Low-Code Platforms For Building & Automating IoT Networks

Posted by Aaron Smith

The Internet of Things continues to expand with no sign of slowing down. It’s in hospitals, cars, factories, and household appliances. Smart Homes are increasing in popularity, especially for new home construction. Smart energy grids are reducing the load on sustainable energy sources and increasing public safety. At the current rate of growth, there may be 30 billion IoT devices or more online by 2030, according to some sources.

We’re seeing this rapid development drive low-code trends. IoT development is increasingly about maximizing efficiency and reducing cost, and low-code platforms are a proven way to do that.

Getting the Most Out of IoT
IoT networks can be data-rich environments. Smart buildings, smart factories, smart power grids, and smart cities generate complex data streams. Custom applications that can make sense out of this dense tangle of information are in high demand. Companies that can build custom dashboards and apps quickly are poised to reap the most out of the growing spread of the IoT.

Low-code platforms help software developers build custom apps faster and more securely by streamlining common tasks and providing a focused environment. These platforms can relieve developers of the burden of repetitive code production. They help to eliminate simple flaws like syntax errors and typos that prevent a smooth rollout. They include state-of-the-art security modules that protect users and help maintain code consistency between projects.

By leveraging the power of low-code platforms, developers can focus on other important features of the app, like the client experience and user interface.

Streamlining Dynamic Development
Soluntech and other developers depend on low-code platforms to generate pre-built blocks of code for standard functions. These code blocks may go by a variety of terms depending on the platform, like widgets, modules, or tasks. Developers can use their own code, build new modules/widgets, and add industry-specific features, depending on the platform.

Low-code platforms offer a number of ways to streamline and manage workflow. Most of them include drag-and-drop tools, a visual work environment, and pre-built frameworks and templates. Some platforms can auto-generate a framework based on a project description.

Many features, such as a social intranet, enhance collaboration. Platforms may include a forum or a marketplace where developers can discuss features or share code they have created.

Some low-code platforms can be configured to run in no-code mode. This extends the reach of these platforms for use by citizen developers. These individuals may be knowledgeable professionals or stakeholders that have little or no traditional programming experience. The no-code option lets them assemble working customized apps that can be immediately deployed.

Popular Low-Code Platforms for IoT
There are a variety of low-code platforms available to help developers build and automate IoT networks for clients. Some platforms are designed for certain types of users and markets and may include options and connectivity features that are industry-specific. Here are some of the most common platforms for IoT developers.

Vantiq
Vantiq is a robust, scalable low-code platform used in a variety of industries including oil production, telecom networks, secure installations, energy distribution, and more. It features real-time processing and event-driven architecture, and it includes AI-enhanced features to aid automation and workflow. It can be deployed as a cloud-based service, at the network edge, or as a hybrid platform.

Vantiq is designed to integrate a wide range of IoT devices. This includes traditional business resources, sensors, digital video streams, and more. It includes robust analysis and visualization tools that make it suitable for managing many resources.

Softbank uses the Vantiq platform for smart city management. Store Intelligence uses it for updating product prices, and labels, and providing frontline workers with real-time data.

Mendix
Mendix is a feature-rich low coding platform from an established company. It is a cloud-native application available as a service on the cloud. Deployment options include public and private cloud networks and workstation installations.

Mendix includes workflow-streamlining features for professional developers and a social intranet for collaboration. Developers can build an app from scratch or use prebuilt code and tools in a drag-and-drop, visual development environment with ample templates, widgets, and other helpful features.

Mendix is one of the few low-code programming platforms that can be installed on a workstation and operated independently from the cloud. Another unique Mendix feature is the ability for developers to edit mobile applications on their mobile devices.

Like Vantiq, Mendix can network and automate a wide variety of IoT devices, making it suitable for many different businesses and organizations. Mendix customers include a diverse range of companies like Washington Federal Bank, Siemens, and Rolls Royce.

OutSystems
OutSystems includes many features and options similar to Mendix.

OutSystems can integrate with more than 400 resources. Developers can network a wide variety of IoT data sources and sensor inputs. Like Mendix and other low-code platforms, OutSystems includes an extensible visual workspace, drag-and-drop tools, and collaborative features.

OutSystems can build custom dashboards and apps like customer portals, chatbots, voice-assisted systems, and more. It is used by a large number of corporations, including Medtronic, Wodify Technologies, and Mercedes-Benz.

BudiBase
BudiBase is an open-source low-code platform that lets users create custom dashboards and business applications for project management, custom CRM, and more. It includes free templates to aid workflow and connects to a wide range of data sources.

Users can build apps using prebuilt code blocks or use code blocks they prepare themselves. They can build and run automated services, auto-generate forms, and access a variety of online resources.

The open-source architecture of Budibase makes it a popular low-code platform for many organizations. Clients of Budibase include the Bulgarian government, Covanta, a waste-to-energy and resource management company, and Schnellecke Logistics.

Caspio
Caspio is a no-code/low-code cloud-based platform designed to create scalable online databases. It includes robust data import and export features, role-based access control, and more.

Caspio users can create an app with no code, and seasoned programmers can add code for customizing and extending features. Caspio includes analysis tools that give users options like trigger events and workflow automation. It is ideal for creating custom CRM apps, knowledge bases, customer portals, and similar tasks.

Caspio’s clients include companies as diverse as Honda, Yale University, and DHL.

Datacake
Datacake is a low-code platform designed for remote management and monitoring of smart homes, smart factories, and similar smart installations. It includes a widget-based drag-and-drop visual development environment that is suitable for a wide range of users and projects. It offers easy integration with third-party apps, real-time monitoring, data visualization, and automated data collecting.

Datacake runs on a secure cloud-based platform. It serves businesses including Kappa Data and Alpha-Omega Technology, a LoRaWAN network integrator.

The Best Fit
The IoT offers enormous opportunities for businesses and individuals to create and deploy custom apps with unique features.

If you’re searching for a low-code platform to aid the development of custom interfaces, dashboards, and apps for your clients, examine each platform carefully. Make sure the platform offers the range and flexibility that stakeholders require. Review the typical clients of the platform, and check out test cases, if available. With adequate research you can find a low-code or no-code platform that serves your needs, eases the burden on your developers, and helps you create apps that hit all your target requirements.