate. So, let them do the work. \n\nNo one enjoys looking at spreadsheets, for instance. Transcribing data using spreadsheets is boring. The desire to space out until it's over is there. \n\nBut, most companies also leave valuable data in these spreadsheets. And that means your employees are stuck staring at them for hours, carefully making sure they don't make any [costly data entry mistakes](/warning-spreadsheets-will-ruin-your-business/).\n\nIt's a nightmare.\n\nTasks like these are soul-draining. They turn work into a monotonous slog. And they zap any ounce of care your staff may have. Tasks like these eat up the time your staff could spend on more meaningful, empowering work. \n\nInstead, [streamline your workflows](/quandary-connect/) with automation and give your employees more time to do the high-level work they enjoy. \n\nLet the robots handle the boring stuff.\n\n## Step 6. Provide the Right Resources\nFiguring out what tools your staff needs to do their jobs can be tricky. On one end, this can create a laundry list of applications you need to consider onboarding. On the other end, you want to empower your staff by providing the tools they need to do the best job possible. \n\nThe key here is to take the time to listen to your employees and see where their pain points are. Then, look to see what solutions exist to help support them. \n\nEvery business has to work within its tech budget. Luckily, there are plenty of cost-effective tools that can not only streamline your business, but they can also [drastically reduce costs and rapidly yield a high ROI](../how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business). \n\nIn fact, many businesses can stay within budget and build the tools their employees need using low-code platforms.\n\n### The Power of Low-Code\n[Low-code](/low-code-guide) gives employees more power by democratizing software development. Using platforms like Quickbase and Workato, your staff can quickly build custom applications that meet their specific needs. \n\nAnd they can do it in a fraction of the time and for a fraction of the cost of traditional application development. \n\nBest of all, your employees can build the exact solutions they need for their precise problems. What better way to empower your staff than to give them the power to make their work lives more efficient? \n\nThey know the problems they face. They see the inefficiencies in workflows on a day-to-day basis. And they have ideas on how they would make it better. \n\nLet them.\n\n## Step 7. Know When to Take the Back Seat\nOne of the hardest parts about becoming an empowering leader is learning to let go. But, it's important to remember that you wouldn't be where you are today unless someone recognized your unique abilities and let you take the lead. \n \nThe key to becoming an empowering leader is to know where your leadership functions as a strategic asset and where it's more of a bottleneck. You have to be willing to let your employees take control. \n\nMicromanage less. Trust your employees more. \n\n![\"working\"](\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dnla85pdq/image/upload/v1579082507/QuandaryCG/mimi-thian-BYGLQ32Wjx8-unsplash-980x655.jpg\")
\n\n## Step 8. Reassure Your Staff\nEmpowerment means nothing if your employees are too scared to take risks or suggest changes. They need to know that your business embraces those who have ideas and suggest changes, even if they aren't successful. \n\nEmpower your employees by showing them that the only true failure is to continue working with broken systems. Coach them on how to suggest and deploy changes. And uses \"failures\" as an opportunity for team growth. \n\nWith the right guardrails, your staff will feel empowered to lead the creative way and suggest new, awesome solutions for your business. \n\n## When Is the Right Time to Be an Empowering Leader?\nEmployee empowerment is a tricky thing to implement. Not every task can or should be open to interpretation by your staff. You don't want a free-for-all. But, you also don't want an atmosphere where employees feel micromanaged constantly. \n\nInstead, they need to have the freedom to carry out their jobs in ways that best match their skillsets, mindsets, and career goals. Empower them to do their best, and understand that people have limitations, different mindsets, and specific needs.\n\n![\"scream\"](\"https://images.pexels.com/photos/3812746/pexels-photo-3812746.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=650&w=940\")
\n\nFor example, you don't want to force an employee into a position of oversight if they'd prefer not to be a leader in that light. And you don't want to assume that your staff will value learning certain skills that fill gaps in your team.\n\nThis means that your management team will need to interact closely with employees to understand their strengths and weaknesses. You'll also want to know what employees hope to get out of working with you. \n\nBy communicating with your team, you can play to their strengths and match the mission of your business to the future of your employees. \n\nWhen should you empower your employees and when you should take the reigns comes down to you. You know your business and your employees best. Build a path that ensures the success of both. \n\n## Become an Empowering Leader Today\nAt the end of the day, if you want to empower your employees, then you need to give them a strong foundation for future success. But that requires time and resources. \n\nAnd that’s a challenge if your current workflows eat up most of your employees' time and your company's resources. \n\nNo one's going to have the time or energy to think up new ideas if they're stuck running around looking for documents or digging through endless pages of spreadsheets.\n\n**The solution?**\n\nBreak down inefficiencies with affordable, custom solutions.\n\nQuandary Consulting Group leverages the power of Quick Base and Workato to help organizations optimize workflows. \n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Culture"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-11a20174-6f6a-542f-a22f-913aa49244bb","title":"Flawless Business Process Analysis (in 7 Simple Steps)","_createdAt":"2020-01-21T07:02:32Z","publishedAt":"2021-05-27T16:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/5e3a351060097f8d3f45a894d9f3c4d8d2a75aca-2048x1524.jpg?w=2048&h=1524&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/5e3a351060097f8d3f45a894d9f3c4d8d2a75aca-2048x1524.jpg?rect=0,1,2048,1523&w=320&h=238&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/5e3a351060097f8d3f45a894d9f3c4d8d2a75aca-2048x1524.jpg?rect=1,0,2047,1524&w=654&h=487&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/5e3a351060097f8d3f45a894d9f3c4d8d2a75aca-2048x1524.jpg?rect=1,0,2046,1524&w=768&h=572&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/5e3a351060097f8d3f45a894d9f3c4d8d2a75aca-2048x1524.jpg?w=1024&h=762&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/5e3a351060097f8d3f45a894d9f3c4d8d2a75aca-2048x1524.jpg?rect=0,1,2048,1523&w=1366&h=1016&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/5e3a351060097f8d3f45a894d9f3c4d8d2a75aca-2048x1524.jpg?rect=1,0,2047,1524&w=1600&h=1191&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/5e3a351060097f8d3f45a894d9f3c4d8d2a75aca-2048x1524.jpg?w=1920&h=1429&auto=format 1920w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/5e3a351060097f8d3f45a894d9f3c4d8d2a75aca-2048x1524.jpg?w=2048&h=1524&auto=format 2048w","sizes":"(min-width: 2048px) 2048px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":2048,"height":1524,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMFCP/EACIQAAIBBAIBBQAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwAEERIFIRMVIjFRYf/EABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAID/8QAGxEAAQQDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECERJBUWH/2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA/AM1ei8hG5WSDTChvccdGnw8Gm+Lq7iiH53UsX1yG28zlsa5Jz1SXkdyS7Ek/ZqVXrkct0UZTxiNqsczY6J2+TRUuilToZP/Z"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/5e3a351060097f8d3f45a894d9f3c4d8d2a75aca-2048x1524.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"business-process-analysis"},"body":"## How to Start Optimizing Business Workflows in 7 Easy Steps\nImproving efficiency across your organization comes down to understanding what processes you have in place and how you can improve them. However, mapping out how your business functions and finding weaknesses isn’t straightforward. \n\nLuckily, business process analysis can help you identify areas of improvement so you can scale your systems and business. \n\nEvery business has [processes in place](/5-examples-of-successful-workflow-optimization/). The larger the business, the more interconnected these processes are. Still, most businesses don’t take the time to reflect on their processes. As a result, they tend to have multiple inefficiencies systems that create waste and slow their business down. \n\n## What Is a Business Process?\nA business process is a series of steps taken to get something done. Processes follow a series of steps and create some kind of value for the business. If the steps or the people that manage the process do not perform at levels required for success, the business can struggle.\n\n## What Is Business Process Analysis?\nBusiness process analysis is a strategy used to improve organizational performance. It starts with breaking down the steps of the process and looking for inefficiencies. And it ends with a process improvement strategy designed to streamline existing workflows.\n\nDuring a business process analysis, a team member or [consultant will break down a process](/process-consulting/) into its individual components. They will map out the workflow in detail. And they offer suggestions for improvement that are in line with business goals and message.\n\n![\"glass\"](\"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1567427018141-0584cfcbf1b8?ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&ixlib=rb-1.2.1&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1050&q=80\")
\n\n## What Is Business Process Modeling? \nBusiness process modeling is the act of creating a visual representation of your organization’s workflows to map out process optimizations. \n\nYou can do this in many ways: flow charts and diagrams work best. But, it’s also possible to use a whiteboard, post-it notes, or simple pen and paper. Keep in mind though, that [workflow mapping software](https://thedigitalprojectmanager.com/flowchart-software/) tends to work best. \n\nYou'll map two different versions of your processes. You’ll map out the first business process model as you research your workflows. And you’ll create a second map that illustrates your ideal state after your process improvements. \n\n## How to Analyze a Business Process (7 Steps)\nAnalyzing a business process is relatively simple as long as you follow a series of steps. It’s important not to cut corners when reviewing processes. Any missed step could multiply inefficiencies later on when you deploy a new solution.\n\nHere’s how to carry out business process analysis: \n\n### 1. List Business Requirements and Objectives\n\nBusiness process analysis should start with the final objective in mind. Every business has different goals. Your processes need to be aligned with these goals, no matter the type or size of your organization. \n\nBefore beginning any optimization of your business processes, you need to list out goals and rank them according to their importance. You should also look to see where they’re connected and how various processes impact those goals. \n\nEvery organization also has rules and guidelines that must be followed. You should note these as you map out your workflows. This will provide guardrails for your process improvements later on. \n\n[Understanding those connections](/everything-you-need-to-know-about-integrations/) will help you map out the processes, giving you a better understanding of how each workflow influences the desired end result.\n\n### 2. Identify Every Business Process\n\nMapping out your organization’s processes is essential to helping you gain a better understanding of them. You cannot start optimizing processes until you understand how they’re all connected in the system. This will help you know how to best go about your process improvement and get you the desired results faster. \n\nTogether with the business objectives, this stage creates a framework for all further business process analysis. And the quality of this stage influences the final results of the analysis immensely.\n\nAs a result, it must be done with close attention to detail. It should not be rushed. Instead, take as much time as needed to fully understand how your business functions and [where the inefficiencies are](/8-warning-signs-that-you-need-to-automate-your-business/). \n\nRemember: It is very important to make connections between your processes and business objectives before moving on. This will help you better prioritize which workflows should be addressed first. \n\nOnce you finish process mapping, you should finalize the large-scale map of processes within the organization before continuing. You want to make sure your process map is as accurate as possible.\n\n### 3. Investigate the Steps of Each Process\n\nListing all process steps within the framework established during the previous stages helps complete the big picture. This stage finalizes the initial research and is fundamental for effective analysis as you work toward process optimization.\n\nAt this stage, you will be getting into even more detail. It is important to list any direct connections to your processes and the effects of each process’s steps on other processes and objectives. These connections will be instrumental in the subsequent analysis stage.\n\nMapping all this out manually can be time-consuming and challenging, but it is essential to know how interconnected your processes are before attempting any type of process improvement. Failing to do this could result in broken systems that ruin your ROI and create more problems.\n\n![\"chart\"](\"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1557825835-3185803dd474?ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&ixlib=rb-1.2.1&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1050&q=80\")
\n\n### 4. Document Ongoing Cases\n\nAfter building a clear framework for your workflows, you need to check your work by documenting ongoing cases. This stage is essentially a test flight of the process map you created. \n\nTo ensure your process map is correct, it’s best to use 2-3 ongoing processes and map them against your findings. This will help you better see the workflows in action and underscore the accuracy of your research. \n\nIt’s also a great opportunity to focus on the minutiae. Often, people tend to skip over small steps when mapping out workflows. It’s easy to assume that actions are “understood” by all parties. \n\nBut even something that’s as innocuous as, “the employee walks the invoice over to the manager for approval” is a critical step that should not be missed. \n\nAll actions should be accounted for in each workflow. Take the time to document ongoing cases and evaluate the accuracy of your process map.\n\n### 5. Analyze Processes and Make Conclusions\n\nThis is the most critical stage of business process analysis. However, if you’ve followed all the steps carefully up to this point, you’ve completed a majority of the work. You’ll have an accurate process map that’s detailed and paints a clear picture of how your organization functions. \n\nYou’ll also be able to quickly identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, redundancies, and processes that do not support your business goals. As you analyze your business processes, you’ll begin to see where to prioritize your efforts.\n\n### 6. Suggest Process Improvements\n\nYour detailed analysis should lead to a precise set of actions that highlight areas of improvement in relevant processes. \nA good practice is to rank the proposals according to RICE framework: \n- Reach: How many customers will the initiative impact?\n- Impact: How much closer will the initiative move the needle to the objectives of your business?\n- Confidence: How certain are you that this initiative will be successful?\n- Effort: How much will your business need to invest to improve this process? \n\nThe improvements with the strongest level of confidence that require the lowest effort and offer the highest reach and impact are the ones you should focus on first. And with these details mapped out, it’ll be easier to communicate this to the rest of your organization.\n\n### 7. Facilitate Buy-in and Adoption\n\nPlans aren’t worth the time spent making them without effective execution. Any initiative introduction depends on management buy-in. Usually, the decision-makers do their job based on facts and numbers. \n\nThis is where the ranking of initiatives based on RICE framework comes in handy. However, the quality of initiatives’ adoption depends only on the buy-in of lower echelons. \n\nThe business process analyst’s role, in this case, extends to becoming the champion, showman, locomotive, and salesman of these future initiatives. \n\nFrontline management and their teams usually represent the group most reluctant to accept changes. Onboarding them is a big task and requires a combination of psychology, presentation, and persuasion skills.\n\n![\"meeting\"](\"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1591115765373-5207764f72e7?ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&ixlib=rb-1.2.1&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1050&q=80\")
\n\nThe stages described above are a generalization based on our experience. Naturally, there are different situations and factors influencing the business process analysis approach. \n\nStill, the constant through any business process optimization is the need to accurately record all details. From the inflows to the steps of the processes themselves to the results that the processes provide. The more accurate your process mapping is, the better chance you have of making lasting, positive change in your organization.\n\n## When Is the Best Time for Business Process Analysis?\nBusinesses are always growing and changing. Ideally, if you’ve never carried out a business process analysis for your organization, you should do so right away. It’s a quick way to see if there are any slowdowns or inefficiencies that are standing in the way of continued success. \n\nHowever, as a business grows and changes, it onboards new technological solutions to meet increasing customer demands. Old technologies become obsolete. And organizations morph into new entities the longer they’re around. That’s the nature of any successful business. \n\nIf you want to ensure that your business runs efficiently, you should carry out routine business process analysis. This will help you identify problem areas before they become harder to fix. \n\nThere are other signs of inefficient processes. Regular slowdowns, bottlenecks, increasing customer complaints, [manual entry errors](/warning-spreadsheets-will-ruin-your-business/), high employee turnover, weak workplace culture, and a bottom line that doesn’t increase despite increased profitability. \n\n## The Challenge With Business Process Analysis\nWhile it helps to map out organizational change and effectively put together a strategy for business process improvement, mistakes can still be made. This is because what looks good on paper doesn’t always go according to plan. And assumptions made during the process analysis may not be as accurate as believed. \n\nThis is why it’s always better to lean on someone with [experience conducting process optimization](/our-approach/). There are a variety of consultants you can rely on to help improve your workflow processes. They have the added benefit of experience to ensure that workflow mapping brings about the solutions an organization needs to reach its goals.\n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Business Transformation"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-412edc7f-fc29-5c8f-820e-da1611979b7b","title":"What Is Workflow Optimization? (And 5 Real-World Examples)","_createdAt":"2020-01-16T08:32:07Z","publishedAt":"2021-05-26T16:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/ee2d5689cef7ca10df021c1cfd1b580652f6ff8b-1920x1280.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/ee2d5689cef7ca10df021c1cfd1b580652f6ff8b-1920x1280.jpg?rect=0,1,1920,1278&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/ee2d5689cef7ca10df021c1cfd1b580652f6ff8b-1920x1280.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/ee2d5689cef7ca10df021c1cfd1b580652f6ff8b-1920x1280.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/ee2d5689cef7ca10df021c1cfd1b580652f6ff8b-1920x1280.jpg?rect=1,0,1919,1280&w=1024&h=683&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/ee2d5689cef7ca10df021c1cfd1b580652f6ff8b-1920x1280.jpg?rect=1,0,1919,1280&w=1366&h=911&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/ee2d5689cef7ca10df021c1cfd1b580652f6ff8b-1920x1280.jpg?rect=1,0,1919,1280&w=1600&h=1067&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/ee2d5689cef7ca10df021c1cfd1b580652f6ff8b-1920x1280.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&auto=format 1920w","sizes":"(min-width: 1920px) 1920px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1920,"height":1280,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/ee2d5689cef7ca10df021c1cfd1b580652f6ff8b-1920x1280.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"5-examples-of-successful-workflow-optimization"},"body":"## How to Identify Workflows and Optimize Them\nWorkflows complicate business operations and make it difficult to scale effectively. If running a business followed a straight line, growing them would be easy. Instead, they expand out like a complex, interconnected web. Each strand of that web is a vital workflow. \n\nBut what exactly is a workflow? And how can you improve your workflows to get more out of your business without wasting your time or money? \n\nThis goes deeper than [cost reduction and employee efficiency](/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-yo\nur-business/), though. Not being able to identify workflows and find areas for improvement can ruin your business. Follow this guide to better understand the workflows in your business and how to optimize these processes.\n\n## What Is a Workflow? \nIn any organization, you have two different categories of work that are carried out, tasks and workflows. A task is a single assignment that an employee completes and moves onto the next task. A workflow is a series of tasks that need to be completed, usually on a reoccurring basis, to complete a task. \n\nIn most small businesses, workflows are fairly linear. However, as a business grows, these workflows become more complex. They can branch out and even morph into an interconnected web. \n\n### Here are some areas you can find workflows:\n- Employee Onboarding\n- Invoicing\n- Supply Chain Management\n- Purchase Approval Requests\n- Vendor Relationship Management\n- IT Change Management\n- Content Marketing and SEO\n- Web Development\n- Sales Prospecting\n- Customer Onboarding and management\n\n\n\n## Why Do You Need to Understand Workflows?\nWithout an understanding of how workflows function in your business, you can't map them out and you can't look for weaknesses in your systems. Ultimately, this makes it harder for you to optimize your processes. \n\nIf you're tired of watching your bottom line shrink, even though you're more successful and profitable, then you need to look at your workflows. Only by understanding how your business manages them can you better learn how to improve them and [scale your growing business](/8-warning-signs-that-you-need-to-automate-your-business/). \n\n## How Do Organizations Manage Workflows?\nManaging workflows in smaller organizations is pretty straightforward. Usually, one employee either carries out the workflow or oversees a team, manually checking up on progress and verifying tasks as needed.\n\nAs an organization grows, so does the complexity of its workflows. Sadly, most organizations don’t build workflows that scale. A lot of the manual processes and legacy systems that existed at the organization’s beginning tend to get expanded on as the company grows. (This creates a huge burden over time.)\n\nWorst of all, organizations rely more and more on the tools and systems they used to manage linear systems with increasingly complex workflows. For example, a growing business that tracked employee training and work hours in spreadsheets continue to do so despite rapidly growing their staff.\n\n[These types of clunky systems](/warning-spreadsheets-will-ruin-your-business/) usually mean that growing organizations often overly rely on their managers, executives, and even employees to manage their workflows. \n\n## What Are the Different Types of Workflows?\n\nWorkflows are multitasked processes that both move and rely on data. But there are also several types of workflows. Some of them solve simple problems, only requiring a few steps. Others deal with intricate, complex, multi-level issues. These types need to connect to other workflows, transferring data back and forth.\n\n### Case Workflows\nThese are more ambiguous types of workflows that don’t have a clear beginning. There is a process to follow, but data has to be collected first (as in an insurance claim, for instance).\n\n### Project Workflows\nThese vary from project to project. But there are systems in place to help the project begin and guide it to completion. Each one is a bit different, so no two projects are the same.\n\n### Process Workflows\nHR, Procurement, etc. These types of workflows are predictable and recurring. Systems need to be put in place to help move them smoothly from start to finish.\n\n_It’s important to note the difference between tasks and workflows because there is a clear difference. Workflows belong to a bigger system and involve data. Tasks (and subsequently, task management) don’t. They’re isolated or mostly isolated tasks that simply need to be completed._\n\nWith all these types of workflows running side by side, it creates a unique network (almost like a brain) in your business. This complexity can be intimidating and overwhelming for growing businesses to process. \n\nBut it’s an aspect of workflow management you’ll need to overcome if you want to optimize your business.\n\n![\"grass\"](\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dnla85pdq/image/upload/v1579165127/QuandaryCG/sunny-grassland.jpg\")
\n\n## 3 Generic Examples of Workflows\nTo get a better understanding of what a workflow looks like in a business, let's take a look at 3 relevant examples. We'll look at inventory management, employee onboarding, and customer relationship management. \n\n### 1. Inventory Management Workflow\nWith inventory management, your workflow begins with tracking your stock. You need to know what's in your warehouse, the rate of use, and the order time to ensure you have stock without waste. Once you start looking at what's needed to successfully manage your inventory, you quickly see the steps involved.\n\nThis is what that workflow looks like:\n1. Inventory reaches low stock \n2. Goods are ordered \n3. Management approves the order\n4. Vendor is contacted\n5. Goods are Delivered\n6. Goods are reviewed, sorted, and stored\n7. Inventory levels are updated\n\nBehind the scenes, there are other connected tasks taking place as well: Order Management, Inventory Control, and Forecasting, Purchase Order Creation, Submission, and Collection, plus all the data analysis in between. \n\n### 2. Employee Onboarding Workflow\nHiring new employees involves multiple workflows that can often span multiple departments. Information moves from HR to the teams and executives, ensuring the right candidate gets the job. But it doesn't stop at the hire. New employees have numerous steps to work through before they finally settle into their new jobs.\n\nThis is what that workflow looks like:\n1. Submit new position to HR\n2. Draft job description for approval\n3. Get approval for job description\n4. Post job description on relevant job boards\n5. Assess candidates based on requirements\n6. Select candidates for interview\n7. Hire the best candidate for the job\n8. Remove job vacancy\n9. Collect and store relevant data securely\n10. Ensure new employee completes relevant training\n\n### 3. Customer Onboarding Workflow \nIf you want to avoid customer churn, you need to actively engage your customers and guide them to see the value in your product. Plus, if you want to enhance your bottom line, you need systems in place to upsell and cross-sell them on various goods and services. And you need to do this all while ensuring they remain happy.\n\nThis is what that workflow looks like:\n1. Send a welcome email\n2. Walk customers through product setup\n3. Point out relevant features\n4. Provide additional support/opportunities to learn more about the good/service\n5. Share regular reports/data with customer illustrating the value they get from your product/service\n 6. Check in with your customers regularly to see how they're doing and ask for feedback\n7. Celebrate their achievements on the platform\n8. Offer additional services and products that can further meet their needs\n\n## What Is Workflow Optimization (Process Optimization)?\nWorkflow optimization or process optimization is the process of streamlining workflows [using automation and integration](/workflow-automation-software/) to connect disparate systems. The end result is a streamlined system for carrying out tasks that remove unnecessary human elements, reducing risk, cost, and bottlenecks. \n\nEvery time a person is involved in a workflow, it creates a bottleneck. If a member of your team needs to manually evaluate every purchase, hunt down employee documents directly, or research vendor data every time a request is made, you're wasting time and resources. \n\nWorkflow optimization lets robots do what they do best (managing data) while letting people focus on what they do best (critical thinking). The end result is a streamlined system that scales with business growth. \n\n![\"](\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dnla85pdq/image/upload/v1579165181/QuandaryCG/sunset-airport.jpg\")
\n\n## Examples of Successful Workflow Optimization\nIf you want to optimize your workflows, you need more than generic overviews of what \"could\" happen if you streamline your business processes. You need to see how workflow optimization has worked for real organizations.\n\nQuandary Consulting Group excels at helping business streamline their workflows with automation and integration. Here **5 real-world examples** that reflect how your organization can benefit from automating business processes based on the kind of results we've gotten for our clients.\n\n### 1. Automating Work Orders\nOne of the world’s busiest airports used to have its facilities management group schedule work orders in Excel by downloading files from their ERP system. This was a manual process that took time and prevented real-time reporting. It also opened the business up to unnecessary risk from manual data entry. \n\nEager to find a better solution, they reached out to Quandary Consulting Group. We worked with the airport to integrate their work orders into a Quick Base application. \n\nFrom there, we automatically assigned flows based on job function and duration. We predicted these using historical hours). Then we helped deploy the system and walked the team through how to use the new application.\n\nBefore optimizing this workflow, this process took 4 people nearly 30 hours per week to complete. After automating it, it took less than 20 minutes to review each week.\n\n### 2. Accounting Automation\n[AiN Group](https://www.aingroup.com/) wanted to reduce their expenses for data entry management. Employees spent hours hunting down cardholders, manually entering in their details, and making adjustments in Excel. Afterward, they uploaded that data into their accounting system. \n\nWe built a custom application for their team that automated this entire workflow. Rather than waste employee time completing these steps, everything happens in the application. More so, it's a self-service management system that requires less than 2 hours per week for the accounting department to complete. A drastic change.\n\n### 3. Procurement Automation\nOne large procurement department completely revamped needed to completely revamp its procurement and payment process. They took up to 100 days to complete payments. Manual entries created errors, slowed their team down, and created payment friction for vendors.\n\nAfter consulting us, we create a customized procurement platform. This system automatically tracked purchases, payments, and vendors. It reduced data entry errors. And it also reduced the payment time to under 10 days (or less if they desire). \n\nOverall, this automation has eliminated 160+ hours of wasted time that was needed each week for double entry and integrating systems. \n\n![\"broken](\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dnla85pdq/image/upload/v1579165715/QuandaryCG/cracked-monitor.jpg\")
\n\n### 4. Streamlined Employee Communications\nSeveral of our clients needed a way to streamline communications between platforms, teams, and clients. However, most businesses over-rely on email. As a result, communication is slow, disjointed, and important messages get overlooked. The damage to employee, client, and customer relations can be severe.\n\nWith Quandary Consulting Group's help, all of our clients can now send customized emails that have either automatic or time-based triggers. This keeps communication in one secure place. And it saves each company a minimum of 10 hours per week from manual processes.\n\n### 5. CRM Automation\nA large heating repair company that was family-owned needed a way to automate its customer service. However, as a family-owned and operated business, they struggled to find a solution that would save them time while maintaining the unique, personable support they offered their customers.\n\nQuandary Consulting Group worked with the business to [build a custom CRM system](/advantage-crm-small-businesses/) in low code. The platform had an intuitive user interface that provided a tailored approach to customer interaction and service while tracking and recording data in one secure location. \n\nAfter deploying the new application, our client saved 2 hours per day (one full workday a week) per employee in administrative tasks. Plus, they could still deliver the individualized support their customers had grown to love and expect.\n\n_Interested in seeing more real-world examples of workflow optimization? Check out [our case studies](/case-studies/)._\n\n![\"lock\"](\"https://images.pexels.com/photos/951408/pexels-photo-951408.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=750&w=1260\")
\n\n## Workflow Management’s Biggest Obstacle\nPeople are great at a lot of tasks, creating unique solutions, designing complex strategies, managing customer concerns, and problems, for example. We’re not good at is managing menial, monotonous tasks. These tasks tend to bore people, drain them, and push them out the door. \n\nWorkflows involve a LOT of menial tasks. Whether you need to move data from one form to the next (or one platform to another), find information in spreadsheets, get signatures for approvals, or store and track down data. Every time one of your employees has to complete these menial tasks a lot of time is wasted.\n\nEvery time there’s a touchpoint in a workflow, it slows down the process. These slowdowns create bottlenecks. And with enough of them, your business (and your bottom line) get put at risk. Orders get delayed. Customers wait longer and longer. Data gets lost, or it's inaccurate due to manual entry errors.\n \n## 5 Benefits of Improving Your Workflows\nBusinesses should always be growing and changing. There are new applications and technologies available every day, all designed to improve our lives. By taking the time to look at your workflows and how to optimize them, you open the door to a range of benefits.\n- **Reduced Inefficiencies:** Mapping out a process alone is enough to see how many extra steps, bottlenecks, and slowdowns exist.\n- **Eliminating Waste**: Improving your workflows will remove redundancies that drain resources. \n- **Improve Customer Relationships**: The quicker you can move problems through your workflows, the easier it is for your team to focus on your customers. \n- **Better Data Insights**: As you break down data silos and connect systems, you'll get a better look at more accurate data you can use to grow your business. \n- **More Agility**: Clunky, inefficient workflows make it harder to adapt to a constantly changing business environment. With agile systems, you'll be more prepared for what the world throws your way.\n\n## How to Effectively Optimize Your Workflows\nWorkflow optimization (or process optimization) gives your industry the best chance to reduce costs and get more out of your business. And with the help of industry experts, you can streamline your workflows faster while reducing the risk and costs associated with improving your business.\n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Business Transformation"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-643b08c8-4ed9-57eb-a9dc-c09c487ef75c","title":"How You Can Drive Business Growth During a Recession ","_createdAt":"2021-05-20T20:38:50Z","publishedAt":"2021-05-22T13:30:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/23d9008286ea8712247c941b3c8e838ed14751ec-1920x1280.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/23d9008286ea8712247c941b3c8e838ed14751ec-1920x1280.jpg?rect=0,1,1920,1278&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/23d9008286ea8712247c941b3c8e838ed14751ec-1920x1280.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/23d9008286ea8712247c941b3c8e838ed14751ec-1920x1280.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/23d9008286ea8712247c941b3c8e838ed14751ec-1920x1280.jpg?rect=1,0,1919,1280&w=1024&h=683&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/23d9008286ea8712247c941b3c8e838ed14751ec-1920x1280.jpg?rect=1,0,1919,1280&w=1366&h=911&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/23d9008286ea8712247c941b3c8e838ed14751ec-1920x1280.jpg?rect=1,0,1919,1280&w=1600&h=1067&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/23d9008286ea8712247c941b3c8e838ed14751ec-1920x1280.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&auto=format 1920w","sizes":"(min-width: 1920px) 1920px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1920,"height":1280,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/23d9008286ea8712247c941b3c8e838ed14751ec-1920x1280.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"growth-during-recession"},"body":"## Your Guide to Surviving the Toughest Economic Times\n\nUncertainty can make it difficult for any company to take risks and grow. In fact, most organizations do the opposite: they reduce expenses and try to cut costs where they can. Except, that’s not the best solution. You can only squeeze a lemon so dry, after all.\n\nThe solution to making sure you can survive whatever the market (or the world) throws your way is to rethink how you do business. With leaner systems, automated processes, and a new mindset toward cost reduction, you can make your business \"recession-proof.\"\n\n## Traditional Ways of Budget Cutting Aren’t Enough\nMost businesses rush to draw up a game plan for [how to cut costs](/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/) when the market shifts. But rushing to cut costs opens your company up to missed opportunities. \n\nThe first things to go are non-essential travel, unused subscriptions, and unnecessary services. Marketing, vehicle expenses, and staffing are other expenses that businesses quickly reduce to pad their cash flow right. \n\nIt's a start. **But that’s not enough...**\n\nIn fact, these types of measures often do more damage than good because they give businesses [a false sense of cost reduction](https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/five-myths-and-realities-about-zero-based-budgeting).\n\nBy overlooking how your business functions at a time like this, you risk burning through resources [while remaining inefficient](/8-warning-signs-that-you-need-to-automate-your-business/). \n\nTo come out on top, you need to rethink how your business functions. And with a few small, strategic enhancements, you can streamline your organization to thrive in uncertain times.\n\n**Think Darwin**: If your business doesn’t quickly adapt to this new environment, it faces extinction. But with the right mindset, your company can evolve quickly.\n\n![\"bones\"](\"https://images.pexels.com/photos/236482/pexels-photo-236482.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=750&w=1260\")
\n\n## 5 Common Mistakes Businesses Make in a Recession\nAside from ineffective cost-cutting measures, businesses often make costly mistakes during recessions that slow growth. Worse, these mistakes can even cause the business to fail.\n\n### 1. Continuing the Current Course \nWhen the market pivots, your company needs to follow suit. If you continue with the way things are, your company will likely feel the consequences of not adapting at some point down the road. And by then, your business might be on a path to ruin it cannot avoid. \n\n### 2. Panicking\nEven with a dire market outcome, acting irrationally or too quickly can often put you in a worse position than you were before or would have been had you stayed your current course. If you want your company to thrive in a bear market, you need a well-thought-out strategy based on changing industry and societal variables.\n\n### 3. Overlooking Core Workflows \nCompanies tend to cut what they view as discretionary expenses first ([marketing, for example](https://www.qualitylogoproducts.com/blog/marketing-budgets-dollars-cut/)). Meanwhile, they overlook how their business functions and the waste inherent in many inefficient processes. As a result, they save a few pennies when they could be saving dollars. \n\n### 4. Shutting Down Lead Generation\nFocusing on maintaining current relationships is a strategic move in a recession. But ignoring business opportunities during market shifts is a drastic mistake. You need to find new ways to expand lead generation into new avenues and maximize returns on your outreach.\n\n### 5. Being Complacent\nWhile market shifts happen, “hoping things will work out” or trying to “figure it out” as you go isn’t the right mindset. Make no mistake, business is always changing (whether the market is good or bad.) And if you think your business will just slip into a new groove without a real sound strategy, you’re in for a shock. \n\n## The Biggest Mistake Businesses Make During a Recession\n\nBusinesses looking to cut costs quickly often make a simple, but very foolish mistake. They cut the number one asset they can leverage to grow their business: their employees. Make no mistake, laying off personnel should be the VERY last thing you do if you want to come out on top during a recession. \n\nTo begin with, there are much better alternatives. \n\nFurloughs, part-time work, temporary suspension of benefits, and unpaid time off can help reduce costs temporarily. With that buffer, your company gets the time it needs to **find the REAL resource** wasters in your business: [unoptimized processes](/process-consulting/). \n\nThere’s a secret to coming out on top when the market takes a dive. You look inward at the business processes dragging your business down. Then, you create a plan to optimize them, reducing waste and inefficiencies. \n\nAfterward, you lean on your employees to innovate and deliver high value to your customers, building up your company’s momentum again. \n\n![\"box\"](\"https://images.pexels.com/photos/4226206/pexels-photo-4226206.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=750&w=1260\")
\n\nOnce the market rebounds, you’ll have locked in ways to grow revenue while running leaner than ever before. Plus, you’ll still have your superstar staff with you. As a result, your company can make leaps and bounds when the market turns upward. \n\nThis cannot be overstated. Downsizing should be your last option. The cost of hiring employees, the psychological impact of cutting jobs, and the learning curve for new talent mean that you'll be playing catch up long after the market returns to normal.\n\nMeanwhile, your competition will slip ahead while you're, stuck recruiting, training, and filtering out new hires. (Not to mention reactivating your marketing plan.)\n\n## Problems Facing Businesses During a Recession\n\nAny time the market hints at a sign of recession, budgets tighten. People grow more cautious of their spending. Revenue stalls. Executives fail to hit their marks. And everyone turns to cost-cutting measures with the hopes that trimming back a few expenses will save them until the next boom.\n\nThe truth is that while you need to identify and eliminate waste, cost-cutting alone won't get your business through a recession. In fact, most businesses overly on it. As a result, they end up doing more damage. \n\nStill, cost-cutting is important. And it should be your first point of action if you feel that your bottom line is at risk in the future. These are a few of the major budget drainers:\n\n### Lack of Support for Remote Work\nNowadays, more and more companies are embracing remote work. They've seen a positive impact with employees working from home. More productivity, fewer office expenses, better results. \n\n![\"meeting\"](\"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1588196749597-9ff075ee6b5b?ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&ixlib=rb-1.2.1&auto=format&fit=crop&w=967&q=80\")
\n\nStill, many businesses struggle to let go of traditional work cultures. They feel that employees perform better when they're in the office. This close-minded approach means that it's harder for them to adapt when external factors make going into the office impossible or unlikely. \n\n### Inefficient Communications\nYour staff spends “an estimated 28 percent of the workweek managing email and nearly 20 percent looking for internal information or tracking down colleagues who can help with specific tasks,” according to McKinsey. Needless back and forth, lost and missed communications, and trying to find physical documents make your employees drastically inefficient.\n\n### Decentralized Data\nBad data costs US businesses over 3 trillion each year. Many businesses don’t have their data centralized. This leads to duplicate or inaccurate data. It also creates the opportunity for costly data entry errors. \n\nAnd these get expensive fast. Silos also make it impossible to have transparency throughout your business, leading to lost opportunities. \n\n### Disparate systems\nYour legacy systems hold you back. The amount of code and technical debt makes scaling them or adding new features cost-prohibitive. Often, these systems trap businesses, forcing them to restrict their future offerings around limited offerings. \n\nQuickly, a system that was supposed to give your company the advantage turns into lead weights.\n\n## Strategies to Grow During an Economic Recession\nWhen consumers lose confidence in the stability of their future, it reflects in their purchases. Businesses are no different. People will be cautious and careful, at least at first. \n\nThe key to increasing efficiency and growing during tough economic times is to turn your business into a recession-proof machine.\n\n![\"sticker\"](\"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1541960071727-c531398e7494?ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&ixlib=rb-1.2.1&auto=format&fit=crop&w=750&q=80\")
