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This is because there aren't enough software developers and IT is overwhelmed with tasks. \n \nAnd Forrester estimates that this is [only getting worse](https://www.forrester.com/report/how-to-harness-citizen-developers-to-expand-your-add-capacity/RES135701). \n \nStill, businesses that want to stay competitive and relevant need to figure out a way to digitize their processes.\n \nCitizen Development offers a solution by removing the burden from your busy IT staff. Instead, it allows employees with no coding experience to create their own [low-code](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-guide/) or no-code applications. This allows your business to meet demands without overwhelming or expanding your IT department. \n \nBelow, we’ll discuss 8 ways citizen development can support your IT department and improve your business as a whole.\n\n## 8 Ways Citizen Developers Can Support Your IT Department\n\n### 1. Reduces Pressure on IT\nIT teams manage a multitude of overwhelming tasks. The ticket backlog is constant. In fact, IT workers are so overwhelmed that [82% of them](https://codeahoy.com/2021/10/01/software-developer-burn-out-survey/) have experienced burnout.\n \nWhen professional developers have too much on their plate, business output suffers and workplace culture takes a hit:\n\n- Security threats fall through the cracks. \n- IT struggles to create the solutions you need. \n- Customer demands go unmet. \n- Employee and customer churn increases, wreaking havoc on your business. \n \nCitizen development reduces that burden by empowering team members to create apps directly without relying on IT. \n \nThis allows IT to focus on critical projects while reducing the number of requests they have to manage. Even better, programmers can catch up on work, reducing burnout and turnover rates for already [hard-to-fill IT positions](https://www.cnbc.com/2022/08/13/tech-companies-shed-workers-even-as-the-talent-shortage-rages-on.html).  \n\n### 2. Helps Combat Shadow IT\n[Shadow IT](https://quandarycg.com/what-is-shadow-it/) is when your employees use unapproved third-party apps to complete tasks at work.\n \nShadow IT can put a business at risk. Your IT establishes software guidelines, vets, and approves applications to protect sensitive data and IP. \n \nWhile these processes reduce risk to the business, it creates a long approval process for new applications. And this roadblock strains employees eager to use new applications that can make their work lives easier. \n \nAs a result, numerous employees use apps without approval. The frustration between IT and departments grows. Productivity and collaboration drop. After all, it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.\n \nCitizen development [allows employees to create](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-shadow-it/) the automations, integrations, and applications they need to do their jobs faster. Instead of waiting on IT to vet and approve new tech, they can build what they need on IT-approved tools. \n\n### 3. Inspires Innovation\nCompanies use numerous, [risky spreadsheets](https://quandarycg.com/warning-spreadsheets-will-ruin-your-business/) and turnkey applications to work. While turnkey applications are ready to go out of the box, they lack the customization needed to address the specific needs of the business.\n \nIn other words, they're inflexible.\n \nCitizen development eliminates the need for expensive, custom application builds that force businesses to adapt their workflows to the applications. Instead, it opens the door for affordable, quick-to-market tools. \n \nLow-code and no-code tools inspire citizen developers to rethink workflows and processes. By empowering them to build the solutions they need, these platforms inspire employees to create better ways of working.\n \nFor example, an employee can build a simple workflow for [automating invoice payments](https://quandarycg.com/how-invoice-automation-works/). They can tailor the process to their specific needs, and save hours each week on manual data entry.\n\n### 4. Speeds Up Digital Transformation\nCitizen development allows employees to build applications faster without the need for IT involvement. \n \nWithout citizen development, traditional apps require significant amounts of time to create. From start to finish, it can take [4 - 12 months](https://www.brainspire.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-build-custom-software-for-a-business) to build a custom application. \n \nWith low code, you can create custom applications in days or even a few hours. On average, citizen developers can create low-code applications [62% faster](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-statistics/).\n \nAs an organization looking to digitize its processes, the ability to rapidly create custom, digital solutions means that you can quickly transform your business.\n\n### 5. Reduces IT Expenses\nTraditional application development is [very expensive](https://doit.software/blog/software-development-costs#:~:text=Depending%20on%20the%20project%20requirements,complex%20application%2C%20%24100%2C000%20and%20more.). \n \nLow-code application development is much cheaper. These are SaaS platforms, so costs scale with licensing and usage. The more you use the platform, the more it costs. But, the costs are lower than custom builds from scratch. \n \nAlso, developing in-house apps reduces the need to purchase third-party applications or outsource IT tasks. Instead, you can create the solutions you need on the low-code platform.\n \nYou’ll also [reduce costs](https://quandarycg.com/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/) by reducing the number of developers you’ll need to rely on to create solutions. Citizen developers have other, full-time jobs in your organization. \n \nSo, you don’t necessarily need to run out and hire citizen developers. (Though you can if your organization has a budget and needs for them.)\n\n### 6. Provides Additional Resources\nRather than building business applications from scratch, professional developers can reap the benefits of low-code just like your citizen developers. \n \nLow-code platforms allow professional developers to easily create apps that would otherwise take them hours to complete. These platforms are highly visual and use prefabricated snippets of code that make building applications faster and easier. \n \nThat means your IT department can rely on them to knock out other tasks.\n\n### 7. Improves Productivity\nIf your IT department is underwater, they can’t deliver the automation and integration needed to streamline workflows in your organization.\n \nAutomation removes the need to carry out manual, repetitive tasks. And businesses are plagued by [these time-wasters](https://quandarycg.com/process-improvement-statistics/):\n\n- Employees spend [1.8 hours daily](https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/technology-media-and-telecommunications/our-insights/the-social-economy) (9.3 hours a week) searching and gathering information.\n- [41% of stressed workers](https://www.coloniallife.com/about/newsroom/2020/april/worker-productivity-engagement-suffering-amid-pandemic) say stress leads to a loss in productivity.\n- [In 60% of jobs](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), one-third of the tasks required by employees could be automated.\n- [54% of employees](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) believe they can save 2 hours of work each day through automation.\n- The average office worker is productive for [2 hours 53 minutes](https://www.vouchercloud.com/resources/office-worker-productivity) out of a working day.\n \nManual processes are very time-consuming and costly. \n \nWithout digitized processes, your team is wasting time and money working on tasks that could be automated. But your team still has to meet KPIs and deliver results, despite these inefficiencies. This increases stress and fuels burnout. \n \nIt doesn’t have to be this way.\n \nCitizen development empowers employees to build automated solutions to their problems. As a result, they can reduce unnecessary tasks and increase their productivity business-wide.\n\n### 8. Promotes Collaboration\nTypically, other departments view IT as an obstacle. \n \nTeam members need to do their job and meet their KPIs. But, they can’t do that if they have to wait for IT to approve an application or complete a ticket. \n \nThere is also a lack of empathy from team members who don’t fully understand what goes into the application development process. They want what they want now. And they don’t understand why it takes so long.\n \nCitizen development unsilos IT. Low code platforms democratize software development, empowering team members in the application development process.\n \nStill, citizen development needs guardrails and governance. As a result, citizen developers can work with IT directly to accomplish more. With the right approach, employees can better work together to understand and achieve business goals.\n\n## How to Secure Pain-Free Citizen Development Adoption\nCompanies are hesitant to adopt citizen development. Some companies believe that it will introduce new security and integration risks or data loss. Others fear that it will lead to more work for them.\n \nHowever, with the right planning and training, this isn’t an issue. That’s why governance is key to ensuring you get the most out of your citizen developers.\n \nThe following tips will help your organization embrace citizen development:\n\n### Embrace the Citizen Development Culture\nEncourage your employees to experiment with the approved low-code platform to find unique solutions to their complex problems.\n \nWith the right culture and attitude toward citizen development, your developers will feel empowered to take more creative risks.\n \nYou want to set limitations and guardrails in place by providing safe, sandbox environments for your citizen developers to work. This allows them to experiment without risk, fueling their creativity and driving more unique solutions.\n \nGo one step further and reward employees for their ingenuity.\n \nIncentives will further motivate other employees to look for ways to streamline how work gets done in your organization. In the end, everyone wins.\n\n### Provide Transparent Accountability\n[Creating transparent citizen development policies](https://www.projectmanagement.com/contentPages/article.cfm?ID=731981&thisPageURL=/articles/731981/Creating-a-Culture-of-Transparent-Accountability-for-Citizen-Development-Success#_=_) that promote accountability improves the success of your citizen development program. \n \nBy establishing clear responsibilities, expectations, and roles for both the IT department and citizen developers, your team can better collaborate and reach their goals.\n \nEveryone will know what’s expected of them and where they can go to get support.\n \nTransparency also ensures that employees have access to the tools, resources, and training they need to get the most out of your low-code platforms. \n \nThis reduces the reliance your citizen developers will have on IT staff, helping them work independently.