\n\n\n### Use Readily Available Dashboards to Access Intelligent Data\nData is more vital than ever in a recession. You need up-to-date, accurate details on your customer, market, and vendors at all times. And you need it in real-time. \n\nWith that kind of transparency, you can make the strategic decisions necessary to deliver on your customer’s precise demands and evolve your business beyond your competition’s reach. \n\n### Embrace Effective Communication\nClear communication is vital, not only between departments but also across departments as well. You need to establish clear systems of communication that prevent redundancies, miscommunications and forgotten or lost tasks. \n\nDevelop Stable and Reasonable Processes for Business Continuity\nYour business needs to be agile. If one thing has been more apparent now than ever, it’s the need for your business to have the ability to sidestep unpredictable events. \n\nThat means embracing systems and processes that keep your business going while ensuring the safety of employees in ANY situation: \n\n**Video Conferencing**: Teams achieve success through communication. Emails and chats only get you so far. You need an accessible way to keep the collaboration going at all levels without pause.\n\n**Cloud-Based Data**: On-premise systems force your employees to be on-site. Without mobility, your business can easily be locked down by unpredictable events. Relying on the cloud means that your staff can access mission-critical information on the go. \n\n**Enforce Efficacy**: Your team needs to feel empowered to take action. Any slowdowns during periods of uncertainty cause exponential drag. Your employees need access to the tools needed to complete tasks without barriers slowing them down.\n\n### Incorporate a Decision Matrix\nYou need a simple way to delegate decisions between the executive, management, and IC level. With a decision matrix, you can make that happen efficiently. \n\nThis increases your employee buy-in and accountability. However, it also allows your employees to finish more tasks without the fear of micromanagement.\n\n![\"writing\"](\"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1502404768591-f24d06b7a366?ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&ixlib=rb-1.2.1&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1500&q=80\")
\n\n## How to Set Up a Successful Remote Workplace Culture\nNow, more than ever, businesses are embracing remote work. But without a successful remote workplace culture, your systems will bog down employees, limiting their productivity while creating more problems. \n\nInstead, you need to have the right systems in place to support your employees as they work remotely, so your business can succeed. No matter the situation. \n\n### Utilize Video Sharing\nWith travel restricted and social distancing in place, video conferencing will be crucial if you want to keep business moving along as smoothly as before. \n\nWith a stable platform for video conferencing, you can speak to new clients, teams, and employees and carry on business, no matter the situation.\n\nLoom, Zoom, and UberConference are a few well-trusted options.\n\n### Incorporate Communication Platforms\nYou need an accessible and secure communication platform. Slack and Basecamp are great communication platforms your teams can use to keep in touch with each other as you go about your daily tasks. \n\nPlus, they’re easy to use. That’s key if you want to [ensure employee adoption](https://www.postbeyond.com/blog/employee-participation/) and secure communication.\n\n### Use Task Organizers and Project Management Tools\nAdopting a project management system like Asana or Trello will help ensure the completion of essential tasks. \n\nThese systems allow for the creation of extensive to-do lists and tracking along with integrations to various platforms so that teams can monitor projects. And they have systems for notification and review that way employees don’t lose track of mission-critical tasks.\n\n## How Centralized Data in Your Business Provides the Advantage\n\nThe clear benefit to centralized data is that it allows your company to actually do something with it. Most companies collect vast amounts of data that sit in separate [(ruinous) spreadsheets](/warning-spreadsheets-will-ruin-your-business/) never to see the light of day. \n\nBut with a centralized system pooling data from your entire organization, you’ll have everything you need to reduce costs and find opportunities. \n\n![\"building\"](\"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1571786256017-aee7a0c009b6?ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&ixlib=rb-1.2.1&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1000&q=80\")
\n\nHere are the benefits of increasing transparency across your business with centralized data:\n\n### Optimize Existing Data\nData allows you to see what your customers expect and how you’re meeting those needs. When you centralize your data, you can sort through it more efficiently. \n\nAs a result, you get a clearer image of your organization allowing you to find weak points that you can improve. \n\nFrom boosting customer satisfaction to investing in strategic initiatives, you’ll have better insight into choosing the best paths for your business on the roads ahead.\n\n### Make Faster, Better Decisions\nWith real-time data collected in a centralized system, you’ll have the most accurate and complete image of your organization. This will allow you to quickly act in situations where timing is crucial. \n\nAvert disasters. Mitigate losses. Find strategic initiatives. You’ll have the power to act fast once you centralize your data.\n\n### Provide Simple, Actionable Reports\nRather than having to access multiple dashboards and create various reports that your team then needs to homogenize and sort through, if all your data is centralized, your reporting will be uniform and accessible. \n\nThis cuts down on miscommunication or errors in translating metrics from report to report, saving your business from potentially catastrophic mistakes. \n\n### Maintain Your Data Easier\nData is fluid in that it’s always changing. However, when you have customer information, for instance, stored in various systems, it can cause delays or inaccuracies. Sometimes these inaccuracies are minor. \n\nOther times, they can cost you entire accounts. But with a centralized system of data, you’ll have the most accurate picture of your clients, customers, and prospects.\n\n## Enforce Consistency Across Your Business\nThe larger your organization is, the more variables you have to manage. When you add mobile or remote workers into the mix, the need to ensure consistency across your business becomes critical. \n\nWhether enforcing standard procedures, practices, outcomes, everyone in your business needs to be on the same page. \n\n## Successful Integrations for Your Business\nEvery business needs multiple systems to meet customer demands. You have an ERP, [CRM](/advantage-crm-small-businesses/), AP software, Project management tools, and various communication platforms in your business. \n\n**And that’s just to name a view...**\n\nEach one of these systems has its own way of collecting data and passing information. The key to streamlining your business and reducing costs is to integrate as many of these systems as possible. \n\n### Quickbase Pipelines\nIf you’re looking for the simplest way to connect all your business’s data systems, Quickbase Pipelines can help you. The platform provides intuitive automation between all of your company’s SaaS tools. \n\nThat means you can connect OneDrive, Gmail, Slack, and many more with a few simple clicks and virtually no knowledge of code. \n\nAs [a low-code platform](/25-shocking-facts-about-low-code/), your team can effortlessly design the specific pipelines they need to carry out their jobs more efficiently. \n\n[Quickbase’s](/what-is-quick-base/) visual interface helps your team build various pipelines that they can string together into multi-part workflows and have:\n- Many tools and steps\n- Conditions\n- Use date/time conversions\n\nYou can also [schedule pipelines](https://help.quickbase.com/pipelines/scheduling_pipelines.html) to work at certain times or instances and transform your data all without having a Quickbase app in your various workflows. That’s true customization.\n\n### Workato’s Integration Automation for Business\nOver 21,000 companies are already familiar with [Workato](/workato-solutions) and how this low-code iPaaS tool can help better connect their businesses. With intelligent automation and integration, Workato helps you work with your IT to design the business process optimization you need. \n\nAll while keeping your business secure and compliant. \n\n**Connect over 200 business applications: **Jira, Salesforce, ServiceDesk, Hipchat, Confluence, and [more with integrations from Workato](/workato-solutions/). As an iPaaS, you can rapidly get the integrations you need on a budget and set them up in a fraction of the time. We’re talking days and hours, not months. \n\n**The platform’s accessibility makes it an asset to businesses of any size. **Using automated workflows it calls “recipes”, Workato streamlines your workflow processes from initiation to completion. \n\n**You can break down how it works in 3 stages:**\n1. Connect - You connect your business apps (On-premise or cloud-based). \n2. Trigger – You create the circumstances that trigger the automation.\n3. Actions – Once triggered, the automation carries the task from start to finish. \n\n## Why You Need to Automate Your Business Processes\n\nWithout automated processes, you’re wasting time running back and forth, trying to complete tasks that robots could do. Effortlessly. With many of the low code platforms out there, you can streamline your workflows, reducing the number of clicks and touchpoints necessary to complete a task. \n\nAnd with the proper integrations in place, your business processes move across platforms easily.\n\nEvery business can benefit from [business process automation](/workflow-automation-software/). With automation in place, you can streamline and expedite entire departments in your organization. And because you’re breaking down data silos, you gain more transparency in your organization. \n\n**That allows you to stay proactive in how you manage your business:**\n\n- **Cut Costs: **With clearly mapped workflows, you can quickly replace inefficient systems with better solutions. You can also find and eliminate waste from shadow IT and maverick spending. \n- **Negotiate AP terms**: With [a clear view of your procurement](/what-is-strategic-procurement/) vendors and their markets, you can track performance, take advantage of discounts, and even leverage other vendors for better deals that save your business money. \n- **Clear Employee Metrics**: With all your employee data in one system, you can map out progress, set goals, and provide accurate evaluations for your staff. This will allow you to raise the bar and inspire your employees to grow.\n- **Identify Opportunities**: There’s profit to be made in any market. Increase your long-term revenue by negotiating agreements based on current company needs.\n\n![\"cheers\"](\"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1527529482837-4698179dc6ce?ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&ixlib=rb-1.2.1&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1500&q=80\")
\n\n## The Upside to Market Downturns\nMarkets always recover. Again and again and again. No matter how tough the time, there's always a brighter end to the day ahead. The question is, where will your business be on the other side of this market shift? \n\nIf you play your cards right and use your time to position your business for future growth, you can come out of any sudden market swing, leaner and more efficient. \n\n### Grow Your Business in Any Market\nYou’re faced with a difficult decision. You need to cut waste and costs but work more efficiently than ever before. You need to extend your reach, not restrict it. Failing to do that will leave your company vulnerable. \n\nAnd that’s all you need to miss opportunities and fall behind your competition. The key is to have a strategy in place that allows you to get ahead when the market shifts.\n\nHow do you make your business recession-proof, giving it the agility it needs to grow and quickly adapt to the market? \n\nBy working with tech consultants with a history of helping businesses redefine their workflows and processes.\n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Business Transformation"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-3b60d5fc-fe9f-5d56-a5ba-0195f16759e4","title":"Quickbase Partners: The Comprehensive Guide","_createdAt":"2021-04-06T09:54:37Z","publishedAt":"2021-04-06T10:13:41.219Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a8e653e51e11ef25366f319cc1047540664533b7-1280x905.jpg?w=1280&h=905&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a8e653e51e11ef25366f319cc1047540664533b7-1280x905.jpg?rect=0,1,1280,904&w=320&h=226&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a8e653e51e11ef25366f319cc1047540664533b7-1280x905.jpg?rect=0,1,1280,904&w=654&h=462&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a8e653e51e11ef25366f319cc1047540664533b7-1280x905.jpg?w=768&h=543&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a8e653e51e11ef25366f319cc1047540664533b7-1280x905.jpg?w=1024&h=724&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a8e653e51e11ef25366f319cc1047540664533b7-1280x905.jpg?w=1280&h=905&auto=format 1280w","sizes":"(min-width: 1280px) 1280px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1280,"height":905,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a8e653e51e11ef25366f319cc1047540664533b7-1280x905.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"your-complete-guide-to-quickbase-partners"},"body":"The market is more unpredictable and competitive than ever before. To survive, you need to remain agile while exceeding customer expectations. [Quickbase](/quick-base-solutions/) allows your business to do that. And working with a qualified Quickbase Partner can help you leverage more out of the low code application platform.\n\nThis walkthrough will explain what a Quickbase Partner is and how to choose the best one for your business. Plus, you’ll discover how you can position yourself above the competition with [custom apps](/quandary-build/) built by industry experts with extensive insights.\n\n## What Is Quickbase?\n[Quickbase is a low code platform](/what-is-quick-base/) that allows businesses to rapidly build custom applications that connect workflows and scale operations. As a growing business, you have a growing list of disparate applications and an increasing need for custom software to streamline your processes. Quickbase lets you build solutions at scale.\n\nIn short, Quickbase allows you to automate your business without the costs or time associated with custom application development. All while keeping it secure.\n\n![\"beach\"](\"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1503145902849-c007a52e7374?ixid=MXwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHw%3D&ixlib=rb-1.2.1&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1500&q=80\")
\n\n## Do You Need Quickbase?\nMost growing organizations need a way to scale their success. As their demands increase, the time needed to carry out manual methods of managing data and completing tasks grows exponentially. Without a solution, growing businesses end up getting tangled in their systems. Their own success limits them as a result. \n\nIf your organization is growing and you’re finding it difficult to keep up, you might need Quickbase. If you dream of better ways to run your business, you might need Quickbase. And if you’re frustrated with long hours and weekends wasted catching up at work, you might need Quickbase.\n\n## What Is a Quickbase Partner?\nMake no mistake, Quickbase is accessible. As [a low code platform](/25-shocking-facts-about-low-code/), you can rapidly build and deploy applications in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost of bespoke software. But that doesn’t always mean that an organization has the time or experience to build what they need to succeed. \n\nAfter all, when you think about optimizing your workflows and processes, where do you start? What area of your business can you improve and see an immediate ROI? And what pitfalls are waiting for your that may end up costing you more time and money? \n\n**That’s where Quickbase Partners come to the rescue.**\n\nQuickbase Partners help you build, test, and deploy the custom applications your business needs to scale. Your Quickbase Partner will have a team of specialists who can help your business get the most out of their low code applications. And they can help you plan [strategic process improvement](/process-consulting/). \n\nThat way, you end up avoiding the common pitfalls businesses face while automating their workflows and you see a justifiable ROI much faster.\n\nQuickbase Partners specialize in a range of abilities that you can leverage to scale your business. Here’s a brief list of what they can do: \n\n- Build and Execute on Process Improvements\n- Creating and Deploying Plug-Ins\n- Designing, Building, and Testing Custom Apps\n- Educating Staff on App Builds\n- Maximize ROI\n- Quickbase Integrations\n- Repairing Apps\n- Workflow Mapping\n- And Much More!\n\n![\"meeting\"](\"https://images.pexels.com/photos/6457590/pexels-photo-6457590.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=750&w=1260\")
\n\n## Why Work With a QuickBase Partner? \nQuickbase Partners are experts in the platform, and that gives you several benefits. If you’re on the fence about whether or not it’s worth it to work with a Quickbase Partner here are a few sticking points for you to consider:\n\n- **Faster Development:** You’ll get the apps you need quickly and without the frustrations of trying to build them in-house. This is because they won’t have to spend time learning the platform.\n- **Fewer Mistakes:** With trusted Quickbase experts, you’ll most likely get the app you need without bugs and reworks.\n- **Complete Security:** In an era where a security issue can cause a business to fail, Quickbase Partners understand the value of ensuring your data remains protected.\n- **Higher ROI:** Your solutions provider knows which areas of your business are most likely to yield the highest returns.\n- **Deeper Insights:** One problem might hint at a deeper issue. Your solutions provider will dig deep to find the true cause of inefficiencies in your organization. \n- **Strategic Improvements:** With a Quickbase solutions provider, you’ll get a roadmap for improvements designed to help scale your business strategically.\n- **Lasting Support:** A trusted partner aims to work with your business over the long term. Their goal is to be on the lookout for ways they continue to help your growing business succeed.\n\nIn short, when you team up with a Quickbase solutions provider, you’ll get a partner who helps you [get the most out of your applications](/business-application-development-growth/) while helping you streamline your business for continued success. From custom solutions to comprehensive dashboards, you’ll find that it’s much easier to run a profitable business with a Quickbase Partner at your side. \n\n## What Can a Quickbase Partner Offer Your Business?\nYour Partner will work with your team to ensure your business runs more efficiently. Working with a trusted partner is less like working with a consultant and more like working with an extension of your team. \n\nTrusted Quickbase Partners are very responsive. They also understand that for the solutions they build to succeed, they need to understand your business. In fact, you should expect that your partner will integrate with your team and [perform an extensive discovery](/our-approach/) to fully understand your business. That way, they can better understand the problems you face. \n\nAfter they map out the challenges facing your organization, they’ll leverage their experience to create solutions. Quickbase Partners work with a range of businesses. They have an extensive background in developing lasting, scalable solutions in a variety of fields. Your Quickbase Partner will pair that knowledge with the challenges you face to design the best solution for your organization. \n\nQuickbase Partner also understand that solutions need to be built, deployed, and tested quickly. They also know how to optimize workflows in a way that causes minimal disruption and in a way that will be accepted by your team. After all, what good are new solutions if your team is unwilling to adopt them? \n\nFinally, the nature of the business in the digital era is constant change. Quickbase Parnters have a clear view of what’s necessary to navigate those changes. By working with a trusted partner, you’ll gain deeper insights into shifts so your business can adjust accordingly.\n\n## Services and Add-Ons from Quickbase Partners\nThere are basically two main areas where you can work with a Quickbase Partner, services and add-ons. \n\n- Services tend to involve custom app development on the platform by your Quickbase Partner's team of developers. They may build out integrations, automations, and custom dashboards to display information in a single portal.\n- Add-ons are additional features to the Quickbase platforms. Things like email integration, custom reporting, dashboards, and mobile functionality. As extensions, they plugin through an API and extend the functionality of your solution.\n\nWhether you need services, add-ons, or both depends on what you hope to achieve with the Quickbase platform. Your provider will work with you during your discovery to fully flesh out your organization’s needs. \n\nIt’s important to note that your trusted Partner will walk you through the capabilities of each add-on before they deploy them. The goal is to keep you informed. For example, some plug-ins only require an initial set-up, others require a one-time subscription fee. Still, others need a lot of customization (and therefore have more cost).\n\nTo save you time, your Quickbase Partner will carry out the research for you. They’ll find out what add-ons are applicable, how long they’ll take to deploy, and what the overall cost will be for the features you get. That way, you get a full sense of what you need and what you’re getting. \n\n## How Can a Business Become a Quickbase Partner?\nQuickbase doesn’t allow anyone to become a partner. Rather, any business looking to become a Partner needs to fulfill a range of requirements. It starts with Quickbase taking a look at the business. They need to know that the organization has a staff with the expertise necessary to help businesses get more out of their platform. \n\n![\"magnifying](\"https://images.pexels.com/photos/3965671/pexels-photo-3965671.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=auto&w=370\")
\n\nMore so, potential Quickbase Partners need to have a history of working with Quickbase directly. In short, they need to know they can trust these potential partners. After all, they focus mainly on optimizing their platform. \n\nIn other words, they do not offer professional support. That’s why they rely on an extensive network of Partners to ensure their customers get the results they need using their low code platform.\n\nReviews are important, too. Quickbase wants to work with businesses that meet or exceed customer expectations. This way, the Quickbase team knows that whoever they send to their partners is in good hands.\n\nQuickbase also ranks its partners as Registered or Elite Partners. Quandary Consulting Group is an Elite partner, for example. We’ve proven ourselves again and again with top-quality service that exceeds our clients’ expectations. A fact we’re quite proud of. \n\n![\"solution](\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d5d4e78c58ba8c95e40e5887ed565a9f59a39376-2084x2084.png\")
\n\n## How to Choose the Best Quickbase Partner\nQuickbase lists all of their partners here to help businesses find the right fit for their needs. You can look over all the organizations that have been vetted by Quickbase and proven themselves to be trusted partners. The site makes it easy to look over reviews, check out partner websites, and discover a Partner for your business.\n\nTo make that decision easier, here’s what you should look for in a trusted Quickbase Partner (this way, you can make the best decision): \n\n- **Responsiveness:** You want a partner known for how quickly they reply to your questions and concerns. After all, you’re looking for an extension of your team. \n- **Expertise:** Your Quickbase Partner needs to have worked with a range of businesses developing a variety of solutions. Look at previous clients and how long they’ve been around.\n- **Awards and Achievements:** It’s an added bonus if your potential Quickbase Partner has gone above and beyond. Awards are a great indicator of this.\n- **Good Reviews:** There are plenty of sites out there that collect reviews for Quickbase consultants. Sites like Clutch, Google Reviews, and even Quickbase collect feedback from previous and existing customers. Read these.\n- **Look for the Badge:** Each Quickbase Partner has a badge. It should be prominently displayed on their website.\n- **Inspect Their Team:** Check to see how many product developers, project managers, and coders they have on staff. Review their team page and feel free to check out LinkedIn for more details.\n- **Read Their Case Studies:** This will help you see what kind of projects they’ve carried out in the past and how successful they’ve been with their clients. You’ll want to look for similar projects to what you’ll need for your business.\n- **Evaluate Their Process:** Each provider has a process they’ll take your business through. You want to make sure they spend a lot of time on Discovery, so they develop a solid understanding of your business. \n\n## Why Work with Quandary Consulting Group\nAt [Quandary Consulting Group](/), we have a staff of integrations specialists ready to take your business to the next level. And we understand the frustrations that come from businesses attempting to fully automate aspects of their businesses. We also know the immense difficulty of scaling your growing business.\n\nAs Quickbase Elite Partners, we work with your business to find out your specific business needs. \n\nWe'll show you where low code platforms like Quickbase and others will best serve your company. And we'll help you build a roadmap for business process optimization and bespoke application development that will give you an edge against your competitors.\n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Quickbase"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-6c29919d-e21e-53d9-88e6-0ae298159bd8","title":"5 Ways to Rapidly Improve Your Restaurant Inventory Management","_createdAt":"2020-01-22T02:54:00Z","publishedAt":"2021-02-05T17:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/cd402c7e4e7a19dc598f4aa0c3aa7092f7bc3698-2200x1238.jpg?w=2200&h=1238&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/cd402c7e4e7a19dc598f4aa0c3aa7092f7bc3698-2200x1238.jpg?w=320&h=180&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/cd402c7e4e7a19dc598f4aa0c3aa7092f7bc3698-2200x1238.jpg?w=654&h=368&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/cd402c7e4e7a19dc598f4aa0c3aa7092f7bc3698-2200x1238.jpg?w=768&h=432&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/cd402c7e4e7a19dc598f4aa0c3aa7092f7bc3698-2200x1238.jpg?w=1024&h=576&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/cd402c7e4e7a19dc598f4aa0c3aa7092f7bc3698-2200x1238.jpg?rect=1,0,2199,1238&w=1366&h=769&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/cd402c7e4e7a19dc598f4aa0c3aa7092f7bc3698-2200x1238.jpg?w=1600&h=900&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/cd402c7e4e7a19dc598f4aa0c3aa7092f7bc3698-2200x1238.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&auto=format 1920w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/cd402c7e4e7a19dc598f4aa0c3aa7092f7bc3698-2200x1238.jpg?w=2048&h=1152&auto=format 2048w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/cd402c7e4e7a19dc598f4aa0c3aa7092f7bc3698-2200x1238.jpg?w=2200&h=1238&auto=format 2200w","sizes":"(min-width: 2200px) 2200px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":2200,"height":1238,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/cd402c7e4e7a19dc598f4aa0c3aa7092f7bc3698-2200x1238.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"restaurant-inventory-management"},"body":"Restaurant inventory management is an integral part of restaurant business management. Operating a restaurant is not only about designing menus, decorating the area, and hiring qualified chefs, waiters, and bar staff. Restaurant owners need to win new customers, create repeat clients, and develop their customer base in conditions of growing competition.\n\nHere's how you can make that happen. \n\n## What Is Restaurant Inventory Management?\n\nRestaurant inventory management is the process of tracking products and raw materials moving into your restaurant along with the resources required to serve them to your customers. It also needs to account for overages and waste. Finally, it needs to take into account the human element in the inventory process.\n\n**Effective inventory management helps with the following:**\n- Resources tracking\n- Stock control and organizing\n- Inventory monitoring\n- Supplies analysis\n- Better forecasting\n- Sales and profit improvement\n- Waste and loss reporting\n- Labor costs\n\nThe complexity of restaurant inventory management depends on the size of the business. As the restaurant grows, inventory management becomes increasingly challenging. And managing your inventory on a day-to-day basis becomes increasingly vital to [the continued success of your establishment](/process-consulting/).\n\n![\"restaurant\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2015/03/26/10/07/restaurant-690975_1280.jpg\")
\n\n\nAs a restaurant owner, you need to optimize this your inventory management. Doing so will save you time and money. It'll ensure your customers receive the freshest products. And it'll keep your staff happy by providing them with what they need to keep your customers coming back.\n\n## 5 Ways to Rapidly Improve Your Restaurant Inventory Management\n\nRestaurant businesses need to record and track all the raw materials and products in their stories. This data needs to be accurate to protect the health of your customers and the reputation of your business. That means you need more transparency and up-to-date records of your inventory.\n\n### 1. Deploy an Inventory Forecasting System\n\nIt's impossible to count all the materials that you need for your business. As a result, restaurant owners tend to purchase inventory management software to control costs and optimize restaurant operations. A key component of that software is inventory forecasting.\n\nInventory forecasting makes it possible to plan out the use of your resources. Forecasting your inventory will help decrease your stocks to the minimum, minimizing waste and increasing revenues. \n\n![\"drinks\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/03/27/18/53/drinks-1283608_1280.jpg\")
\n\nIn the restaurant business, there are various factors that influence the process of resource planning. For example, the holidays or events which take place in the city might lead to a higher volume. There are also spikes in business to consider: morning rush, dinner and lunchtimes, happy hours, and more.\n\nUnpredictable factors can influence restaurant volumes as well. For example, unexpected weather conditions (like rain) may lead to an increase or decrease in the number of customers.\n\nEither way, you need to forecast your inventory so that you have enough resources and staff members to meet the needs of your guests.\n\nExperts also recommend tracking the restaurant sales numbers based on similar time periods in the past. \n\nIn short, every successful restaurant business needs to have an [automated system](/workflow-automation-software/) in place for inventory management in place to forecast the resources required.\n\n### 2. Focus on Recipe Costing\n\nRecipe costing is essential to effective restaurant operations. And restaurant inventory management supports this by helping plan the proper amount of ingredients needed for the menus, leading to decreased costs. \n\nIt also provides restaurant owners with an overview of which menu items attract more customers. And you can test new cuisines and get actual data on whether or not they were a success. \n\nRecipe costing also helps you put the correct price tag to each dish. By knowing the exact prices for the materials, ingredients, and margins, you'll know what you'll need to charge for each item to stay profitable. \n\n![\"blackboard\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2015/03/17/11/36/blackboard-677578_1280.jpg\")
\n\nTo set the competitive selling price for a menu, you'll need to estimate the total resources needed to create the item. This includes the financial costs, human element, inventory costs, and other costs.\n\nAnd with each menu item properly priced, you'll cut down on waste, better manage staff hours, and communicate the real value of your inventory to your staff. \n\nIn short, you'll maximize the profits of the restaurant. \n\nPlus, the right restaurant inventory management software empowers you as a restaurant owner. With the data it provides, you can monitor and update prices regularly, change ingredients in recipes, and track the sales of your menus more effectively.\n\n### 3. Deploy a Restaurant Inventory Management System\n\nMost small restaurants start off manually managing their inventory. This is a painstaking, complicated, and time-consuming task that can result in costly human errors.\n\nRestaurant inventory management software can assist you with many operational functions. You can manage basic operations, such as inventory management, billing, ordering, and queue management. With one encompassing system for inventory management, you'll [increase productivity and efficiency across your business](/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/).\n\nImplementation of the restaurant inventory management system helps connect point-of-sale systems, kitchen operations, back-of-house applications. It also provides accurate purchasing, better inventory forecasting, and more effective staff involvement.\n\nThe restaurant inventory management system should be easy to use and must be automated. Automation reduces the risk of human error while making the process more efficient. And an easy-to-use system means that staff will easily adopt it.\n\n### 4. Set up System Integrations\n\nEvery business uses multiple applications to support its customer needs. Restaurants are no different. But when you use different systems, you run the risk of disparate data (data that doesn't translate between those systems). As a result, you need a way to move that data between those platforms. \n\nMost often, businesses use spreadsheets ([this is problematic](/warning-spreadsheets-will-ruin-your-business/)) to make that happen. It's a slow, clunky process that's prone to errors. And with margins in restaurants as low as they are, you need to reduce any chance of errors while cutting costs. \n\n**That's where integration comes in.**\n\n[By Integrating your systems](/everything-you-need-to-know-about-integrations/), you can automate processes in your restaurant business. This will allow you to synchronize the data from various software and apps, giving you a clear picture of your business. \n\n[The benefits of automating](/automating-workflows/#:~:text=Workflow%20automation%20reduces%20the%20problems,objectives%20while%20reducing%20costly%20mistakes.) your systems are endless. You get real-time reporting, more accurate data, and a better understanding of your customer needs. You'll also reduce labor costs as many manual processes are eliminated by automation. \n\nIn short, you'll create a far more efficient restaurant.\n\n![\"outside\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2019/06/25/13/59/city-4298285_1280.jpg\")
\n\n### 5. Guide Your Team with Data\nWith all these connected systems in place, you'll gain accurate insights into your restaurant. And this will allow you and your team to make more informed decisions. As a result of the data collected, you'll better understand what materials and support you need and when you'll need them.\n\nTo get the most out of your restaurant inventory management, you need to use that data to make better decisions. Those results should fuel future successes, continuing to improve your business. \n\n### The Challenges of Restaurant Inventory Management\n\nFrom the beginning of the operation, restaurant businesses are always looking for the best ways to become more competitive in the market, decrease costs, reduce waste, optimize service and improve revenues. And while restaurant inventory management can greatly assist with those goals, it's not without challenges.\n\n1. **Adoption**: There is always pushback when onboarding systems. Perceived difficulty from the learning curve can deter people from onboarding.\n2. **Risk**: Not knowing which system is right for your business can lead many owners to continue tracking inventory manually. \n3. **Cost**: Because you'll need to automate a lot of these processes, you'll need to purchase or build new software. That comes at a cost. \n4. **Pushback**: While the data can paint a clear picture of which menu items are more popular, it can create difficulties with staff who feel differently.\n5. **Change**: With a new system comes new procedures. And management will need to draft and test new ways of doing business. \n\n## Restaurant Inventory Management Best Practices\n\nTo effectively run your restaurant inventory, you need [to know best practices](/what-are-procurement-best-practices/). After all, systems alone aren't enough to yield success. You need action. These are some best practices you need to follow. \n\n- **Leverage Mobile**: Your inventory system needs to be agile. If your employees cannot take it with them onto the floor, it'll end up slowing them down drastically. \n- **Integrate POS**: Do not keep your POS and inventory management separate. Your POS system tracks valuable data that is crucial to effective inventory management. Connect these systems and leverage that data.\n- **Prioritize Ease of Use**: Restaurants are chaotic, busy places. Any effective system needs to be fast and easy to use. \n- **Incorporate Shelf-Life-Management**: Raw materials have a short shelf-life. You need to know what needs to be used first to reduce any potential for waste.\n- **Remember Seasonal Items**: Your inventory system needs to be flexible to account for seasonal items, freshness, and specials. \n- **Track Waste**: Waste can make or break a restaurant. You need a system that tracks it, translates it into a financial relevance, helps you find ways to reduce it.\n\n## FIFO and Restaurant Inventory Management\n\nDealing with non-perishable ingredients, you will need to make sure you operate on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis. This means that the oldest inventory ingredients need to be sold or used first. \n\nYou'll need to monitor the stock at the beginning of each day and at the end of the day. If you have multiple locations, stock monitoring becomes more complicated and needs careful attention.\n\nEffective restaurant inventory management will show you how much time the remaining stock will last. It'll also help you to monitor raw material usage, forecast, and create future orders and supplies. \n\nAnalyzing the demand and the inventory trends is extremely important for any restaurant business. You need to stay informed about the usage of raw materials and the ingredients based on consumption.\n\nIt's important to remember that customers’ preferences change from season to season. As a result, it's hard to have an exact forecast of your future inventory. \n\n![\"barrel\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2014/07/31/21/37/bar-406884_1280.jpg\")
\n\nHowever, an accurate list of the consumed menus will help you to monitor the usage of the ingredients during the day, week, and month. And historical data will help you create better models for predicting future outcomes. \n\nIn short, sooner is better than later when it comes to automating and tracking your restaurant inventory management.\n\n## Drastically Improve Your Restaurant Inventory Management\n\nIf you want to optimize your inventory management so you can reduce costs and dominate the competition, you need to build a system designed to optimize your resources. Depending on the size and demands of your business, that can become an increasingly complicated task. \n\nA shortcut to success is to work with professionals who know how to streamline inventory management and procurement. \n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Procurement"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-1c58740a-79e5-5be7-b630-cc0468a1ca8f","title":"What Is Strategic Procurement? (And How Do You Get There?)","_createdAt":"2020-01-20T09:00:31Z","publishedAt":"2021-02-05T17:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/18bdaf49c2f0f9d0fdb2e036529c5ed3b418e506-1280x720.jpg?w=1280&h=720&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/18bdaf49c2f0f9d0fdb2e036529c5ed3b418e506-1280x720.jpg?w=320&h=180&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/18bdaf49c2f0f9d0fdb2e036529c5ed3b418e506-1280x720.jpg?w=654&h=368&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/18bdaf49c2f0f9d0fdb2e036529c5ed3b418e506-1280x720.jpg?w=768&h=432&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/18bdaf49c2f0f9d0fdb2e036529c5ed3b418e506-1280x720.jpg?w=1024&h=576&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/18bdaf49c2f0f9d0fdb2e036529c5ed3b418e506-1280x720.jpg?w=1280&h=720&auto=format 1280w","sizes":"(min-width: 1280px) 1280px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1280,"height":720,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAALABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGQAAAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUCBAYH/8QAJBAAAgEEAQIHAAAAAAAAAAAAAQMCAAQFEQYSEyEiMTJBQmH/xAAWAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAFAgT/xAAcEQACAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgADBBESIUH/2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA/AI4LCW+TQqS5AuI84JHrTp/GEWzV282ri5vtiJDZrkeBu7hcl9tzI+Pwab5VzWcixTJtYWbA6uo0eWs5aLRBq08E1uR4TcQupiM1EfsxRVHMwBv5kme9D7GiqXIbQ7mc0jc//9k="}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/18bdaf49c2f0f9d0fdb2e036529c5ed3b418e506-1280x720.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"what-is-strategic-procurement"},"body":"## Rethink Sourcing with Strategic Procurement\nHow does your business view its current procurement process? To get more out of your sourcing, you need to rethink how your company acquires goods and services. This walkthrough will help you understand what strategic procurement is, why it's necessary, and how to implement it in your business. \n\n## What Is Procurement?\nThe procurement process is how an organization acquires goods and services from third-party vendors. Most businesses place a bid for the good or service they need. Once the vendor agrees on it, they supply the business with that product or service. \n\nThe complexity of that process (how many workflows and tasks are involved) depends on several factors. The size of the business, the good or service requested, and the workflows that govern procurement. \n\n### A Brief Overview of the Procurement Process\nThis is what the procurement process looks like in most businesses. \n\n1. **Evaluation:** A department discovers a need and evaluates potential goods/services that will fulfill that need.\n2. **Requisition:** An employee completes paperwork for goods/services required and files for approval.\n3. **Review:** Department head/executive reviews requisition and either approves or denies the request. \n4. **Purchase Order:** Unless the purchase is a unique or rare instance that can be handled with a spot buy, a PO will be created.\n5. **PO Approval:** PO goes to the appropriate authority for approval. Once approved, it is sent to vendors. \n6. **Vendor Approval:** Vendors will review PO and either accept, reject, or [negotiate the order](https://quandarycg.com/procurement-negotiation-how-to-make-it-a-win-win/). \n7. **Evaluation:** Buyer inspects goods/services. The buyer’s performance is also evaluated for future interactions. Details of the quality of the goods, services, and performance get recorded to create a record and base for future transactions/negotiations. \n8. **Invoice Approval:** Once the goods/services are evaluated and accepted, an invoice gets dispatched to the finance department.\n9. **Payment:** The finance department pays the invoice provided it meets terms and conditions. \n\n## What Is Strategic Procurement? \nDid you know that on average, businesses waste 6,500 hours in extra labor annually on inefficient procurement processes? \n\nStrategic procurement happens when a business leverages its procurement process to gain deeper insights into the market, giving them a competitive edge. More so, it's about going beyond [tactical procurement](https://quandarycg.com/how-and-when-to-use-tactical-sourcing-to-grow-your-business/) to design a system for sourcing that benefits your business's long-term objectives. You also need to understand that procurement is NOT a one-off workflow that your business simply sets and forgets. And finally, you should look for ways to make your procurement process leaner. \n\n## How Is Strategic Procurement Different?\n\nThe biggest difference between traditional procurement and strategic procurement is how the company views the process. Rather than looking at procurement as a single department that needs to manage itself, strategic procurement flips the script. In short, it involves contributions from the whole organization.\n\nStrategy procurement involves rewriting the workflows and processes in place so that a company has a better understanding of market demands and fluctuations. It also means knowing when to buy and when not to buy. And finally, it involves having a strategy behind every purchase.\n\n_This seems easy at first..._\n\n\n\nBut it isn’t as straightforward as you might think. No business wants to be inefficient. They end up there because of the pressure to meet expectations against the limitations of their own systems. \n\nThe more components in the system, the greater the chance for something to go wrong. And as any company grows in size, the need for streamlined procurement processes grows with it. Numerous employees, various departments, and a wide range of requirements exponentially increase the possibility of failure.\n\nIn short, it creates a cycle of inefficiency. Inefficient systems create inefficient results. To overcome those results, growing businesses push more resources into their existing systems. In turn, that brings about more inefficient results. \n\nThe best way to break out of that cycle is to change the way your organization thinks about procurement and optimize the process.\n\n## 9 Steps to Creating a Strategic Procurement Process\n\n![\"concept\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/11/29/09/32/concept-1868728_1280.jpg\")