\n\nThere will be both success and failure. And sharing both with your team will allow your team to learn and grow quickly.\n \nFinally, leadership needs to be accountable for embracing citizen development from the top down. Otherwise, any initiative will fall apart.\n\n### Establish governance policies\nAlthough the benefits to citizen development are significant, poorly managed citizen developers can result in unnecessary [exposure to risk](https://learn.g2.com/citizen-development). \n \nNumerous, random applications. Copies of the same applications. Ineffective use of the platform. No adherence to IT policies. Without governance, citizen development can turn into the wild west. \n \nInstead, you need to work with IT to [establish clear governance policies](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-governance-guide/) that will prevent problematic software vulnerabilities. \n \nManagers should work with the IT department to control access in order to avoid IT security problems. Also, limited access prevents citizen developers from using unnecessary tools. \n \nWhile citizen development can reduce IT burdens, your developers will still need to provide oversight.\n \nThe IT department should monitor citizen development projects to ensure quality application builds that are compliant. And they should work with developers to create better solutions. Finally, they should know when to take over complex projects that are beyond the citizen developers' capabilities. \n \nThis will reduce complications for IT later on as unchecked problems can snowball into major issues.\n\n## Help Your Citizen Developers Support IT\nAt Quandary, we empower our clients to transform their processes and workflows faster. And we help organizations [adopt, train, and deploy citizen developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-support/) for a range of projects. \n \n[As business transformation experts](https://quandarycg.com/tech-consulting/), we leverage the experience of our team to help organizations build custom low-code applications that exceed expectations and streamline workflows.\n \nOur goal is to work as your long-term partner, providing guidance and support to ensure your citizen development team aligns with your business goals and vision.\n \nWant to get the most out of your citizen development program?\n \n[Reach out to us today](https://quandarycg.com/contact/)!","shortDescription":null,"categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-cf67e70d-21ca-51f0-aba9-7028407f5c0d","title":"The Complete Guide to the Citizen Developer 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Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"body":"Your employee has the perfect idea for a program to boost productivity and streamline processes. The program will save your company a ton of money and open up new leads you’ve wanted to access for months. \n\nThe problem is the employee with the great idea has no programming training. \n\nWhen he goes to the IT department with the idea, he runs into a wall. IT is already [overburdened with work](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/) and won’t be able to get to this new project for a month. \n\nThe idea goes nowhere. And instead of [reducing costs](https://quandarycg.com/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/), inefficient tasks continue to burn through time and money. It can feel like an endless loop.\n\nThe solution? Make your employee a citizen developer. \n\nThe citizen development movement opens doors to scaling application development. Digitizing processes and streamlining workflows is no longer a pipe dream. \n\nHere’s what you need to know about citizen development to take advantage of it in your organization. \n\n## What Is a Citizen Developer?\nAny employee who wants to [create a business-led solution](https://quandarycg.com/business-application-development-growth/) with low-code applications can be a citizen developer. They don’t need programming training. And don’t have to work in IT. \n\nCitizen developers use no-code or [low-code platforms](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-guide/) to build applications rapidly without knowing the code. Instead, they drag and drop snippets of code into place. \n\nThis means they can rapidly build business-led solutions to digitize processes and streamline workflows without sending an avalanche of support tickets to your IT department. \n\nPlus, even though they’re outside the IT department, citizen developers can still be legitimate operators of IT-approved technology. \n\n## Citizen Developer Pros\n### Creates Built-to-Suit Solutions\nIn most businesses, the IT department creates applications. Teams come up with an idea, build out the concept, and get approval. Your IT team builds the solution.  \n\nThe problem with this is that the developer is often different from the person dealing with the concern the application aims to solve. As a result, the solution is less likely to be an exact match for what they need.\n\nThere’s a gap between the idea and the final product. This leads to failed adoption, wasted resources, and frustration among team members.\n\nCitizen developers eliminate that gap. \n\nThey use a low- or no-code platform to create the exact solution to their problems. IT is there to provide oversight and guidance. But for the most part, the citizen developer can build the solution based on their day-to-day experience and ideal vision.\n\n### More Affordable Business-Led Solutions\nInstead of relying only on your IT department to create applications, citizen developers can build custom solutions faster and at a fraction of the cost. \n\nHow much? \n\nOn average, they can reduce development costs [by $50K - $100K](https://www.zoho.com/creator/decode/low-code-vs-traditional-development).\n\nBusinesses can redistribute that money into other digital initiatives, further reducing the costs of transforming processes. \n\n### Reduces IT Backlog\nIT departments have more backlog than they can handle. \n\n**Here are the facts:** \n- [88% of IT leaders](https://www.salesforce.com/resources/research-reports/top-it-trends/) will have larger workloads in 2022. \n- [66% of major software projects](https://www.mendix.com/resources/the-state-of-low-code-report/) are behind schedule.\n- [71% of businesses](https://www.mendix.com/wp-content/uploads/IT-Business-Alignment-Study-Global.pdf) have IT requests that go unanswered.\n- [62% of IT departments](https://www.mendix.com/resources/the-state-of-low-code-report/) have backlogs.\n\nOrganizations face increasing demand for digital solutions despite needing help to meet current demands. Citizen developers [free up IT’s backlog](https://quandarycg.com/how-citizen-development-supports-it/) by reducing the requests they need to manage. \n\nInstead of submitting requests for simple tasks, citizen developers can build the solutions themselves. And IT can move into a support role, providing guidance, training, and support. \n\n### Faster Application (Solution) Development\nLow-code app development is [much, much faster](https://dwkit.com/blog/how-to-speed-up-your-development-by-60-percent-with-low-code/) than traditional software development. Citizen developers can create solutions in days or weeks, not months (or even years).\n\nThis empowers your team to create new features and integrate new applications while they’re still relevant. \n\n### Increased Productivity\nCitizen developers can automate and integrate your processes and workflows. This can drastically reduce the number of time-consuming, menial tasks your team has to do. \n\nStreamlining workflows also has a compounding effect.\n\nYour employees will have more time to think strategically. This can inspire them to find better solutions to other problems, giving them even more time to focus on critical tasks. \n\n### Reduce Shadow-IT\n[Shadow IT](https://quandarycg.com/what-is-shadow-it/) often occurs because employees feel pressured to meet growing expectations but have to work within systems that don’t allow them to be successful. Instead, they look for tools to help make their work lives easier. \n\nAnd that can put your business at unnecessary risk.\n\nYour team member has to go around established security protocols that are in place to protect the company. Also, the third-party app may not have the security necessary to protect your company’s vital information.\n\nThe citizen development movement reduces instances of shadow IT because it empowers employees to build the custom solutions they need. Rather than rely on unsafe (or unapproved apps) that may not fully do the job, they can build exactly what they need using low code. \n\nYour IT department can also set up guardrails and a [sandbox environment](https://www.quickbase.com/blog/sandbox-low-code-unleashing-citizen-development-across-enterprises) to test new solutions safely. This encourages innovation while further decreasing shadow IT.\n\n### Promotes Collaboration\nTraditionally, app creation takes place in silos. The business side of the company creates the idea. The IT creates the app. \n\nThe problem is, working in silos leads to breakdowns in communication. And the resulting apps may not meet the expectations of the business side. \n\nThis leads to lost time and money. It can also cause a lot of unnecessary frustration on both sides.\n\nCitizen development breaks down the silos by encouraging collaboration between the business end of the company and IT. The citizen developer has a better knowledge of the technical side of app creation and can easily and comfortably communicate the application’s parameters with IT.\n\nAs an added benefit, workplace culture improves because each team better understands the goals, obstacles, and limitations of the other. \n\n## Easier to Find And Train Citizen Developers\nThere is a real talent shortage for software developers. Even if you have the budget, you may not be able to find people to fill open positions. \n\nAnd the Great Resignation only made things [a lot worse](https://www.techzine.eu/news/infrastructure/77341/the-great-resignation-is-making-it-harder-to-hire-developers/). \n\n[Developers are burned out](https://www.zdnet.com/article/developer-burnout-isnt-going-away-employers-need-to-act-now/). They’re struggling to commit. Demands and pressure are high. Finding alternatives to traditional development is key. \n\nMost citizen developers, on the other hand, are employees with full-time jobs, not full-time developers. Instead, leadership gives them time to find and build solutions. \n\nRather than continuously hunt for new software developers, you can simply train your team how to use low code.\n\n## Helps Businesses Better Scale \nGrowing businesses need to scale their systems if they want to stay competitive. Citizen developers can help you do just that.\n\nAll the benefits citizen developers provide make it easy to scale your organizations rapidly. \n\nYour team can integrate and automate away the tedious workflows, giving your team more time and resources to scale other processes. The end result is a more agile business that can shift with the market and stay competitive at scale. \n\n## Citizen Developer Cons\n### Initial Investment (Time and Money)\nYour company can’t just shift processes from IT to business teams overnight. \n\nAdopting a citizen development program will take time. And the company has to be ready to devote resources and time to the shift otherwise, it could cost you more.\n\nTeam members need time to learn low-code/no-code platforms. They also need time to review guidelines and work with IT to understand expectations. And they need to know how citizen development fits into their other daily tasks. \n\nLeadership also has to think through how they want to use low-code in their organization. And they have to guide changes from a top-down approach. \n\nAnd IT needs time to reposition itself to support citizen developers and oversee their projects. \n\nThere are costs for all that time. \n\nPlus, you have to invest in a low-code and/or no-code platform. While these platforms are significantly cheaper than traditional development, there are [still costs to manage](https://www.trustradius.com/buyer-blog/low-code-development-pricing).\n\n### Governance Required\nSetting up citizen development governance ensures that your developers stay compliant while feeling empowered to take risks. \n\nWithout governance, you end up with a wild west scenario. \n\nDevelopers build numerous apps without integrating them or keeping them secure. In some cases, you end up with numerous apps doing the same thing and/or apps that are essentially just more expensive versions of spreadsheets.\n\nYou need to establish governance at the start. Get your developers, leadership, and IT together and create guidelines for citizen developers.\n\nYou also have to plan out how to find potential citizen developers and how to train them. Training should include how to use low-code/no-code platforms productively. They also need to know how to collaborate with IT to create high-quality apps. And they should know when to hand complex builds over to IT for additional support. \n\nMore so, you need to monitor performance. Apps need to be high-quality, and they should significantly help improve operations. \n\nExpect a drop-off in quality for some citizen developers over time. And plan for further training and maintenance sessions to keep your team sharp and successful.\n\n### Potential for Reduced Application Quality\nCitizen developers are not professional developers. They are not IT-trained. As a result, they lack the experience needed to create premium apps (at least at the start.)\n\nStill, with the right training, experience, and guidelines, you can help your citizen developers build incredibly powerful, custom applications that drive results. \n\n### Cybersecurity Risks \nSecurity is always a risk with technology, and low-code no-code platforms [are not an exception](https://www.darkreading.com/dr-tech/why-so-many-security-experts-are-concerned-about-low-code-no-code-apps). While these apps are cloud-based, secure systems, you still need to be careful. \n\nGovernance is key to preventing cyber security issues. You should establish parameters for developers to follow so that apps remain secure. \n\nYour citizen developers also need to collaborate with IT. This ensures IT knows what apps your developers create, allowing them to provide guidance that keeps your critical data safe.\n\n### Initial Learning Curve \nLow-code and no-code platforms are very approachable for citizen developers, but they still have a learning curve. \n\nDon’t expect your citizen developer to understand how to use the platform and create a program on day one.\n\nTraining is a must. \n\nEmpowering your citizen developers to use the programs efficiently takes time away from their day-to-day jobs. IT will have to dedicate time to support them, too. \n\nPeople also learn at different speeds. Some are faster than others. You’ll need a range of resources and support ready to help guide your team to success. \n\n### Regular Maintenance\nJust like any other application, low-code and no-code platforms [require upkeep](https://www.outsystems.com/blog/posts/maintainable-code-low-code/). \n\nApplications developed by your citizen developers require regular assessment and maintenance to ensure proper alignment with the needs of your businesses and customers.\n\nIn addition, you’ll need to keep training your citizen developers. As these application platforms continue to advance, your team will need to stay current, so they can build the best solutions.\n\n## Who Should Be a Citizen Developer?\nCitizen developers are invaluable resources to your company. With the right training on business end-user tools, they can be a vanguard for business-led solutions.\n\nThe key is choosing the right candidates for the role.\n\n**There are two ways you can employ citizen developers:**\n1. Train full-time employees on how to use low-code platforms to improve their workflows. \n2. Hire a full-time citizen developer to create low-code solutions. \n\nThe path that works best for you depends on the needs of your organization.\n\nWhen training an existing employee on citizen development, you want a proactive employee interested in finding better ways of working. Look for employees who often point out bottlenecks and suggest solutions. \n\nThey’ll also need an interest in technology and a willingness to learn low-code.\n\nFor full-time citizen developers, you should hire people with backgrounds in automation, integration, and application development. For example:\n- Application Development\n- Cloud Architect\n- Workflow Automation Engineer\n- Process Automation Architect\n- Systems Engineer\n- Strategic Development Manager\n\nThe experience in these roles can help them learn the low-code platforms quickly and deliver solutions faster.\n\n### Citizen Developer Salary\nSalary estimates for citizen developers [vary by state](https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/What-Is-the-Average-Citizen-Developer-Salary-by-State). The annual range starts at $73,998 and goes up to $107,626.\n\nThis is a great salary for people looking to enter the field.\n\nAt the same time, it’s a more affordable price point for organizations with limited IT budgets. (Software developer salaries are often much higher: between [$84,020 - $140,470 or higher](https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/software-developer/salary).)\n\n## Citizen Developer vs. Professional Developer\nThere are a few key differences between [citizen developers and professional developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-vs-professional-developer/). \n\nCitizen developers tend to have little to no programming expertise. However, they know the processes, workflows, and audiences better than professional developers. Their daily tasks make them experts on what solutions will work best. \n\nProfessional developers are technology professionals. They know how to code. And they understand the IT processes and guardrails. This allows them to build apps that are compliant and designed to achieve business goals.  \n\nDespite their differences, citizen developers and professional developers can form a positive working relationship through collaboration. \n\nThink of them as two halves of a whole.\n\nThe citizen developer has business knowledge. They know what the application needs to do. A professional developer has the technical know-how to guide them to superior results while reducing risk to the business. \n\nIt’s the ideal team.\n\n## Citizen Developer Tools\nThere is a range of tools citizen developers can use to streamline processes and workflows in their organization. \n\nArming your team with the right tools ensures they have the highest chance of success. \n\n**Leading Citizen Developer Tools:**\n- [**Low-code/No-Code Application Platforms**](https://www.techtarget.com/searchsoftwarequality/definition/low-code-no-code-development-platform): Platforms that streamline application development with drag-and-drop interfaces (code and visual) to create custom builds.\n- [**Intelligent Business Process Management Suites**](https://www.gartner.com/reviews/market/business-process-automation-tools): Tools for guiding people and solutions to collaborate, integrate, and support business process management.\n- [**Multi Experience Development Platforms (MDXP)**](https://www.gartner.com/reviews/market/multiexperience-development-platforms): Tools for centralizing life cycle application life cycles: Designing, developing, testing, distributing, running, analyzing, and optimizing fit-for-purpose applications.\n- [**Robotic Process Automation (RPA)**](https://www.gartner.com/reviews/market/robotic-process-automation-software): Tools that make it easy to build and deploy robots that mimic human action to complete tasks.\n\n## Future of Citizen Development\nThe need for applications [isn’t going away](https://www.readinow.com/blog/demand-for-applications-is-far-exceeding-it-capacity-how-to-close-the-app-gap). And developers simply cannot keep up with traditional software development tactics. \n\nLow code is an easy, accessible way for businesses to keep up.\n\nGartner predicts that by 2023, enterprise citizen developers will [outnumber professional developers 4:1](https://venturebeat.com/business/gartner-citizen-developers-will-soon-outnumber-professional-coders-4-to-1/).\n\nAs such, look for the citizen developer movement to continue growing. And organizations, frustrated by increasing demands, IT backlog, and customer expectations, will look more and more to citizen developers to help them achieve their goals.\n\nThe alternative is a business plagued by the risks of growing [shadow IT](https://quandarycg.com/what-is-shadow-it/). Employees fighting burnout while trying to handle their workloads will turn to applications that can solve their problems with or without the approval of IT.\n \n## Starting Citizen Development in Your Organization\nStarting a citizen development program in your organization can lead to productive outcomes. \n\nTo succeed, you need a plan in place. \n\n**Here are a few pointers:** \n- Define the citizen developer's goals and roles through a [vision and/or mission statement](https://www.bain.com/insights/management-tools-mission-and-vision-statements/). \n- Identify employees in your company who have the potential to be citizen developers.\n- Train citizen developers to understand their roles and responsibilities.\n- Select a low-code platform that is accessible and supports your company’s goals.\n- Create opportunities for collaboration between citizen developers and IT.\n- Create a monitoring system to assess performance and provide training.\n \n## Citizen Developer FAQs\n### How Does a Citizen Developer Contribute to a Project? \nCitizen developers use their business expertise (daily experience with processes and workflows) to create applications using low-code or no-code platforms. They are often full-time employees who create applications for their departments on the side.\n\n### When Can You Implement a Citizen Development Program?\nIf you can identify potential citizen developers in your company, you’re ready to implement a citizen developer program. You’ll need a budget for the tools and training, though. \n\n### How Do You Implement a Citizen Developer Program?