\n\n### 1. Map Out Your Existing Systems\nThe first step in [any process improvement](/process-improvement-tools/) is to map out your existing systems. Without this step, you can never be sure where your bottlenecks are. \n\nThe easiest way to do this is to whiteboard your procurement process. Note all the workflows and tasks that govern sourcing in your organization. You'll want to be sure to highlight the steps, slowdowns, and touchpoints along the way. The more detailed you are here, the better. \n\n### 2. Identify Inefficiencies and Breakpoints\nWith your processes clearly mapped out, you can easily see where your procurement weak points are. These can be breakdowns in systems, workflows, communication, or relationships. Each problem will need a specific solution. But, you'll quickly find that the weaknesses in your procurement process rest in your [procurement software](/the-top-5-procurement-software-for-your-business/) .\n\n### 3. Evaluate Your Procurement Software\nMany growing businesses rely on prepackaged procurement solutions bundled in ERPs. These are often cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all solutions that won't be tailor-made to fit your specific business problems. \n\nAs a team, you'll need to evaluate whether or not your software is holding you back. If so, you may need to speak with a [procurement automation specialist](https://quandarycg.com/procurement-automation-services/) to see what your options are for improving your software. \n\n### 4. Analyze Your Needs and Create a Strategy\nYou'll need to perform a needs, spend, and supply analysis before creating a procurement strategy. This involves a better understanding of what your business needs, the true market value of these services, and which vendors can meet your demands at a price that's affordable for your organization. \n\n- **Analyzing Business Needs:** You need to know where your business spend goes. Discuss spending data with your team and challenge the norms. This will help you find out what's truly needed. A Kraljic Matrix is an effective way to find out map your specific needs.\n\n- **Analyzing Spend:** You'll need to pull data from any available sources to help you map out your current procurement spend. This will serve as a foundation for identifying waste and [the potential for cost reduction](/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/).\n\n- **Analyzing Supply:** What does [your vendor market](https://quandarycg.com/vendor-data-management/) look like? Are you getting the best deal from the best supplier? Can you leverage your existing relationship to better position your organization? Until you survey your market, you'll end up settling. \n\n![\"graph\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2019/10/23/08/17/data-4570804_1280.jpg\")
\n\n### 5. How to Establish Strategy Goals for Procurement\nYour main focus for strategic procurement will be [identifying cost savings opportunities](https://quandarycg.com/how-to-identify-and-significantly-reduce-procurement-costs/). However, there's more to optimizing your workflows than saving money. With the right plan in place, you can see an industry-wide lift. \n\n**Here are some additional goals you should set**: \n- Reducing your supplier base\n- Partnering with vendors that align with your business goals\n- Forming lasting relationships with your vendors\n- Delivering on increasing customer demands\n- Improving the quality of your goods and services\n- Reducing supply chain risks\n- [Automating your supply chain](https://quandarycg.com/supply-chain-automation/) processes\n- Positioning yourself as a leader in your industry\n\n### 6. Develop a Procurement Strategy\nWith an understanding of your needs, the market, and your goals, you can build your procurement strategy. You'll want to define the tactics and software solutions your business will need to reach your goals. \n\nIt's best to start with the goals you want, and backward engineer the process. Be robust. And realize that there may be a \"good, better, best,\" version of your procurement process that you'll have to work toward. \n\nThat's okay. Every business has limitations. And often, the best version of a workflow is built through a series of improvements. \n\n### 7. Establish Policies\nYou'll want to be certain that your business works together to bring your strategic procurement process to life. That requires policies and procedures. With a standard form of guidelines, your employees will have direction and your managers will have the authority to [enforce best practices](/what-are-procurement-best-practices/). \n\nUltimately, this ensures your staff adopts this new way of thinking and gives you the greatest chance of seeing a return from your process improvements. \n\n### 8. Deploy Procurement Software Solutions\nWhere your business needs to onboard procurement software or you need a collection of [custom apps](/quandary-build/) and [integrations](/quandary-connect/) to streamline your workflows, you'll need to enhance your procurement with the right solutions. \n\nBusinesses on a budget (or looking to further cut costs) should [check out low code](/25-shocking-facts-about-low-code/) to build their software solutions. We'll cover this in detail later. \n\n![\"teaching\"](\"https://images.pexels.com/photos/1181263/pexels-photo-1181263.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=750&w=1260\")
\n\n### 9. Test. Refine. Improve.\nAs your business grows, your needs will change. And you'll want both the systems and the mindset that can keep pace. After you deploy your new strategic procurement process, you'll want to test how it performs. \n\nMonitor improvements. Find slowdowns. Break apart bottlenecks. This ensures your procurement workflows are always optimized.\n\nStrategic procurement is never a one-and-done approach. Your market is always changing. And you'll need to be ready to change with it. Luckily, a strategic approach to your sourcing makes that much, much easier.\n\n## 6 Obstacles to Strategic Procurement\n\nDespite the clear advantages of leveraging procurement processes strategically, businesses still struggle to make it happen. As a result, they lose any potential benefits an optimized strategy and system for sourcing could bring to their business. \n\nThese are the reasons why that happens.\n\n### 1. Apathy \nHistorically speaking, most business executives tend to think of procurement simply as a process that happens in their business. They need goods and services, and their business has to work with vendors to make that happen. As a result, most people in leadership roles shrug off the notion that anything can be done to improve the process. \n\n### 2. Fear of Risk\nRebuilding any system or workflow in any organization is a considerable lift. From mapping out workflows to building the infrastructure to deploying and training staff on new processes, revamping your procurement process can be challenging. _(Not to mention the upfront costs.)_\n\nAs a result, leadership focuses their attention elsewhere. They see a simple (and cheaper) solution to scaling their business: hiring more people to manage the additional work. Except, all this does is create a larger, more inefficient system.\n\n![\"traffic\"](\"https://images.pexels.com/photos/1445653/pexels-photo-1445653.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=750&w=1260\")
\n\n### 3. No Top-Down Initiative\nMake no mistake, employees managing procurement see waste. They know about maverick spend, missed invoices, and poor quality goods and services that have been purchased at a premium.\n\nHowever, without a top-down directive, there's no push to improve the system. \n\n### 4. Failure to Adopt\nEven when a business deployed digital systems to improve the process, they don't always catch it. Overhauling your procurement with an off-the-shelf solution may create more problems than it solves. If the UX is too difficult, annoying, or inefficient, your staff will push back on adopting the tech. \n\nWithout universal acceptance, the system (and any potential benefit) will fail. And your business won't be any closer to strategic procurement despite the investment.\n\n### 5. A Lack of Unifying Systems and Processes\nDepending on the size of the company, different departments tend to manage procurement differently. With multiple systems in one organization, communication is challenging. \n\nAnd data becomes hard to collect and implement in a way that paints a uniform image of the company. \n\nAs a result, processes rely more on manual labor, raising costs from both the time required and mistakes made by the human component. \n\n### 6. Not Enough Clean Data or Metrics\nIf you rely on a lot of manual processes or if you have multiple siloed systems in your procurement process, you likely don't have an accurate view of sourcing in your organization.\n\nSuccessfully implementing a strategic procurement process requires baseline data. This data helps you set goals, like [invoicing KPIs](https://quandarycg.com/key-invoice-metrics-that-matter/) or [vendor management KPIs](https://quandarycg.com/critical-vendor-management-kpis/), that you can target with process improvement. Without clear data, you can't evaluate results, see progress, or understand which areas need to be optimized. \n\n## How Software Facilitates Strategic Procurement Process\nDespite all these obstacles, there is a clear benefit in transforming procurement into a strategic process. While most businesses are hesitant to make the initial investment, they fail to see that their procurement processes are slowly eating away at their bottom lines. \n\nSo, how much do inefficient procurement processes cost a business annually? \n\nHackett reported that organizations can see up to 30% reduction in costs with strategic procurement. \n\nThat's MASSIVE.\n\n![\"money\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/09/07/08/54/money-2724241_1280.jpg\")
\n\nBut getting there isn't easy.\n\nIn short, you need the right systems in place to get the insights you need to rethink your procurement process strategically. And to make that happen, you need the right software. \n\nWith so many steps in the procurement process, it’s not surprising that software exists to help facilitate the process. Typically speaking, many companies use the Procurement software incorporated into their ERP. \n\nThis means they’ll have some way of monitoring the order process, POs, invoices, inventory, approvals, payments, etc. However, this is not without its own problems.\nrestaurant inventory management.\n\nProcurement processes vary greatly from business to business. \n\nSome only need the bare minimum while other companies have so many moving parts and oversight that they may need help managing these processes. And niche companies with custom processes will need something tailored specifically for their business. \n\nTraditional ERP platforms provide a cookie-cutter approach to procurement. Businesses with limited resources opt to best utilize that option for their ERP model. And where it falls short, they rely on manual processes like email and [spreadsheets to fill in the gaps](/warning-spreadsheets-will-ruin-your-business/). And this can create problems. \n\n## Low-Code For Procurement\nMost growing businesses don't have the luxury of an expansive IT budget to build out the custom solutions they need. That's why many organizations settle for cookie-cutter software that does a \"somewhat\" better job. They map out their workflows, set goals, and put together a strategy only to realize that their technology limits them. \n\nRather than settle for less, organizations need to [turn to low-code](/low-code-guide/) as the solution to their strategic procurement needs. \n\nLow-code platforms are drag-and-drop interfaces that allow users to quickly build the software solutions they need. It's faster and cheaper than traditional software builds. And costs scale with use. That means you'll only pay for what you use. \n\nWith low-code, you can quickly integrate your workflows, build apps with the features you need, and custom design a procurement process that fits your goals. \n\n## How to Fast Track Your Strategic Procurement Process\n\nEven with low-code platforms, you need to make sure your procurement process meets certain criteria. This way, your business gets the most out of it. \n\nIt should be mobile, flexible, easy to adapt, and agile. And to ensure the solution you choose meets universal adoption across your company, it requires a pleasant UX. \n\n**There’s a lot at stake here.**\n\nSo, how do you rapidly develop, test, and deploy a custom procurement solution for your business? By working with tech consultants with a history of helping businesses redefine their workflows and processes. \n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.\n\n","categories":[{"title":"Procurement"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-3e5465ab-cee3-5a8f-b956-8ba15924ecda","title":"8 Easy Steps to Improve Your Accounts Payable Process","_createdAt":"2020-01-16T06:19:06Z","publishedAt":"2021-02-04T17:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/4717c16e26999564b6a2b49c89f38c0234ed8973-1280x853.jpg?w=1280&h=853&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/4717c16e26999564b6a2b49c89f38c0234ed8973-1280x853.jpg?rect=0,1,1280,852&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/4717c16e26999564b6a2b49c89f38c0234ed8973-1280x853.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/4717c16e26999564b6a2b49c89f38c0234ed8973-1280x853.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/4717c16e26999564b6a2b49c89f38c0234ed8973-1280x853.jpg?w=1024&h=682&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/4717c16e26999564b6a2b49c89f38c0234ed8973-1280x853.jpg?w=1280&h=853&auto=format 1280w","sizes":"(min-width: 1280px) 1280px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1280,"height":853,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/4717c16e26999564b6a2b49c89f38c0234ed8973-1280x853.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"accounts-payable-process-improvement"},"body":"Looking for a better way to manage your accounts payable process? Every growing business [looking to cut costs while scaling](/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/) needs to take a look at their accounts payable processes. Without an optimized system for managing your accounts, you’ll end up stalling your success and damaging your bottom line. \n\nLuckily, there are several simple solutions you can easily implement to improve your accounts payable processes. Follow these 8 tips and tricks to ensure your AP department follows best practices. \n\n## Managing Accounts Payable: The Basics\n\nAny guide on improving your accounts payable process would be incomplete without covering budgeting and the importance of cashflow. While basic, it’s still important to emphasize the importance of having a cash reserve to cover your expenses. \n\nWithout one, you may end up taking a loan to cover costs. And that’ll end up costing you a lot more in the long run. \n\nThe best way to keep this from happening is to set up a business savings account. You’ll put money in it every month to create an emergency fund that’ll cover your expenses should you need it. This way, you won’t have to force your business into any corners with shady lending agencies. \n\nYou’ll also want to budget expenses. This will help you better understand how much money you’ll need to cover your bills. A basic step, but still worth mentioning.\n\n**However.**\n\nThis guide is less about what to do outside of your accounts payable department and more about what to do if you’re looking directly to improve the process. \n\n_And so, without further ado..._\n\n## 8 Easy Tips and Tricks to Drastically Improve Your Accounts Payable Process\n\nWhat is the best practice for accounts payable processes? In short, you need a simple, clear way of tracking your accounts in the most efficient way possible. This is how you get there.\n\n### 1. Map Out Your Accounts Payable Process\n\nBefore you can optimize any workflow, [you need to map it out](/process-improvement-tools/). This will help you quickly identify any bottlenecks or inefficiencies. The best way to do this is to simply whiteboard it out. You can even use sticky notes to map out processes.\n\nIt doesn’t need to be high-quality, it just needs to be accurate. \n\nMost importantly, you’ll want to get your team to review your mapped-out accounts payable process. This will help ensure you don’t miss anything. \n\n### 2. Breakdown Unnecessarily Complex Workflows\n\nAs an organization grows, its processes must grow with it. When you first start a company, you do a lot of things inefficiently. Many young businesses [over-rely on spreadsheets](/warning-spreadsheets-will-ruin-your-business/) to fill in the gaps, for example. As a result, they waste a lot of time and resources trying to juggle multiple disparate data sets across numerous systems. \n\n**Yikes.**\n\nIf you want to optimize your accounts payable process, you _need_ to fix that. \n\nStart by looking at the redundancies, bottlenecks, and inefficiencies you identified when you mapped out your accounts payable process. Ask yourself and your team: what would a more streamlined system look like? Does your process look more like an assembly line or a spider web of complexity? \n\nYour goal here is to identify areas that are needlessly complex. Optimizing these steps will be the priority for improving your accounts payable process.\n\n### 3. Stop Using Paper Invoices\nPaper invoices create a massive problem for business owners. There’s the cost of printing off invoices, the time it takes to manually transfer invoices to the correct department for verification and authorization, and the filing and retrieval of paper invoices. \n\nThese costs add up. \n\nCompanies that rely on paper invoices often perform at the bottom end of the spending average to process each invoice. And the difference is HUGE: bottom performers spend on average $12.44 per invoice while top performers only spend around $4.98.\n\nHow can you move away from paper invoices? \n\n![\"fire\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2018/04/22/11/10/the-flame-3340762_1280.jpg\")
\n\nIf you use paper invoices in your business, then you should switch to digital invoices. You should also speak to your vendors and see if it’s possible to move away from paper invoices. (Many vendors offer the option.) \n\nFinally, scan any paper invoices you receive and store them in the same place as your other invoices. This will keep you from losing track of them.\n\n_And that brings us to our next tip..._\n\n### 4. Don't Lose Track of Your Invoices\n\nThis is crucial to cutting costs in your business. For example, we saved one of our clients [over $800,000 in late fees](/case-study/revamped-the-erp-and-crm-in-quick-base/) on invoices through automation. \n\nLosing an invoice can cost businesses huge savings. Rather than receiving an early pay discount, your company can end up paying late fees or interest on invoices. \n\nWorse, you can damage relationships with vendors. This can interrupt service, damage your supply line, and leave you looking for new vendors. \n\nSimply put: You don’t want to lose your invoices. \n\nThe best way to track invoices is to automate the process. Anytime someone on your staff manually processes an invoice, there is a potential for waste. That’s because there are numerous ways that waste can occur during invoice processing. \n\nYou can also set up alerts to automatically remind you to pay invoices. This way, you’ll never miss an invoice payment again.\n\nDuplicate payments, erroneous entries, missed payments, manually processing invoices, and fraud is a few examples of how your company can lose money through inefficient invoice processing.\n\n![\"coffee\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2015/08/05/15/04/mistake-876597_1280.jpg\")
\n\n### 5. Reduce the Chance of Data Entry Errors\n\nData entry errors can ruin any hope of streamlining your accounts payable process. And manual entry is the most common reason for data entry errors.\n\nAs a matter of fact, it’s so common that 88% of Excel spreadsheets have errors in them. Small entries can add up, costing businesses time and money when trying to correct them or dealing with the fallout.\n\nIn short, people are the problem. The most human hands you have on a process, the greater risk you have of errors occurring. \n\n### 6. Fix Purchase Issues\n\nOverspending can send ripples through your organization. You’ll burn through your budget and put your cash flow at risk. To avoid that, you need to ensure all purchases are properly authorized. \n\nYour accounts payable process needs to automatically valid orders to approve them. You also need to know that you’re getting what you paid for. That means you need a way of checking the quality and quality of the goods you receive. And if your order doesn’t mean your standards, you need an efficient way to deny approval. \n\nAdditionally, you need a way to authorize purchases to prevent fraud from occurring. Most companies try to avoid this by adding a human-touchpoint in the process. But, this slows things down. Especially for growing businesses. \n\nHaving a manager take the time to manually verify orders prevents them from focusing on other high-level tasks. \n\nIn short, you need an automatic way to verify invoices based on company rules and regulations. Approving those that meet standards. Rejecting those that don’t. And you need complete transparency into the purchasing process to avoid fraud.\n\n### 7. Increase Transparency in Your Accounts Payable Processes\n\nManual processes and stacks paperwork ultimately leads to data siloes. These siloes break up transparency in your business, making it harder to fully analyze company spending. \n\nWithout one clear view of your purchasing process, you’re opening yourself up to risk and inefficiencies. \n\nRetrieving records and order details becomes a time-consuming task. You’ll be unaware of at which stages your orders are. And you’ll struggle to see any true value of the data that you collect from your accounts payable department. \n\nAll in all, it creates a kind of black-box for your accounts payable department that you want to avoid.\n\n![\"city\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/11/29/06/20/blonde-1867768_1280.jpg\")
\n\n### 8. Use Low Code to Streamline Accounts Payable\nThe key to improving your accounts payable department is to automate it. From start to finish. With fewer people involved in the processes, there will be fewer chances for errors and inefficiencies. \n\nThere are three ways to automate your accounts payable:\n- **Off-the-shelf software solutions**: You buy [a premade solution](/the-top-5-procurement-software-for-your-business/) and fit it to your business as best as you can.\n- **Custom software solutions (traditional development)**: You pay for a tailored solution, built from scratch. It’s expensive, but it meets your exact business needs. \n- **Low code software solutions**: You get the speed to market of an off-the-shelf solution and the customization of bespoke software but without the cost or time for development. \n\nIn a nutshell, [low code is a software development platform](/low-code-guide/) that allows users to drag and drop the code necessary to build custom platforms. Rather than start from scratch, you choose prefabricated solutions. This gives you the power to build exactly what you need for your business.\n\nWith low code, you can design the custom integrations and automations you need to streamline your entire accounts payable process. Giving you more transparency and efficiency while freeing up your employees for higher-level tasks and reducing costs.\n\nBest of all, low code [scales with your business](/25-shocking-facts-about-low-code/). Most are SaaS platforms. That means they charge based on usage. You only pay for what you need. And the costs only increase as the demand for services increases. As a result, they’re a very affordable solution. \n\n![\"car\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/10/26/22/13/car-1772797_1280.jpg\")
\n\n## The Benefits of Improving Your Accounts Payable Process\n\nWith a streamlined system in place for managing vendors and suppliers, you’ll have clear transparency into your supply line. And this opens you up to a lot of benefits. \n\nMainly, with an optimized accounts payable process, you can leverage existing vendor relationships for better discounts. You can also maintain your existing vendor relationships. That way, you’ll get consistent service you can rely on. \n\nThere are other awesome benefits of automating accounts payable. The time and money you’ll save from automation are astounding. And with no paper invoices, you’ll be doing your part to reduce the carbon footprint of your business.\n\n## How to Fastrack Your Accounts Payable Process Improvement\n\nThe truth is that no business starts off with inefficient processes on purpose. Instead, as a business grows, the old ways of doing things simply don’t (can’t scale.) As a result, many growing businesses struggle as their systems trip them up. Accounts payable included.\n\nWhatever the size of your business, low code platforms provide a quick and [easy way to set up workflows](/workflow-automation-software/) that allow you to streamline practices.\n\nSeamlessly process invoices with precision using a low code platform. Experience transparency like never before as you watch invoice processing times drop from weeks to a handful of days. Reduce waste. Strengthen vendor relationships. Achieve results.\n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Procurement"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-f65c7ba6-f7ac-537f-8780-e02030331e72","title":"Why You Need to Say \"NO\" to More Spreadsheets","_createdAt":"2020-01-16T05:21:29Z","publishedAt":"2021-02-03T16:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/72b0c878f4dd8351d3803d7667bae424db1141ef-680x378.jpg?w=680&h=378&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/72b0c878f4dd8351d3803d7667bae424db1141ef-680x378.jpg?w=320&h=178&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/72b0c878f4dd8351d3803d7667bae424db1141ef-680x378.jpg?rect=1,0,679,378&w=654&h=364&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/72b0c878f4dd8351d3803d7667bae424db1141ef-680x378.jpg?w=680&h=378&auto=format 680w","sizes":"(min-width: 680px) 680px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":680,"height":378,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/72b0c878f4dd8351d3803d7667bae424db1141ef-680x378.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAARABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwABAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGBP/EACkQAAEEAAQEBgMAAAAAAAAAAAIAAQMEBQYRIRITM0EiMTJhcsE1cYH/xAAYAQADAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAwYBBP/EACIRAAIBAgUFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAwJCExQhMTIEESJxwf/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8Az2F4aI0CkBm5zt4dW1ZleqZTlp0xnsYgdyOX1McfC8f6UfLYzXsLeTmDEDC7tvv/ABaHLh2LtR4pLoE8QcW3kW/f3SstM7dzpzfTrv5bGUxDBwC0TCw6e6LrxixYjvGLwsWndt9UQYda0aNxY6tVUjkyh+KD4/SqZT6dv4/aIqhWEZbJ7+i11nRESZOTDh4I/9k="}}}}},"slug":{"current":"warning-spreadsheets-will-ruin-your-business"},"body":"## Looking for a Fast Way to Boost Your Bottom Line? Say \"NO\" to More Spreadsheets. \n\nA single spreadsheet error cost Fidelity $2.6 billion. \n\n**How?**\n\nAn employee forgot to add a minus sign, indicating a loss of $1.3 billion. Instead, the value went in as a profit and the company paid out shareholders.\n\nIn fact, spreadsheets are so bad for businesses that there’s an actual group of experts who meet every year and discuss the issues and risks they pose for organizations. \n\n## 11 Reasons Why Spreadsheets Are Bad For Business\n\nWhile some spreadsheet use is okay. The fact is that most growing businesses over-rely on them. And if you’re not careful with how your business uses platforms like Excel, you could end up ruining your business.\n\nStill need convincing? \n\nSadly, there are plenty of reasons that clearly illustrate just how bad spreadsheets are for collecting, reviewing, and using data in your business.\n\n### 1. Spreadsheets Are Prone to Human Error \n\nAs already mentioned, spreadsheets open the door to human error. With all the cells, rows, and columns, data can be hard to track and manage. \n\nAdd complex formulas into the mix, and you’ve got the perfect storm for data entry errors to occur. More variables mean it's more likely for people to put information into the wrong field, resulting in massive errors.\n\nIf you run a small business, you may be able to recover from some mistakes and losses. But what happens as your business expands? Using more spreadsheets to fill the gaps will only damage your chances of continued success. \n\nThese mistakes may not all end up in the headlines. But when they do, they damage a company, its employees, and its future prospects.\n\n### 2. Fixing Problems in Spreadsheets Is Challenging\n\nThere’s no update you can install to remove human error from manual entry. Even if you could properly train everyone while adding more people onto teams (to lighten each team member's workload) for data entry, there’s still a chance for error.\n\nAdditionally, fixing problems with spreadsheets often comes too late. That’s because spreadsheets work in data silos. And there’s no way to connect them directly to the various platforms existing throughout an organization. \n\nInstead, you have to [manually look over data](/8-warning-signs-that-you-need-to-automate-your-business/), then copy and paste it into the appropriate places in the specific spreadsheet. And this poses a problem as well.\n\nHow do you know if the data is in the right field or not? If you didn’t write the formula, it's very hard to audit spreadsheets. As a result, you have to ask the person who created it to look it over. But if you’ve ever edited your own work, you know how problematic that can be…\n\n![\"girl\"](\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dnla85pdq/image/upload/v1579160414/QuandaryCG/crack-statue.jpg\")
\n\n### 3. Collaboration in Spreadsheets Is (Nearly) Impossible \n\nThe very nature of spreadsheets makes collaboration tricky. If your organization uses Google Sheets, then you can collaborate somewhat. (Excel? Forget about it.) As a result, employees end up sharing spreadsheets over email. And there's a lot of back and forth as they try to get work done.\n\nStill, that process can still lead to data entry errors, deleted values, and duplicate entries. Plus, UX isn’t great for collaborating either. And new data has to be regularly imported. Manually. This means you could be working data in an outdated spreadsheet without knowing it.\n\n### 4. Spreadsheets Damage Transparency\n\nMost spreadsheets compile data from generated reports. This means departments have to run and submit these reports regularly. After that, someone has to compile the information. \n\nThat’s a time-consuming process. \n\nPlus, it also prevents real-time reporting. For example, if your IT department needs a week or two to run and compile the reports, then your data points could already invalid by the time you discuss them. \n\nHow can you make key-business decisions in real-time when so much time has passed since the original data pull?\n\n![\"hammer\"](\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dnla85pdq/image/upload/v1579160480/QuandaryCG/lampost-on-fog.jpg\")
\n\n### 5. Spreadsheets Provide Too Much Unusable Data to Sort Through\n\nSpreadsheets are the data version of Hoarders. Companies collect and collect and collect customer data. Afterward, they silo it into spreadsheets where access is difficult. \n\nFinding relevant spreadsheets and inputting the necessary details manually tends to be a hassle. Plus, employees add a different element to the mix. They often cut corners, letting information falls through the cracks.\n\nAs a result, you end up with an incomplete picture of your business and your customers. Additionally, some departments will have way more data than what's necessary (or relevant). And that's data you’ll have to sort through. Other departments will have fractured, incomplete snapshots. \n\nEither way, it's a jumbled mess. And more work for you.\n\n\n\n### 6. Spreadsheets Are NOT a One-Size-Fits-All Tool\n\nThe main function of spreadsheets is to capture data. Their advanced functions empower users to compile data streams and output results. But, they’re not made for business monitoring, auditing, detailed reports, or any kind of high-level [business process management](/case-study/low-code-efficiency-and-process-improvement/). \n\nUsing them like such is kind of like using a hammer to fix everything. It’ll work great on nails, but you start running into problems the more complex the task becomes.\n\n### 7. Data Is Hard to Find in Spreadsheets\n\n[Employees waste a lot of time](https://www.inc.com/david-finkel/new-study-shows-youre-wasting-218-hours-a-week.html) each day simply looking for information. And it’s hard to blame them. \n\nWith data spread out all over various reports, scattered across files and hard drives, it’s a wonder anyone can find the information they need. Data is only valuable as long as you can access it and leverage it to grow your company. \n\nBut without a clear way to do that, your organization misses out on the overall picture and misses a clear advantage.\n\n### 8. Spreadsheets Have a Steep Learning Curve\n\nMost people have a general understanding of what spreadsheets do. But to use it for high-level business tasks, you need to know how to create and use complex formulas. These formulas aren’t easy to learn. And they vary from company to company depending on the task at hand. \n\nThat means onboarding new employees and training them on spreadsheets for your business will take additional time and run up additional costs. Keep in mind that there’s also a high risk of turnover if you have [too many inefficient processes…](/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/)\n\n![\"burn\"](\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dnla85pdq/image/upload/v1579160814/QuandaryCG/rock-climbing.jpg\")
\n\n### 9. Spreadsheets Are Insecure (And Unnecessarily Risky)\n\nSpreadsheets aren’t usually password protected. And if they are, the passwords typically aren’t that effective. (They can be pretty easily cracked). \n\nAdditionally, spreadsheets (and their passwords) get shared haphazardly in most organizations. One simple mistake in an email address can send your data spiraling out of your organization. \n\nIt’s also difficult to see who edits spreadsheets, making it hard to hold people accountable for mistakes. Without accountability, fraud can run rampant.\n\n### 10. Spreadsheets Have Horrible UX\n\nLet’s be real here: no one likes looking at spreadsheets. They provide a generic, bland version of the data. And while looks aren’t everything, the interface matters if you want to remember the information.\n\nThat’s because you’re more likely to pay attention to the data if it’s in a form you can understand. People tend to process information visually. \n\nSo, the more visual the data can be presented, the more potential it has to make an impact.\n\n![](\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dnla85pdq/image/upload/v1579151820/QuandaryCG/burning-money.jpg\")
\n\n### 13 Than Other (Better) Solutions\n\nYes. You can purchase Microsoft Office for your office at a relatively low cost. And yes, you can access Google Sheets for basically free. But even if MS Office was free, it would still be more costly than other [automated solutions](/the-benefits-of-custom-workflow-automation/). \n\nEven if your employees entered every single piece of data into these sheets and never once made a mistake, spreadsheets would still be more expensive than other solutions.\n\nWhy?\n\nBecause you have to factor in the labor. Once you start adding up all the time your employees spend looking for spreadsheets, hunting down information, transferring data, fixing mistakes, and even just learning how to use the software effectively, [the costs explode]. \n\nIn short, you’ll pay far more on labor for clinging to the past and over-relying on spreadsheets in your organization.\n\nAnd once you account for the numerous errors, costs will only continue to climb.\n\n## What's a Better Alternative to Spreadsheets?\nBusinesses use spreadsheets to [fill in the gaps](/quandary-connect/) because they don't have the applications and processes in place to move data between systems. The easiest solution, it seems, would be to simply build those systems. \n\nEasier said than done, though. Right?\n\nThe reason why most businesses don't run out and build new systems is because of how much [traditional application development costs](https://buildfire.com/hidden-app-development-costs/). And how long bespoke solutions take. Plus, there's [a lot of risks involved](https://www.softwaresuggest.com/blog/hidden-risks-mobile-application-development-industry/). \n\nYou need to map out, design, test, and deploy a new system. And for businesses with small IT budgets, putting a lot of money into a solution that may or may not work isn't exactly a sound business decision. \n\n**But. There is a solution.**\n\nRather than pursue traditional application development, growing businesses can use low code instead. \n\n[Low code platforms](/low-code-guide) allow users to quickly drag and drop applications into existence with minimal knowledge of code. This empowers small, growing businesses and enterprise organizations alike to build the custom apps they need. For a fraction of the cost. And in a fraction of the time. \n\nIt really is _that_ simple. \n\n## Avoid More Spreadsheets with Low Code \nAs long as your business relies on spreadsheets, you'll struggle to scale it with your continued success. \n\nWhile you won’t get rid of spreadsheets in your business completely, you can help put your business on a path toward scalable success by seamlessly connecting your workflows and apps with low code.\n\nSo, how do you say no to more spreadsheets?\n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Business Transformation"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-f0386ac5-c752-5139-8384-934229b0da03","title":"What Is Shadow IT? (And How to Avoid the Risks)","_createdAt":"2020-01-16T05:21:02Z","publishedAt":"2021-01-27T17:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0e478920451d03bcfe19ae6957996c82f4c10243-680x378.jpg?w=680&h=378&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0e478920451d03bcfe19ae6957996c82f4c10243-680x378.jpg?w=320&h=178&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0e478920451d03bcfe19ae6957996c82f4c10243-680x378.jpg?rect=1,0,679,378&w=654&h=364&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0e478920451d03bcfe19ae6957996c82f4c10243-680x378.jpg?w=680&h=378&auto=format 680w","sizes":"(min-width: 680px) 680px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":680,"height":378,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAALABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGAAAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYCBQj/xAAhEAABBAIBBQEAAAAAAAAAAAACAQMEEQAFBgcSEyFBFP/EABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEC/8QAGBEBAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARAjH/2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA/AM3R3m24qWAEt+7THra6jVQ+l0LaiJJLmuKHYJUlp9rEeA2DjVGNpeXvJpLy8U00XyL+dsjUQ+It4o+0HRuMqesMhhhVf//Z"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0e478920451d03bcfe19ae6957996c82f4c10243-680x378.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"what-is-shadow-it"},"body":"Every organization has to deal with Shadow IT in some capacity. \n\nThe pressures of delivering on high demands within tight budgets and deadlines can push employees to ignore policies. After all, when people feel as though their job is on the line, they sometimes cut corners to meet expectations.\n\nAnd yet, employees often fail to understand the risk shadow IT poses for their organization, its employees, and its customers. Businesses looking to reduce the use of unapproved apps and technology need to have a plan in place to protect their business.\n\n## What Is Shadow IT?\n\nShadow IT happens when employees and departments go around established security protocol/approval and use their unapproved, third-party apps to complete tasks at work.\n\nBecause the IT department is responsible for security breaches, it puts them in a tricky situation of both trying to vet and approve applications for use in the business without becoming a bottleneck for employee tasks and workflows.\n\nShadow IT covers a range of products as well, anything from hardware to software. However, shadow IT tends to mean cloud-based apps more and more these days.\n\nSadly, shadow IT is often either overlooked or underestimated in the tech industry. And with more demand for apps and services from a growing number of providers, it’s becoming an epidemic throughout businesses.\n\nIn fact, it is almost 2nd nature for employees and departments to simply download the apps they need. And this is a huge cause for concern.\n\n### How Common Is Shadow IT? \n\nA 2016 Cisco survey asked enterprise customers how many public cloud services their organizations used. The average response was 91 public cloud services. \n\nIn reality, data illustrated that the number was around 1220 public cloud services! And that’s growing at a rate of around 112% each year.\n\n## Why Does Shadow IT Happen?\n\nIt’s important to note that most instances of shadow IT aren’t malicious. Rather, there’s a clear disconnect between business demands and IT’s workload.\n\nIT departments often struggle with juggling an endless growing list of tasks from maintaining systems to building new applications. And vetting new applications to see if they comply with current company security regulations is a task in and of itself.\n\nChristopher Frank of Forbes Digital Group describes this process: “IT organizations have guidelines [on] how new software is introduced to the environment. There is a process in place where proper testing is done in a [sandboxed] environment before it is introduced into production.”\n\nThis poses a problem that’s hard for businesses to solve. Employees can download apps and get them running within minutes. Going through the proper IT channels at a business with a backlogged IT department can take weeks or months. \n\nAs a result, the pressure to deliver results and stay competitive drives many employees to find and deploy the solutions they need on their own.\n\nAnd that opens up their organization to a lot of risks.\n\n## What Are the Risks of Shadow IT?\n\nIt may seem relatively benign for employees to use apps without IT approval to do better jobs, but it creates huge problems. App sprawl can lead to wasted time and money. They may also struggle to integrate various apps, forcing users to manually enter data. As a result, they open themselves up to data entry errors.\n\nHowever, the greatest concern is that Shadow IT leaves a company vulnerable to security breaches. Gartner estimates, “By 2020, one-third of successful attacks experienced by enterprises will be on data located in shadow IT resources, including shadow Internet of Things.”\n\nMost security breaches happen because of employee negligence. And with more and more people on-boarding their own platforms without IT testing, supervision, and approval, the risk of breaches only increase.\n\n## How to Reduce Shadow IT (4 Steps)\n\nTo fix any problem, you have to look at why it happens. In a perfect world, IT departments would have plenty of resources to rapidly address requests and keep up. Except, they don’t. Requests, tickets, and maintained tasks from huge bottlenecks in IT departments. They run slow and inefficiently. As a result, shadow IT happens.\n\nWith global demands on businesses continuing to rise, it’s evident that as long as companies go about processes the same way as before, shadow IT will only worsen. Thankfully, there are a few strategies organizations can take to reduce instances of shadow IT.\n\n### 1. Educate Employees About the Risks of Shadow IT\n\nOften, employees simply do not understand the risks involved with shadow IT. To them, it seems like a quick, simple fix that can help make their jobs easier. Clearly explain the problems with shadow IT. Also, you need to point out the various types of devices/services that could pose a threat clearly. \n\nAny information you can provide your staff to help deter them from using shadow IT will help establish a baseline of policies and procedures for your company.\n\n### 2. Provide a List of Approved Vendors\n\nHaving an accessible list of approved vendors makes it easier for your employees to choose potential applications from that list rather than going rogue. Any new apps that employees or departments want should be submitted to the list for approval.\n\n### 3. Perform Regular Audits\n\nAudit your company’s technical assets to find instances of shadow IT. While time-/resource-intensive, audits can help paint a better picture of where shadow IT may be occurring in your organization. \n\n### 4. Use Low Code\n\nEven with education, policies, and clear consequences in place for your staff, the temptation for shadow IT will still exist. Everyday pressures created by various organizational pressures to deliver on demands drive people to take matters into their own hands. \n\nThat's because the situations that push employees to seek out their own solutions will still exist: the pressure to increase performance using clunky, dated systems when better ones exist. \n\n[Low code](/low-code-guide) allows employees to rapidly design and implement applications that streamline practices. In short, these platforms are assembly lines for software development. They make it easy to roll out [automated solutions for business](/8-warning-signs-that-you-need-to-automate-your-business/), increasing employee efficiency while reducing costs. \n\nBest of all, [low code provides](/25-shocking-facts-about-low-code) is a transparent platform that any IT department or manager can easily supervise to ensure compliance.\n\n![\"lock\"](\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dnla85pdq/image/upload/v1579153090/QuandaryCG/rusty-lock.jpg\")