\nYou need to have a citizen developer framework in place before building out a citizen developer program. This ensures your team members have the guidance and guardrails they need to succeed. \n\nAt the same time, it prevents your low-code initiatives from turning into another form of shadow IT. \n\nWith a citizen developer framework, your team can explore creative solutions to problems without putting your business at risk or increasing strain on IT. \n\n### What Type of Businesses Benefit Most from Citizen Development?\nCitizen development can support various businesses, helping them meet their needs. \n\nWhether you’re a small company looking for ways to improve workflows or run a larger company with an overworked IT department, you can implement a Citizen Development program. \n\n### How Do You Govern Citizen Development? \nGoverning your citizen development program requires a top-down approach. Once you have a citizen development framework program in place, you must create a culture of transparency and support for the movement. \n\nAdditionally, IT professionals must have visibility and control over all parts to maintain quality and security. Your citizen development framework will ensure your team collectively moves toward getting the most out of your low-code applications.\n\n### How Can Companies Leverage Citizen Developers More? \nChoosing the right technology goes a long way to ensuring your citizen developers can create the best solutions. Frameworks, governance, and a top-down adoption create a strong foundation for successful citizen developers' initiatives.\n\nHowever, if you want to speed up the process more, consider working with [citizen development consultants](https://quandarycg.com/). Consultants will know how to stand up these programs faster and provide you with the support, guidance, and frameworks you need to succeed.\n\n## Get Support with Your Citizen Developer Program\nQuandary Consulting Group delivers all the [tools and services](https://quandarycg.com/quandary-build/) you need to [support your Citizen Developer Program](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-support/). \n\nWe believe 100% in the citizen development movement. And we’ve trained countless team members at numerous clients to help them get more out of low-code platforms like Quickbase, Workato, and Pipefy.\n\nWe aim to work as your long-term partner, providing guidance and support to ensure your citizen development team aligns with your business goals and vision.\n\nWant to get the most out of your citizen development program?\n\nReach out to us today!","shortDescription":null,"categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-31f9199f-105d-5b51-8f14-242cfa98338b","title":"Citizen vs. Professional Developer [Comparison Guide]","publishedAt":"2022-11-03T07:30:00.000Z","_createdAt":"2022-11-03T21:46:34Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f012069c9ebe1b768c209517611d27b5616f8469-1920x1282.jpg?w=1920&h=1282&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f012069c9ebe1b768c209517611d27b5616f8469-1920x1282.jpg?rect=2,0,1917,1282&w=320&h=214&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f012069c9ebe1b768c209517611d27b5616f8469-1920x1282.jpg?rect=1,0,1919,1282&w=654&h=437&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f012069c9ebe1b768c209517611d27b5616f8469-1920x1282.jpg?rect=1,0,1919,1282&w=768&h=513&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f012069c9ebe1b768c209517611d27b5616f8469-1920x1282.jpg?rect=1,0,1919,1282&w=1024&h=684&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f012069c9ebe1b768c209517611d27b5616f8469-1920x1282.jpg?w=1366&h=912&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f012069c9ebe1b768c209517611d27b5616f8469-1920x1282.jpg?w=1600&h=1068&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f012069c9ebe1b768c209517611d27b5616f8469-1920x1282.jpg?w=1920&h=1282&auto=format 1920w","sizes":"(min-width: 1920px) 1920px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1920,"height":1282,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}},"slug":{"current":"citizen-developer-vs-professional-developer"},"author":{"id":"-765e4c81-f3b0-5ed3-b290-cae32bdad35b","name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"body":"As more customers and employees raise expectations, businesses need countless new apps to achieve a strategic edge. Sadly, [professional developers can’t keep up](https://codesubmit.io/blog/shortage-of-developers/).\n \nTraditional application development is broken. It’s slow, expensive, and risky. Ultimately, this can have a major impact on your organization. \n \nTo scale better, you need to reevaluate how you automate and integrate your systems. While professional developers have been the go-to for ages when it comes to app development, there is another option: [citizen developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-pros-cons/). \n \nThere are positives and negatives to both. \n \nWhether you need a citizen developer or a professional developer depends on your business goals and what you hope to accomplish by digitizing processes.\n \nOur guide will highlight the pros and cons of citizen and professional developers so that you can make the best choice for your business.\n \n## What Is Citizen Development?\nIn simplest terms, Citizen development is app development carried out by non-IT, business-centric employees. Instead of professional developers creating apps, non-IT “citizens” apply their business process know-how to do the job.\n \nIt’s a movement grown out of necessity as [demand for apps spirals](https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/how-covid-19-has-pushed-companies-over-the-technology-tipping-point-and-transformed-business-forever) amidst a developer shortage and the limitations of IT. \n \nWith low-code/no-code development tools and their hands-on expertise, citizen developers can often [build apps faster and cheaper](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/). As a result, they can help to complement and extend scarce professional development resources.\n \nCitizen development is like a quick-response task force. It’s agile and targeted. Plus, citizen developers get things done faster (often building apps in days or weeks instead of months.)\n \n### Who Is a Citizen Developer?\nIn simplest terms, citizen developers are business unit employees without programming skills that create applications related to their roles and duties. \n \nThey are often business analysts, strategists, or managers with in-depth knowledge of processes, operations, and insights into the best ways to apply technology to solve their day-to-day problems. \n \nIn other words, they make up for their lack of coding skills with practical know-how in business processes and how to improve them.\n \n[Low-code/no-code tools](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-guide/) empower citizen developers to channel their hands-on expertise into business applications without depending on professional developers to write code. Removing the intermediaries and [cutting through IT red tape](https://quandarycg.com/how-citizen-development-supports-it/) frees citizens to focus on solving problems rather than negotiating cumbersome conventional development cycles.\n \nCitizen developers excel in visualizing process automation and enhancement. \n \nWith the [right tools](https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/low-code-development-platforms/), they can realize their vision by dragging and dropping pre-defined elements together using a simple visual interface–minimal to no coding required. \n \nIn short, they have the superpower to improve technology on their organization’s front lines.\n \n## What Is Professional Development?\nProfessional development creates and implements applications, databases, APIs, and more. \n \nTools of the trade include programming languages like Javascript, and C++, SQL databases, and a toolbox of utilities from source control managers to debuggers.\n \nProfessional development resides within the IT department and employs formal (and some would say more rigid) development processes. \n \nProfessional developers and traditional IT also tend to be more bureaucratic and deliberate. As a result, [the development process is longer](https://soltech.net/how-long-does-it-take-to-build-custom-software/), more resource intensive, and often carries more risk.\n \nStill, organizations have long relied on professional developers for creating, customizing, and maintaining applications.\n \nWhile professional development no longer completely dominates technology within most companies, they still control the IT backbone and heavy-duty applications that manage finance, manufacturing, and enterprise resource planning.\n \n### Who Is a Professional Developer?\n[Professional developers](https://flatironschool.com/blog/an-introduction-to-professional-software-development/) include programmers, software engineers, and coders. However, their titles can sometimes overlap with roles like IT manager, software architect, or database administrator. \n \nThe bigger the company, the more likely professional developers will specialize in one technology, discipline, or role.\n \nMost have one or more degrees in programming, computer science, or similar areas. They tend to follow structured methodologies governing the application lifecycle and other development processes. \n \nProfessional developers are also responsible for a company's critical applications and technology infrastructure.\n\nEmployed by IT rather than business units, most professional developers focus more on technology than business. They lean toward the “tried and true” methods. And they can be skeptical of new technologies ([low-code included](https://www.techradar.com/news/why-developers-are-sceptical-about-low-code)).\n \n## Differences Between Citizen Developers and Professional Developers\nThere are distinct differences between Citizen Developers and Professional Developers. Knowing these can help you decide which resource would better suit your business.\n\n|  | **Citizen Development** | **Professional Development** |\n|---|---|---|\n| **App Development Cost** | <$10k | $40K to $250K+ |\n| **App Development Time** | Days or Weeks (up to 10X faster) | Months |\n| **Skills Required** | No coding needed, business analysis and strategy | Coding required |\n| **Platform/Tools** | Low-code/no-code development frameworks | Computer languages, databases, utilities, compilers, debuggers, etc. |\n| **IT Involvement** | Minimal | Integral |\n| **Collaboration** | High | Low |\n| **Deliverables** | Web and mobile business applications | Applications, integrations, oversight, compliance, etc. |\n| **Primary Focus** | Business automation and productivity enhancement | Technology management |\n\n## Pros of Citizen Developers\n### Businesses Need More and More Applications\nThe demand for new business applications has never been higher. \n \nAs more businesses go mobile and the market becomes more unpredictable (the pandemic, supply chain issues, high turnover, and other complications), businesses need a way to stay lean and agile. \n \nMany companies recognize that rolling out strategic applications can get a leg-up on the competition. Long an untapped resource, citizen developers bring unique knowledge and additional bandwidth into the mix to make creating more apps possible.\n \n### Helps Reduce Cost\nTraditional apps created using professional developers are expensive, [$100,000 to $300,000](https://www.applicoinc.com/blog/much-cost-build-app/)  on average. Citizen developers can create an app at a fraction of the price, often under $10k. \n \nIf your organization needs to [reduce costs](https://quandarycg.com/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/), this can be a great resource.\n \n### Talent Shortage\nWith the [shortage of professional developers](https://www.zdnet.com/article/finding-developers-is-going-to-be-your-biggest-hiring-headache-this-year/), IT struggles to balance their workload. Backlog is common. Burnout is high. Thankfully, citizen developers can reduce the pressures of demand.\n \nAny employee in your organization can learn to be a citizen developer in weeks. This means that you can train your staff to build the unique solutions they need to solve their problems instead of waiting to find the necessary programmers needed to finish a build.\n \n### Better Collaboration\nCurrently, IT, Leadership, and departments are often siloed. Each group has obstacles they have to climb over to get work done. This slows down processes and leads to applications that may not meet the needs of their target audience.\n \nCitizen developers can work as a bridge between IT, business leaders, and customers, strengthening collaboration and driving better results. Because citizen developers are more directly engaged with all parties, they can share expertise with the team, leading to more successful process improvements.  \n \n### Faster Time to Market for Applications\nApps built by citizen developers take less time to develop and get to market faster. \n \nEnd-to-end, the process is speedier with fewer hurdles to jump, approvals to get, and resources to line up. It's common to reduce the traditional application lifecycle from months to weeks or even days.\n \n### Increased Productivity\nManual, repetitive tasks eat up your team’s time. Endlessly sorting through spreadsheets, trying to find information, and waiting on approvals can drag out a task’s completion time from minutes to weeks. \n \nCitizen developers can reduce those inefficiencies by building simple automation and integrations to connect workflows. \n \nOver time, your team will reduce the tedious tasks they have to manage. As a result, they’ll have more bandwidth to focus on critical issues. \n \n### Reduces Shadow IT or Helps Monitor It\nUsing a citizen development framework creates a single point of control and monitoring. \n \nThis model reduces the incentives to engage in [Shadow IT](https://quandarycg.com/what-is-shadow-it/). It also increases visibility into Shadow IT activity and enables better compliance.\n \nThink about it: If your team has the tools to work faster and achieve results, they won’t be tempted to side-step IT to find solutions. \n \n### Better Results\nWhen the app's owners write the specs, it's a good bet that the resulting application will meet expectations. Citizen developers know better than anyone what needs improvement or automation. \n \nUltimately, they can create the exact solution to their problem. This guarantees smooth implementation, training, and adoption of new technologies.\n \n### An Agile Approach\nCitizen development better lends itself to agile techniques, increasing flexibility and reducing development time. Development, testing, and shipping of applications are faster than with conventional methods. \n \nAs a result, you can [get the necessary solutions](https://quandarycg.com/quandary-build/) while they’re still relevant and scale your business growth.\n \n### Frees up Professional Development Resources\nMaxed-out professional development teams can focus on higher-priority projects when citizen developers help carry the load. This optimizes resources and helps IT catch up on tickets.\n \n## Cons of Citizen Developers\n### Can Be Hard to Manage\nCitizen development can be hard to manage without a citizen development framework to centralize control and monitoring. This can also lead to increased instances of Shadow IT.\n \n### Risk of Stifling Creativity with Ineffective Governance\nCitizen development requires effective governance. Otherwise, citizen developers can’t take full advantage of new technologies. \n \nRogue citizen developers may neglect security or quality, causing more harm to your business. Additionally, their creativity will be stifled without a safe sandbox environment to test solutions and ideas.\n \n### Constant Learning Needed\nSuccessful citizen development requires education and training. Training in data security fundamentals is essential, as is ongoing education in low-code/no-code tools. \n \nAs a result, leadership needs to adjust budgets and resources to ensure IT can provide support and citizen developers have time to learn.\n \n### Culture Change Needed\nCitizen development requires a cultural shift in the relationship between professional development and the rest of the organization. \n \nProfessional developers have owned software for a long time. They may feel that citizen development will render them obsolete or create more issues. Control issues may ensue.\n \n### IT Departments Misunderstand Value\nIT departments may be skeptical of citizen development and see it as unstructured and lacking value. Worse, they can see it as another task they have to manage.\n \nThere can also be a degree of a, “That’s not how we do things here” or “Us vs. Them” mindset that leads to antagonism, preventing collaboration and results.\n \n## Pros of Professional Developers\n### Familiarity\nSoftware development goes back to the 1940s. Professional developers are an established role within most companies and have been for some time, leading to familiarity, comfortable processes, and credibility within an organization.\n \n### Can Build Very Customized, High-Quality Solutions\nMost professional developers are very good at their jobs and can do impressive things with the tools they have at their disposal. Given the time and budget, they can build rock-solid applications and customizations.\n \n### Better IT Oversight\nAs part of IT, professional developers provide better project oversight. This can be handy, especially if unexpected issues crop up during development.\n \n## Cons of Professional Developers\n### Very Expensive\nProfessional developers get paid well. And with ongoing shortages, salaries continue to increase. Developer pay varies depending on location, experience, and specialty. However, the average salary for an experienced developer was [$132,000 in 2022](https://careerkarma.com/blog/how-much-do-coders-make/).\n \n### Not Needed for Every Solution\nWith the advent of low-code/no-code platforms, professional development skills are overkill for many projects. They add little value to the types of applications citizen developers can handle without coding knowledge.\n \n### Talent Shortage\nEven with many professional developers entering the field, demand continues to outstrip supply. Companies need more new apps than the current population of professional developers can produce.\n \n### Lots of Training Needed\nProfessional developers often complete [4 to 7 years of college](https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/how-to-become-a-computer-programmer#). Most also pursue ongoing, continuing education to learn new roles and technologies.\n \n### High Turnover Rate\nWith the shortage of professional developers comes a high turnover rate ([57.3%](https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm)).\n \nTurnover is high because, not only do you have the typical reasons employees leave (burnout, frustration with management, new opportunities), but you also have to deal with other companies actively trying to poach your developers.\n \nThis can make it even harder to fill vacant IT positions.\n \n### Lots of Backlogs\nIn many companies, backlogs and overwhelmed development resources are the status quo (stats on this below). New application development can take a backseat to other priorities. \n \n### More Risk \nIf you only have a hammer, everything can look like a nail. \n \nProfessional developers know less about an app's use case than end users. This means that there’s a risk that an app won’t work properly or that your team won’t adopt it.\n \n## Growing Businesses Need Citizen Developers\nThe citizen developer movement is significant and growing. \n \nWhy? \n \nBecause citizen developers are the perfect response to perhaps the most pressing business challenge today: the app gap.\n \nBusinesses can’t grow without a rapid growth of business apps, and traditional technology actors like professional developers and corporate IT can’t keep up by themselves. Only citizen developers can fill the gap and help their companies grow.\n \nA look at some of the [statistics surrounding citizen developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/) illustrates this: \n- Citizen developers will outnumber professional developers by 4 to 1 in 2023. \n- They can build apps up to 10x times faster than conventional methods.\n- They are expected to deliver 450 million apps over five years starting in 2020.\n- 64% of IT professionals report a backlog in app development.\n- 88% of IT leaders projected increased workloads in 2022.\n\n### Taming Shadow IT With Citizen Development\nAs technology usage becomes widespread and integral to corporate operations, the spread of Shadow IT increases dramatically. Citizen development helps to reduce Shadow IT by providing legitimate, authorized pathways for users needing new capabilities.\n \nIncreased collaboration among citizen developers and IT brings functionality requests under the umbrella of a citizen development framework. Once there, they can be managed and monitored more effectively.\n\n## Get Support with Your Citizen Developer Program\nQuandary Consulting Group delivers all the [tools and services](https://quandarycg.com/quandary-build/) you need to support your Citizen Developer Program. \n\nWe believe 100% in the citizen development movement. And we’ve trained countless team members for numerous clients to help them get more out of low-code platforms like Quickbase, Workato, and Pipefy.\n\nWe aim to work as your long-term partner, [providing guidance and support](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-support/) to ensure your citizen development team aligns with your business goals and vision.\n\nWant to get the most out of your citizen development program?