\n\nLow code won’t completely remove shadow IT. But, it can further reduce it by making [approved workflow solutions](/5-examples-of-successful-workflow-optimization/) accessible for employees. \n\nBest of all, by adopting low code into your business, you’re giving your employees the means to creates the specific solutions they need. \n\nAs a result, you’ll further cut down on the demands of your IT department, reducing their backlog and increasing their efficiencies.\n\n## Remain Secure and Compliant with Low Code\n\nIntegrating low code solutions into your business doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right team, you can streamline the process and start cutting down instances of shadow IT across your organization.\n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Business Transformation"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-66f37c4c-d49c-5c6d-b53a-8c54b8ba4b78","title":"12 Legendary Advantages of CRMs for Your Growing Business","_createdAt":"2020-01-22T03:29:48Z","publishedAt":"2021-01-22T16:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b35c1c4705826fac50b9b9861e92c9c232a95fd0-2000x1335.jpg?w=2000&h=1335&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b35c1c4705826fac50b9b9861e92c9c232a95fd0-2000x1335.jpg?rect=2,0,1996,1335&w=320&h=214&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b35c1c4705826fac50b9b9861e92c9c232a95fd0-2000x1335.jpg?rect=1,0,1998,1335&w=654&h=437&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b35c1c4705826fac50b9b9861e92c9c232a95fd0-2000x1335.jpg?rect=1,0,1999,1335&w=768&h=513&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b35c1c4705826fac50b9b9861e92c9c232a95fd0-2000x1335.jpg?rect=1,0,1999,1335&w=1024&h=684&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b35c1c4705826fac50b9b9861e92c9c232a95fd0-2000x1335.jpg?w=1366&h=912&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b35c1c4705826fac50b9b9861e92c9c232a95fd0-2000x1335.jpg?w=1600&h=1068&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b35c1c4705826fac50b9b9861e92c9c232a95fd0-2000x1335.jpg?rect=1,0,1999,1335&w=1920&h=1282&auto=format 1920w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b35c1c4705826fac50b9b9861e92c9c232a95fd0-2000x1335.jpg?w=2000&h=1335&auto=format 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":2000,"height":1335,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b35c1c4705826fac50b9b9861e92c9c232a95fd0-2000x1335.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"advantage-crm-small-businesses"},"body":"Struggling to manage the increasing volume of customers in your growing business? Juggling data between disparate systems [can cost your business money](/warning-spreadsheets-will-ruin-your-business/) while putting you at unnecessary risk. From tracking customer data to increasing overall sales, the advantages of CRM software can impact your business profoundly. \n\nFollow this guide to discover how to choose the best CRM software and what benefits it can offer your business. \n\n## What Is Customer Relationship Management Software (CRM)?\nCustomer Relationship Management (CRM) software is a platform that helps manage an organization's relationship with existing customers and prospects. The software helps track and store data, build customer relationships, and increase the profitability of a company. \n\nCompanies use CRM systems to manage employees' interactions with their prospects and customers. These software platforms primarily manage sales, storing and analyzing sales data. Ultimately, CRMs help make businesses more money by showing them how to better connect with current and new customers.\n\nCRM systems have different functionality depending on the platform you use. However, most CRM software has a core set of functions: lead tracking, marketing reports, and service updates they provide for users. These features provide a range of benefits for your business.\n\nOf course, many of the competitive platforms out there offer a range of captivating features. Which one will best serve your business depends on your specific needs and which platform can meet or exceed those demands. \n\nStill, if you're looking for a valuable tool that helps scale the systems in your growing business to meet growing customer needs, you need a CRM. \n\n## What Are the Small Business Benefits of CRM?\nWe've helped deploy a range of CRMs for small, growing businesses. From off-the-shelf-solutions to [custom software solutions](/quandary-build/), there is a range of benefits your business can experience by deploying a CRM. \n\n### 1. Powerful Analytics\n\nThe best CRM for small businesses comes with powerful analytics features that allow you to assess business data in real-time for new, actionable insights. React to market trends faster. Make more informed business decisions. And develop better business strategies with data you can trust.\n\n### 2. Increased Sales\n\nCRM software helps you track leads when they move down the sales funnel. This helps you manage them more efficiently, so you can find weak links in the sales process and fix them quickly. \n\nCRM platforms help you realize upsell opportunities, create reward systems for repeat customers, and ensure personalized communication with them to improve engagement and increase conversion.\n\n### 3. More Efficiency and Productivity\n\nCRM software streamlines processes across your business operations and automates routine tasks. As a result, your employees can resolve issues faster and focus on selling. Rather than wasting time on menial tasks, your staff will have more time to focus on your greatest asset: your customers. \n\n### 4. Mobility\n\nCRM platforms are accessible. You can get data using mobile apps, web interfaces, and offline access. That's a huge benefit because it allows you to work on the go. Plus, you can even manage existing accounts, respond to client requests, check real-time inventory, make reports, all from a range of mobile devices.\n\n### 5. Data Security\n\nDon't take unnecessary risks by leaving your data vulnerable to attack. With a centralized CRM, you can store important confidential customer information and business data in a secure CRM. \n\nYou can also control employee access by establishing set permissions. This will only allow authorized personnel access to sensitive data.\n\n![\"cyber](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/09/19/16/00/cyber-security-2765707_1280.jpg\")
\n\n### 6. Contact Management\nContact management is the most essential component of any CRM. You can segment your customers and prospects into groups and organize their data. This will allow you to improve your marketing strategies by targeting the right customer with the right message at the right time.\n\n### 7. Reports and Customized Dashboards\nIf your data is siloed on fragmented platforms (like spreadsheets), you're at the disadvantage. CRM platforms provide data visualization with clear dashboarding. This is a clear benefit because it allows you to view statistics in a highly engaging manner. As a result, you'll feel less overwhelmed or confused by data streams.\n\n### 8. Sales Analytics and Forecasting\nCRM platforms let you collect data from web traffic, social media, and other channels. You can use this data to better understand your market and design better marketing campaigns. From this, you'll increase the efficacy of your sales strategies and increase your bottom line. \n\n### 9. Opportunity Management\nThis CRM feature simplifies the sales process, reducing the sales cycle length. With opportunity management, you can track your potential sales opportunities down all your pipelines. You can also prioritize the best sales with a higher potential for closing. Finally, you can set up better systems for recurring revenue. Each one increasing your bottom line.\n\n### 10. Call Center Automation\nWith CRMs, you can integrate third-party programs into a unified system and control your company’s call center from your CRM’s user interface (UI). This gives you a single, accessible portal for your contact center and customer engagement. \n\n### 11. Campaign Management\nThe CRM feature lets you manage your entire sales campaign from a single UI. Plus, you can combine analytics tools with software responsible for collecting the data. \n\n### 12. Customer Satisfaction Management\nCRMs help you be proactive with your customers' journey. These tools help you efficiently improve customer satisfaction levels by giving you the power to track existing cases and manage confidential information in a secure environment. You'll know where your customers are in their journey with your brand and what they need to build loyalty and satisfaction with your company. \n\n![\"feedback\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2018/09/14/11/46/feedback-3676922_1280.jpg\")
\n\n## Why Does Your Business Need a CRM?\nCustomers are the most valuable asset of your company. Your relationships with them determine the success of your business. And your CRM software is a system that helps ensure your business provides the best possible experience for your customer while increasing profits. \n\nGathering and organizing actionable customer data is a time-consuming task. But, you can't rush it. And you can’t afford to make mistakes. After all, mistakes mean missing out on opportunities and losing revenue. \n\n## Can Small Businesses Afford CRM Platforms?\n\nWhen selecting new CRM software, you should always take into account the total cost of ownership (TCO). The TCO for CRM platforms includes all the costs of the project, direct and indirect. In simple words, the TCO is the sum of all the costs related to purchasing, implementing, and managing CRM solutions.\n\nThere is a large variety of CRMs with a range of pricing. Some of them are virtually free. Others can cost thousands of dollars per user annually. _But this is only the purchase price..._\n\nThe total cost of ownership includes all the additional expenses needed to operate a CRM system: customization, training, migration, maintenance, upgrades, ongoing support, and more. \n\nThe TCO also includes other costs like productivity loss to fixing system errors, downtime, and other factors that many business owners often omit when making buying decisions.\n\nOf course, the price is important. But, it’s the total cost of ownership that should be the driving force of your tech stack decisions. Before deciding on how to implement a CRM, you need to perform a TCO analysis. This is because it determines your ROI and will help you avoid costly and ineffective solutions. \n\nUnderstanding how much your CRM software will cost you over time will help you make a better buying decision. And in many cases, a [custom CRM](/custom-crm) will be your best choice.\n\n## Major CRM Expenses to Evaluate for a TCO Analysis\nThere are 3 major costs associated with buying and implementing CRM software: acquisition costs, operation costs, and personnel costs. Let’s take a look at expenses that you should take into account when performing a TCO analysis. \n\n### Acquisition Costs\n\n- **Software Cost**: This is an upfront, recurring fee that can be paid monthly or annually.\n- **Implementation Costs**: These are the initial costs for setting up your small business CRM platform.\n- **User Licenses Fees**: Some platforms require businesses to purchase licenses for each user. \n- **Customization Fees**: This charge is for businesses looking for additional custom CRM features from a boxed software solution to meet their specific needs. \n- **Data Migration**: Some vendors (not all) charge a fee to migrate your data from your old system to your new one. \n- **Integration Services**: If you want to connect other existing systems to your new CRM, you'll need to pay a specialist for [integration services](/quandary-connect/).\n- **Employee Training**: To ensure your new CRM platform is successful, you'll need to invest in training your employees to use it properly.\n\n### Operating Costs\n\n- **Ongoing Training**: CRM platforms are constantly being updated to stay current. As new features come out, you'll need to train your staff on them. \n- **CRM Software Support and Maintenance**: You'll pay to maintain your CRM software. Your fee covers regular system updates, problem resolution, maintenance, and regular upkeep.\n- **Security**: Maintaining security for your CRM is crucial due as it's responsible for housing your most sensitive and valuable data. \n- **Additional Integrations**: As your business grows and you add new platforms and apps, you'll want to connect those to your existing CRM. \n\n### Personnel costs\n\n- **CRM Admin**: Depending on the size of your CRM, you may need to employ (or set time aside for) someone to manage it.\n- **IT Support Staff**: If you want to [build a custom CRM](/custom-crm), you'll need to pay professionals to maintain, upgrade it and keep it secure.\n- **Process Consultant:** You may want to hire a consultant to help you develop a CRM implementation plan and provide you valuable advice on how to use the software to achieve your business goals.\n\n![\"puzzle\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2018/03/13/22/53/puzzle-3223941_1280.jpg\")
\n\n## What Is the Best CRM Platform for Small Business?\n\nIf you want to choose the best CRM platform for your business to get the most benefits, you need to understand your business needs. There are a LOT of platforms on the market, and each one serves a type of business. You want to pick one with features that line up with your current and future needs.\n\nYou want to take a look at your priorities as well. While there are a lot of great features on these platforms, you need to focus on what's going to help make your business more profitable. Avoid getting distracted by features. Instead, look at how the program can support your core objectives. \n\n### Choosing a CRM Based on Priorities\n\n- Customer service-oriented CRM software monitors and stores customer data. It also mines it to get actionable insights for sales funneling (repeat sales, upsell, etc.).\n- Marketing and sales CRM systems measure the success of campaigns across different channels (email clicks, website visits, social media).\n- Appointment CRM software schedules time to communicate with your customers.\n\n### Choosing a CRM Based on Business Size\n\n- Enterprise CRM systems have a lot of capabilities. Mainly, they can handle large amounts of data. They also have more features and modules than other platforms (for a premium). And they usually offer full technical support.\n- Small business CRM apps handle smaller amounts of data, have fewer features, and limited support. As a result, small business CRM software is often cheaper. \n\n### Choosing a CRM Based on Technical Functions\n\n- Operational CRM software consolidates all customer data into a user profile.\n- Sales automation CRM tracks the whole sales process.\n- Campaign management CRM stores, tracks, and analyzes campaigns.\n- Analytical CRM mines data from different databases to check for patterns or trends.\n- Social CRM collects information about customers from social networks.\n- Collaborative CRM allows team members to share files.\n- Crowdsourcing CRM mines customer suggestions and ideas to develop a product or an event.\n\n![\"board\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2018/09/26/09/24/board-3704096_1280.jpg\")
\n\n## Off-The-Shelf CRM Benefits\n\nReady-made CRM software is easy to install. And most systems are ready to use straight away. Off-the-shelf CRM solutions from reputable brands are secure and have a wealth of features (many that you don’t even need and will never use). \n\nBut, you often have to [change your business processes](/process-consulting/) to fit your CRM system and share a data model with your competitors.\n\n## Freemium CRM Systems Benefits\n\nMany popular, off-the-shelf cloud-based CRM solutions are available as free basic versions with limited functionality. This lets you test the system before you decide to upgrade and purchase premium features. \n\nFreemium software has limited features, data storage, and the number of users. But the core CRM features like contacts, accounts, and leads management are typically included in the basic free solution. \n\nSmall businesses should consider freemium CRM software when evaluating potential CRM solutions.\n\n## Custom CRM Systems Benefits\n\n[Custom CRM development](/business-application-development-growth) can be a good option for a small business if you know exactly what you need. For example, you can build a CRM system using Quickbase, giving your business more flexibility and functionality. \n\nThe [low code platform](/low-code-guide/) lets you create exactly what you need while only charging you for what you need. The system fits your specific business process and workflow needs of your organization. As a custom solution, you have the freedom to run your business as you see fit without being limited or forced down a different path by your software. \n\nCustom CRM platform takes some time and effort to install. But, it pays off in the long run. You'll get higher efficiency, more employee acceptance, and lower maintenance costs. In short, custom CRM platforms bring a lot of value than prepackaged software solutions.\n\n## How to Deploy a CRM in Your Small Business\n\nBefore you get the advantages of a CRM platform in your business, you need to set it up. And a lot goes into that. You'll need to [define your business needs](/our-approach/), assign resources, develop new business processes, and create an implementation team. Additionally, you'll need to think about integrating new and existing systems. \n\nYou should also think at least 2 years ahead and consider the requirements for your CRM as your business scales. More so, you'll need to plan the testing of the new system and make adjustments based on the tests. Meanwhile, it'll be critical to plan how to onboard your employees on these systems. \n\nAs you see, CRM implementation takes time and effort. \n\nA great way to ensure the smooth implementation of CRM for small businesses is to work with tech consultants who have experience building, testing, and deploying software solutions for growing businesses. \n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Business Transformation"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-bc3ffe53-c9f6-5cf0-82eb-23a03fdd0dba","title":"A Painless Walkthrough on Workflow Automation Software","_createdAt":"2020-01-22T06:02:41Z","publishedAt":"2021-01-21T16:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/bffc78dda49d9a168b255091fa7dcf6586b67f82-2000x1333.jpg?w=2000&h=1333&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/bffc78dda49d9a168b255091fa7dcf6586b67f82-2000x1333.jpg?rect=0,2,2000,1331&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/bffc78dda49d9a168b255091fa7dcf6586b67f82-2000x1333.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/bffc78dda49d9a168b255091fa7dcf6586b67f82-2000x1333.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/bffc78dda49d9a168b255091fa7dcf6586b67f82-2000x1333.jpg?rect=0,1,2000,1332&w=1024&h=682&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/bffc78dda49d9a168b255091fa7dcf6586b67f82-2000x1333.jpg?rect=0,1,2000,1332&w=1366&h=910&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/bffc78dda49d9a168b255091fa7dcf6586b67f82-2000x1333.jpg?w=1600&h=1066&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/bffc78dda49d9a168b255091fa7dcf6586b67f82-2000x1333.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&auto=format 1920w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/bffc78dda49d9a168b255091fa7dcf6586b67f82-2000x1333.jpg?w=2000&h=1333&auto=format 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":2000,"height":1333,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/bffc78dda49d9a168b255091fa7dcf6586b67f82-2000x1333.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"workflow-automation-software"},"body":"## How to Choose the Best Workflow Automation Software\nIncreasingly, growing businesses are deadline-driven. Meanwhile, they're forced to do [more and more with less and less](/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/). As a result, many organizations have turned to workflow automation software to optimize business processes. \n\nAfter all, every minute counts. And with streamlined systems, businesses have found ways to save hours (and an incredible amount of revenue) by rethinking how their business functions. \n\n## The True Cost of Inefficient Workflows\nResearch reveals that inefficient workflows can cost your company up to 30% of its revenue. And the best way to optimize workflows through automation. \n\nWhy? \n\nIn short, it makes complicated business processes easier to manage while eliminating the need for a human operator. As a result, growing businesses can increase productivity and efficiency. \n\n**But how do you make that happen?**\n\nYou need workflow management software. These software platforms connect systems and automate processes, [freeing up time and resources in your organization](/tech-consulting/). and with the right software, you can ensure that your workflows are efficient. \n\n## Top Five Workflow Automation Software for Business\nWhat are the best platforms for automating your business processes? These five providers have proven systems for scalable systems. Check them out!\n\n### 1. [Quickbase](/quick-base-solutions/)\nQuickbase is a low code platform that gives you the power to create enterprise solutions without the enterprise price-tag. Users can rapidly deploy applications using its drag and drop interface, giving them the power to design the custom workflow solutions they need. \n\n### 2. [Workato](/workato-solutions/)\nEach new business app you onboard complicates and fragments your business. Using spreadsheets to capture and manually transfer data between systems isn't scalable. That path leads to time-wasting bottlenecks, unnecessary risk, and systems that slow your growth.\n\nWorkato lets you bridge those gaps with simple system integrations. In short, you can quickly and easily [connect your most powerful applications](/quandary-connect/). You get seamless integrations with the drag and drop interface that allows you to effortlessly automate your most complex processes.\n\nIt's system automation that scales securely with the cost and time associate with traditional custom builds.\n\n### 3. Kissflow\nKissflow has a large consumer-base with over 10,000 companies using their platform to automate workflows. This encompassing software suite lets you design the custom workflows you need to automate processes in your business. From your sales department to human resources, you can quickly build the applications necessary to [conquer a variety of business inefficiencies](/8-warning-signs-that-you-need-to-automate-your-business). \n\nIts dashboard makes it easy to connect and deploy business processes while giving you immediate insights into real-time data. \n\n### 4. Zapier\nZapier allows you to connect your apps and automate workflows easily. With Zaps, you can quickly connect your various business apps, allowing data to move through these systems automatically. \n\nWith Zapier, you'll save time and money with business processes that flow automatically. And you'll gain a deeper understanding of your customer and your business with clear reporting and increased transparency. \n\n### 5. ProcessMaker\nWith Process Maker, you get a low code BPM and automation platform rolled into one. Its dashboard allows you to connect complex workflows while getting an overview of the whole system. This allows executives, managers, and supervisors the ability to monitor processes and ensure agreements and objectives are being reached. \n\nProcess maker uses a modeler that lets users drag and drop complex integrations quickly and easily. Forms, data connectors, users, and more, you'll remain compliant while building out the workflows you need with seamless data transfer built-in from the start. \n\n![\"laptop\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2015/09/05/20/02/coding-924920_1280.jpg\")
\n\n## 5 Benefits of Workflow Automation Software\n\nThe benefits growing businesses can experience by adopting workflow automation software are extensive. If you're on the fence about whether or not it's worth investing in these platforms to [streamline your business processes](/automating-workflows/), here are the top five benefits of workflow automation software to consider.\n\n### 1. Streamlined Communication\nImproving communication between employees and management is one of the biggest benefits of workflow automation. When automating the workflow, you also automate communication. \n\nEveryone is involved in the process and knows what role each person has in the workflow. This breaks down barriers and opens the door to increased communication.\n\n### 2. Increased Accountability\nWhen you create workflow automation, you build a system of accountability while dividing the work between the members of your team. Each employee knows their individual tasks, helping them manage their time better. Plus, supervisors can easily look over the entire workflow process. \n\n### 3. Improved Management Efficiency\nWith workflow automation software, managers gain better insights into employee tasks and how they fit into the overall strategy. Workflow dashboards and real-time reporting can help managers increase their visibility into the work being done.\n\nAdditionally, supervisors can monitor business variables to make informed decisions about process improvement with workflow automation software.\n\n### 4. Focused Employees\nAccording to a survey, an average employee wastes about 60 hours every month on workplace distractions. That's 759 hours a year! \n\nWhy did they waste so much time? Employees argued that a lack of challenges, job satisfaction, incentives to work harder, and boredom to be the key motivators.\n\nOne cause for boredom for employees is having a lot of tedious tasks that don’t provide immediate incentive. Workflow automation software eliminates tedious tasks, improving employees’ engagement. It also helps them to focus on more creative and productive activities that require strong skills.\n\n### 5. A More Productive (Not Busy) Business\nWith workflow automation software, you can eliminate unnecessary tasks and redundancies, streamline the processes and use the potential of people and the systems already in place without any need to hire extra employees or invest in expensive software to increase production capacity during the busy season. In this way, you can save costs as well.\n\nWorkflow automation software helps you achieve consistent and accurate results. It also removes the risk of human error while identifying target areas for increasing productivity.\n\n## Where Can Workflow Automation Software Offer Support?\nBusiness process automation reduces workflow complexity while making them self-sufficient. In fact, it's possible to automate any process in any functional area with the right workflow automation software. \n\n### Common Tasks Businesses Can Automate to Increase Efficiency\n- **Managing office information:** Data storage, information exchange, data management\n- **Accounting:** Creating invoices and delivering them to customers, checking payments, processing invoices, etc.\n- **HR:** Generating documents, posting job listings, responding to applicants\n- **Marketing:** Checking sales statistics or website traffic, creating reports, sending emails to engage customers, controlling ad costs, etc.\n- **Sales:** Sending follow-up emails, automated alerts for managers, etc.\n\n## What Is Office Automation Software?\n\nOffice automation software is used to digitally create, collect, store, and manage office information that is necessary for completing basic tasks and goals. Office automation started primarily as a data processing tool. However, now it includes a lot of complex tasks such as integrating front office and back office automation systems.\n\n**There are three basic activities office automation systems manage:**\n- Information storage\n- Information exchange\n- Data management\n\n![\"office\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2020/05/23/21/22/office-5211510_1280.jpg\")
\n\nThese days, office automation systems have become a necessity for SMBs and large-scale enterprises. Every business deals with a multitude of purchase orders, delivery notices, invoices, records that contain employee details, and a lot of other documents. \n\nHandling these documents manually is time-consuming and chaotic. For that reason, most business owners prefer to invest in office automation systems. That's because they understand that this is one form of workflow automation software that can save them a lot of time and money in the long run.\n\n### Sales Automation Software\n\nLooking for an effective way to increase your sales team’s productivity? Then, sales automation software is the best option for you. \n\nSales automation software automates manual and time-consuming tasks that managers and sales representatives do every day, improves efficiency and accuracy, and accelerates the sales process. \n\nOf course, it’s not necessary to automate every aspect of your sales. However, if you implement some sales automation tools, you can accomplish more and achieve better results. Sales automation systems can make most sales processes and workflows easier. Here are a few examples of areas they support:\n- Lead generation\n- Lead scoring\n- Follow-up emails\n- Order processing and tracking\n- Sales quotes, proposals, and reports\n- Inventory management\n- Pricing and Shipping\n- Standard contracts\n- Employee performance evaluation\n- _And many more areas_.\n\nInitially, sales automation tools focused only on eliminating tedious and redundant tasks. However, the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and machine learning have improved the targeted capabilities of modern sales automation solutions.\n\nPerformed correctly, sales automation software can save your organization a lot of time while helping sales teams concentrate on core selling activities. That’s why it’s critical to choose one of the best sales automation systems. For example, a [CRM](/custom-crm) that can help you increase your sales efficiency and close more deals. \n\n![\"wood\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2015/07/25/16/50/problem-860227_1280.jpg\")
\n\n## 8 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Workflow Automation Software\n\nWhen you make a decision to automate repetitive processes, it’s very important to choose the right workflow automation software. This ensures it will have a positive impact on your business. \n\nHow do you go about making that choice? Consider these 8 factors before buying any workflow automation software:\n\n### 1. Simplicity\nYou need a workflow automation application that is user-friendly. It shouldn't require expert knowledge such as programming skills to use it properly. Instead, you need software with a well-designed user interface that includes easy to navigate menu, tools, and patterns you really need. \n\nKeep in mind that a poorly designed user interface may confuse users. As a result, they may find it difficult to complete tasks. Remember: the main goal of implementing automation software is to make your work easier and to give you extra time to do more. WIthout a simplistic platform, you'll end up **creating more work** for yourself. \n\n### 2. Functionality\nThis aspect is especially important when selecting a process-specific workflow automation system. Think about the features and capabilities of the workflow automation software in question. And note what the app can do and can’t do. \n\nAutomation software should have all the necessary features that suit your workflow and your business process. If the tool can’t perform the functions you will need most often, you should reconsider your choice.\n\n### 3. Security\nWhen using workflow automation software, you're going to be processing sensitive information. For example, businesses hand plenty of financial and personal data. That’s why data security is crucial. You don’t want to be the source of a costly data breach. \n\nAs you vet vendors, be sure that your workflow automation software provider can guarantee no data leakage or data loss.\n\n### 4. Customization\nWhen you choose an off-the-shelf solution, you should make sure that the workflow automation software is flexible enough to be customized for performing certain tasks. \n\nBe sure to ask if it's possible to build workflows and customizations as you need them without investing in expensive additional programming resources. It’s important that your team can easily make adjustments and changes or add new features and patterns without additional requirements.\n\n### 5. Compatibility\nYou are likely to use a variety of tools to manage your processes. Your new workflow automation software should easily integrate with all the tools you already have. That's because your chosen software solution will have a major impact on your overall business efficiency and productivity. \n\nIf you choose software that doesn’t integrate with other tools, you'll waste time switching platforms. On the other hand, systems integrations remove that step, saving you loads of time and money.\n\n![\"puzzle\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2012/03/01/01/42/hands-20333_1280.jpg\")
\n\n### 6. Scalability\nAs your business grows, the volume of work grows as well. That’s why you should choose software tools that are scalable by design. In this way, you can ensure that your automation software can grow with your business.\n\nThis will also prevent you from needed to invest a lot of money in a new tool when you need more advanced functionality. \n\nScalability is crucial for small, growing businesses. You don’t want to purchase workflow automation software and go through a lot of testing, integration, and customization only to realize after some time that your business has outgrown the software and you need to replace it.\n\n### 7. Maintenance and support\nYou should have a clear understanding of the maintenance framework. Find out if you have to pay for new updates when your provider makes them available. \n\nAnd make sure that your provider offers technical support for your automation solution and find out their support department operates. Also, ask how long it usually takes to fix bugs.\n\n### 8. Pricing\nThis is one of the first things people take into consideration when purchasing new business software. No one would be happy to pay a higher price if they can find a more affordable solution with similar benefits. \n\nMany cloud-based workflow automation solutions are available on a subscription pricing model. \n\nHowever, you should find out what your subscription includes and what you will actually pay for. And you ask questions that help you find out what the total cost of ownership will be for your new workflow automation software.\n\nProviders can charge maintenance fees, upgrade fees, and services fees. Plus, if you've chosen a platform that scales with your business, you'll pay more as your business grows. \n\nAlso, you should ask about any additional charges that may be added to the overall price. This will help paint a more exact picture of your investment.\n\n## Getting the Highest ROI from Workflow Automation Software\nTo get the best ROI, closely consider all the points discussed and try to find an automation solution that offers the best quality/price combination. Every business is unique. As a result, it’s practically impossible to find off-the-shelf software that will meet all the above-mentioned requirements AND fit your specific business processes. \n\nThat’s why it’s better to consider building a customized workflow automation software system. You'll get a lot more value of something that's tailor-made to your exact business needs and specific workflows. While these bespoke software solutions are more expensive than ready-made apps, they tend to offer a higher ROI.\n\n## Streamline Your Business with Workflow Automation Specialists\nSoftware automation engineers are specialists that design, build, program, implement, integrate, and test software automation systems. \n\nWhen you decide to build a custom solution to automate your unique business processes, it’s important to choose a qualified and experienced software automation engineer to ensure you get secure, reliable software to help scale your growing business.\n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Automation"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-d9fb4054-c5f3-59da-bc14-851dee978ec8","title":"8 Warning Signs of Inefficient Processes ","_createdAt":"2020-01-16T06:05:17Z","publishedAt":"2021-01-19T17:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/cffb5f338b3b9d0031275065688b951bfa113923-680x378.jpg?w=680&h=378&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/cffb5f338b3b9d0031275065688b951bfa113923-680x378.jpg?w=320&h=178&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/cffb5f338b3b9d0031275065688b951bfa113923-680x378.jpg?rect=1,0,679,378&w=654&h=364&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/cffb5f338b3b9d0031275065688b951bfa113923-680x378.jpg?w=680&h=378&auto=format 680w","sizes":"(min-width: 680px) 680px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":680,"height":378,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAALABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwABAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABQAGCP/EACIQAAICAgEEAwEAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQAEQUGEyExFSIjUf/EABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIBA//EABgRAAMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABESFB/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwAHpaeylGN7l0ydz6gDe9fzH7SFott3O0h8KT6wRfxrwPEAreBsDEo3Z+SVHJKhfWHhUq4bri+Qjq8dWRZVXaBiCw2Ccs536itWPl7AE0gAbQAY5ZlorD//2Q=="}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/cffb5f338b3b9d0031275065688b951bfa113923-680x378.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"8-warning-signs-that-you-need-to-automate-your-business"},"body":"## Is It Time to Automate Your Business Workflows?\n\nWith the growing pressure for organizations to [reduce costs while delivering more](/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/) than ever before, many companies are looking for lean solutions. From enterprise to small business, organizations need ways to do more with less. Often, the simplest (and best) solution is to automate inefficient processes with custom apps and integrations. \n\n[Optimizing business processes through automation](/automating-workflows/) is a great way to reduce the hours wasted on manual tasks while giving your employees more time to focus on tasks that generate more revenue. \n\n\n\nOn the fence about whether or not this is the right time for your business to automate workflows? Here are 8 warning signs that there may be inefficient processes in your organization. \n\n## 1. Miscommunication Happens Regularly Between Teams\n\nWorking together provides excellent opportunities for your employees to share insights gained from a combination of their experience and the work they do for your organization. \n\nHowever, miscommunication from the endless back and forth can result in missed deadlines. \n\nIf you see this in your company, it may signal something deeper than a weak effort on the part of your teams. Instead, it could highlight the ways that your organization communicates are fundamentally broken. \n\nMiscommunication may also indicate that your employees are too busy with menial tasks. These tasks can eat up hours of your employee's day, costing your organization a lot in lost profit, while distracting your staff from discussing more important issues in full. \n\nImproving inefficient processes and automating menial tasks can give your staff the time they need to share ideas, thoughts, and concerns. As a result, your team will have the time they need to build a powerful work culture that empowers them. \n\nThink of the strides they can make for your business when they're focused on developing innovation effectively as a team, not lost in a labyrinth of miscommunication. \n\n![\"people\"](\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dnla85pdq/image/upload/v1579153934/QuandaryCG/group-meeting.jpg\")
\n\n## 2. There's an Increase in Company Turnover\n\nOne key indicator of whether or not your organization [needs to automate processes](/process-improvement-tools) is the overall well-being of your staff. \n\nAre they overworked? Are they frustrated? Are they burnout? \n\nAs an organization grows, it can be necessary for employees to work more. However, if your employees feel as though they’re unable to catch up or they’re frequently required to work overtime, it could indicate that inefficient processes are slowing them down. \n\n**And that could lead to burnout.**\n\nWith more data flowing into your growing organization, keeping up can become a constant struggle. This leads to increased stress and decreased employee performance. And if your employees experience this feeling for a lengthy period of time, they may end up quitting to find a less demanding position somewhere else. \n\nAutomation can help lighten your employees’ workload by reducing the number of inefficient processes they experience on a daily basis. As a result, they can stay on top of their workload and feel confident in their abilities, making burnout less likely.\n\n## 3. It's Difficult to Fill New Job Positions\n\nIf you’re bringing in new hires that run away as soon as they see your inefficient workflows, that’s not a good sign. \n\nOften, experienced hires will come from places with certain expectations. And if they see that your business processes are far more complicated than they need to be, they tend to move on from your organization.\n\nOverly complex systems and excessively high learning curves are two major deterrents to employee retention. It’s not that people are lazy. It’s that they want the path of least resistance so they can focus on their areas of expertise. \n\nStreamlining your inefficient processes with automated systems and integrations can make your new hires' lives easier while encouraging them to excel in their new jobs.\n\n## 4. Rising Costs Have Become the Norm\n\nWhether it’s from overtime, hiring additional personnel, or fixing an increasing number of mistakes, rising costs can signal that a company is growing. But, previous processes that worked fine before may become increasingly inefficient under growing pressure and workloads. As a result, you're often forced to hire more people to work longer hours to manage your success. \n\n**And that needlessly cuts into your growing bottom line.**\n\nYou can lower rising costs easily by [optimizing your business processes](https://quandarycg.com/process-improvement-cut-waste-and-improve-business-efficiency) with solutions that scale. Reducing manual tasks can cut hours or even reduce the need for entire departments. \n\nAs a result, your company will stay on top of its workload, collapse its back office, and watch as profit margins increase by reducing inefficient processes.\n\n## 5. Poor Customer Satisfaction Continues to Grow\n\nWhen you begin a business, it’s easier to overdeliver on customer expectations. But as a business grows, resources begin to stretch. And gaps in your business processes widen, and customers fall through the cracks as these inefficiencies expose themselves. \n\nAs a result, customers feel as though you’re falling short of what you promised. And they’ll either complain or they’ll leave. Neither is good for business. \n\n![\"emoji\"](\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dnla85pdq/image/upload/v1579154244/QuandaryCG/smiley-balloon.jpg\")
\n\nAutomated systems can help cater to customer demands 24/7. Solutions such as chatbots or integrations between various applications and [your main CRM](/custom-crm) can help ensure you don’t miss out on opportunities to deliver.\n\n## 6. You've Missed Business Opportunities\n\nNo business wants to willingly leave money on the table. But if you’re struggling to keep up with your current customer demand, it may end up happening.\n\nIf you’re frequently saying “no” to new customers, it could be a sign that your business is stretched too thin. \n\nAlternatively, if you’re being underbid by the competition, it may be because they’re able to deliver the same results at a considerable discount.\n\nBecause automation frees up time, it gives employees more resources to complete more important, business-specific tasks. \n\nBut, it also allows companies to take on more customers while delivering results faster and for less. This means higher profit margins and more wiggle room when bidding for new contracts.\n\n**There’s an added bonus here as well.** \n\nWhen employees have more time, they feel more empowered to innovate. Repairing inefficient tasks with automation and integration allows them to look up from the “daily grind” and see market trends. With this insight, they can better prepare your company through innovative steps that can give you the extra edge.\n\n## 7. There's a Lack of Transparency\n\nManual tasks within a company tend to create data silos. With several different departments utilizing several different workflows manually, it becomes increasingly difficult to track and organize data between different teams. As a result, you lose a transparent view of what is happening within your organization.\n\nRepairing inefficient processes with automation and integrations breaks down these data siloes, giving your company needed transparency. \n\nPlus, you’ll have a far [more accurate view of your customers](https://exponea.com/blog/single-customer-view/) because you’ll reduce duplicate or erroneous data. \n\nAdditionally, you’ll gain deeper insights into different departments within your company. This can help you spot further inefficiencies, problems, and security concerns.\n\n## 8. You Feel Like You Could Be Doing More\nEntrepreneurs have gut instincts about what works. As someone immersed in your company, you know where the bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and waste are. \n\nAnd if you’re looking around your organization and it just feels like you’re not where you need to be, as if there’s something holding you back, it’s probably an indication that your business processes may be holding you back. Trusting in those instincts can help bring your business to the next level.\n\nThe goal of any process improvement is to give your business more time to focus on what really matters. After all, you started a business to do what you do best, not to spend endless hours working ON instead of IN your company. \n\nAnd the key to making that happen is to replace your inefficient processes with something better. \n\n\n\n## How to Start Automating Your Business\n\nYour employees deserve to spend more time on high-level, engaging tasks. And they need to feel connected to the work they’re doing so they feel empowered to innovate. \n\nBut your business also has demands that deserve to be met: reducing costs, increasing transparency and efficiencies, and remaining competitive by delivering on customer demands.\n\nAutomation is your solution. \n\nWhen you automate tasks, you remove redundancies, reduce bottlenecks, and cut menial tasks. With additional time and resources, your team can focus on far more pressing matters and complex tasks. \n\n**Unshackled, your business will have the freedom it needs to grow.**\n\nBut it's not enough to simply automate your existing processes. All that will do is make existing inefficient processes automated. \n\nInstead, you need to rethink how your business operates and deploy streamlined workflow solutions that optimize inefficient processes. \n\nAnd the best way to make that happen is to team up with process consultants.\n\n## Solution: Team Up With Process Consultants\nProcess consultants work with businesses to improve their organizational efficiency. From rethinking the structure of workflows to designing bespoke apps and integrations that automate systems, process consultants know how to help scale your business for continued success. \n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Business Transformation"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-4dc79bf1-d48e-569e-a31f-98852c1826ce","title":"3 Vital Process Improvement Tools You Need Now","_createdAt":"2020-01-21T08:48:56Z","publishedAt":"2021-01-05T17:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d4958dde186978386cecf0e314155a79862b648d-999x667.jpg?w=999&h=667&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d4958dde186978386cecf0e314155a79862b648d-999x667.jpg?rect=2,0,997,667&w=320&h=214&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d4958dde186978386cecf0e314155a79862b648d-999x667.jpg?rect=1,0,998,667&w=654&h=437&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d4958dde186978386cecf0e314155a79862b648d-999x667.jpg?w=768&h=513&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d4958dde186978386cecf0e314155a79862b648d-999x667.jpg?w=999&h=667&auto=format 999w","sizes":"(min-width: 999px) 999px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":999,"height":667,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d4958dde186978386cecf0e314155a79862b648d-999x667.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"process-improvement-tools"},"body":"## How to Scale Your Growing Business By Redefining Processes\nAs your business grows, [the old way of doing things](/warning-spreadsheets-will-ruin-your-business) simply won't cut it. You'll need to figure out how to make your processes and systems more efficient. No matter what industry you're in. Luckily, there are several process improvement tools out there that can help you drastically improve your business. \n\nThere are a lot of great tools out there for your organization. Whether or not you need them depends on what type of business you have, the data you're using, and what your overall goals are. Either way, you'll want to have these top 3 best process improvement tools in place to make your business more agile. \n\n## 1. DMAIC and DMADV\nThis process improvement tool is one of the simplest to start with. While it's a simple acronym, it's especially useful for project-oriented organizations. In short, the tool can help you find ways to improve your existing product or service. It can also help you develop the new one if necessary. \n- DMAIC stands for: Define – Measure – Analyze – Improve – Control\n- DMADV stands for: Design – Measure – Analyze – Verify. \n\n### DMAIC and DMADV Explained in 5 Steps\n\n1. **Define the problem or opportunity.** You'll create a list of definitive goals with your team that the project hopes to achieve. This will keep you focused and make tracking the progress and success of your process improvements easier. \n2. **Measure the existing process.** Your team will create a list of agreed-on CTQ (critical-to-success) factors. These factors should be easily measurable goals.\n3. **Analyze the available information on current performance.** Look at how and why the current state is different from the desired state. Try and find the gaps and their root cause. You're trying to understand the inefficiency in its entirety here.\n4. **Improve/Design the solution.** Assess the possible ways to overcome the defined gap. A cost-benefit analysis should help find the options that work best. Next, the team should run an experiment or a pilot project to test the approach. Measuring the CTQs of the pilot is uber-important. This will help verify the success of your process improvements. \n5. **Control/Verify.** Make sure your new processes cascade throughout the relevant parts of the organization. You'll need a lot of communication to assure your staff embracing the process improvement. And if you're developing a new product or workflow, this stage serves as a point to verify with the client that [the outcome meets their needs](/tech-consulting/).\n\n## 2. Fishbone diagram\n\nAlso known as the Ishikawa diagram, this famous process improvement tool helps businesses find the cause of a defined problem. \n\nIt’s also handy for brainstorming, allowing cross-functional teams to think of reasons why a particular business problem emerged. In most cases, there will be multiple factors. The teams will map out these issues at the “bones” of the fish on the fishbone diagram.\n\nThe process starts with a precise definition of the process improvement objective. The whole team needs to align on that point. As a next step, the moderator guides the group through various factors to discover the cause of the problem. \n\n**The classic approach to the tool uses a 6 or 8M Factor List:**\n- Measurement\n- Material\n- Machine\n- Mother nature\n- Manpower\n- Method\n- Management\n- Maintenance\n\nYou can expand the list of factors to adjust the model to your organization. \n\nAlternatively, you can change the list of the factors to work on projects not related to production. One of the great alternatives is The Marketing 7Ps: product, price, place, promotion, people, processes, physical evidence.\n\n## 3. Value Stream Mapping\n\nValue stream mapping is an advanced process improvement tool requiring a deep understanding of the methodology. One session can last up to a week. As a result, it best suits large organizations with complex processes involving different departments. \n\nThe idea is to write down every action within a process (down to the granular level), and assess whether or not it can be optimized or removed. To get a better overview of the tool, you may want to read this book on Value Stream Mapping.\n\n### Example Case Study for Value Stream Mapping\nThe following case is a very descriptive example from the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) market. \n\nTactical initiatives of the marketing department often lead to urgent requests for the additional volume of product that the factory cannot meet. \n\nAll the parties involved in the process improvement gathered to see the communication and production flows. The marketing department gets surprised when they learn that their promotion plans activated a large chain:\n- Sales planning is changing the shipments forecast\n- Production planning is changing the production forecast\n- Procurement analytics is adjusting purchase orders for raw materials\n- A similar process is launched on the raw materials supplier side\n\nThe supply chain representative learned that the marketing department is unable to plan out promotions eight months in advance. This is because most promotions are often reactionary to competitors’ actions or a result of opportunities arising in retail chains.\n\nAs a result, some of the steps were removed and the department leaders established a monthly marketing–supply chain alignment meeting. This helps shorten the lead time by 3 months.\n\n![\"cargo\"](\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/8f102eea4ac76636b67a8d298e9eb1dc16ddc1f0-1280x900.jpg\")
\n\nCompleted process improvement projects give the impression that the job is over. However, one useful habit successful business owners and managers can adopt that guarantees better results is to put in place is [continuous process improvement practices](/continuous-process-improvement-in-manufacturing). \n\nUltimately, as your business continues to grow and thrive, you'll need to be on the lookout for [ways you can improve](/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business). With each workflow and process you streamline, your business stands to gain an advantage.\n\n## Why Your Business Needs Tools to Improve Processes\n\nEvery growing business faces challenges. But more often than not, these challenges come from inside the organization in the form of inefficient processes. And you may have already faced some of these issues:\n- Frequent downtime\n- Inter-departmental conflicts\n- Long on-boarding for newcomers\n- High dependence on personnel remaining in the same role\n- Hard times understanding the status of ongoing projects\n- Unpleasant surprises within the organization\n- The necessity of detailed control over routine operations by management\n\nWhenever a business owner faces these types of issues, they usually understand that it’s time to focus on process improvement. Unfortunately, in most cases, business owners and upper management have their hands full. Taking more time to review and optimize processes isn't always a realistic possibility.\n\nThe other important aspect is that process improvement is vital across your business, not just to [fix broken workflows](/automating-workflows). The benefits are profound, however. You can reduce production waste, save time, and improving your own decision-making algorithms. And all of these translate easily into cash savings or additional revenues.\n\n![\"sun](\"https://images.pexels.com/photos/1126374/pexels-photo-1126374.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=750&w=1260\")
\n\nIn the modern economy, this need to remain competitive [is ever-growing](https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/innovation-in-a-crisis-why-it-is-more-critical-than-ever). The competition grows stronger, the consumer expects more features and customizations, and new systems emerge every year that require [smart integration](/workflow-integration). \n\nAll in all, the business world continues to grow increasingly complex. And it’s the duty of every business owner to counter that complexity with simplicity and efficiency within the organization.\n\n## A Detailed Process Improvement Project Example\n\n_To help you better understand how process improvement tools can help you scale and remain competitive, here is a detailed example of a project._\n\nA large call center in California had a smooth and well-documented process of accepting calls. They had well-integrated IT systems and well-trained personnel. They even had were instructions for every possible situation an operator may face. \n\nHowever, a further examination and mapping of their processes revealed that a significant chunk of operators’ activities did not bring value. Specifically, they were wasting time on tasks related to documenting the outcomes of calls. Documentation that was essential, but not something the customers were going to pay for.\n\n**The solution was straightforward. **\n\nThey documented activities and deconstructed them to find repeating patterns. Then, engineers automated those workflows. As a result, the company reduced the time spent on documenting from an average of 22 sec to 2 sec. \n\nThis is a small improvement when evaluated independently. Now, imagine this task takes place after every call an operator makes (answered and unanswered). AND, imagine that the organization employs more than 1,000 operators. \n\nOnce you factor in those variables and the scale of this improvement, it's easy to see how this process improvement resulted in an annual savings of $5.5 million.\n\n![\"office](\"https://images.pexels.com/photos/5455007/pexels-photo-5455007.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=3&h=750&w=1260\")
\n\nThe initial investment in these types of results is reasonable. In this situation, the organization only needed to hire a [process improvement consultant](/our-approach) for three months. Outside of that, the consultant worked with a dedicated team of operators. This cost a temporary decrease in productivity for the company of 10 operators out of 1,000 they had on staff. \n\n**That's it.**\n\n## Process Improvement Methodologies\n\nThe major schools of process improvement are Lean and Six Sigma. \n\nThese process improvement ideologies both originate from the mass production sphere, and both quickly went far beyond factories. Both schools seek efficiency. But, the core difference between the two is the way they interpret inefficiencies.\n\nPractitioners of lean process improvement focus on the removal of unnecessary steps in the process. They believe that an organization should focus only on the steps that bring value. In other words, they should focus on the actions the customer is willing to pay for. \n\nSix Sigma practitioners focus on the removal of variations within specific steps. According to them, operational consistency significantly improves quality and reduces waste.\n\nNowadays, Lean Six Sigma is the modern school of thought for process improvement. It combines the best approaches of both originals. Plus, they don’t contradict each other. Instead, they offer different perspectives on the same business issue.\n\n## What Is Continuous Process Improvement?\n\nContinuous process improvement is straightforward. It's the belief that there's always a place for improvement. Markets continue to change. Products continue to evolve. Organizations constantly generate data. To remain successful, you need to target an efficiency improvement pace that is higher than the pace of increasing complexity.\n\nThe key factors of continuous process improvement are the ability to run process improvement (PI) projects and the availability of infrastructure. We've talked about the projects before. Infrastructure stands for the following elements:\n- **Purpose:** Team buy-in so the organization can improve processes more effectively.\n- **Process:** A set of standardized approaches for running process improvement projects.\n- **People:** Personnel with the right set of competencies to run the initiatives.\n\nThe more you think about ways to improve your business processes continuously, the more possibilities you can create. But at some point, you'll need to make decisions on which improvement project to start next. \n\nHow do you make that decision? \n\nThe classical solution to this problem is the Pareto Priority Index calculated by the simple formula:\n\n**PPI = Savings X Probability of Success/Cost X time to completion**\n\nThis index will help you prioritize the process improvement initiatives. \n\nOnce you input your data, prioritization is simple. The higher the probability of success and the lower the time to complete, the greater priority for the improvement of that process. \n\nYou can improve your results in two ways: \n\n1. Learning through trial and error.\n2. Working with process improvement specialists.\n\n## What Is a Process Improvement Specialist?\n\nWorking with process improvement consultants can save your nerves and time. They'll ensure your process improvement initiatives end successfully, saving your business vital resources and keeping it competitive. \n\n![\"meeting](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2020/12/27/18/38/man-5865001_1280.jpg\")
\n\n### Benefits of working with Process Improvement Specialists:\n\n- **Experience from working in different business spheres.** Process improvement specialists have a range of experience working with various industries they can lean on to deploy successful process improvement projects.\n- **Proficiency in technologies.** Process improvement engineers handpick the right tools to streamline your business workflows.\n- **Minimal Disruption.** Process improvement specialists understand that you have a business to run. That's why they design strategies and solutions that let you continue working with minimal disruptions. \n- **Track-record of success.** Experience process improvement specialists know what to expect and how to avoid the common pitfalls many growing businesses face when trying to use process improvement tools.\n- **Customized Process improvement.** You'll get a far more detailed action plan than the standard: Plan – Do – Check – Act cycle. Instead, your plan will help you maintain positive results while driving improvements even after the work has finished.\n\n## Team up with Process Improvement Consultants Today!\n\nThere are a lot of important variables to consider when conducting process improvement on your business. While there are a lot of great tools and methodologies out there, experience goes a lot further in helping your business stay lean and efficient. \n\nAnd the best way to gain access to that experience is through trained process consultants.\n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Business Transformation"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-eeb1276b-1183-59ad-bac3-ce65cf0c8b03","title":"How to Successfully Implement a New ERP (Stress-Free Guide)","_createdAt":"2020-01-22T07:16:57Z","publishedAt":"2021-01-05T16:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/908d699eeee185a447d19b1e175855680e54a984-999x667.jpg?w=999&h=667&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/908d699eeee185a447d19b1e175855680e54a984-999x667.jpg?rect=2,0,997,667&w=320&h=214&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/908d699eeee185a447d19b1e175855680e54a984-999x667.jpg?rect=1,0,998,667&w=654&h=437&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/908d699eeee185a447d19b1e175855680e54a984-999x667.jpg?w=768&h=513&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/908d699eeee185a447d19b1e175855680e54a984-999x667.jpg?w=999&h=667&auto=format 999w","sizes":"(min-width: 999px) 999px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":999,"height":667,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/908d699eeee185a447d19b1e175855680e54a984-999x667.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"erp-implementation"},"body":"ERP implementation is an immense undertaking. This central system is vital for growing businesses looking to scale their workflows, processes, and functionality. After all, as a business grows, there's more to manage. \n\n**And with that responsibility comes risk.**\n\nYour new ERP system needs to enhance your business, not slow it down. Or worse, force limit your growing business based on a small list of accessible features. With everything at stake, it's no wonder that most companies prefer to hire an ERP consultant to help them handle the entire process.\n\nWhether you're deciding to work with an ERP specialist or implement a new ERP system in-house, here's what you need to know to get started. \n\n## What Is an ERP? \nERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning and refers to software systems that organizations use to manage various activities essential for running a business. \n\nThese activities include accounting, [inventory and order management](/restaurant-inventory-management), manufacturing, human resources management, marketing, project management, and more. \n\nIn short, an ERP system integrates your business functions into a single, shared database. And the ERP software enables the flow of data between a plethora of business processes, providing data integrity.\n\n## What's the Purpose of an ERP System?\n\nToday, ERP systems are critical components of business functionality across all industries. Being an integral part of a business, an ERP system [streamlines and accelerates business processes](/automating-workflows) in an organization. \n\nAs a result, companies that deploy the right ERP can gain a competitive edge over competitors while boosting overall business growth. And when done right, an ERP implementation can transform your business and [save a significant amount of time and money](/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business) in the long run.\n\nChoosing an ERP solution that meets the specific requirements of your business is tricky. But, it’s only half of the battle. \n\n![\"doors\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/10/24/23/11/doors-1767562_1280.jpg\")
\n\nThe key to success is a well-designed implementation plan. And we'll show you exactly how to build that step-by-step.\n\n## 11 Steps to an Effective ERP Implementation\n\nEvery ERP project is unique. Still, there are several general rules and essential steps you need to follow if you want your ERP implementation to be successful. These 11 effective tactics can keep you within budget while helping you successfully integrate an ERP into your new business strategy. \n\nBefore we begin, it's important to note that some of these easy steps may overlap. And you may need to work on two or more steps simultaneously. However, by following this roadmap you'll avoid the common pitfalls and get your ERP implemented faster. \n\n### 1. Choose an ERP Selection Team\n\nChoosing the right team is crucial to a successful ERP rollout. You'll want to select the good communicators among your employees who represent these functional areas:\n- Production\n- Quality assurance\n- Sales and Marketing\n- Finance\n- Scheduling and Planning\n- IT\n- Customer Service\n\nYou’ll also need a project manager (PM) who has a proven record of successful ERP implementations. You can choose someone from your IT department to fill the role or [hire an experienced ERP specialist](/about-us/). Either way, you'll need someone with some experience deploying these complex systems. \n\n### 2. Identify the Problem\n\nAlthough ERP software can provide effective solutions to many challenges faced by organizations, you need to identify the real objective for implementing your ERP. \n\nAnalyze your KPIs to understand why you actually need ERP software. Evaluate and document your business challenges. Analyze your findings and prioritize your goals.\n\n![\"math\"](\"https://images.pexels.com/photos/3729557/pexels-photo-3729557.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=750&w=1260\")
\n\n### 3. Determine Your Budget\n\nYou need to determine your budget and timeframe. Keep in mind that ERP software isn't just one large purchase. Instead, you’ll need to consider the upfront costs (development, implementation, customization, etc.) and the annual costs (support, training, user access). \n\n### 4. Choose the Best ERP System for Your Company\n\nAccording to Aberdeen Group, ERP systems that give accurate real-time information about daily operations can help small and medium-sized businesses reduce administration costs by 22% and operational costs by 23%.\n\nThe potential for savings from efficiency is HUGE. That’s why you need to evaluate the available options first and choose the system most appropriate for your specific business needs.\n\nYou can perform research individually or delegate this task to an experienced ERP consultant. Evaluate available options taking into account your current needs and future requirements. \n\nCurrently, the more popular options out there are cloud ERP solutions. This is because their flexibility allows them to meet future requirements as your business grows.\n\nStart your research with websites that provide unbiased reviews of ERP software and try to find side-by-side comparisons. Search for videos and screenshots of software that you are interested in as well. This will help you better picture the software as a functional pillar of your organization.\n\nAt the end of your search, you need to narrow down your options to no more than four. After that, you need to identify how those ERP features differ from each other and which platform can best serve your core business needs. Finally, ask for live demonstrations and explore these options in-depth to select the best one for your business.\n\n### 5. Prepare an ERP Implementation Plan\n\nNow it’s time to think about the implementation approach. You'll need to decide when and how to implement your ERP solution. There are 3 options to choose from:\n\n1. **Big Bang Implementation**: Everything happens at once as the new ERP system goes live on a set date in all functional areas. This approach is the fastest and most cost-effective way of launching an ERP cheaper. But, it’s also very risky.\n2. **Phased Rollout**: You implement the ERP solution step-by-step or in sections. This method requires a lot of time to complete. And, you may encounter problems when transferring data between the new and the previous system.\n3. **Parallel Implementation**: You run the previous ERP system in conjunction with the new one and transition over to the new platform slowly. This method is the most expensive because you need to support both systems, but it is the safest one.\n\nWhen selecting the most suitable method of implementation, you should consider your budget, time frame, and the time required for training your personnel.\n\n### 6. Prepare to Switch ERP Systems\n\nYou'll need to tell your employees about ERP implementation timelines, relevant training, possible changes in business processes and responsibilities. Try to engage all employees as early as possible to prepare them for the transition.\n\nYou should also analyze your current data. You'll need to identify the necessary and most important data sets that will be transferred to your new ERP system. most importantly, make sure the data is accurate. This will help you track the success of your ERP implementation. \n\nYou also need to check the infrastructure on which the new ERP software will run to ensure that it's scalable and can be updated as needed.\n\n![\"grass\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/02/19/11/46/grass-1209945_1280.jpg\")
\n\n### 7. Customization\n\nTypically, ERP software is designed according to the needs of a specific industry. In many cases, no customization is required. However, sometimes you may need to hire an ERP developer to customize the new system for [your business processes](/process-consulting) and add new functionalities. \n\nYou should evaluate whether you'll need this early on in the process so you can budget out accordingly. \n\n### 8. Provide Training\n\nAfter you configure your new ERP system, you'll want to train your employees on how to use the new ERP software in the most optimal and cost-effective way. You should invest in both group and individual ERP training. Additionally, you should consider using in-person and e-learning methods. \n\nRemember: training is essential for the success of the ERP system implementation process. If your team doesn't adopt the new technology, it's far more likely to fail. Worse, it could open you up to [instances of shadow IT](/what-is-shadow-it/), putting your business at unnecessary risk. \n\n### 9. Test the ERP System\n\nTesting your new system requires time and diligence. Your task is to make sure that all data transfer smoothly. You'll also want to make sure there are no gaps. Plus, you need to identify issues during routine operations and remove all those bugs. \n\nThe more thoroughly you test your new ERP system, the better you'll understand its strengths and weakness. As a result, you can see which areas need improvement and where you can [deploy new apps, systems, and processes](/business-application-development-growth) to make up for those gaps. \n\n### 10. Go Live\n\nAfter the new ERP system has been properly configured and tested, it’s time to take it live. Once pushed live, however, you're not finished. You'll need to perform additional functionality testing once live to ensure the system is fully operational.\n\n![\"stop](\"https://images.pexels.com/photos/1727004/pexels-photo-1727004.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=750&w=1260\")
\n\n### 11. Get Additional ERP Support\n\nAdvanced ERP systems require attention after they've been installed. You'll need to perform regular software updates and contact your support team when general maintenance is required. This is essential to ensuring your ERP continues to serve your overall business needs and goals. \n\n## ERP Implementation Challenges\n\nChoosing to implement an ERP system is a big decision for any company. As illustrated, the ERP implementation process is rather lengthy. Additionally, it can potentially create a lot of challenges. Especially, if this is your first time deploying an ERP for your growing business. \n\nAs a result of its complexity, you can encounter issues practically at every stage of ERP implementation. This can be confusing, making it harder to determine your objectives and choose the best software. \n\nWhat's worse, you may discover that your hardware infrastructure is outdated and can’t support the new ERP system. Or, you may fail to provide appropriate training for your employees, causing them to fail at adopting the new system. Finally, there's the risk that you could exceed your established budget and have no idea what to do next.\n\n![\"runner\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2014/12/03/05/59/runner-555074_1280.jpg\")
\n\nIt doesn’t matter whether you are a small, family-owned business, medium-sized company, or a big corporation. There will be struggles when deploying a new ERP simply due to the nature of how complex these systems are and how hard it is to forecast the ability of your business to adopt this new system.\n\n### ERP Implementation Failure Rate\n\nUnfortunately, many companies fail to implement the new ERP system successfully or (even upgrade an old one). Here are some ERP failure statistics:\n- Nearly 50% of the ERP implementations fail.\n- 57% of ERP implementations take longer than expected.\n- 54% of ERP systems go over budget.\n\nLooks scary, doesn’t it? \n\n### Why ERP Implementation Fails\nYou might be wondering why so many businesses fail with ERP implementation. The truth is, there are a lot of reasons. These are the common reasons ERPs fail from our experience: \n\n- **Improper planning**. A detailed plan is a must for a project of this size. But too often, plans are not realistic or specific enough. Sometimes, companies underestimate the number of changes that need to be made. Or, on the contrary, they develop high-level plans with extremely broad assumptions.\n- **Excessive customization**. Customization is important if you want to make the new ERP software a better fit for your business. However, it adds risk and cost to any ERP project. You should always evaluate the returns of your customized features before investing in them.\n- **Insufficient testing**. Advanced ERP software consists of several systems and platforms. Even a single error can wreck your business processes. Detailed testing checks software compatibility and system functionality. You should perform testing before the system is completely deployed to discover and fix all potential issues. Otherwise, you may face costly unplanned updates.\n\n## ERP Consulting: Your Remedy to Painful Project Management\n\nIt goes without saying that a successful ERP project begins with a good business analyst. An ERP business analyst is responsible for performing an enterprise analysis to identify business needs and set objectives. They can help you to deconstruct business processes and find opportunities for improvement using technology.\n\n![\"people\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/08/02/00/49/people-2569234_1280.jpg\")
\n\n### ERP Developer: Adjusts Your System to Your Needs\n\nAn ERP developer does all the additional coding and customization of the ERP system to fit your needs. If you choose to implement an open-source system, ERP developers can customize it to meet the specific requirements of your industry and add new features. This helps you get the edge from a system designed for your needs.\n\n### ERP Integration Specialist: Ensure Smooth Data Exchange\n\nIntegration of the new ERP modules with your [existing CRM system](/custom-crm) is one of the most challenging steps in the ERP project. ERP integration specialists can help you choose the most suitable approach from the common implementation options such as swivel chair, point-to-point integration, [custom application](/business-application-development-growth) or adaptors, and enterprise service bus (ESB). \n\n### ERP Migration Specialist: Transfer Data Seamlessly\n\nYour company already has a lot of data – customer names, invoices, purchase orders, and more. It’s important to move the data from existing systems without losing any. But, it has to be clean data. ERP migration specialists will define a data migration strategy that ensures transferred data can be used in the new system.\n\n## Let Our Tech Consultants Help Deploy Your New ERP\nWhile there are a lot of great tools and methodologies out there, experience goes a lot further in helping your business stay lean and efficient. And the best way to gain access to that experience is through trained ERP consultants.\n\nAt Quandary Consulting Group, [our process consultants](/tech-consulting/) can help you improve your workflows and systems by building custom applications and integrating your disparate systems. \n\n_Always_ within budget. _Always_ delivered on time. \n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Business Transformation"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-191f2f6d-96ca-5705-b6c7-78b6384e7611","title":"Your Cheat-Sheet to Deploying a Custom CRM Effortlessly","_createdAt":"2020-01-22T03:25:12Z","publishedAt":"2020-12-30T16:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/29922a35935187ce901f454fe871b9a599022717-1000x667.jpg?w=1000&h=667&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/29922a35935187ce901f454fe871b9a599022717-1000x667.jpg?rect=0,1,1000,666&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/29922a35935187ce901f454fe871b9a599022717-1000x667.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/29922a35935187ce901f454fe871b9a599022717-1000x667.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/29922a35935187ce901f454fe871b9a599022717-1000x667.jpg?w=1000&h=667&auto=format 1000w","sizes":"(min-width: 1000px) 1000px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1000,"height":667,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/29922a35935187ce901f454fe871b9a599022717-1000x667.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"custom-crm"},"body":"Wondering why you would need a custom CRM system in your company? In our digitally-driven world, it’s hard to imagine how a company can manage without a dynamic customer relationship management system (CRM). \n\nYour organization's relationship with customers is the core of your business. And managing customer relationships is vital for building customer loyalty. A loyalty that has a major impact on your company’s revenue. \n\nToday, successful businesses rely on advanced CRM systems that help manage customer data, streamline processes, get actionable insights that can transform their businesses, boost sales, and increase profitability.\n\n## Does Your Business Need a Custom CRM?\nNot sure if your growing business is ready for a custom CRM? Here are a few key indicators that you need to make the switch.\n- **You're selling your products to businesses, not to consumers.** All major CRM systems are designed around the B2B data model.\n- **You have a lengthy sales process (more than a month).** Custom CRMs can make managing long, complex prospect cycles easier.\n- **You want to run marketing campaigns.** CRM systems store your customer data in one place and help you manage your marketing efforts.\n- **You have more leads than you can remember.** CRM software can help you contact your prospects in the sales cycle with the right message at the right time.\n- **You want to monitor the sales pipelines.** CRMs can give you greater visibility into your sales team's progress with their prospects.\n- **There are multiple points of contact within your company.** A custom CRM can help you see all the results during the sales cycle.\n\n
![\"workplace\"](\"https://images.pexels.com/photos/7070/space-desk-workspace-coworking.jpg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=750&w=1260\")
\n\nThere are lots of CRM solutions on the market that are tailored to different business’ sizes and industries. Some are custom, others are off-the-shelf CRM solutions. Both have features for growing businesses. \n\nBut which one is better for your growing business?\n\n## Custom CRM vs Off-the-Shelf\n\nOnce you've made a decision to use CRM for collecting and [managing your customers’ data](/our-approach) in your organization, you need to choose between a custom CRM and an Off-the-Shelf solution. There are benefits and drawbacks of both approaches. \n\nFirst, you need to analyze different providers and software packages first. This will help you better understand which of them is the right solution for your business. \n\n### Pros and Cons of Off-the-Shelf CRM Solutions\nMany companies invest in ready-made CRM systems because they are easy to install. Plus, the initial costs are lower. But these systems are designed to appeal to most businesses, so they are designed for generic tasks. \n\nAs a result, you may need to adapt your company’s business processes to fit the CRM. And, you could end up needing to develop add-ons while providing additional training to your employees.\n\nOut-of-the-box CRM solutions are tried and tested. This means you're likely to get a high level of support as a part of your maintenance contract. You'll also get regular upgrades that'll give additional functionality as a part of your subscription. \n\nHowever, your vendor can also make changes to the software that don’t suit your business. And if you rely on the same ready-made software as your competitors, it's difficult to outperform them because you can’t [maximize your effectiveness and productivity](/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/). Instead, you're stuck working in a similar framework as they are.\n\n![\"hammer\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2015/08/08/19/55/confused-880735_1280.jpg\")
\n\nOften, ready-made CRM software comes with functions and features that are overrated and expensive. Many of these you don’t actually need for your business. \n\nWhat's worse, you probably only need a small fraction of the pre-built system. But, you'll need to configure the entire software package (and pay for all the features). \n\nYou should also keep in mind that if you have a unique business model, out-of-the-box CRM software is not an option. \n\nIn this case, you'll need to go with a custom CRM system instead.\n\n### Pros and Cons of Custom CRM Software\n\nCustom CRM software is specifically built to meet the goals and objectives of your particular company. With custom-made CRM, you'll have a system tailored to your exact requirements. This can give you a competitive advantage. \n\n**There is a long list of benefits that bespoke CRM systems provide:**\n- Custom-made CRM software adapts to your business processes and helps you overcome your business challenges.\n- There's no need to create extra add-ons, leading to less time needed to train staff. Instead, the system will be based on [workflows](/workflow-automation-software) that are already familiar to your employees.\n- Custom CRM development is cost-effective. You only pay to create the features that you need for the success of your business, not the brand.\n- Tailor-made CRM software [easily integrates with your existing software systems](/workflow-integration/), ensure quick data migration and synchronization.\n- You're not tied to the expensive and (often) busy customer support of big vendors. If you [choose the right company](/tech-consulting/) for your custom CRM project, you’ll get a high level of support. Your developers will help you update, improve, and adapt your CRM as needed.\n- You'll get complete control of your bespoke CRM solution’s shelf life. You may use it as long as you see the value. \n- CRM application updates are not pushed onto you. Instead, you decide when you would need to update your system.\n- Tailor-made CRM software is scalable. As your business grows, you can add new features to support your growth and adjust CRM solutions to meet increased needs.\n- Custom-made CRM solutions feature increased security, better protecting your customer data against cyberattacks.\n- There's [more employee engagement and faster adaptation](/how-to-empower-employees) because the system is tailored to their needs. They also participate in the development suggesting improvements to ensure that it is easy to use.\n\n## What to Consider Before Building a Custom CRM\n\nWhen choosing a custom CRM, you're not required to have an in-house development team. Instead, you can invite external [consultants](/crm-consultant-benefits) and an implementation team to help build your system.\n\n![\"explaining\"](\"https://images.pexels.com/photos/2977547/pexels-photo-2977547.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=750&w=1260\")
\n\nIt may take longer to create and deploy a bespoke CRM system. However, you'll [save time and resources later on](/automating-workflows). That's because your CRM system will be tailored to your specific needs.\n\nAs you see, custom-made CRM systems bring a lot of value, even though they are more difficult to implement initially. With a tailor-made solution, you get exactly what you want and pay for the functionality required specifically by your company.\n\n### Custom CRM Must-Haves\n\n- **Convenient for End-Users.** It should provide opportunities for quick and easy access to the most important documents, report generation. Users should be able to easily communicate with your company’s customers and with each other directly in the system.\n- **Scalable.** This will help ensure it grows as your business evolves.\n- **Flexible.** This will allow you to change the settings for specific processes and adapt to new situations.\n- **Third-Party Compatible.** Your system should be compatible with resources such as email, accounting software, messaging services, etc.\n- **Enhanced Security.** Your future CRM will store valuable data about your company’s customers, transactions, and more. As a result, you should take measures to ensure data protection.\n- **Fits Specific Goals and Objectives.** What are your exact business needs? Prioritize your needs to design the tailor-made CRM system with the optimal set of features.\n- **Provides Specific Core CRM features.** There are core functionalities that every CRM system should include: email tracking, interactions, and pipeline, sharing files, reports, and analytics are a few.\n\n## How to Start a Custom CRM Project in 8 Steps\n\nWhat does it take to develop a great custom CRM system tailored just for your company? \n\n![\"traffic](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2018/11/24/09/49/traffic-lights-3835215_1280.jpg\")
\n\nIt’s important to create the ultimate CRM roadmap before you start the actual development. In this way, you’ll avoid common mistakes and ensure that your new software will be simple and powerful.\n\n**Follow these steps to avoid the major pitfalls in developing custom CRM solutions.**\n\n### 1. Gather Initial Information\nYou need to define your business needs and objectives. Communicate with your employees and decision-makers to get a better idea of what kind of CRM system your company needs.\n\n### 2. Brainstorm\nGet your teams together and brainstorm to determine any opportunities for further improving your customer relationship. You need to layout your Needs, Wants, and Wishes. Your CRM system should cover your core needs and have room to accommodate further customizations.\n\n### 3. List Key Features\nTry to link every CRM feature to a direct value opportunity. Revise the list and make sure you really need all the features. This ensures that you only build what you need.\n\n### 4. Define the Scope\nSet specific goals that your CRM software has the potential to reach. For example, improve customer satisfaction rates, increase the efficiency of your sales representatives, establish a data warehouse, etc. This will help keep a clear picture of what success looks like for this project.\n\n### 5. Outline the Technical Requirements\nYou need to know what's required to get each task done. You also need to address the technology stack, processes, and specific development environment. Mapping out the requirements beforehand will help you understand the scope of the project.\n\n### 6. Estimate Costs\nThese may vary depending on complexity, urgency, and customization. You should take into account the software development costs, infrastructure, support and maintenance, training, external/internal human resources, and an approximate number of future users.\n\n### 7. Develop Business Cases\nInclude any information about the costs of required resources and the overall duration of your project. You'll also want to specify the time necessary for implementing every outlined task.\n\n### 8. Build a roll-out strategy \nEvery CRM project needs a roll-out strategy. This will help you deploy your new system faster and in a way that your team and customers can adjust to easily. It also helps you avoid any problems that could happen when launching a new CRM. \n\n## How to Create a CRM Team \nNow it’s time to create a great team that'll be responsible for implementing this future CRM project. Your team should consist of representatives from different departments. This ensures that the process will flow properly. \n\n![\"people\"](\"https://images.pexels.com/photos/1000445/pexels-photo-1000445.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=750&w=1260\")