\n\nReach out to us today!","shortDescription":null,"categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-6cfea894-a4d2-5d6e-9d03-774969ae65df","title":"Your Comprehensive Guide to Citizen Developer Governance","publishedAt":"2022-11-03T21:30:56.942Z","_createdAt":"2022-11-03T19:10:44Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/fee34404f1bf0264d099816318eeaccfd242f21f-6000x3374.jpg?w=6000&h=3374&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/fee34404f1bf0264d099816318eeaccfd242f21f-6000x3374.jpg?rect=1,0,5998,3374&w=320&h=180&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/fee34404f1bf0264d099816318eeaccfd242f21f-6000x3374.jpg?rect=2,0,5996,3374&w=654&h=368&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/fee34404f1bf0264d099816318eeaccfd242f21f-6000x3374.jpg?rect=1,0,5998,3374&w=768&h=432&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/fee34404f1bf0264d099816318eeaccfd242f21f-6000x3374.jpg?rect=1,0,5998,3374&w=1024&h=576&auto=format 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Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"body":"There is a need for faster application development like never before. Customers and employees crave new features that can help resolve their everyday challenges. \n\nUnfortunately, companies (and IT departments) struggle to keep up with demand.\n\nStill, [76% of customers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/) expect more businesses to offer the same features as e-commerce companies. And employees want faster, better ways to work to deliver results without overworking themselves.\n\nAs a result, [96% of IT departments](https://www.mendix.com/wp-content/uploads/IT-Business-Alignment-Study-Global.pdf) are overworked.\n\n[Citizen developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-pros-cons/) are a solution to this crisis, but it also comes with risks. Without proper citizen developer governance, application quality drops, and risk increases.\n\nThis guide will walk you through creating a citizen development governance strategy to ensure your business safely scales low-code application development.\n\n## What Is Citizen Development Governance? (And Why It Matters)\nCitizen development governance provides structure and guidance for citizen developers building low-code applications.\n\nWithout governance, you can find yourself in a “Wild West” situation. Application development runs unchecked. [Shadow IT](https://quandarycg.com/what-is-shadow-it/) increases. IT security decreases. Costs spiral. The solution that should solve your problems now creates more headaches. \n\nFor example, they may create multiple versions of the same app, leading to waste. Or, they can build siloed applications that turn into expensive spreadsheets. They can even unintentionally create apps that violate IT security standards, leaving you open to cyber attacks.\n\nThe key to solving these risks is implementing a strong citizen development governance. With governance in place, you can empower your citizen developers to reach their full potential by inspiring creativity, exploration, and risk-taking in a safe environment. \n\n## How to Govern Citizen Developers\nEnterprises face many challenges when developing apps today. To address these issues, organizations must adopt a hybrid model for application development: [blending IT and citizen development](https://quandarycg.com/how-citizen-development-supports-it/) to scale results. \n\nThe key to success is to adopt a systematic approach to citizen development governance.\n\nThis approach inspires and supports low-code app development. But, at the same time, it minimizes risks, maintains control, and monitors citizen developers.\n\n_Let's look at the 10-step framework for citizen developer governance strategy._\n\n### 1) Ensure IT and Citizen Developer Collaboration\n[Collaboration is key](https://www.accenture.com/us-en/blogs/industry-digitization/why-collaboration-is-at-the-heart-of-digital-transformation) to any successful business process transformation. To succeed, you need to establish uniform governance policies on collaboration. \n\n**These policies should outline the following:** \n- How to set measurable goals\n- The appropriate size of groups\n- Team member roles\n- How to share ideas\n- When/how to ask for support\n- When/how to collaborate\n\nUnfortunately, IT departments have an unfair reputation for saying \"no\" to help or collaboration. Often, they answer “No” due to their high workload (not ambivalence). \n\nThis creates a negative feedback loop. \n\nSaying “no” causes team members to pursue other channels (shadow IT) to find solutions. Or, they can try creating solutions on their own, opening up the business to waste and risk.\n\nStill, [71% of businesses](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-statistics/) have unfulfilled IT solution requests. And 62% of companies have growing IT backlogs. \n\nPatience, persistence, and a plan will help stakeholders find the time to collaborate and work toward reducing the IT backlog. Ultimately, this will give IT more time to collaborate.\n\n### 2) Create Citizen Development Governance Policies\nGovernance policies are key to establishing clear guidelines that team members can follow. Teams should create these policies collaboratively, and organizations should reinforce them from the top down.\n\nAsk these questions when creating policies:\n\n**1. Which low-code/no-code platform should we use?**\n\nThere are [numerous low-code platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/low-code-development-platforms) out there. Choose the best one for your organization. Consider costs, features, learning curve, and alignment to business goals. (_More on this later._)\n\n**2. How will the citizen developers build apps?**\n\nThe policy should act as a guideline for citizen development activity. It should cover how citizen developers identify problems and share ideas. It should also cover how they build, test, and deploy solutions.\n\n**3. Which apps can citizen developers build?**\n\nCitizen developers are not programmers. There are limitations to their skill sets. Clearly defining what types of applications they design will ensure that they create quality solutions.\n\n**4. When will the citizen developers build apps?**\n\nRemember, citizen developers are often full-time employees with other tasks to manage. You will need to give them time to work on identifying and building solutions. \n\n### 3) Centralize Citizen Developer Management\nYou need to avoid chaos and mismanagement among your citizen developers. Centralizing citizen developer management helps define roles and responsibilities clearly. This prevents miscommunication and process breakdown.\n\nBusiness leaders need to define clear goals and expectations. They also need to appoint a leader for the citizen developer program. And that leader must guide developers and enforce policies to ensure the team adheres to governance frameworks.\n\nThis governance architecture empowers key decision-makers and holds them accountable. As a result, your team will stay aligned and work toward established goals. \n\n### 4) Work with IT to Choose a Low-code/No-code Platform\nAs mentioned before, there are numerous low-code and no-code solutions out there.\n \n[Choosing the right platform](https://visionpoint.systems/how-to-choose-a-low-code-development-platform/) can be hard. But the application you select can make a huge difference. \n\n**What to consider when choosing a low-code platform:** \n- **Use cases for your business:** What type of applications do you need?\n- **The person designing apps:** Are they tech-savvy? Or, new to coding?\n- **Integration requirements:** What systems and applications do you need to connect?\n- **Level of customization:** How customizable do your apps need to be?\n- **Ease of governance:** How hands-on will your governance need to be?\n- **Cost:** What’s your budget for low-code tools?\n\nTake the time to evaluate each of these parameters. \n\nChoosing the wrong platform can result in more waste, decreased governance, and applications that don’t meet expectations.\n\n### 5) Provide Training\nTraining citizen developers gives them a better understanding of data security, IT policy, and the capabilities of low-code platforms. It also improves their skillset for developing low-code applications. \n\nWhen considering how to train citizen developers, there are two important stages: \n- **The first stage**: Focus on educating the citizen developer. They must pass an assessment to prove they qualify for application development.\n- **The second stage**: Focus on training the citizen developer. Provide the support, guidance, and tools they need to grow their skills.\n\nBy training your citizen developers, you’ll ensure that the applications your team designs streamline workflows and processes. \n\nEven better, the more they learn, the more [citizen developers can support IT](https://quandarycg.com/how-citizen-development-supports-it/) (reducing tickets and backlog). This opens the door to new levels of scalability. \n\n### 6) Set up Sandbox Environments\nCitizen developers need [sandbox environments](https://www.spiceworks.com/it-security/cyber-risk-management/articles/what-is-sandboxing/) to reduce the risks involved with application development. \n\nA sandbox is a place where developers can create apps without interfering with other systems or violating IT governance policies. These systems are built in the platform but essentially in stasis until they receive approval. \n\nSandbox environments prevent governance and the fear of accountability from stifling creativity. In these areas, citizen developers can run free, building new apps, automations, and integrations to streamline workflows.\n\n### 7) Oversee Integrations\n[Integrations](https://quandarycg.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-integrations/) save time on development and make the user experience better. However, integration can become problematic if done incorrectly.\n\nFor example, improperly constructed integrations can silo or send the wrong data. These instances can create more problems than they solve. \n\nBy reviewing any integrations, you can ensure all your systems connect and that the data you see is accurate.\n\n### 8) Add Accountability\nCitizen developer governance promotes accountability through monitoring. This means keeping track of activities and application development.\n\nThe IT department should monitor all citizen development activities. This reduces the risk of non-compliance occurring in IT-related developments and integrations.\n\nUltimately, citizen developers should be held accountable for the outcomes of their activities. Quality assurance ensures new apps work according to expectations.\n\n**Follow these steps to achieve accountability with your citizen developers:**\n- Review governance policies to maintain relevance.\n- Add and provide resources across all business units.\n- Organize activities, training, and facilitation of activities for citizen developers.\n- Manage platforms and systems that citizen developers use to build applications.\n- Manage data keeping and publishing of data services and APIs.\n- Report to all stakeholders.\n\n### 9) Provide Support\nSupport can take the form of coordination with IT, community-building, additional resources, training, and tech support. And it helps you remain compliant by ensuring all the key stakeholders are on the same page. \n\n#### Coordinating with IT\nCitizen developers must regularly collaborate with IT to ensure their builds align with business goals. This also ensures they don’t create duplicate or inefficient versions of other applications.