\n\n### Key CRM Team Roles You Need to Assign\n- **The CRM Project Team.** This will include employees that represent all user groups such as managers, executives, operations staff, sales and marketing personnel, and other end users. They will document CRM requirements, promote the value of the new system to all users, develop a training program for employees, list user features, and help implement new developments.\n- **The Administrator**. This person will be responsible for configuring your future CRM system. The administrator will also be responsible for migrating data from other applications, managing user profiles, developing marketing campaigns, creating dashboards and reports, rolling out custom features and regular upgrades, etc.\n- **Executives and Managers**. This person will play a key role in planning the CRM project, training their team members, and defining the sales process. They will also establish rules for processes and the workflow, define requirements for dashboards and reports, etc.\n- **End Users**. These team members should be involved in the process of CRM implementation. They should also have an opportunity to provide feedback about the new software and suggest improvements. End users will participate in the training to ensure that they will be able to use the CRM system proficiently.\n\n## How Tech Consultants Can Help You\nWhen you are starting a CRM project in your company, there are a lot of important factors to consider. To run a successful custom CRM system implementation, you need a lot of time, expertise, and hard work to create a detailed plan and gather an enthusiastic team. Otherwise, your implementation can fail. \n\nA simple solution is to work with tech consultants with experience in creating and deploying custom CRMs for growing organizations. \n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Business Transformation"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-8d19938e-6e55-51fb-8e54-4d009bf92268","title":"Top 5 Myths About Business Consulting","_createdAt":"2020-12-25T13:55:54Z","publishedAt":"2020-12-25T06:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/42a8a13131680321ab6e45653ccc5b5475f4b065-3000x2000.jpg?w=3000&h=2000&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/42a8a13131680321ab6e45653ccc5b5475f4b065-3000x2000.jpg?rect=0,2,3000,1997&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/42a8a13131680321ab6e45653ccc5b5475f4b065-3000x2000.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/42a8a13131680321ab6e45653ccc5b5475f4b065-3000x2000.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/42a8a13131680321ab6e45653ccc5b5475f4b065-3000x2000.jpg?rect=1,0,2999,2000&w=1024&h=683&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/42a8a13131680321ab6e45653ccc5b5475f4b065-3000x2000.jpg?rect=1,0,2999,2000&w=1366&h=911&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/42a8a13131680321ab6e45653ccc5b5475f4b065-3000x2000.jpg?rect=1,0,2999,2000&w=1600&h=1067&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/42a8a13131680321ab6e45653ccc5b5475f4b065-3000x2000.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&auto=format 1920w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/42a8a13131680321ab6e45653ccc5b5475f4b065-3000x2000.jpg?w=2048&h=1365&auto=format 2048w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/42a8a13131680321ab6e45653ccc5b5475f4b065-3000x2000.jpg?rect=1,0,2999,2000&w=2560&h=1707&auto=format 2560w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/42a8a13131680321ab6e45653ccc5b5475f4b065-3000x2000.jpg?w=3000&h=2000&auto=format 3000w","sizes":"(min-width: 3000px) 3000px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":3000,"height":2000,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYHA//EACIQAAEDBAICAwAAAAAAAAAAAAIBAwQABRESBnEhQRRRYf/EABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME/8QAGhEAAgMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAAwQSEf/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AsXL7sxx+So6oTrppoH57Wke68oj3KcNvZfBh0i1NwlwKdLTTzuCE15qS6WVQlFBxnx3U9C3wXS+E7GE2XSUTyq5Xr6qd7VVuTKq6GdelmMaTEeV5ClCStuE3sh+Cx7opXudkgxpzzMZpW2hXCDsq0ULbKVJBirivYeif/9k="}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/42a8a13131680321ab6e45653ccc5b5475f4b065-3000x2000.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"myths-and-misconceptions-about-consulting"},"body":"## What's the Role of a Business Consultant?\n\nWhen organizations start to see a decline in sales, productivity, or success in general, they’ll [hire a business consultant](/). Since the rise of this trend, many myths and misconceptions have surfaced surrounding consultants and what they actually do. We break down 5 of the most common ones here.\n\n## Myth #1 – Consultants Tell You What You Already Know\n\nClients often face tough problems that they can’t solve on their own. A lot of the work in tech consulting comes from gathering data to deliver solutions that are most pertinent to the client. \n\nThis can take [countless hours of listening](/our-approach), with a well-trained ear, and the rewards are well worth it. \n\nInsights are often gathered by asking the right questions to multiple people. Often, a company will be aware of many different problems. However, it may take a business consultant to discover that all those issues are just symptoms of the problem. \n\n![\"people\"](\"https://images.pexels.com/photos/3182801/pexels-photo-3182801.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=750&w=1260\")
\n\nA trained business consultant will spot these connections and address the root issue. They're looking to get at the source of your problem and create solutions that change your business. That's because they understand that addressing the symptoms doesn't fix the problem. So, they dig deeper. \n\nThey don't want to tell you what you already know. Effective business consultants want to position themselves as part of your team. As a result, they're invested in the long-term growth of your company. And they want to prove their worth.\n\nYou can expect trained consultants to surprise you. They'll be able to clearly lay out the problems plaguing your business and how connected they are. They'll also provide solutions that can change how your business functions.\n\n## Myth #2 – Business Consultants Are Expensive\n\nOften when people think of a business consultant, they think of big money, big organization, and extravagant expense. However, consultants are a great investment for companies of any size.\n\nStartups make great clients because they are seeking a business plan that lasts. Without the ideal plan in place, growth plateaus can happen at any stage, and they cost your business money. \n\nThe sooner you invest in a strategy that works, the sooner you’ll maximize your profit and continue growing. As far as actual costs are concerned, investing in a consultant when needed will more than pay for itself in the long run.\n\nIn fact, the time and resources most companies save with streamlined systems and workflows often inspire them to continue long-term relationships with their business consultants. \n\n## Myth #3 – Consultants Overbill and Under-deliver\n\nHow do you make sure you get what you pay for? \n\nThe first step in working with a consultant is to make sure you both agree on the deliverables that will mark the end of the transaction. \n\nIf you decide to take the leap, think of it as an investment in your business. A trusted business consultant will set realistic expectations and fair prices for their services. \n\nAs a business consultant with software expertise, I think it’s a great idea to choose a partner who can leave you with something tangible at the end of your engagement with them. That way, you have a product that will protect the great insight you received, and help it adapt along with today’s progressive technology. \n\nAccording to the Harvard Business Review, the significant trend is that managers are seeking more than just expert advice, but also practical help in improving the organization’s future performance.\n\n![\"mountain\"](\"https://images.pexels.com/photos/808466/pexels-photo-808466.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=750&w=1260\")
\n\n## Myth #4 – Business Consultants Don't Stick Around\n\nUnderstandably, a business might worry about getting left with no more than broad concepts, power points, and a plan they aren’t confident about executing solo. While it’s a valid concern, that is not the case when you hire a strong consulting company. \n\nChances are your expert has seen the problems you’re facing many times over. And they'll want to see your company successfully adapt their new approach before sharing other potential improvements. \n\nIf you keep your business consultant on retainer or choose one who specializes in long-term engagements, you can go back and ask quick questions to ensure you’re right on track with the new strategy.\n\n## Myth #5 – You Can’t Trust a Consultant Who Knows More Than You\n\nThis is the age-old concern, that managing an expert is a tricky business for the simple fact that they know more than you. You might picture the crooked mechanic who keeps adding additional items to his list of things that need ‘fixing’.\n\nThe truth is, there will be crooks in any arena. \n\nBut, just because they exist, doesn’t negate the need for the service in the first place. In the same way that people continue to go back to a good mechanic or dentist, an expert can just as easily be a ‘partner consultant’ who is worthy of trust. \n\n**How do you find a consultant you can trust?**\n\nLook out for signs of altruism. \n\nA good technical consultant will share inside information with you, explaining the risks, the costs, and then give you space to make follow up decisions on your own. \n\nAs [technical experts ourselves](/tech-consulting), we see the advantage of hiring a business consultant with an area of expertise over a more general consultant. \n\nThat is, technical experts can build a concrete solution and put technical systems in place to ensure new processes will be carried out daily. This is a much stronger deliverable overall than big ideas and power-points. \n\n(If you want to learn more about this, check out [our article on Quickbase](/what-is-quick-base/) and why companies are choosing custom software to streamline their business tasks.)\n\n## Choosing The Best Business Consultant\nHow do you choose a consultant that is trustworthy and capable of leaving you with concrete solutions? You need them about their adoption rate or their track record. Ask them how do they measure success with a client. \n\nClient victories are the foundation for any quality business consultant. And your prospective vendor needs to have plenty of case studies at hand, so you can see how you'll win with them. \n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Business Transformation"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-679a7976-3372-538a-a20b-4d6fbe4201bf","title":"Business Application Development: The Essentials","_createdAt":"2020-01-22T03:56:50Z","publishedAt":"2020-12-23T16:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/04730a29319f64c8a5eae8347debe436c1a7dea7-680x378.jpg?w=680&h=378&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/04730a29319f64c8a5eae8347debe436c1a7dea7-680x378.jpg?w=320&h=178&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/04730a29319f64c8a5eae8347debe436c1a7dea7-680x378.jpg?rect=1,0,679,378&w=654&h=364&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/04730a29319f64c8a5eae8347debe436c1a7dea7-680x378.jpg?w=680&h=378&auto=format 680w","sizes":"(min-width: 680px) 680px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":680,"height":378,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/04730a29319f64c8a5eae8347debe436c1a7dea7-680x378.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"business-application-development-growth"},"body":"## What Are Business Applications?\nA business application is a software solution or a set of programs that provide business functionality. They're also used to enhance and monitor productivity throughout the organization. Business applications can be used externally, internally, or with other business apps. \n\nThey can be [built in-house](/quandary-build/) or be purchased as off-the-shelf solutions. Which type of software a business chooses depends on their specific needs and budget. \n\n### The 3 Types of Business Apps\n- **B2B applications**: Apps used between business partners (e.g. resellers, suppliers, etc.). These can be accessed using dedicated lines, for example, bulk order submission web service.\n- **B2C applications**: Apps used for general applications. These are mostly web/browser-based such as dynamic content websites e.g. customer loyalty apps, e-Commerce apps, etc.\n- **Internal applications**: Apps used inside the enterprise. These are core apps for business functionality, such as Internal ERP system, HR system etc.\n\n### Business Application Subcategories\n\n- **Front-end applications**: Users directly interact with these apps, usually through a Graphic User Interface.\n- **Background applications**: These back-end apps function behind the scenes and manage background processes.\n- **Services-based applications**: These apps serve as an integration point for other apps or systems.\n\nWhen you start your company, you do things that don’t scale. That's the nature of business. When you're starting out, you're testing the market to see if there's a demand for your service. \n\n[The problems happen](/8-warning-signs-that-you-need-to-automate-your-business) when your business starts growing...\n\nYou're suddenly forced to ensure the efficiency of your operations. Otherwise, you'll end up tripping over your business systems and stalling your success. And that’s where business applications come in handy.\n\n![\"factory\"](\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/6948d6c82c7cbcc5cf3d49d0f77df1e7cbf80069-1280x900.jpg\")
\n\n## 5 Benefits of Business Apps\nEvery growing business needs application development. While there's an initial investment upfront for the creation of these critical applications, they can provide a lot of benefits for growing organizations. Here are a few:\n\n1. Business apps increase employee productivity by optimizing business processes to improve efficiency.\n2. Business apps empower field workers, allowing them to stay connected to the office and get real-time insights into the process.\n3. Business apps increase customer engagement, boosting loyalty and sales.\n4. Business apps that are powered by intuitive analytics tools that help provide actionable insights to help you grow your business using more informed decisions.\n5. [With low code](/25-shocking-facts-about-low-code/), developing custom business apps has never been easier, meaning you can get exactly what you need without the hefty price or time found in custom builds.\n\n## Custom vs Off-the-Shelf Business Application Development\nWondering which is better: ready-made business software or a custom business app? \n\nThe answer comes down to your business, its specific needs, and budget. You need to analyze a number of factors and understand the benefits of each approach. That's because there is a huge gap between these two approaches in terms of functionality, performance, and usability. \n\nHere's what you need to know about the differences between [bespoke software creation](/quandary-build) and off-the-shelf business solutions.\n\n### Custom Business Application Development\nCustom-made applications are typically very flexible and can be a good fit for companies with specific requirements. Here's everything you need to know:\n\n- **Custom Design**: They're built for specific business processes of a specific company. This means you don’t have to adjust your processes to fit the application. You pay for what you need because the functionality and features of custom apps are designed to meet the needs of specific users and the company’s goals.\n- **Unique Features**: Custom business software can be modified and updated as your company grows, giving you a competitive advantage. You can make changes whenever you want and don’t have to wait for new releases to add new features or functionality. You can also get upgrades done by your business application developers at any time.\n- **Easier Integration**: Custom software can be smoothly [integrated](/quandary-connect/) within the existing IT ecosystem. This is very important for data analytics and developing a data-driven business strategy. You can also perform any integration with other legacy systems or plan the installation of additional systems later on.\n- **Freedom**: With custom applications, you're not tied by the busy support team of the ready-made system providers.\n- **Better Long-Term Returns**: The development costs for a tailor-made solution can be high upfront. However, bespoke software solutions usually pay for themselves in the long run. Without subscription costs, custom software might even turn out to be less expensive than buying ready-made software over time.\n- **Higher Acceptance**: Your company’s staff will be involved in the app development process. As a result, they'll be more willing to accept the new system when it’s launched.\n\n![\"codes\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2015/04/20/13/17/work-731198_1280.jpg\")
\n\n### Off-The-Shelf Business Applications\nKnown by many names (Off-the-shelf, bespoke, custom, and ready-made), custom apps are programs you can buy, install, and start using immediately. Unlike custom apps, You won't have to wait until your business application is designed, built, tested, and launched. \n\nThere are a lot of advanced, scalable, and secure applications on the market that offer a high level of functionality. But off-the-shelf software targets a wide range of consumers. \n\nAs a result, these custom apps might not [meet your company’s specific needs](/tech-consulting). Unfortunately, you may be forced to alter some of the business processes in your company. Otherwise, you may miss out on key features of the program. You may also have to reduce some of your offerings to fit your platform.\n\nOff-the-shelf apps have regular updates. And if you purchase quality software from well-known developers, you may also enjoy flawless customer support. \n\nAnd while the prices for ready-made applications are lower than for the development of custom apps, there might be hidden costs. Employee licenses, maintenance fees, and service fees can have a huge impact on your ROI over time. \n\nFinally, off-the-shelf solutions are mass-marketed. So, you'll be buying a version of the same business application as your competitors. And that will make it hard to gain a competitive advantage from your investment.\n\nOverall, your needs and budget will dictate where you should buy off-the-shelf solutions, and when you should build custom business apps.\n\n## How to Create a Business Application Development Plan\n\nReady to consider getting a competitive advantage with custom-built software for your company? Then you need a sound plan for business application development. \n\nThe most common issue with the implementation of a business app is that the end-users may find them too difficult to use. They may also [encounter problems with integration](/workflow-integration/) or reporting. \n\nTo avoid such problems, you need to focus on creating a detailed plan before the actual app development. This ensures that your business application is simple but powerful in use. \n\n![\"todo](\"https://images.pexels.com/photos/3243/pen-calendar-to-do-checklist.jpg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=750&w=1260\")
\n\nFollow these 5 essential steps to ensure the successful planning of your future project.\n\n### 1. Gather the necessary information\n\nYou can conduct surveys or start with interviews with the key decision-makers and employees. This will help you get a better idea of what kind of custom app you actually need to streamline your business process.\n\n### 2. Suggest the improvements\n\nUse the information you gathered to get a better understanding of your specific business needs. Next, use a mapping technique to identify new opportunities to improve business processes and customer relationships.\n\n### 3. Define the scope of your app development project\n\nBrainstorm to identify the potential goals that your future business app should be capable of achieving. For example, are you looking to improve efficiency, increase productivity, or leverage big data? \n\nUse this set of strategic goals to outline the technical requirements necessary for their implementation. Think about the technology stack, specific development environment, and processes that will be used to complete each task.\n\n### 4. Build a business plan\n\nYou need it to understand the potential return on the investment from your business app development. \n\nThe average cost to build a custom business app may vary greatly and depends on the complexity, urgency, and customization. \n\n**What to consider when estimating the final price of your development project:**\n- Software development costs\n- Infrastructure\n- Approximate number of users\n- Ongoing maintenance and support\n- Additional training for your employees\n\n**Your business case should include the following information:**\n- Details about resources and required costs\n- The duration of the entire project (and the time needed to complete each of the tasks you have outlined)\n- Options to perform each part of the app development project by your internal team or by external developers\n\n### 5. Develop the strategy\n\nDevelop a cost-effective strategy for the rollout of your app’s key features. Prioritize the tasks and estimate how long each phase of your custom business app development project may last.\n\n## Creating a Business Application Development Team\n\nWhen you have developed a detailed plan and a strategy for your project, you need to create a team responsible for its successful implementation. \n\nYour team should include people from several departments of your company that perform different functions. Such a team will be able to provide valuable insights to define the information that you should take into account.\n\nYour project team should also include representatives from all of your user groups. You'll need managers, field workers, end-users, executives, operations staff, and other important key players in your organization.\n\n### The Project Team\n\nThe project team is responsible for documenting the business app requirements. They'll also be responsible for promoting the value of the custom app to all its users, creating an ongoing training program for all employees, gathering feedback about the app, and suggesting new features and improvements.\n\n![\"meeting\"](\"https://images.pexels.com/photos/1181622/pexels-photo-1181622.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=650&w=940\")
\n\n### System administrator\n\nThe system administrator is responsible for setting up your new business application. A good administrator should have a perfect understanding of the business processes in your company in addition to the technology. \n\nThey're also responsible for data migration from other systems, integrating the new app with the existing business application systems, creating dashboards and building reports, rolling out new features and upgrades.\n\n### Executives and managers \n\nExecutives and managers will be responsible for planning your business app implementation, determining report and dashboard requirements, establishing workflow rules, etc.\n\n### End users \nEnd-Users of the new business app should be involved in the implementation process to ensure the successful adoption of the new software. You need to give them an opportunity to provide feedback about the new system and suggest improvements. \n\nYou should also take measures to provide proper training for all employees so they'll be able to use the new business app efficiently.\n\n## Outsourcing Business Application Development\n\nGrowing businesses often lack the resources to build apps in-house. But that doesn't mean they need to build, expand, or overload an existing IT department. Instead, they can outsource their custom application development to a team of tech consultants.\n\nWith the right development team by your side, your business will be able to scale business applications efficiently. As a result, they can remain agile, increase ROI, and gain a competitive edge.\n\n### How to Outsource a Software Development Team\nThe quality of your future software depends on the business application development company you hire. Here's how to vet possible tech consultants to find the best partner for your business:\n- Don’t choose the cheapest team out there, but try to find the most cost-effective solution for your business.\n- Choose the development partner that possesses expertise in the technology that can be used to develop your business app. \n- Find developers that are ready to suggest something that suits you vs pushing for one solution which they know best.\n- Focus on developers with a proven track of successful projects and good relations with their customers.\n- Make sure that the application development company provides support after the implementation is done.\n- Choose a partner who will dig deep into understanding your business problem to help you prioritize the requirements.\n- An ideal development partner should be able to understand the business implications of the situation rather than focus on the technology.\n- If you are not sure, ask for a free consultation to clear your possible doubts and concerns.\n\n## The Fastest (and Most Affordable) Business Application Development\nLooking for a way to reduce unnecessary risk and cost with custom business application development? \n\nAt Quandary Consulting Group, [our process consultants](/tech-consulting/) can help you improve your workflows and systems by building custom applications and integrating your disparate systems. \n\n _Always_ on time. _Always_ within budget\n\nLeveraging the power of rapid application development, low code platforms, and our extensive expertise, we help free businesses from clunky processes and manual systems.\n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Business Transformation"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-c8ae5ab4-43c0-5a31-83fa-4dfcf1c8b133","title":"Outsourcing Process Improvement: Pros and Cons","_createdAt":"2020-01-22T07:54:59Z","publishedAt":"2020-12-23T12:09:34.835Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/400055f72177561c726e58dd7cbfa7de93c0a501-1920x1281.jpg?w=1920&h=1281&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/400055f72177561c726e58dd7cbfa7de93c0a501-1920x1281.jpg?rect=0,2,1920,1278&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/400055f72177561c726e58dd7cbfa7de93c0a501-1920x1281.jpg?rect=0,1,1920,1280&w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/400055f72177561c726e58dd7cbfa7de93c0a501-1920x1281.jpg?rect=0,1,1920,1280&w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/400055f72177561c726e58dd7cbfa7de93c0a501-1920x1281.jpg?w=1024&h=683&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/400055f72177561c726e58dd7cbfa7de93c0a501-1920x1281.jpg?rect=0,1,1920,1280&w=1366&h=911&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/400055f72177561c726e58dd7cbfa7de93c0a501-1920x1281.jpg?rect=1,0,1919,1281&w=1600&h=1068&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/400055f72177561c726e58dd7cbfa7de93c0a501-1920x1281.jpg?w=1920&h=1281&auto=format 1920w","sizes":"(min-width: 1920px) 1920px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1920,"height":1281,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/400055f72177561c726e58dd7cbfa7de93c0a501-1920x1281.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"process-consulting"},"body":"Every growing business faces the same problem: [scaling systems to keep up with their success](/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/). And it's a problem that needs to be overcome. Otherwise, a business can end up tripping over its existing systems and stalling (or ruining the chance for) future wins.\n\nAnd you don't need to be a unicorn to evaluate and improve your existing business systems. Due to constant changes in the global business environment, every business needs to constantly evaluate operations. \n\nIn short, you need to improve your business process management to sharpen their competitive edge and stay relevant.\n\nThe most efficient way to do that is through process consulting. \n\n## What Is Business Process Improvement?\nBusiness process improvement is the redesigning of existing business operations while removing non-value-adding costs and activities. The end goal is to achieve significant improvement in productivity, quality, and response time of the business process. \n\nIn simple words, it's a way of looking at your organization and figuring out [how you can do things better](/tech-consulting). From reducing costs to your organization to over-delivering on customer demands, you'll find the solutions you need to scale your business efficiently with process improvement.\n\nYou'll need to improve your most processes at some point. As your business evolves and competition grows, today's effective business processes become ineffective and outdated tomorrow. \n\n![\"doors\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2020/07/24/08/07/street-5433221_1280.jpg\")
\n\nIf you don’t have a strategy for business process improvement in place, your company may face problems in the long run. You even may lose everything you've worked hard to achieve. That's because business is more competitive these days, and margins are slim. To stand out in your market, you need every edge.\n\nProcess improvement gives you that edge.\n\n## Process Improvement Consulting: Pros And Cons\n\nThe success of your business largely depends on the effectiveness of its processes. If the processes you have in place are ineffective, they lead to a waste of resources. Without those resources, you're stuck trying to swim up a river with lead weights attached to your limbs. \n\nThat's no way to succeed.\n\nProcess improvements can help you drastically improve efficiency in your company. They reduce menial, boring (and time-consuming) tasks. As a result, your employees will have more time to focus on what really matters: tasks that bring strategic, real value. And it's that freedom to innovate that'll keep you competitive.\n\nBut what if you don’t have the time or know-how to analyze your current business process and find existing operational gaps that you need to attack first? \n\nThere is a simple solution: hire a business process consultant.\n\n## The Benefits of Busines Process Consultants\n\nMany top-performing businesses often turn to business process management consulting firms to get help with their process improvement projects. \n\nAnd there's a good reason for that. \n\n![\"coffee\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2015/01/08/18/28/startup-593344_1280.jpg\")
\n\nAn experienced consulting firm can take over your process improvements, performing a variety of tasks designed to make your business more efficient. As a result, you can reap all the benefits without spending tons of time assessing your business and employees on your own.\n\n### Ways Process Consultants Support Improvement\n\n- Document current [workflows](/workflow-automation-software) and processes accurately\n- Create a precise picture of all operations, highlighting all gaps\n- Identify opportunities for improvement and prioritize them\n- Find tasks that can be automated with advanced software\n- Identify redundant processes that should be eliminated\n- Develop and implement business process improvement solutions\n- Make your business processes more efficient\n\nStill, hiring external process improvement consultants has positives and weaknesses. To help you make an informed decision about whether you need process consulting for your organization, you need to know the pros and cons of each.\n\n## Benefits Of Outsourcing Process Improvement\nYour organization stands to gain a lot from working with consultants. Here are a few benefits:\n- **Expertise from multiple projects in various markets**: Typically, consultants have practical experience in running process improvement projects across a wide variety of industries. They're experts in advanced tools and [best-practice methodologies](/our-approach).\n- **Avoiding common mistakes**: Chances are that your process consultant will have [experience in your exact field](/case-studies). They may have seen a similar situation before in their past projects. As a result, they'll be able to develop the best solution for your specific situation.\n- **Knowledge transfer**: To ensure the success of your project, process consultants will teach you and your employees how to use tools and develop a sustainable process improvement system.\n\n## Disadvantages of Process Consulting Firms\nOutsourcing any work to a third party carries risks. These are a few you'll face:\n- **Services Cost**: You'll need to pay for consulting services. It’s important to select the right consultant so that you don’t waste money.\n- **Decreased team motivation**: You’ll need to explain to your employees why you are hiring an external consultant. Make sure all your relevant team members have the role in the project to feel involved in the decision-making process.\n-**Trust**: You'll need to trust your partner has the experience to deliver solutions. Some consultants copy-paste solutions, rushed work, and assets that under-deliver. You'll want to make sure you work with trusted consultants or you could be worse off\n\n![\"thumb\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2020/05/21/18/43/pros-5202088_1280.jpg\")
\n\n## What Are the Key Steps to Process Consulting\n\nIn businesses, [things go wrong all the time](/8-warning-signs-that-you-need-to-automate-your-business). Often, we blame people for inefficiencies and ineffective work. But, the truth is that the vast majority of problems are caused by poor workflow processes. \n\nThe only way to change things for the better is to have a system of process improvement in place. To build that system, you need to identify the right processes first. After that, you'll need to deploy changes that improve these workflows while taking measures to make sure the changes stick.\n\nSounds challenging, right?\n\n**Follow these steps to successfully carry out any business process improvements:**\n\n### Step 1. Identify the need to change\n\nConduct a process audit to find current issues or determine potential risks for your business. Review the impact each process has on your company. And prioritize areas for future improvement. Afterward, select the process to improve.\n\n### Step 2. Map out the process\n\nFind out how your process is carried out. Map the process to visualize the current steps and see the process as a whole. You should consult the members of the team who use the process regularly to ensure that you don’t miss something important. \n\nExplore each step in detail because some processes may include sub-steps invisible at the first glance. And you'll want to account for those steps to ensure you don't miss any opportunities. \n\n### Step 3. Analyze the current process\n\nAnalyze what's happening in the workflow and find out what’s causing the problems. Take a closer look at every step and identify problem areas that use up too many resources, take up too much time, or waste too much money. \n\nYou'll also need to discover the root of the problem to understand how you can fix it. To do that, you can use such methods as Six Sigma Process Mapping or the Root Cause Analysis.\n\n### Step 4. Design the improvement process\n\nThis step should be completed with your team. First, you can do some research to learn how your competitors are solving similar problems. Then, brainstorm the ideas with your team members and analyze each of them, by conducting an Impact Analysis. \n\nTo spot potential risks, you should carry out Risks Analysis. Think about how long it will take to carry out each idea. And choose the best solution to eliminate the problem.\n\n![\"codes\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/11/19/14/00/code-1839406_1280.jpg\")
\n\n### Step 5. Assign resources\n\nList everything that you will need to get the project done. You might need to talk with colleagues from other departments who will be also impacted by the changes to determine what to include in the list. Explain the new process and its benefits for your organization. Use process maps as a reference.\n\n### Step 6. Develop a plan for the process improvement implementation\n\nMake your plan as detailed as possible. You need to list specific tasks for all the resources. And be sure to create a timeline to show when each task will begin and when it will finish.\n\n### Step 7. Make the change\n\nCommunicate the plan to your team to reduce the chance that they'll resist the new process. Afterward, start making improvements and follow the plan. It’s likely that you may need to [organize training for your employees](/how-to-empower-employees), purchase new software, or hire a new team member.\n\nYou should also consider running a test before you deploy the improvements. This will allow you to see what you've missed and to discover potential problems and bottlenecks. Then, you’ll need to suggest new improvements to fix them.\n\nKeep in mind that your staff members can be resistant to the change, especially if they have been using the process for some time. There are some tools you can use to overcome that resistance such as the Change Curve.\n\n### Step 8. Monitor and optimize\nDon’t expect that everything will go smoothly from the start. Process improvement is a continuous effort. Monitor how things are going to ensure that your employees follow the process and that everything is proceeding just as it was planned. \n\nBe sure to ask your team members how the process is working and fix new problems as they occur. Also, adopt continuous improvement strategies to ensure that your process stays efficient and relevant as your business grows. \n\n_Remember: process improvement is only effective if you use appropriate methodologies to execute it._\n\n![\"graph\"](\"https://images.pexels.com/photos/3183171/pexels-photo-3183171.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=750&w=1260\")
\n\n## How to Find the Best Process Consultants\n\nManaging a process improvement project is not easy. By definition, the process has a lot of pitfalls you'll need to avoid. However, it’s the only way to prevent disasters, boost efficiency, and scale your business. \n\nWhat's the best way to reduce the risk to your business with process improvement? \n\nHire an experienced process consultant who can help your company avoid possible mistakes. Process consulting should lead to change and improvement. That’s why it's critical to find a firm that offers a full range of process consulting services. This will ensure your business evolves into the best version of itself. \n\n**Here's how to choose a business process consulting firm you can rely on:**\n\n### Step 1. Consider their previous experience\n\nFirst, you need to verify their competency so you should review their track record. Find out how successful they have been with their previous projects and how satisfied their clients were. \n\nYou may be inclined to choose a process consultant with direct experience in your industry at first. But, that isn’t the most important factor. Your team members are experienced in your niche. As a result, they'll be able to convey the basic principles if necessary.\n\nRemember: the primary mission of your consultant is to help your employees learn how to fix the existing processes and constantly improve them.\n\n### Step 2. Verify their communication style\n\nTeamwork is very important so you should choose consultants with strong communication skills. \n\nRemember: good communication is the key to the success of your project. Your consultant should be able to convince your team that things need to be changed. \n\nBesides, good consultants are skilled listeners and can ask the right questions.\n\n![\"team\"](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/12/24/13/24/team-1928848_1280.jpg\")
\n\n### Step 3. Check how flexible they are\n\nChoose consultants who know how to adapt to your company’s culture. They need to be flexible and be able to recommend the best solution for your specific situation. You can’t use the one-size-fits-all model for improving processes.\n\n### Step 4. Think about ROI\n\nYou get what you pay for. Choosing a process improvement consultant with the lowest rate is not the best idea. It can be a mistake you’ll pay for long-term. To get the best for your business, you need experts. And they usually cost more. \n\nImproving your process can’t be done in a few hours, either. So it's best not to expect that it'll be a quick, cheap fix. Instead, you should think of it as a worthwhile investment that will bring long-term returns for your business.\n\n## Choose the Business Process Consultants\n\nAt Quandary Consulting Group, [our process consultants](/tech-consulting/) can help you improve your workflows and systems by building custom applications and integrating your disparate systems. \n\n_Always_ within budget. _Always_ delivered on time. \n\nLeveraging the power of rapid application development, low code platforms, and our extensive expertise, we help free businesses from clunky processes and manual systems.\n\nAll you need to do is share your objectives with us. \n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.\n","categories":[{"title":"Business Transformation"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-4809ded7-03ed-5b93-a25e-9499ffc03518","title":"What Is Quickbase? [And Why Your Business Needs This Tool]","_createdAt":"2020-01-23T06:49:15Z","publishedAt":"2020-12-15T17:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/265800480bad2c565a2be27c0ae639ad80733edf-1999x1333.jpg?w=1999&h=1333&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/265800480bad2c565a2be27c0ae639ad80733edf-1999x1333.jpg?rect=0,2,1999,1331&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/265800480bad2c565a2be27c0ae639ad80733edf-1999x1333.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/265800480bad2c565a2be27c0ae639ad80733edf-1999x1333.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/265800480bad2c565a2be27c0ae639ad80733edf-1999x1333.jpg?w=1024&h=683&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/265800480bad2c565a2be27c0ae639ad80733edf-1999x1333.jpg?w=1366&h=911&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/265800480bad2c565a2be27c0ae639ad80733edf-1999x1333.jpg?w=1600&h=1067&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/265800480bad2c565a2be27c0ae639ad80733edf-1999x1333.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&auto=format 1920w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/265800480bad2c565a2be27c0ae639ad80733edf-1999x1333.jpg?w=1999&h=1333&auto=format 1999w","sizes":"(min-width: 1999px) 1999px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1999,"height":1333,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/265800480bad2c565a2be27c0ae639ad80733edf-1999x1333.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"what-is-quick-base"},"body":"Quickbase is a low-code platform designed to make it easier for businesses to build custom software solutions. It's an accessible alternative to traditional software development. Users can create the bespoke software solutions they need without the hefty price tag or lengthy time-to-market when building an app from scratch.\n\n\n\n## The Problem Growing Businesses Face\nEvery growing business faces the same problem: the need to scale systems to keep up with success. When you launch a company, you build the systems you need with what you have. And for everything new that comes along, you use a combination of spreadsheets and employees filling out manual tasks.\n\nIt's a clunky, inefficient, and expensive way to run a business that puts you at [unnecessary risk](/tech-consulting). \n\nAfter a while, most businesses reach a point where the growing demands of their customers and team force them to [rethink how they operate](/8-warning-signs-that-you-need-to-automate-your-business).\n\nThe problem is that the best solutions are often software solutions. That's because computers simply do things better and faster than people can. And so, many businesses add more and more applications to their tech stack. \n\n### Issues with Bespoke Application Development\n\nWhen businesses can't find the custom solution they need for their business, they're forced to their tapper their expectations and use an off-the-shelf platform, or they pay for a custom application build. \n\nBut traditional application builds are usually expensive. *There's also a lot of risks involved**: Will the app work? Will it meet the needs of my employees and customer? Will it be relevant by the time it's finished?\n\nAs a result, most growing businesses have to be very selective with which custom applications they decide to create. They don't have the IT budgets of established enterprise companies. \n\nSo, they can't chase after every custom app they can to give them the edge. And this puts them at a competitive disadvantage with larger organizations with massive IT budgets. \n\nLow-code platforms like Quickbase level the playing field. \n\n## How Can Quickbase Build My Business?\nQuickbase gives growing businesses a way to build custom applications faster and cheaper. In short, it's a SaaS platform designed with the end-user in mind: growing businesses that don't want to burn through their IT budget endlessly building custom applications to stay competitive. \n\nWith Quickbase, anyone in your organization can quickly learn how to build apps in the low-code interface. This moves app creation out of the IT department, freeing up resources, and giving your employees more say in which apps get created. \n\nLet's say you needed a way to automate your procurement process. Using Quickbase, you could quickly build a custom system that collects and manages invoices, inventory, ordering, vendor relationships, and more. \n\nAnd you can do this without trying to find money in your IT budget to get started or waiting a year for the project to roll out.\n\nIt really is _that_ simple.\n\n## What Does Low-Code Mean?\n\nLow-code means you don’t have to be a developer to create new applications. \n\nMost businesses employ major applications to govern CRM, sales, HRM, and other enterprise solutions. \n\nBut there’s a problem with using these major platforms...\n\nCompanies have to adapt their departments around these structures. And if something doesn’t fit into the software platforms these businesses use, they usually have two options:\n\n1. Pay for expensive customization or integration to connect an application to these platforms\n2. Use spreadsheets to collect information that can then be manually inputted into these systems\n\n**Quickbase's low-code platform is a third (much better) solution.**\n\nUsing a cloud-based software platform like Quickbase, allows users to customize applications and connect data from multiple platforms into one source. All without needing to know how to code.\n\n## How Does Quickbase Work?\n\nWith Quickbase, users can simply select applications from over 880 currently offered applications and integrate them into their ERP or create their own from scratch. \n\nThis is done through an easy to navigate browser that allows anyone with access to connect with other departments across an organization. With this visibility, employees can communicate and share information from anywhere.\n\nThis transparency creates a clearer, more organized view of activities across the company. And because Quickbase integrates with other platforms and automates many services, it frees up time previously spent on menial tasks. \n\nAs a result, employees can take on more complex tasks such as focusing on customer service or providing insights that can improve the organization.\n\nIt also removes the errors that occur from transferring data from one platform to another, meaning that it provides a far more accurate image of any business. \n\n## What Solutions Does Quickbase Offer?\n\nHaving been in the customizable database platform business since the company began in 1999, Quickbase has had time to create and reflect on solutions. \n\nIts greatest asset is in its ability to connect departments together by bringing staff and data in one place. Additionally, Quickbase is easy to use and extremely customizable as a cloud-based platform. \n\n**As a result, Quickbase brings value to the following use cases:**\n\n- **Process Management**: Connect team members together across platforms for effortless, dynamic communication. See insights in real-time and target areas for improvement. Streamline processes with one central authoritative database.\n- **Financial Management**: No more wasted time on budget management. Rapidly process forms, quickly find documents needed for audits, and keep track of any relevant financial processes all from one platform.\n- **CRM & Sales Management**: Access clear, complete customer data from one interface. Improve accountability while directly reaching more customers. Automate workflows, share databases with your sales teams, inform stake and shareholders easily with built-in report filing.\n- **IT Management**: Remove backlog and streamline the ticket processing and handling times. Allow IT to stay on top of requests and quickly move through problems with a management system tailored specifically to your business.\n- **Marketing**: Implement a more cohesive and dynamic marketing structure with coordinated efforts based on accurate and complete data. With one, central database, you’ll have access to a single customer view to improve campaigns.\n- **Customer Service**: Provide your team with instant access to the data they need to build lasting customer relationships with consistent and rapid answers to customer inquiries.\n- **HR/Employee Management**: No more paper forms. Streamline onboarding and offboarding processes while keeping track of PTO, records, training, employee data, and other aspects of HR Management.\n- **Training Management**: Centralize every aspect of employee training, from qualifications to certifications and much more. You can also control who has access to which files while protecting all this data through security built directly into the cloud-based platform.\n- **Field services**: Avoid errors, missed deadlines, and wasted efforts by providing your teams with the information they need in one easily accessible location.\n- **Project Management**: No more spreadsheets. Remove tedious, manual tasks. Connect team members together over the cloud in a secure environment for easy collaboration.\n\n## What Applications Does Quickbase Work With?\n\nIntegrating your systems opens up many doors and can streamline your processes, saving both time and money. Quickbase also has a robust API and can integrate with nearly any SaaS system out there. This makes it the perfect solution for any growing business looking to scale its systems. \n\nNot sure what integrations are or how they can work for you? [This guide](/everything-you-need-to-know-about-integrations) will give you all the answers. \n\n## What Are Quickbase’s Features?\n\nQuickbase offers a range of features to help businesses find success through automations. These features help streamline business connectivity, making it easier for your company to achieve success. \n\n**Here are a few of Quickbase's offerings:**\n1. **Customization**: You can choose apps from the Quickbase Exchange, create custom forms and fields, run unlimited reports, brand your interface, and access a developer sandbox to test new apps.\n2. **Workflow Automation**: Set a schedule that processes tasks automatically across all your apps, generate reports, and set reminders that guide, not interfere with business processes.\n3. **Integrations**: Sync data from spreadsheets or text files into one, central database by connecting Quickbase through a variety of APIs and Webhooks.\n4. **Mobile**: Run your business and all its integrated apps from any mobile device using Quickbase’s native mobile app with managed sessions that automatically log users out after inactive periods.\n5. **Roles & Permissions**: Achieve the governance you need by allocating access to systems for pertinent parties only. Customizable roles mean that each user sees a different dashboard that only allows them access to the information they need. Test access as a specific user to make sure the relevant permissions work for that role.\n6. **Security & Compliance**: With nearly endless security features, you’ll have access to Two-Step authentication, log audits, Identity Management Systems, Advanced-Data Encryption, and others.\n7. **Support**: Find the help you need with the Community and case-based support as well as Support SLA that ensures your requests are handled in a timely manner.\n8. **And more**: Quickbase allows users to add on additional features that can further benefit their businesses. Additional apps, audit logs, advanced data encryption, app restore assistance, and training and certification are a few of the other additional features you can add on.\n\n_Keep in mind that full access to these features depends on what subscription you have with Quickbase._\n\n## What Is Quickbase’s Pricing Structure?\n\nTo begin with, Quickbase offers a [30-day free trial](/quick-base-solutions). It’s a simple sign-up process that allows your business to experience the platform. And with no credit card details required, you don’t have to worry about any payment anxiety.\n\nQuickbase offers three pricing tiers for businesses. And while they do offer monthly rates, the yearly subscription offers a significant discount. (All prices below are billed annually, and are current as of 01.01.2021.)\n\n- **Premier** ($500 per month): Up to 50 custom business applications, Quickbase Automations, Mobile-ready applications, and data/app integration.\n- **Platform** ($1,600 per month): Up to 100 custom business applications, all Premium features, the option to integrate with IAM systems, audit logs, Premium support & SLA.\n- **Enterprise** (contact for pricing): Fully customizable to meet your precise company needs.\n\nFor more about their pricing structure, you should speak with an integrations consultant to see what would work best for your company.\n\n## Where Can I Learn How to Use Quickbase?\n\nIf you’re looking for more information on Quickbase, and you’d like to see how the platform works, then Quickbase makes it easy. They offer a helpful tutorial that guides users on how to best use the app. Their video sequence also makes it easier to follow along and learn how to use the features Quickbase offers.\n\nAnother great way to learn about how to best implement Quickbase automation into your business is through a [value-added retailer](/value-added-reseller-var/). \n\nThese professionals have a background in the application and how it can best serve your business. And they can build the custom solutions you need faster and more efficiently than training someone to do it in-house.\n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Quickbase"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-6f4039f2-ee53-5432-821f-356dc2e85404","title":"What Is a Value Added Reseller? (And How to Choose One)","_createdAt":"2020-01-20T09:29:24Z","publishedAt":"2020-12-15T16:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/9760e5a9d8b4dca5886a9e6da1920b5508b1918e-1000x667.jpg?w=1000&h=667&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/9760e5a9d8b4dca5886a9e6da1920b5508b1918e-1000x667.jpg?rect=0,1,1000,666&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/9760e5a9d8b4dca5886a9e6da1920b5508b1918e-1000x667.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/9760e5a9d8b4dca5886a9e6da1920b5508b1918e-1000x667.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/9760e5a9d8b4dca5886a9e6da1920b5508b1918e-1000x667.jpg?w=1000&h=667&auto=format 1000w","sizes":"(min-width: 1000px) 1000px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1000,"height":667,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/9760e5a9d8b4dca5886a9e6da1920b5508b1918e-1000x667.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"value-added-reseller-var"},"body":"Value-Added Resellers (VARs) are professional consultants that use their expertise to enhance the value of an existing system or platform. In short, VARs work with third-party services to create prepackaged solutions for resale to end-users. \n\nThere are a lot of incredible applications out there with a vast number of complex features. And while businesses stand to benefit a great deal from [adding these apps](/workato-solutions) to the tech stack, they lack the expertise to get the full value of these products. \n\nVARs work as an intermediary, ensuring that growing companies get exactly what they need without paying for systems or features they won't use. \n\n## 5 Ways a Value-Added Seller Can Enhance Your Business\nIt may seem unusual to choose a third-party provider over the original application developer. However, working with a VAR provides a lot of benefits that you can’t find working with a provider directly. \n\n### 1. Specialization\nValue-added resellers have an extensive background in [specific complex systems](/knowledge-base/). They’ve dedicated the time and resources to become experts in the technology they work with. As a result, they can create the solutions your business needs much faster and with better results. \n\nTake a low code system like [Quickbase](/quick-base-solutions/) for example. Users can build custom applications quickly using their low code interface. This makes it possible for anyone in a company to quickly build custom applications quickly and for a [fraction of the cost](/our-approach). \n\nBut where do you start? Which applications will yield the highest return? And how do you build them out in a way that streamlines your growing business, reduces cost, and gives your employees more time?\n\nA value-added Quickbase reseller would have a background in building the precise applications a growing business needs. They lean on their expertise with the platform to help organizations skip steep learning curves and potentially costly mistakes.\n\nAdditionally, they know how to use the platform to best serve various industries. Whether you have a manufacturing, healthcare, or professional services firm, a VAR will know how to help you get the most out of your technology in your specific business niche. \n\n### 2. Strategic Planning\nThere's a right way and a wrong way to go about [business process improvement](/continuous-process-improvement-in-manufacturing). The biggest mistake is to start without a specific plan in place. \n\nIf you want to save time and money, you need to be strategic in how you build, connect, and deploy new systems. \n\nA lot of businesses needlessly waste and money trying to put together a strategy on their own. As a result, they experience a lot of start-and-stop implementation. \n\nNew applications go unused. Worse, they fracture already disparate systems further, making employees’ lives more difficult.\n\nIn addition to being experts with a specific software solution, VARs have a great deal of experience working in various vertices. \n\nAs a result, they bring this knowledge to the table, giving you insights you can’t make from working in your business alone. And they use those insights to design and implement the best strategic approach.\n\n![\"city\"](\"https://images.pexels.com/photos/196667/pexels-photo-196667.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=750&w=1260\")
\n\n### 3. Economies of Scale\nThe amount of time and resources that go into building new systems to scale your growing business can increase rapidly. VARs help reduce that through economies of scale. \n\nBecause they regularly work with specific applications, they can create the custom solutions you need much faster and more affordably than an in-house approach.\n\n### 4. Comprehensive Insights\nVARs work with a range of industries performing similar tasks using the software solutions they’re familiar with. They’ve seen it all. From poorly built applications to [broken workflows ](/warning-spreadsheets-will-ruin-your-business)to business processes that bleed a business dry. \n\nAs a result, they can listen to the issues you’re having and better identify the real problem your organization faces.\n\nThe goal of any competent VAR will be to help you get more out of your systems without excessive costs. And they’ll work hard to find additional solutions and improvements that can save your business even more. \n\n### 5. Ease the Burden\nThe last thing you need is another system to learn, manage, and master. Your business and your customers should be your primary focus. And if you’re a growing business, you can’t afford to build out an IT department, bog down your current one, or create one from scratch just to work on a new platform. \n\nVARs ease that burden.\n\nThe best VARs will feel like an extension of your team. They’ll work with you to [streamline workflows](/workflow-integration) and optimize practices. And they’ll be just as responsive as a member of your team. But they work for a fraction of the cost that building a new or expanding an existing IT department would cost your company.\n\n## What Opportunities Can VARs Create For My Business? \n\nThe greatest asset a VAR can provide your business is time. [Employees need time](/how-to-empower-employees) to innovate. Sadly, most employees don’t feel like they have the time, resources, or environment at work to make this happen according to a recent Gallup poll. \n\nGrowing businesses are trapped between the need to scale with increasing demands and build new systems that can manage these demands. But they don’t have the time (and often the resources) to do it effectively. \n\nVARs work as a supportive extension of your team. They can quickly provide relief by designing systems that reduce the demands of your employees on a daily business. As a result, they’ll have more time to focus on the critical aspects of your business. \n\n![\"paper\"](\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dnla85pdq/image/upload/v1579512276/QuandaryCG/Picture1-1-424x440.png\")
\n\n## When Should Businesses Work with VARs? \nIf you’re considering onboarding a new solution for your business or you use existing platforms that don’t meet your expectations, you should reach out to a VAR. \n\nVARs exist to help you optimize your experience on these platforms. Any company can benefit from working with VARs provided they choose one who has competitive insight and expertise. \n\nGrowing businesses should consult VARs before attempting to deploy new solutions on their own. This can potentially save them far more time and money than the initial cost they save buying systems directly and attempting to implement them in-house. \n\n## What Is the VAR Business Model?\nRemember that software is a tool. And technology changes constantly. Current systems grow, change, and adapt. New systems replace old ones. Any effective value-add business will underscore its expertise over the technology they specialize in. \n\nQuality VARs are business consultants first. They use their knowledge of certain technologies to provide strategic business insight. The software they know is simply just another tool in their toolbox designed to grow your business. \n\n## VARs as Tech Consultants\nEffective VARs think about the end-to-end process, not just about implementing new technology. They understand that tech is simply a part of a larger puzzle. And they work with businesses to solve that puzzle and bring real solutions to life. \n\nAny VAR should provide solutions that shift work away from your staff, freeing up their time to focus directly on innovation, and meeting customer demands. Their mission is to clean up your business systems so they don’t slow you down.\n\nThe best VARs endeavor to ensure you’re getting every possible advantage out of your application stack. And they’ll look for gaps in your organization and opportunities for you to leverage existing assets to get ahead. \n\n## Get Support with Strategic Business Process Management\n\nChange is the only constant. And businesses that keep both an ear to the ground and an eye on the horizon will outperform the competition. But juggling the growing list of daily tasks at the heart of any business eats up the valuable resources your business needs to achieve lasting success. \n\nThat’s why your growing organization needs to work with VARs that position themselves as tech consultants and solutions experts. \n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Business Transformation"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-e5f662b8-5d08-599a-b2af-5e5b60d3fb2c","title":"6 Essential Procurement Technology Trends","_createdAt":"2020-01-20T07:59:02Z","publishedAt":"2020-12-06T17:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d40705da36955115b5cc8c268bf0e9887f4f09d2-1000x667.jpg?w=1000&h=667&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d40705da36955115b5cc8c268bf0e9887f4f09d2-1000x667.jpg?rect=0,1,1000,666&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d40705da36955115b5cc8c268bf0e9887f4f09d2-1000x667.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d40705da36955115b5cc8c268bf0e9887f4f09d2-1000x667.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d40705da36955115b5cc8c268bf0e9887f4f09d2-1000x667.jpg?w=1000&h=667&auto=format 1000w","sizes":"(min-width: 1000px) 1000px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1000,"height":667,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUHAwT/xAAfEAACAQQDAQEAAAAAAAAAAAABAwIABAUREiExBxT/xAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADBP/EAB4RAAEDBAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAxECBAUSEyFB/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwBDh7gsgGMfocOR2QNaplZ5cJbF8GTavXp8qe26NojFk5TjHwE1tlLptvYFaJGER31VDWSuQImU9TdvtOq78/8AVcljso62WhBhHwn2ipfcr/Y6TriRmyR7NFOMg56j4CewV//Z"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d40705da36955115b5cc8c268bf0e9887f4f09d2-1000x667.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"procurement-trends"},"body":"Optimizing your procurement process is essential to organizational success, especially for growing businesses. It's an often-overlooked business process with easy to deploy solutions that drastically increase efficiency. \n\nAnd if you're looking to [cut costs while increasing efficiency](/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/), then you need to look no further than taking advantage of these 5 essential procurement trends. \n\nFar from a menial task, the procurement process can streamline overall business practices, leading to growth. \n\nAs a result, this can free up vital resources your business needs to outperform the competition. Here are the most important, 6 trending procurement practices.\n\nCheck them out. \n\n## 1. Dynamic Procurement Software \n\nAs more growing companies understand the vital role that procurement plays in the strategic success of their business, they'll quickly see the limitations of existing systems. For example, most young businesses rely on dated methods of procurement such as manual invoicing and [data collection in spreadsheets](/warning-spreadsheets-will-ruin-your-business). \n\n**The future will be different.**\n\nAs customer demands continue to increase and the market continues to shift, growing businesses will need to [transition to procurement software](/what-are-procurement-best-practices) to manage the processes like invoicing, vendor relationships, and inventory. \n\nMore and more organizations are understanding the value of automating menial tasks. They understand that their companies need every edge they can get. And they know that [automation will free up the time](/workflow-integration/) and the resources they need to continue their success.\n\nGrowingly, executives realize the benefits of collapsing their back-office goes beyond costs. Your customers still want to talk to people. \n\nAnd leaders are faced with a choice: hire more staff to handle increasing customer demands OR give their employees more time with software solutions that handle their busy work. \n\n## 2. Procurement as a Strategic Process\n\nOrganizations will increasingly realize that optimizing the procurement process goes beyond cost benefits. It’s a strategic move. \n\nWhile there can be an immediate benefit in securing the lowest-priced supplier, strategic procurement processes are about seeing what's best for the business long-term.\n\nAnd cheaper isn’t always the best long-term option. \n\nThings like reliability, quality, and responsiveness from vendors may come at a premium. But, they'll give companies the ability to move faster and over-deliver on expectations. \n\nThe key is to know where businesses should invest their resources for sustainable growth. For a business to position itself as an industry leader, it will need to leverage suppliers against the market and balance service with cost. That will require insights at a level achievable only with strategic procurement systems in place.\n\nFrom being able to leverage competition between vendors, to see the supply chain on a holistic level, leaders will shift from managing individual processes and transition to seeing how they can lean on procurement to increase success.\n\n## 3. Supply Chain Transparency \n\nThe procurement process has often been siloed and fragmented. This has resulted in unnecessary spending and numerous, costly errors.\n\nImagine this scenario. \n\nSeveral different departments reach out at the same time to purchase items from the same supplier. This causes fragmented orders, delays, and increased costs. What’s worse, a business can lose out on dynamic discounting while suffering from inaccurate budgeting simultaneously.\n\nThis isn't a one-off occurrence. This happens all the time in growing businesses that lack transparency across their procurement process. \n\nIndustries looking for the edge will seek out systems that provide more transparency. Manual entry leads to errors. And spreadsheets that continuously silo information in departments will only stand in the way of progress. \n\nBusinesses will aim to create procurement systems that provide end-to-end transparency, reducing these costly errors, and minimizing maverick spending. \n\nBut perhaps most importantly, they will push to move away from processes that overly rely on spreadsheets, manual data entry, and tedious approval processes that create bottlenecks and slow down the system. \n\n![\"robot](\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dnla85pdq/image/upload/v1579506510/QuandaryCG/robot-ai.jpg\")
\n\n## 4. Use of Artificial Intelligence\n\nImagine new tariffs increase the cost of certain materials. How will it affect the performance of your supplier? How can you be certain that you’re receiving the best price and service for the goods your business needs to run efficiently? \n\nThe need to analyze risk in real-time is essential to procurement becoming a more strategic department in any growing organization. But the sheer amount of data and the rapidly shifting nature of the market make this an impossible task for people to manage successfully on their own. That's why more organizations will lean on AI systems. \n\nProcurement that uses AI will be able to monitor news events along with market insight and other indicators to create detailed supplier reports in real-time. These reports will allow businesses to rate current suppliers against competitors and ensure they're leveraging the right vendor at the right time to reduce risk to the organization.\n\nThis increased transparency across suppliers will also help foster greater business relationships in the long-run. Suppliers will realize there's greater transparency in the market and they'll adapt to meet your expectations. As a result, both your organization and your customers will benefit.\n\n## 5. Prioritizing Mobile Procurement\n\nBeing able to simply snap a picture of invoices and upload them into your ERP isn’t a luxury anymore, it’s a necessity. In fact, mobility provides an extra layer of optimization that is crucial for reducing costs and optimizing business practices. \n\nNowadays, there is an endless list of applications you can access from mobile devices. Businesses need to remain agile all the way down to the micro-level. Mobility in procurement systems is essential to make that happen.\n\nLeaders will empower their teams to effortlessly manage all aspects of the procurement process (budgeting, invoicing, approvals, etc.) on the run. \n\nWhether they're at remote depots, moving between departments, or simply out on the floor, they'll be able to work on the go with agile applications that help them do their jobs. \n\nLook to see an increase in the use of mobile devices in the procurement process.\n\n![\"working\"](\"https://images.pexels.com/photos/4484155/pexels-photo-4484155.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=750&w=1260\")
\n\n## 6. Using Low Code to Build Custom Procurement Systems\n\nCustom procurement systems built from scratch with expensive price tags and agonizing time-to-deployment will no longer be the norm for growing business. Software is becoming increasingly democratized thanks to [low code ](/low-code-guide)and no-code platforms.\n\nThese platforms allow employees to rapidly build automation and integrations with little to no background in coding. These agile procurement solutions will help growing businesses move away from manual processes and streamline workflows.\n\nAs a result, businesses will see a decrease in costs while giving employees more time to focus on continued business success. \n\n## How to Optimize Your Procurement Process Today \n\nThe procurement process is a challenging business system to improve. It is a complex web of systems, workflows, and applications that flow through your business. This can make it hard to figure out the difference between where you can and where you should make improvements. \n\nIf you're looking to streamline your procurement process and scale your business growth, then you need to work with procurement specialists. They'll help you build a roadmap designed to make procurement a more strategic process in your organization. And they'll work with you to deploy custom, affordable solutions.\n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Procurement"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-b9b2bb1d-1101-55dd-aa28-1954a3d93a38","title":"How Workflow Integration Works (Connect Your Systems)","_createdAt":"2020-02-12T09:04:55Z","publishedAt":"2020-12-04T16:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/13b7acf1e3bb7112c4948a18a60120d7504ed9b6-3648x2736.jpg?w=3648&h=2736&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/13b7acf1e3bb7112c4948a18a60120d7504ed9b6-3648x2736.jpg?w=320&h=240&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/13b7acf1e3bb7112c4948a18a60120d7504ed9b6-3648x2736.jpg?rect=2,0,3644,2736&w=654&h=491&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/13b7acf1e3bb7112c4948a18a60120d7504ed9b6-3648x2736.jpg?w=768&h=576&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/13b7acf1e3bb7112c4948a18a60120d7504ed9b6-3648x2736.jpg?w=1024&h=768&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/13b7acf1e3bb7112c4948a18a60120d7504ed9b6-3648x2736.jpg?rect=1,0,3646,2736&w=1366&h=1025&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/13b7acf1e3bb7112c4948a18a60120d7504ed9b6-3648x2736.jpg?w=1600&h=1200&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/13b7acf1e3bb7112c4948a18a60120d7504ed9b6-3648x2736.jpg?w=1920&h=1440&auto=format 1920w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/13b7acf1e3bb7112c4948a18a60120d7504ed9b6-3648x2736.jpg?w=2048&h=1536&auto=format 2048w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/13b7acf1e3bb7112c4948a18a60120d7504ed9b6-3648x2736.jpg?w=2560&h=1920&auto=format 2560w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/13b7acf1e3bb7112c4948a18a60120d7504ed9b6-3648x2736.jpg?w=3440&h=2580&auto=format 3440w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/13b7acf1e3bb7112c4948a18a60120d7504ed9b6-3648x2736.jpg?w=3648&h=2736&auto=format 3648w","sizes":"(min-width: 3648px) 3648px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":3648,"height":2736,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMGAQj/xAAlEAABBAEDAgcAAAAAAAAAAAABAAIDERIEBQYHISIjMTJRYYH/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA/8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8A6NY66739/CguY9QZOO8s2/apNvll02qIBnaCfwKwbN4SReI9QsmhgnfG6eCOSRvsc5oOKB5flTh2BF0UJJkZfmXkhB//2Q=="}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/13b7acf1e3bb7112c4948a18a60120d7504ed9b6-3648x2736.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"workflow-integration"},"body":"Workflow automation removes the human component from repetitive, essential tasks, giving you transparency while increasing organizational efficiency. \n\nBut for automation to improve your business, your systems need to be integrated. And that can be a challenge because workflow integration isn't always easy. \n\nWithout automation and integration, your growing business can only go so far before it starts to trip up over its existing, inefficient systems. To fully [scale your growing business](/everything-you-need-to-know-about-integrations/) and deliver on customer demands, you need a strategy behind workflows integration.\n\nHere's how you can connect your business systems and amplify your growing success.\n\n## What Is Workflow Integration?\n\nWorkflow integration is the process of connecting (often disparate) business systems, allowing the smooth transfer of data between various platforms. In short, it bridges the gaps between applications, allowing for [processes to be automated](/automating-workflows) while providing more accurate data. \n\n## The Problem with Growing Application Stacks\n\nIncreasing customer demands drive organizations to add more and more features and services to their business model. This means that most companies have huge application stacks. \n\nThe average enterprise uses [464 custom applications](https://www.skyhighnetworks.com/cloud-security-blog/every-company-is-a-software-company-today/) with another 37 set to deploy within 12 months.\n\nWhether customer-facing or back-office, these programs handle huge amounts of data native to the individual platform. For an organization to be efficient, these applications need to communicate that data seamlessly across various platforms. \n\nBut not all platforms are designed to communicate with each other. To make that happen, you need workflow integration software.\n\n\n\n## Coordinating Workflow Automation Software\n\nBasically, workflow integration software works as a foreign language translator. Each application in your organization speaks a different language. Integration software translates that language effortlessly. \n\nThe end result is that the data can move effortlessly between those platforms. And with an endlessly growing list of applications on the market, workflow integration is essential if you want data harmony in your company.\n\nUnfortunately, not all software connects seamlessly. That's the problem.\n\nWhile major Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms, such as G-Suite or Office 365 can connect to other mainstream applications without many issues, custom-built and older applications aren’t so lucky. This leaves organizations with many disconnected mission-critical applications.\n\nWith workflow integration, businesses can sync that software, creating bridges that link applications and workflows, giving them the most out of their process automation.\n\n## Types of Workflow Integration\n\nWhether building on existing technology or creating a custom integration, businesses can choose from several types of workflow integration solutions. \n\nWhile many Business Process Management (BPM) software solutions claim they can integrate, it’s not always at the same level of functionality as promised. \n\nKnowing both how a platform can integrate and its limitations are key to creating seamless workflows.\n\nThere are three different types of workflow integrations businesses can choose from:\n\n### 1. Built-In Integration\nSome BPM tools are already plugged into different software. Right out the box, its connection capabilities work well with other SaaS platforms. Many major BPMs already have integrations built into them.\n\n### 2. APIs\nApplication Programming Interface (API) is a functionality of many cloud-based apps for integration. It’s an open-ended port that can be customized for inter-system communication. Whether these APIs are public or not depends on the business, but every BPM software should be API accessible for the most seamless syncing and data transfer. \n\n### 3. Third-Party Solutions \nBPM software that wasn’t designed for integration is still commonly used. If an organization wants to evolve its process automation while maintaining its current technology, there are middleware integration apps available on the market that could be utilized to create custom API connections. \n\n![\"woman](\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dnla85pdq/image/upload/v1581498137/QuandaryCG/photo-of-a-woman-thinking-941555-768x512.jpg\")
\n\n## Reducing Technical Debt \n\nCarrying out workflow integration is vital for any business that wants to remain competitive while growing. Without that scalability, you'll spend more time managing your success rather than using your momentum to grow exponentially.\n\nPlus, every organization has to balance its digital needs within its budget. \n\nBut creating bespoke software solutions from scratch is often both time-consuming and time-intensive. As a result, designing workflow integrations to automate and scale your business could potentially devour entire IT budgets leaving little ROI. \n\nThat's why so many growing businesses hit a wall. \n\nThey know what they need to do to scale and succeed. But, they're often afraid of risk and investment needed to make the necessary leap forward.\n\nModernizing legacy systems comes with its fair share of expenses. Removing technical debt with lines of code created from scratch requires skill, time, and money.\n\nIt also diverts IT departments from focusing on innovation and efficiency (not to mention the cost of maintenance from middleware software).\n\nCompanies that want to scale effectively will need to move away from their old legacy systems. They need to adopt modern, flexible technology for integration. And the best way to do that is by using a low-code platform.\n\n## Integrate Faster With Low Code\n\n[Low-code](/low-code-guide) platforms are user-friendly, (often) visual interface platforms that give anyone in an organization the power to create custom integrations with a few clicks. \n\nThe key to their success as a tool for small, growing businesses is in their accessibility. Because their interfaces require low- or no-code, anyone can quickly learn the platform without background knowledge in code and start building workflow integrations at ease. \n\nUsers simply need to drag and drop prefabricated integrations into place to connect applications. And BAM! You get seamless integration. Hassle-free.\n\nThe benefits of using low code for workflow integration are profound. \n\nThese platforms reduce IT backlogs and [frees employees](/how-to-empower-employees) to focus on creating more complex tools. By design, they're low in code, which means they're low in technical debt. And their accessibility means that anyone in your organization (not just developers) can create the systems needed to free up time spent on menial tasks, giving everyone more resources to focus on high-level, meaningful work. \n\nThese citizen developers are helping to restructure their organizations with useful solutions that benefit the whole business. \n\nBest of all, low code platforms are typically subscription-based, meaning that there's a low barrier to entry. And costs scale with your business. This makes them an affordable option for any growing business looking to integrate and automate their systems.\n\n### Connect Your Business Systems\n\nEfficiency is crucial if you're a growing business looking to remain competitive. Automation makes that happen. And workflow integration supports that practice by bridging the gaps between your systems. \n\nStill, every business has a growing number of systems. Which ones do you connect? And what's the best way to go about integrating those workflows? How do you find out which system automation will yield the best ROI? \n\n**That answer isn't always clear.**\n\nThat's why we work with businesses to help them integrate processes and automate workflows. \n\nAs technology consultants, we learn your specific business needs and work with you to develop a solution that keeps your business growing without letting your systems trip you up. \n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Systems Integration"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-ac015f09-697e-5a1c-b03e-fa72b11eabcf","title":"Continuous Process Improvement in Manufacturing Explained","_createdAt":"2020-03-20T09:51:01Z","publishedAt":"2020-12-04T14:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2be31e22475929eb39c416482aea2efcf32f0fe0-1920x1320.jpg?w=1920&h=1320&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2be31e22475929eb39c416482aea2efcf32f0fe0-1920x1320.jpg?w=320&h=220&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2be31e22475929eb39c416482aea2efcf32f0fe0-1920x1320.jpg?rect=1,0,1918,1320&w=654&h=450&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2be31e22475929eb39c416482aea2efcf32f0fe0-1920x1320.jpg?w=768&h=528&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2be31e22475929eb39c416482aea2efcf32f0fe0-1920x1320.jpg?w=1024&h=704&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2be31e22475929eb39c416482aea2efcf32f0fe0-1920x1320.jpg?w=1366&h=939&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2be31e22475929eb39c416482aea2efcf32f0fe0-1920x1320.jpg?w=1600&h=1100&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2be31e22475929eb39c416482aea2efcf32f0fe0-1920x1320.jpg?w=1920&h=1320&auto=format 1920w","sizes":"(min-width: 1920px) 1920px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1920,"height":1320,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2be31e22475929eb39c416482aea2efcf32f0fe0-1920x1320.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"continuous-process-improvement-in-manufacturing"},"body":"## 5 Steps to Achieving Operational Excellence\n\nEvery manufacturer needs the drive to improve. They should strive to provide better, faster, cheaper service to their customers while reducing costs and increasing ROI. But without continuous process improvement in manufacturing workflows, they'll never reach that goal.\n\nThe primary byproduct of organizational challenges is waste: increased costs, decreased profits, and poor customer experience. \n\nIf businesses don’t strive to overcome inefficiencies, they risk losing their competitive edge. Inefficiencies are everywhere. Chasing down signatures. Looking for documents. Using spreadsheets and paper invoices. They may be drops in the bucket. But, they add up. \n\nAnd if this sounds like your business, you may be at risk. \n\nYou need more than streamlined processes to achieve operational excellence. You need custom solutions that foster a culture of continuous improvement in manufacturing. Getting the right information to the right people at the right time: that's what will set your company apart from the rest.\n\nThis is how you make that happen. \n\n## 1. Quickly Scale the Right Solution\nIn an ideal world, business process improvement is a streamlined and efficient process. One of your employees has an idea that would benefit their [workflow efficiency](/workflow-integration). He submits his idea to your process improvement team. They implement it and track its effectiveness in real-time.\n\nWell, that’s how it should be...\n\nBut it often doesn’t happen like that. \n\nUsually, you hear about the issue after there’s a problem that results in waste. And fixing it takes more time and resources than necessary. Maintaining a reactionary stance in your business puts you at a disadvantage. \n\nA better way is to be proactive, and that's what **continuous process improvement** focuses on. It’s a better way to streamline development. With the combined efforts of every employee, a business can innovate by prioritizing workflow improvement.\n\n### Think of Continuous Process Improvement Strategically\nContinuous process improvement across your entire manufacturing organization should be at the foundation of any business process over-haul or optimization. It’s not enough to “go digital.” Your organization needs to _be_ digital.\n\nBut to do that, you need real-time insight into your business processes. This helps you find bottlenecks and implement solutions. You also need to track KPIs and ROI to ensure new measures are effective. \n\nHowever, that can’t happen through the [use of spreadsheets](/warning-spreadsheets-will-ruin-your-business) and manually handling data on multiple platforms.\n\nIf your organization is going to improve daily, you need a one-stop-shop that connects all your systems. And you need all your information in one place so you can better track inventory, team performance, supplier status, corrective actions, and countless other critical processes.\n\n![\"graph\"](\"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1460925895917-afdab827c52f?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=eyJhcHBfaWQiOjEyMDd9&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1302&q=80\")
\n\n## 2. Maximize Resource Utilization\nMost companies still use inefficient and outdated methods for the most basic tasks. A machine breakdown and part replacement, for example, can require phone calls, emails, Microsoft Access, spreadsheets. \n\nSwitching between those platforms, transferring data, and notifying team members takes time. Waste, that could have easily been avoided with a streamlined digital system.\n\nBut the inefficiencies don’t stop there. The difficulty in tracking these methods affects future improvement attempts. Information silos prevent departments from sharing information company-wide that could reduce your future rework costs. That’s more waste. Waste that costs the company time and money. \n\nYour organization needs to be able to identify an issue, resolve it, and apply the results to other scenarios where the same problem occurs. Without barriers. Without errors. And in real-time.\n\nWhen you have that kind of continuous process evaluation in place, your team members can focus on strategic improvements instead of reactive measures every time an issue or waste pops up. \n\nThat is the core of continuous process improvement in manufacturing.\n\n## 3. Enhance Visibility and Accountability\nTransparency is a key component of process improvement. [Effective communication](/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business) between team members can create a positive and proactive work environment while benefitting the company as a whole. \n\nHowever, successfully communicating across your business isn't as easy as it sounds. Interdepartmental complexities, large-scale projects, and a range of vendors and customers to manage ultimately create various data streams that need to be tracked, migrated, collected, and evaluated. That can be a challenge.\n\nThe key to success here is to establish a common, customized, and centralized database for your business data. This will help your manufacturing organization avoid potentially catastrophic informational silos. It'll also enhance visibility across your organization. \n\nA centralized data system (specifically in systems that provide for real-time reporting) allows for the operational insight your manufacturing company needs to rapidly adjust in any situation. \n\nFrom vendor management to customer relationship management, you'll get the data you need to keep everyone happy while increasing your bottom line.\n\n![\"holding](\"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1521791136064-7986c2920216?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=eyJhcHBfaWQiOjEyMDd9&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1350&q=80\")