\n\n#### Community Building\nCitizen developers need support from their peers. It can help them share skills, prevent isolation, and encourage creativity. They can pool their skill sets to find new solutions and tackle problems faster.\n\n#### Resources + Training\nThere are numerous resources and training out there for citizen developers. You should give your team time to access these resources so that they can improve their skill set. \n\n#### Tech Support\nCitizen developers are often only part-time developers. Most have minimal to no coding background. As a result, IT will also need to monitor builds and take over projects that require more direct coding experience.\n\n### 10) Track Performance and Improve Processes\nTechnology, the market, business, and people change constantly and evolve. As a result, you’ll need to revisit your citizen developer governance model from time to time.\n\nExisting governance strategies may lose relevance due to significant changes within the organization. Such changes include:\n- The introduction of new leadership\n- Business process reengineering\n- Replacement of platform used for application development\n- Implementation of newer technology to further develop apps\n\nUnchecked access to new tools reverts the company back to where it was before implementing governance.\n\nPeriodically evaluate your governance program when these events happen. \nYou should also use metrics and monitoring tools to evaluate and assess your governance program regularly. \n\n**Ask these questions:** \n- Does your program provide value? \n- Are we meeting business goals?\n- Are your new tools effective? \n- Are they saving you money?\n\nAn internal audit is the first step in ensuring governance compliance and monitoring. The resulting evaluation should provide you with remediation plans. Work with key stakeholders to roll out these updates. \n\n## Governance Keeps Citizen Development Secure\nFollowing the 10-step framework for citizen developer governance strategy can help you mitigate risks as your business starts to leverage low-code to tackle growing digital demands.\n\nBut, implementing a citizen development governance framework isn’t always easy. The creation, deployment, and adoption of this framework comes with many challenges and obstacles. \n\nIf you’re looking for support in [starting up your citizen development program](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-support/), you need to work with low-code consultants who understand your unique challenges. \n\n[At Quandary](https://quandarycg.com/), we help our clients establish clear citizen development governance frameworks that empower their teams. \n\nWe work with our partners to bridge the gaps between IT, citizen developers, and leadership. And provide the support and guidance they need to streamline application development in their organizations.\n\nWant to get the most out of your citizen development program? \n\nReach out to us today!","shortDescription":null,"categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-64caf767-aa3c-50c1-b73a-0f66248817a9","title":"Why Citizen Development Is Critical for Digital Transformation","publishedAt":"2022-11-16T06:00:00.000Z","_createdAt":"2022-11-17T10:35:19Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/77a42610cbb25fbf26a4380fcf1a1179c65b7665-2000x1333.jpg?w=2000&h=1333&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/77a42610cbb25fbf26a4380fcf1a1179c65b7665-2000x1333.jpg?rect=0,2,2000,1331&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/77a42610cbb25fbf26a4380fcf1a1179c65b7665-2000x1333.jpg?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/77a42610cbb25fbf26a4380fcf1a1179c65b7665-2000x1333.jpg?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/77a42610cbb25fbf26a4380fcf1a1179c65b7665-2000x1333.jpg?rect=0,1,2000,1332&w=1024&h=682&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/77a42610cbb25fbf26a4380fcf1a1179c65b7665-2000x1333.jpg?rect=0,1,2000,1332&w=1366&h=910&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/77a42610cbb25fbf26a4380fcf1a1179c65b7665-2000x1333.jpg?w=1600&h=1066&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/77a42610cbb25fbf26a4380fcf1a1179c65b7665-2000x1333.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&auto=format 1920w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/77a42610cbb25fbf26a4380fcf1a1179c65b7665-2000x1333.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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"}}}},"slug":{"current":"citizen-development-digital-transformation"},"author":{"id":"-765e4c81-f3b0-5ed3-b290-cae32bdad35b","name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"body":"Currently, [87% of companies](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220209005275/en/87-of-Enterprises-Now-Pursuing-Digital-Transformation-Gaining-Measurable-Business-Benefits-Even-in-Early-Stages) are pursuing digital transformation to boost efficiency, competitiveness, and agility while reducing costs. \n \nStill, digital transformation has its downsides. \n \nIt can be disruptive, time-consuming, and push organizations to their limits. There’s also risk involved (change and data management, for example.) And it often requires an initial investment from businesses with limited budgets. \n \nAdditionally, IT teams typically bear the brunt of digitization and fall behind the overwhelming demand for new business apps. Currently, [64% of IT departments](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/) report a backlog of new app requests. \n \nCitizen development offers a simple solution for businesses looking to digitize processes without burning through limited resources or burning out their developers. Here’s how citizen development supports digital transformation.\n \n## What Is Citizen Development?\n[Citizen development](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-pros-cons/) shifts software development away from IT. Instead, it empowers non-IT-trained employees to quickly build custom business applications using cloud-based low-code and no-code development platforms. \n \nCitizen developers complement IT development by applying their unique expertise to the solutions they create. The result is a reduction in workload for IT with unique solutions that teams can easily adopt. \n \nWith [70% of IT solution requests](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/) going unmet, citizen development is a welcomed approach that reduces the workload for already overwhelmed programmers and tech resources.\n \n## What Is Digital Transformation?\n[Digital Transformation](https://www.cio.com/article/230425/what-is-digital-transformation-a-necessary-disruption.html) is the use of automation, integration, and other applications to streamline workflows and processes in a business. \n \nSadly, it has become a jargony buzzword that pools every digital initiative together, making it harder for businesses to understand the concept fully. \n \nIn short, it’s using technology to change how work gets done in your business. Whether you automate invoices, connect data streams between systems, or build a custom app for the unique needs of your business, it all falls under the umbrella of “Digital Transformation.”\n \nThe goal is simple: reduce inefficiencies from menial tasks by automating and integrating systems. This results in more strategic time for your team, cost reduction on labor and mistakes, and fewer operational risks for your business.\n \n## Why Is Citizen Development on the Rise?\nThe downside of digital transformation is an increased demand for IT departments, programmers, and software to streamline existing processes. \n \nUnfortunately, professional developers and IT staff can’t keep up with ever-increasing demands for new business apps. \n \nThere is a major shortage of software developers. \n \nIn 2021, there were [1,622,200 software developer vacancies](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm). And projections show a 25% increase by 2031.\n \nEven more challenging for businesses is finding the resources to hire developers. [Salaries for programmers](https://www.computerscience.org/software-engineering/careers/software-engineer/career-and-salary-outlook/) are high. And the demand continues to drive up the costs. \n \nBusinesses with limited resources need an alternative solution. And that’s where citizen development comes in handy.\n \nDigital transformation forces businesses to find ways to scale application development.\n\nCitizen development enables leaders to delegate those tasks to the employees responsible for the workflows impacted by digital transformation.  \n \nCitizen developers can take the lead on app development and apply more resources to enable more apps more quickly. Overworked IT teams benefit by offloading a significant piece of app development, reducing their backlog, and gaining the increased capacity to dedicate to other initiatives.\n \nProjections from Gartner show that by 2023, citizen developers will outnumber [professional developers 4 to 1](https://venturebeat.com/business/gartner-citizen-developers-will-soon-outnumber-professional-coders-4-to-1/).\n \n## 7 Ways Citizen Development Accelerates Digital Transformation\n \nA lack of IT bandwidth can slow or even stall digital transformation. But citizen developers can take over much of app development and [expedite digital transformation](https://quandarycg.com/how-citizen-development-supports-it/). \n \nIf you’re on the fence about leveraging citizen developers, here are 7 significant ways the movement can accelerate digital transformation in your business.\n \n### 1. Speeds Up App Development\nCitizen development is [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 coding the same app from scratch. Total development time can take as little as 2 - 4 weeks. (In some cases, it can take a few hours or days, depending on the complexity of the solution.)\n \nApps built by IT take significantly longer.\n \n[IT application development time](https://www.startupgrind.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-build-an-app/) varies according to complexity, starting at about 3 months for a small app and as many as 10 - 18 months for complex projects.\n \nIT departments are also responsible for design, testing, and deployment. In addition to coding, these other activities add additional weeks to the project.\n \nBecause traditional development depends on IT schedules and demands, start time delays can happen. Even worse, IT backlogs and competing project priorities can push app completion dates further.\n \n### 2. Addresses Specific Business Problems\nCitizen developers are intimately aware of the day-to-day problems that an app can resolve. This hands-on knowledge is the “secret sauce” that makes an app effective and purpose-built.\n \nAnd as subject matter experts, citizen developers are the most qualified to build apps directly impacting their workflows. They understand the processes, dependencies, and environment where the app will “live.”