\n\n## 4. Improve Customer Experience\nWhile the main goal is to improve your customer experience, the real goal for continuous process improvement is to save your business time and resources. \n\nMore resources mean you can build the features your customers need and exceed their expectations. More time means your team can focus on high-level tasks like customer engagement. \n\nThe truth is that manual, menial tasks that could be automated waste a lot of time and use up a lot of resources. Continuous process improvement steals back that time. It gives you the time and resources you need to build a better business that regularly over-delivers on customer expectations.\n\nBut it also creates an opportunity for your manufacturing company to focus on making company-wide improvements. It frees up time and resources for teams to find innovative strategies and technology to solve critical challenges. \n\nAs your business adopts a culture of continuous process improvement, they'll learn to regularly look for issues, create improvements, evaluate their success, and look for new opportunities. The end result is a more efficient business that can better serve its customers. \n\n## 5. Adapt or Fail\nLean manufacturing processes **must become a strategic priority** if you want your company to stay competitive. Without eliminating waste that increases costs, decreases productivity, and decreases efficiency you can't compete with other leading manufacturers. \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\nThe key to maximizing resource utilization is through automating key processes. By centralizing data and aggregating insights via dashboards, you can reduce waste and save time that would otherwise be spent transcribing information from paper, pencil, and spreadsheets.\n\t\n## Low Code and Continuous Process Improvement in Manufacturing\t\t\t\t\nWith [a low-code platform](/low-code-guide) like **Quickbase**, you can quickly create and deploy lean initiatives throughout your manufacturing company. For example, you can quickly create custom solutions to track defects, manage inventory, and automate the entire procurement process. All without a huge IT expense or the time involved in creating custom solutions. \n\nImagine tasks that previously spanned 10 - 15 hours over 3 days reduced to 2 hours over a single afternoon. That's the power of automating and integrating your manufacturing processes and workflows with a low code platform.\n\nQuickbase also provides leverage through continuous improvement by identifying the root causes of waste and managing projects to implement the countermeasures. It allows you to continually perfect your unique business processes. \n\nThe result is a continuous improvement culture that regularly looks for ways to improve crucial processes.\n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Business Transformation"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-2439677d-0b87-570e-9092-5e7478c3d831","title":"Everything You Need To Know About System Integration (And IPaaS)","_createdAt":"2020-01-22T08:55:16Z","publishedAt":"2020-10-15T16:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/30e0b6aeb2d33aa995b34a6dfefaa67f9a3e690d-680x378.jpg?w=680&h=378&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/30e0b6aeb2d33aa995b34a6dfefaa67f9a3e690d-680x378.jpg?w=320&h=178&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/30e0b6aeb2d33aa995b34a6dfefaa67f9a3e690d-680x378.jpg?rect=1,0,679,378&w=654&h=364&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/30e0b6aeb2d33aa995b34a6dfefaa67f9a3e690d-680x378.jpg?w=680&h=378&auto=format 680w","sizes":"(min-width: 680px) 680px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":680,"height":378,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/30e0b6aeb2d33aa995b34a6dfefaa67f9a3e690d-680x378.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"everything-you-need-to-know-about-integrations"},"body":"## How To Position Your Business For Success With iPaaS\n\nWhile daunting at its surface, systems integration is essential to your growing business. Without connected systems, you'll waste time and money manually completing tasks that could easily be automated. Worse, you'll put your business at unnecessary risk. This guide to system integration and Integration Platforms as a Service (IPaaS) will help you automate business processes easily.\n\n## What Is System Integration\nSystem integration is the process of connecting the software (often disparate systems) that manages various business processes and workflows. Essentially, it's linking together various IT systems, so that businesses can work more efficiently. \n\nThe end result reduces manual tasks and errors from data entry, saving businesses time and money. Lots of time and money. \n\n## Data Is The Advantage\nThis isn’t news to anyone. But how vital a role data plays in the success of a company has been and continues to be overlooked. Many companies are failing to become data-driven. \n\nMore often, one can easily gauge the future success of companies by whether or not they can adequately capture, and more importantly, use customer data to their advantage.\n\nWhen a company can more accurately paint a picture of their customers and their needs, they can better tailor an experience that speaks to their customer base. With a single customer view, they can address those specific needs, strengthening the bond between customer and brand through service.\n\nBusinesses that can’t provide this increased level of support, those that can’t or refuse to cater to their customers’ precise needs, those that struggle to respond, and those that rely on generalizations or hunches, will fail. Their customers choose businesses that do over them.\n\nAnd yet, the solution isn’t as simple as just gathering more data. It’s not as straightforward as implementing more SaaS applications. Nor is it as easy as connecting more devices. Instead, it has to do with rethinking how your business stores and moves data. \n\n## Siloing Data Creates Bottlenecks\n\nIn every business rests the desire to integrate data seamlessly across all platforms. And yet, for too long, companies have attempted to juggle several different information siloes with growing problems. We’re now at a point where the massive inflow of more data means that a company has to move beyond siloing data if it wants to succeed.\n\nSaaS applications bring new problems for data management. Some systems can interact with a company’s current ERP, others can’t. When that happens, a business usually needs a custom system integration for the app to connect to existing systems. \n\n\n\nBut individualized IT integrations are costly and time-consuming. When updates occur, those systems need to be updated as well. \n\nAnd when a business switches systems, these integrations often need to be rebuilt. As a result, many companies stick with older, outdated, and often ineffective systems rather than deal with the expense. Meanwhile, their competition surpasses them.\n\nHaving employees perform manual tasks to fill the gaps seems cheaper...but that's a huge misconception that can put a growing business at unnecessary risk. \n\n## The Risk of Manual Tasks\nManual data capture invites costly errors. Manual data entry is a menial task few enjoy. Efforts result in duplicate, incomplete, or even lost data. Data errors are also expensive. \n\nThe Harvard business review estimates that it costs the US roughly $3 trillion each year. That’s because not only does fixing errors require time, it can lead businesses to costly mistakes.\n\nBusinesses need a strategy that allows them to stay current with the latest applications while collecting and implementing data in a way that paints a single customer view, all while avoiding IT backlogs, data bottlenecks, and massive costs. AND that information must move from on-premise, cloud, mobile, and IoT systems seamlessly. \n\nThese problems, inherent in using the growing streams of data, prevent many companies from taking the necessary steps toward adapting to the digital transformation.\n\nFortunately, system integration provides a solution.\n\n## What Is a System Integration and iPaaS\n\nIntegration Platform as a Solution (iPaaS) is the solution for a business struggling to connect its business processes. In short, it's an alternative to traditional, built-from-scratch integrations that businesses shy away from due to the cost.\n\nIn our competitive business environment, there is a great deal of SaaS companies offering amazing products. But, they don't usually connect well with each other. iPaaS gives you the freedom to choose the best apps for your business and easily connect them using the platform.\n\n## How Does iPaaS Work?\n\nTo best see how iPaaS works, it helps to picture a hypothetical. Let’s imagine you’re a retailer. You use Salesforce for your CRM, WorkDay for your HRM, and Azule for various other tasks while also managing APIs for several IoT devices throughout the company. Without iPaaS, you would have to dedicate team members to input data streams from these applications manually.\n\n_Maybe you already do…_\n\nAnd that’s when spreadsheets start to pile up.\n\n\n\nThis takes what would be a streamlined process and turns it into a time-intensive, unnecessarily complex, an error-bound chore. It also limits the flexibility of this data across the business model as a whole, limiting your insight, and inhibiting your ability to plan more accurate paths to success.\n\nIPaaS bypasses all of this.\n\nThe solution involves working with an iPaaS vendor that helps you integrate the applications you need into your existing business software infrastructure. With the right iPaaS vendor, you’ll either have access to connectors or you can request a specific build for a fraction of the cost and time. The end result is a company that seamlessly integrates various applications that benefit the company as a whole.\n\n## 9 Benefits iPaaS Offers\nThere are significant, numerous benefits to using iPaaS. Fully understanding the role iPaaS can play in growing your business will position you for future success while staying ahead of the digital transformation. \n\nHere are a few ways iPaaS can give your company the edge:\n\n### 1. Easy to Use\nMany vendors use browsers to implement system integrations. Through graphical interfaces, anyone can easily connect processes together without looking at any code.\n\n### 2. Comparatively Low Cost\nIt’s much cheaper to work with an iPaaS vendor with access to multiple connectors for various APIs than it is to backlog your IT department with an endless list of build requests. Businesses only need to pay for a subscription service to the platform rather than paying an IT department to build connections from scratch.\n\n### 3. Faster Than Traditional Software Development\nTypical IT solutions can take weeks or months to complete. An iPaaS vendor will most likely already have several of the solutions you need on standby. And they’re able to build custom connections far more rapidly.\n\n### 4. More Efficient Workflows\nIPaaS automates tasks. Successful implementation leads to less time wasted on menial tasks like repetitive data entry. Computers are simply better at processing these tasks faster.\n\n### 5. Better Business Practices\nAutomation frees up employees to undergo complex, time-consuming tasks, such as customer support or strategic processes. With more time available to employees, businesses can position themselves above the competition. \n\n### 6. Highly-Effective Data Integration\nWith a more dynamic and accurate perspective of gathered data, businesses can avoid costly mistakes by making truly data-backed decisions.\n\n### 7. More Accurate Customer Data\nWith more accurate data comes a clearer picture. Being able to pull data from multiple sources while eliminating errors and duplications, presents a clear customer profile that businesses can more directly serve.\n\n\n\n### 8. Scalable Cost\nCost scales with use, making iPaaS an affordable option for growing businesses. And it's usually at a much cheaper rate than expanding/building an IT department or regularly outsourcing from-scratch integration builds. \n\n### 9. Secure\nCloud-based systems have an added element of security that on-premise systems lack. This is because many businesses lack the resources to deploy more advanced cybersecurity and physical security measures.\n\n## Is iPaaS Needed?\nThere are too many new solutions being developed at an exponential pace. Your business needs to have the freedom to adopt various software as needed to improve functionality and customer experience. If it can't, other businesses will. \n\nIf you're looking for a way to radically reduce costs while increasing what you can do as a business, you need iPaaS. Otherwise, you'll continue to trip over your existing systems as your business grows. \n\n## Which iPaaS Vendors Stand Out? \n\nIf you’re in the market to adapt to the changing business environment, then you have plenty of options. There is a long list of prospective iPaaS vendors offering system integrations solutions to your help company stay competitive. This is a very small sampling of the best iPaaS software platforms available at the moment.\n\n### Workato\n\nFounded in 2013, they’ve helped over 21,000 companies with integrated solutions. Workato provides a cloud-native platform for system integrations, data, app, API, and process automation. And an easy to use platform allows IT and business professionals to build and manage integrations. Workato also uses AI-powered work bots to maximize workflows.\n\n### SnapLogic\n\nWhether you’re looking to connect apps, data, or IoT devices, SnapLogicoffers a platform that allows businesses to utilize system integration solutions. SnapLogic provides an AI-powered, cloud-based platform that allows businesses to drop and “snap” integrations together.\n\n### Mulesoft\n\nMulesoft is a software platform that relies on modern APIs, linking systems together, and allowing companies governance over that data. It’s a Java-based ESB that allows for real-time connectivity and universal deployment (both in cloud and on-premise).\n\n### elastic.io\n[elastic.io](https://www.elastic.io/) provides the tools businesses need for integration visualization, intuitive data mapping, and easy troubleshooting. That way, you can generate more value from your data with less distraction from your core business\n\n### Dell Boomi\n\nDell Boomi is a 100 percent cloud-native platform that supports a variety of system integrations from SaaS to on-premise to various clouds. It also uses a browser for easy access, offers real-time connectivity, and high-volume data processing.\n\n### Zapier\n\nZapier uses personalized system integrations called “zaps” to get different applications to share information. The zaps control how and when applications exchange information. Slack, Salesforce, and Paypal are a few of the integrations commonly provided.\n\n## How to Integrate Your Systems?\nWhile system integration may be a great option for your business, the process itself can be lengthy and costly if not done correctly. It’s important to first sit down as a business and walk through your current systems and long-term needs with a specialist.\n\n![\"meeting\"](\"https://images.pexels.com/photos/3183197/pexels-photo-3183197.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=750&w=1260\")
\n\nHowever, if you're eager to get started, here are five simple steps you can follow to successfully integrate your business systems. \n\n### Step 1. Identify Your Needs\n\nCompanies too often make the mistake of investing in new software without mapping the workflow experience of their employees. The smoothest system integration in the world is meaningless if employees do not find the workflow easier or simpler.\n\nThe first step is to meet with your team, managers, and an integration specialist to outline the bottlenecks in your process. This will help you determine which areas of your business can be improved by integrating systems. \n\n**Here are some integration questions to consider:**\n- How often are double entry data errors occurring?\n- How much time is spent on emails for simple handoffs?\n- How much time is spent looking for documents?\n- How often are value documents misplaced?\n- Which departments or areas are the biggest bottlenecks?\n- Are there frequent late payments or [invoicing errors with procurement](https://quandarycg.com/automate-purchasing-in-your-business/)? \n\nIdentifying these pain points can help pinpoint which systems and processes need the most attention.\n\n### Step 2. Analyze Your Current Systems\n\nPrior to thinking about what to integrate, you need to analyze the current state and primary drivers in your company. Businesses may want a certain function connected. However, they may not address the problems employees face.\n\nIn a larger company, you might have different teams using different systems for similar jobs. For instance, there may be a project team using Asana and another using Trello. Integrating systems will help you find and eliminate these redundancies, providing a clearer view of your business. \n\n### Step 3. The Design Phase\n\nDuring the design phase, you need to create a design that accounts for all the inputs and outputs you expect. \n\nFor example, some systems prefer to dump data out in flat (Excel) files. In such cases, you'll need some kind of FTP (File Transfer Protocol) connection. On the other hand, some systems have direct API access that allows data extraction and updates using simple techniques.\n\nA key part of systems integration is seamless data transfer. Otherwise, it can lead to inaccuracies and issues. To get there, you need to plan out the ‘when’ and the ‘what’ if your data flow.\n\nA systems integration platform such as [Workato](/workato-solutions/) relies on the use of ‘recipes’ to map the process through a series of triggers and actions. This makes integration an easy step-by-step process.\n\nThere are a number of systems that do not offer the capability of real-time data synchronization between platforms or easy access to extract data. So, you'll want to talk to a specialist who can design a way to move data automatically on a schedule.\n\n### Step 4. Execution\n\nOnce the entire integration process is designed, it's nearly ready to go live. The last steps involve testing to make sure the automations in the workflow and the data transfers occur flawlessly.\n\nOnce deployed, you need a constant feedback loop, This will help you gather info on bugs and enhancements from your primary users (employees typically) to maintain engagement.\n\n### Step 5. Support\n\nOne of the benefits of working with a quality integration specialist is the ability to review any changes needed even after the new system integration goes live. As a company grows and acquires new software, having an integration specialist with intimate knowledge of your business process is invaluable for effective technology consulting.\n\nChoosing to automate elements in your business process that negatively impact your employees’ workflow will pay huge dividends in increasing performance, satisfaction, and your bottom line.\n\nWhile the process itself may seem difficult, having a team with clear communication working on your integration project can make going through each phase a lot simpler.\n\n\n\n## What Is An Integration Specialist?\n\nWhile integrations can make your business run smoother and perform at a level that keeps it competitive, implementing automations can be more than a challenge. It can be downright overwhelming. \n\nAnd the initial costs mean that there is a lot of pressure to make sure you pick the right integrations platform for your business. But with so many options and with so many intricacies of each vendor, there’s a lot of room for error.\n\nIntegrations specialists facilitate a smooth transition by bridging that gap and providing the necessary expertise. They work with your company, analyzing your goals, and evaluating your business model, so they can help you build a strategy for successful integrations.\n\n**Your integrations specialist will:**\n- Evaluate your business and see where automations would best benefit\n- Help you choose the right iPaaS platform for your company\n- Work with you to create a roadmap for future automations\n- Answer questions about the process (such as what to expect, how long the process can take, and which processes can benefit the most with automation)\n- Guide you through a strategic approach for integrations to grow your business without burning through your budget\n\n## How Can Quandary Consulting Group Help My Company?\n\nAt Quandary Consulting Group, [our process consultants](/tech-consulting/) can help you improve your workflows and systems by building custom applications and integrating your disparate systems. \n\n_Always_ within budget. _Always_ delivered on time. \n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Systems Integration"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-8709576f-2a5f-506f-8fea-ea4846230c5e","title":"What Is Low Code? (A Comprehensive Guide)","_createdAt":"2020-01-15T07:26:15Z","publishedAt":"2020-10-15T15:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/e8879a1e1c872de68346befbf961e56540d4c3fa-1280x850.jpg?w=1280&h=850&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/e8879a1e1c872de68346befbf961e56540d4c3fa-1280x850.jpg?rect=2,0,1277,850&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/e8879a1e1c872de68346befbf961e56540d4c3fa-1280x850.jpg?rect=0,1,1280,849&w=654&h=434&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/e8879a1e1c872de68346befbf961e56540d4c3fa-1280x850.jpg?w=768&h=510&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/e8879a1e1c872de68346befbf961e56540d4c3fa-1280x850.jpg?w=1024&h=680&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/e8879a1e1c872de68346befbf961e56540d4c3fa-1280x850.jpg?w=1280&h=850&auto=format 1280w","sizes":"(min-width: 1280px) 1280px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1280,"height":850,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/e8879a1e1c872de68346befbf961e56540d4c3fa-1280x850.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"low-code-guide"},"body":"## Definition of Low-Code Development Platforms\n\nLow-code development platforms provide a visual interface, making it easy to create applications. Users can drag and drop applications into existence with minimal coding. This rapidly speeds up the time it takes to create and test new applications while lowering the cost greatly. \n\nIn short, building apps with a low-code platform gives you what your business needs without the endless headaches found in traditional application building. Explore this comprehensive guide to learn how low code can benefit your growing business. \n\n## What Is Traditional Application Development?\n\nBefore low-code/no-code platforms, businesses needed to build applications from scratch. These complex systems were so resource-intensive, that companies held onto them long after their prime. \n\nAlso known as legacy systems, these labor resource-intensive monoliths tied businesses down and limited how they did business. \n\nAs customers demanded more and more features, businesses struggled with how to meet these expectations faster. \n\nBefore low-code, this meant more costly custom builds to give customers what they wanted and expensive integration projects to connect those systems to other disparate applications. \n\nIt wasn't scalable. \n\nWorse, it put growing businesses in a bind. How could a small company compete with enterprise companies that had IT resources in the millions? \n\n## What Makes Low-Code App Development Different?\n\nIn short, low-code solves a lot of the problems facing businesses as they grow. Here are a few problems plaguing organizations trying to scale their systems and how low-code provides a solution. \n\n**- Lack of IT Talent:** With the current demands across all enterprises for companies to provide more, there simply isn’t enough IT talent to go around. Low-code provides an immediate solution, enabling departments to create their own unique solutions without burning through additional company resources.\n\n**- Difficulty Adapting to New Systems:** Employee aversion to new solutions can ruin new systems, turning any potential new feature into a colossal waste of money. Low-code is designed from the ground up to be easily adaptable and built with the end-user in mind. The result is that teams feel a greater sense of ownership of new tools and readily adopt them.\n\n**- Weak Overall Transparency:** Siloed data and processes create huge information gaps, overlaps, and errors. Low-code platforms can connect data silos, increasing transparency throughout an organization.\n\n**- Difficult Collaborating:** Without transparency between departments, it can be hard to see the full picture. The more connected an organization is, the more effective collaboration can be. Low code makes it easier to connect disparate systems, improving company-wide communication.\n\n**- The Right Time for Agility:** Many companies view onboarding new systems like betting on a horse race. They want to choose the platform that will “win” over the rest. But low-code isn’t a race. Nor does it require a high-stakes gamble. It’s a simple, affordable platform that allows users to gradually introduce solutions to an organization. ROI can be easily measured, and development expanded as needed.\n\n**- The Digital Iceberg:** Every department has their own priorities. But underneath those rests a much larger problem: the need to scale systems. Low-code platforms break down the digital iceberg and create one transparent picture of an organization. With that picture in hand, companies can begin to streamline processes that help out all departments.\n\n**- Aging Legacy Systems:** These expensive, complex systems stand in the way of innovation because companies want to squeeze out every possible dollar from them. However, low-code platforms can connect to these systems and create processes that fill in the gaps.\n\n![\"city\"](\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dnla85pdq/image/upload/v1579229481/QuandaryCG/glasses.jpg\")
\n\nIt’s best to think of low-code as a sledgehammer. It's a simple tool anyone can use to break down barriers, making their business more efficient with only a little bit of training. And with these barriers out of the way, companies can easily work towards meeting customer expectations and delivering on demands. \n\n### Low Code Is Faster\n\nOne last advantage low-code has over traditional methods of software deployment is speed. You can expect software development with low-code to be as much as 10 times faster than traditional methods. \n\n**Simply put, there’s less code involved.**\n\nLess code reduces back and forth between employees and requires fewer people to build applications (not to mention fewer errors). That also means that low-code solutions are often **MUCH cheaper** than traditional development methods.\n\n## Why Businesses Struggle to Adopt Low Code\n\nWe’re still in the initial adoption phase for low-code. Growing businesses know they need better systems. But they have the wrong idea of what \"better systems\" really means. \n\nIt doesn't mean massive, custom build (resource intensive) ERPs and CRMs that shackle your business to them for decades. Instead, it's about finding quick, easy ways to automate and improve your existing business process. That's it. \n\nTo make that happen, growing businesses need more applications. Applications offer a range of features that employees and customers expect. And businesses also need a better way to connect the data from these systems other than spreadsheets. (Which is the messy, defacto solution for most small companies trying to juggle their continued success using a hodgepodge of systems.)\n\n## What Low Code Offers Smaller Businesses\n\nMost small, growing businesses don't have massive IT budgets. But the constant need for application development and a limited amount of available developments creates a supply and demand problem. \n\nIn 2017 alone, there were roughly 200,000 new tech jobs added. Many of those remain unfilled. These days, developers can name their price easily. And if you're running a growing business, that's a problem.\n\nLow code gives growing businesses with limited IT resources the ability to stay competitive with enterprise companies without multimillion-dollar IT budgets. The lean and agile nature of low code means it's much, much cheaper than traditional application development. In short, it gives more underdogs the chance.\n\n## Low Code Is Agile App Development\n\n![\"stretching\"](\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dnla85pdq/image/upload/v1579073126/QuandaryCG/women-s-blue-and-pink-bikini-1805325-768x512.jpg\")
\n\nLow code provides businesses with fast and creative solutions tailor-made to fit their organizational demands. With basic training, any employee can become [a citizen developer](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-pros-cons/). \n\nAnd with more people on staff capable of building the exact application of integration to work more efficiently, your business can experience productivity like never before.\n\nWant to streamline your procurement processes? Automate with low code. Worried about data entry errors from [ruinous spreadsheets](/warning-spreadsheets-will-ruin-your-business)? Integrate with low code. Frustrated with the run cost of your current legacy system? Build a custom, agile solution with low code. It's fast and easy. \n\n## Is Low Code a Better Alternative to Traditional App Development?\n\nThe beauty of low code rests in its simplicity. Unlike traditional methods of application development, you don’t need months to code a complex system from scratch. It’s a simple-to-use service that allows you to rapidly streamline your business workflow and processes.\n\n### Low Benefits for Small, Growing Businesses\n\n- **Easy to Use:** Low code requires minimal coding knowledge. Instead of writing long and complicated lines of code, visual IDE environments create user-friendly interfaces. \n- **Fast Learning:** It’s simple, mastering low code isn’t a lengthy learning process. Some businesses reported having gained full knowledge of the platform.\n- **Quick Launch:** Application development is over 78% faster, reducing wait times from months to days. \n- **Reduced Technical Debt:** Any program will have some form of technical debt. But complex custom builds come with more. And sooner or later that technical debt catches up. Low code means less code. Less code, less technical debt. \n- **Minimal Cost:** Low code is a cost-effective solution to [optimize workflows](/5-examples-of-successful-workflow-optimization) because applications can be rapidly developed (in weeks or days, not months). It’s also a subscription-based service, meaning that cost scales with your business.\n- **Customizable:** Most office inconveniences are very common. Spreadsheets, emails, waiting for approval. But not every business handles these problems the same way. Low code allows the perfect solution to suit individual needs. Each department can create strategies and execute them exactly according to their needs. \n- **Frees up IT:** DevOp teams can finally catch up with demands using low code. As a result, they can focus more on innovation rather than putting out fires all day.\n\n## Is Low Code Inferior to Traditional Application Development?\n\nLow code is the future of programming. It moves the power away from IT departments and democratizes it across your organization. Anyone can build an app using the platform, and they can do it faster. \n\nBut the quality of the code isn't \"less\" than what you'd find in traditional app development. You may lose some elements of customization, but the benefits gained from how quickly you can build lean applications make up for it. \n\nIf you're looking to rapidly scale your business systems and compete with bigger players, low code empowers you to do that. And to do it on a budget.\n\n## When Should Your Business Use Low Code?\n\nThe short answer is yesterday. If you're balancing your business operations on spreadsheets, you need to start deploying alternative solutions. But still, there’s a hesitation about onboarding new systems. Mainly, there's the big question of \"Will this pay off?\"\n\n![\"time\"](\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dnla85pdq/image/upload/v1579078078/QuandaryCG/0-980x655.jpg\")
\n\nWith low code, you can scale your business strategically. It starts with developing a roadmap for the workflows you want to optimize. Then you build the low code solutions you need to prepare your organization for the future. As your business grows, the costs of your low code platform scales with your business, minimizing risks. \n\nThe time is now. \n\nWaiting only means getting further entangled in technical debt while failing to deliver the services your customers need. Your business will stagnate and struggle to keep up with the competition. And your employees will have to work harder, juggling all the manual processes necessary to stay afloat. \n\n## Is Low-Code a Viable Solution for Your Growing Business? \n\nThe hype behind this innovative and approachable platform that empowers citizen developers to create their own workflows has the attention (and pocketbooks) of many major organizations. \n\nBut we’ve seen many other promising and popular business innovations fall short. \n\nSo, how realistic is low-code as a viable business solution for the problems small businesses face with their systems as they grow? \n\nDoes it live up to the hype? \n\nIs it smart to invest in low-code solutions for your business now or will they fail to live up to expectations?\n\nThe best way to figure that out is to test low code. \n\n## How to Strategically Deploy Low Code in Your Growing Business\n\nWhile low code is the best solution for any business looking to optimize workflows and remain competitive, implementing an effective low code strategy isn’t always easy. Even with the right technology, you still need a strategic approach. A trial and error approach to low code implementation can leave your organization losing out on the benefits the technology offers. \n\nIf you want to get the most out of low-code, then you need a low-code specialist that knows how to hit the ground running and deliver on demands. One with a track record of success. \n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.","categories":[{"title":"Business Transformation"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-d2cdf562-3806-5c65-99f7-fe8bbec77fc5","title":"12 Steps to Automate Workflows (Manual Processes)","_createdAt":"2020-01-16T02:59:12Z","publishedAt":"2020-10-15T15:00:00.000Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/bba8f77900fd0f3a0026afd2a372f70a6fb3631c-680x378.jpg?w=680&h=378&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/bba8f77900fd0f3a0026afd2a372f70a6fb3631c-680x378.jpg?w=320&h=178&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/bba8f77900fd0f3a0026afd2a372f70a6fb3631c-680x378.jpg?rect=1,0,679,378&w=654&h=364&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/bba8f77900fd0f3a0026afd2a372f70a6fb3631c-680x378.jpg?w=680&h=378&auto=format 680w","sizes":"(min-width: 680px) 680px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":680,"height":378,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}},"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/bba8f77900fd0f3a0026afd2a372f70a6fb3631c-680x378.jpg"}},"author":{"name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?rect=1,0,861,745&w=320&h=277&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=654&h=565&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=768&h=664&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745.jpg?w=862&h=745&auto=format 862w","sizes":"(min-width: 862px) 862px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":862,"height":745,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}}},"slug":{"current":"automating-workflows"},"body":"## How to Automate Processes in Your Growing Business\n\nYour business is full of workflows. Every action your employees take to get a job done consists of several interconnected processes. And chances are that many of these manual tasks are unnecessarily time-consuming and expensive. Worse, they can even [put your business at unnecessary risk](/warning-spreadsheets-will-ruin-your-business/). \n\nIf you're a growing business looking to scale efficiently, you should be automating your workflows. This guide will show you how in 12 easy steps.\n\n## What Is Workflow Automation?\n\nWorkflow automation reduces the problems caused by manual tasks using software to connect systems. Automating workflows in your organization can drastically help a business reduce the time and money needed to operate, freeing up employees to focus on mission-critical objectives while reducing costly mistakes.\n\n##10 Easy Steps to Automate Workflows in Your Business\nIf you're tired of tripping over your systems as your business grows, you need to automate your workflows. Follow these 12 easy steps to scale the systems of your growing business.\n\n### Step 1: Map Out Business Workflows\n\nMost digital initiatives fail because there’s not a clear roadmap in mind. Your very first step when automating workflows is to map out your business processes. \n\nWithout clearly defined goals, you may end up automating non-essential tasks. Worse, you may end up creating more work for yourself by creating automated processes that require multiple manual processes at various touchpoints.\n\nClearly map out your business processes to find bottlenecks and redundancies. Finding out where automation can provide the best benefit will give you the highest ROI. \n\n**This doesn’t need to be a complicated step either.**\n\n![\"map\"](\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dnla85pdq/image/upload/v1579147063/QuandaryCG/047-980x655.jpg\")
\n\nUse sticky notes or a whiteboard and map out each process in your business. This keeps it visual and makes it easily accessible for everyone.\n\nYour goal is to find bottlenecks. \n\nWhen processes become too complicated, involve too many steps, or require too many people to verify, they eat away resources. Look for these.\n\nMapping them out helps you see where the problems are in your organization clearly. This will give you an idea of which workflows you should target first. \n\nPay special attention to inefficient workflows. If certain processes have vague instructions, are overly complex, or suffer from communication gaps, you’ll need to take a deeper look. You cannot take shortcuts with automating workflows. That will only create **automated** inefficient processes.\n\nBill Gates points this out, _“The first rule of any technology used in a business is that automation applied to an efficient operation will magnify the efficiency. The second is that automation applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency.”_\n\nIn those instances, you’d be better off redesigning the workflow for efficiency first. \n\n### Step 2: Establish Clear Process Management Goals\n\n![\"dart\"](\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dnla85pdq/image/upload/v1581499333/QuandaryCG/black-dart-pink-attach-on-yellow-green-and-red-dart-board-15812-980x655.jpg\")
\n\nOnce you have a visual representation of your business, it’s easy to see where the slowdowns are. However, you don’t just want to start automating right away. Without clear indicators of progress, you’ll be uncertain as to whether or not all this process improvement is actually worth it in the end. You need goals.\n\nTo create automation goals, ask yourself, “How will automation specifically help my business?\" \n\n**You'll want to avoid general goals. Avoid statements like these:**\n- Growth\n- More leads\n- More profit\n- Make people happier at work\n- Because everyone else is doing it\n\nThese are basic goals. \n\nThey're so vague and will fail to guide your business to measurable improvements. They're also business-centric goals. Instead, you should focus on providing a better customer experience. \n\nAt the heart of any successful automation, the best goal is a customer-centric ambition. Your goal should be to improve their experience with your company, making your brand the one they not only trust but enjoy going to for quick solutions to their problems. \n\nAutomation can help redefine your business in numerous ways. \n\nIt can break down tedious tasks so that your back office can move into customer-facing positions. It can give your developers more time to work on innovation. And it can help streamline the distribution of goods. \n\nBut, the main benefit is that the customer has a far better experience with your business.\n\nBefore you begin automating, you need a clear set of customer-focused goals that your organization wants to accomplish. That will help you understand the importance of your automation efforts, keeping you focused during the transition. And it'll give you an easy way to gauge success.\n\n### Step 3: Think About Automating Workflows Strategically\n\nAutomation isn’t as simple as creating a checklist of processes that need to be optimized and then checking them off one by one. \n\nApproaching business process management like this is a lot like trying to fix tangled wires by grabbing one and pulling. You’ll make some progress. But those wins will be short-lived. \n\nSoon, you’ll realize that you made the knot much, much worse. And fixing it will take more time and resources.\n\nInstead, you need to prioritize automating workflows by evaluating efficiency, ease, ROI, and business impact. Done properly, you'll automate tasks in a way \n\n### Step 4: Evaluate Workflow Automation’s Impact on Your Team\nIt’s easy to get carried away with automating once you start to see the results. The notion of slashing labor costs down and saving money by automating workflows will get anyone excited. \n\nBut if you fail to take your team's needs into account, you’ll run into a huge problem: a lack of adoption.\n\nWhen automating workflows, solving your team’s problems should be as important as reducing costs. \n\nIf new systems are too complicated or the learning curve is too high, there’s a chance your team may revert to previous practices or choose their own platforms to work on. As a result, your company could lose money and risk [security breaches caused by shadow IT](/what-is-shadow-it/).\n\n### Step 5: Choosing the Right Processes to Automate\nDespite how efficient your business may be, you most likely have processes that are slow, cumbersome, and unnecessarily difficult. Thinking automation will fix inefficient workflows only ends in disappointment. Automation will simply turn them into inefficient automated processes.\n\n[Successful workflow automation](/everything-you-need-to-know-about-integrations/) means rethinking how your organization does business. You may need to repair or completely rebuild old workflows before you try automating them. \n\nDon’t be afraid to break down the large process into smaller components either. This can make them more agile while reducing siloed data in your organization.\n\n\n\n### Step 6: Create Your Workflow Automation Strategy \nNow that you’ve clearly mapped out your workflows and outlined your goals, you need a strategy in place. Automation tends to fail because people lack a clear strategy. \n\nWithout one, you end up playing whack-a-mole with process automation. You'll work on one process, then another, then have to revisit previous ones and rework them. This wastes money, frustrates people, and stalls business growth.\n\nRank your tasks by importance. Next, determine which is the most valuable. Only then can you start automating workflows.\n\n### Step 7: Communicate Expectations with Staff\n\nNo one wants to lose their jobs. So, when you bring in automation and start talking about task reduction and back-office collapse, people are going to get worried. \n\nIf you want to have a company work culture that embraces automation, then you need to clearly communicate its role in your business. \n\nPeople also need to know that their positions are secure. They need to understand and have confidence that automation won’t cost them their jobs.\n\nEmphasize to your team that automation will make their lives easier by speeding up work and getting rid of boring, manual tasks. Get managers and executives on board is crucial if you want to create a workplace culture that values automation.\n\n![\"gathering\"](\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dnla85pdq/image/upload/v1579151216/QuandaryCG/group-of-people-using-laptops.jpg\")
\n\nAlso, let your employees know that automated workflows make their lives less stressful. And it'll give them the time they need to innovate, deliver on expectations, and relax. \n\nOnce they realize it’s a win-win for everyone, they’ll be more likely to embrace it.\n\n### Step 8: Choose The Best Automation Platform for Your Needs\n\nWith so many vendors out there, there is such a thing as choosing the wrong one for your business. Every product has its target market. Some products offer more general solutions, others, are more custom fits. \n\nPicking the wrong automation software could leave you paying money for a solution that doesn’t quite fit your business, your mission, or your customers.\n\nInstead, you need to compare automation platforms and their offerings to see if they best fit your business. You don’t want to spend the time and money trying to streamline your workflows only to feel restricted as a business with an off-the-shelf platform.\n\n**Remember**: Automation should EMPOWER (not restrict) your growing business.\n\n### Step 9: Use Low-Code to Automate Workflows\n\nThe fastest way to automate your business is with a [low-code platform](/low-code-guide/). Traditional application development is a nightmare. \n\nYou’ll burn through your budget while waiting months for a single application weighed down in technical debt to go live. \n\n**Low-code is one of the best shortcuts to automate your workflow.**\n\nWith low-code, you can build the software you need to automate FASTER. If you have developers on staff, they can use the platform to rapidly create solutions using minimal code. \n\nAnd if you don’t, you can quickly train yourself and your staff on how to build these solutions. Because they use minimal code, most people can learn the platform within two weeks. And that’s coming from 0 programming knowledge.\n\nLow-code is the future of [custom application development](/quandary-build/). With the IT skill shortages out there and the slimming tech budgets, organizations need a quick and affordable solution that scales with businesses. \n\n**That’s exactly what low-code does.**\n\nAs a cloud-based solution, you choose a provider and typically pay an affordable subscription rate for services.\n\n### Step 10: Test and Document Automations Before Going Live\nIt’s easy to let automation take the steering wheel. After all, that’s what it’s supposed to do. However, if you have a “set-it-and-forget-it” mindset, you’ll risk wasting your money.\n\n_Or worse..._\n\nYou should test your automated workflows before you fully implement them. This will allow you to ensure they work. You also want to document the results. \n\n![](\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dnla85pdq/image/upload/v1579151465/QuandaryCG/oops.jpg\")
\n\nIf you optimize your procurement process, for instance, you’ll want to monitor the time and cost to process invoices to ensure that your software is saving you money. Record data before you begin so you can have a clear and accurate comparison at the end.\n\n### Step 11: Deploy Your Workflow Automations\nWhether you chose to automate processes in-house using one of the many software solutions out there or you choose a third-party consultant to help, you need to get your workflows live. \n\n### Step 12: Monitor and Improve\nData collection is essential to know whether or not your automated workflows are paying off. Monitor and collect data on your news processes. (Preferably, both before and after).\n\n**Here are some data of what you can track:**\n- Time spent completing tasks. \n- Number of employees required. \n- Number of steps it took to achieve it. \n- Error rate\n- Cost to carry a task to completion\n- Any added benefits that automation has created\n- Whether or not that data changes over time\n\nAfter automation and optimization, compare results. Note improvements and tweak your systems to further optimize. \n\nIf you fail to see the desired results, then you need to see where the problems are in the system before moving forward. Is there a problem with your request? The software? Employee adoption? Find the pain points and work to fix them.\n\nRemember, there are no “perfect solutions.” \n\nEven a seemingly perfect workflow can be improved as your business grows. Automation is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. There is no finish line. Be prepared to use data to see how your business can continue to grow. \n\n### Bonus Step: Don’t Wait to Automate Your Business\n\nDon’t ignore [the warning signs that you need to automate](../8-warning-signs-that-you-need-to-automate-your-business/) your business. Your company can collapse its back-office, streamline workflows, and reduce costs. \n\nBut setting up automated business processes isn’t always easy. There are a lot of roadblocks and mistakes that can ruin your efforts along the way. \n\nThe best way to sidestep these obstacles and set your business on a path to rapid success with workflow automation is to hire a professional consultant. By teaming up with an automation specialist, you get to lean on their expertise. \n\nNot only do they build the applications your organization needs to automate workflows, but they’ll create a business-defining roadmap that gets you there in the most efficient way possible.\n\nSee how we've helped our clients improve their businesses and get insane ROIs by checking out our case studies below.\n","categories":[{"title":"Automation"}]}}],"group":[{"fieldValue":"Automation","edges":[{"node":{"title":"Where Should Small Businesses Actually Start with AI?","author":{"name":"Desiree Easterling","image":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/95aa0c5b0d82c7a37de0483642b29522640b0c96-642x642.jpg?w=642&h=642&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/95aa0c5b0d82c7a37de0483642b29522640b0c96-642x642.jpg?w=320&h=320&auto=format 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