\n \nThis business mindset allows them to focus on how the app should integrate with other tools and what data it will process. It also shows them how employees, partners, and customers would interact with it. \n \nThe end result is a superior solution with higher adoption rates and customer satisfaction.\n \n### 3. Reduces Costs\nWorking outside expensive IT cost structures, citizen developers typically build apps at a much lower cost than professional developers. \n \nThe main tools that citizen developers use, [low-code and no-code platforms](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-guide/), are SaaS services that are relatively affordable for businesses. Costs scale with use, eliminating the need to purchase other expensive software.\n \nShorter development timelines for apps created by citizen developers are [a significant way to reduce costs](https://quandarycg.com/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/).\n \nCitizen developers are full-time employees in other areas that learn how to use low-code platforms to enhance their work. The salaries of these junior-level employees are often lower than software developer salaries. \n \nProfessional development teams often have numerous processes in place for [building applications](https://quandarycg.com/business-application-development-growth/). These processes include several programmers and a project manager or other IT staff, further inflating the cost of an app.\n \n### 4. Improves Efficiency\nCitizen developers are considerably [more efficient than professional developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-vs-professional-developer/) working within IT departments. In short, they get more done with less.\n \nThey leverage low- or no-code tools that automate time-consuming programming while minimizing development timeframes. \n \nUltimately, Citizen developers can work unhindered by the IT bureaucracy that can bring projects to a crawl. In other words, they face fewer procedural or budgetary obstacles that can drag out the time to market for applications.\n \nThe development process becomes more efficient when the person connected to the problem designs the solution. Instead of endless back and forth, citizen developers are likelier to get it right the first time.\n \n### 5. Reduces IT Backlog\nCitizen developers make life easier for IT by carrying the load of app development. This assistance is usually a welcome relief as [96% of IT departments](https://www.mendix.com/wp-content/uploads/IT-Business-Alignment-Study-Global.pdf) are overworked.\n \nIT teams are constantly overburdened, with [64% of companies](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/) reporting an application development backlog. Plus, they struggle to keep up with 77% of IT solution requests going unresolved. \n \nIntense workloads take a toll on IT workers, as [82% reported burnout](https://codeahoy.com/2021/10/01/software-developer-burn-out-survey/) at some point during the last 6 - 8 months. And turnover is high, with 70% of workers looking to switch jobs within the following year.\n \n### 6. Improves Workplace Culture \nDigital transformation can adversely impact workplace culture, especially in the short term. [Sweeping organizational change](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2022/07/22/digital-transformation-and-its-impact-on-organizational-culture/?sh=131a8c1329a2) can damage morale and cause employees to react negatively.\n \nSome team members can be antagonistic toward change, fearing improvements will worsen their day-to-day lives. As a result, they can slow down or derail digital initiatives.\n \nBut citizen development can help mitigate the negative fallout. Employees who create apps to improve their everyday jobs become full participants in digital transformation. \n \nRather than being held hostage by top-down, IT-driven initiatives, citizen developers can drive their changes. \n \nThis sense of empowerment can spread and repair or improve workplace culture and help employees regain a sense of security.\n \n### 7. Keeps Businesses Competitive\nCitizen development helps create leaner businesses that can scale services and products to reach customers better. These solutions enhance agility and enable companies to resolve issues quickly and exploit new opportunities.\n \nEmployees get more time to focus on strategic tasks, empowering them to impact company performance directly.\n \nBusinesses also gain deeper insights into customer needs with cleaner data. And they can use that knowledge to add new features, launch new products, and improve operations. \n \nCustomers experience better service, deeper engagement, and a higher level of satisfaction. A better experience leads to greater customer loyalty and an enhanced brand.\n \nAdditionally, leaner businesses have more resources to take risks and build new solutions to reach customers better in the future.\n \nWith these added advantages, companies can better compete in the marketplace and remain agile when markets shift.\n \n## Citizen Development Risks\nDespite its considerable benefits, citizen development is not risk-free. To be successful, you need [the right approach to governance](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-governance-guide/). You also need to be aware of the risks.\n \n### 1. Security Concerns\nSome consider Low- and no-code platforms [vulnerable to security breaches](https://www.infoworld.com/article/3651928/is-low-code-safe-and-secure.html). \n \nHowever, in-depth analysis has shown they are no less secure than conventional development tools. (And far [more secure than spreadsheets](https://quandarycg.com/warning-spreadsheets-will-ruin-your-business/).)\n \nMost security risks are manageable. Still, breaches and other serious incidents can happen. This is why it’s essential to remain vigilant. \n \nBe aware of systemic failures, including unauthorized integrations, unchecked shadow IT, and lapses in oversight.\n \nEnsure security with citizen development by establishing clear frameworks for governance and allowing your citizen developers to collaborate with IT.\n \n### 2. Requires Planning and Training\nCitizen development works best as a well-planned, company-sanctioned initiative. Done right, citizen development depends on multiple stakeholders and includes many moving parts. \n \n“Winging it” isn’t an effective strategy.\n \nInstead, a successful program requires careful planning inclusive of all key stakeholders, including leadership, IT, and citizen developers. Without careful planning and stakeholder input, your citizen development movement can fail.\n \nTraining is also essential. \n \nTrain your team to use the approved development platform, ensuring app security, and working with IT. IT staff also need training on developer program rules of the road, effective monitoring procedures, and app quality control.\n \n### 3. Needs Oversight\nA lack of oversight can spell disaster for citizen development. Instead of boosting productivity, it could easily collapse into chaos.  \n \nCitizen development isn't plug-and-play. \n \nIt doesn’t spontaneously emerge ready to take over the majority of app development from IT.  And it won't evolve and grow without boundaries, guidance, and resources. \n \nInstead, it needs IT support and leadership buy-in to succeed.\n \nTypically, citizen developers aren’t tech-savvy. Their business expertise may enable them to design a terrific app, only to inadvertently stumble into a security breach due to a lack of technical skills.\n \nWithout adequate oversight, the risks of citizen development can overwhelm the benefits. \n \nRather than rapid and innovative app development, you can be stuck with cost overruns, lower productivity, compromised security, and increased shadow IT.  \n \n## IT Department’s Role in Citizen Development\nCitizen development and IT have complementary strengths. They must work together to meet application demand and support digital transformation.\n \nFor its part, citizen development can take the lead role in minor app development, allowing IT to reduce its backlog and focus on major, strategic solutions. \n \nThere’s fear that citizen development would replace IT. This is not true. [Citizen developers need support](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-support/), training, and guidance from IT. \n \nThere are also fears that citizen development will overly complicate the day-to-day for programmers. As long as there are frameworks in place, citizen developers should drastically reduce the strain on IT. \n \nThe key is setting up both teams for success.\n \nIT should select the [best low code platform](https://www.g2.com/categories/low-code-development-platforms) for their business and provide safe, sandbox environments and the transparency teams need to succeed. As long as IT builds out the guardrails, citizen development can flourish.","shortDescription":null,"categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-5eddd806-9d1f-551d-8257-050db7e8fcb7","title":"Your Roadmap for Implementing Citizen Developers in RPA","publishedAt":"2022-11-28T16:00:00.000Z","_createdAt":"2022-11-29T08:25:44Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/ae2a1c3bdfa71893f589fd2390839774325af9d0-2247x1500.jpg?w=2247&h=1500&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/ae2a1c3bdfa71893f589fd2390839774325af9d0-2247x1500.jpg?rect=3,0,2243,1500&w=320&h=214&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/ae2a1c3bdfa71893f589fd2390839774325af9d0-2247x1500.jpg?rect=2,0,2245,1500&w=654&h=437&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/ae2a1c3bdfa71893f589fd2390839774325af9d0-2247x1500.jpg?rect=1,0,2246,1500&w=768&h=513&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/ae2a1c3bdfa71893f589fd2390839774325af9d0-2247x1500.jpg?rect=1,0,2246,1500&w=1024&h=684&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/ae2a1c3bdfa71893f589fd2390839774325af9d0-2247x1500.jpg?w=1366&h=912&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/ae2a1c3bdfa71893f589fd2390839774325af9d0-2247x1500.jpg?w=1600&h=1068&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/ae2a1c3bdfa71893f589fd2390839774325af9d0-2247x1500.jpg?rect=1,0,2246,1500&w=1920&h=1282&auto=format 1920w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/ae2a1c3bdfa71893f589fd2390839774325af9d0-2247x1500.jpg?w=2048&h=1367&auto=format 2048w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/ae2a1c3bdfa71893f589fd2390839774325af9d0-2247x1500.jpg?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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"}}}},"slug":{"current":"rpa-citizen-developer"},"author":{"id":"-765e4c81-f3b0-5ed3-b290-cae32bdad35b","name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"body":"Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a crucial initiative for many companies. Done right, RPA dramatically increases productivity and operational reliability while minimizing costs. \n \nBut RPA is a challenge to implement and scale. Most IT and development teams are stretched thin and can’t shift scarce resources to RPA development.\n \nWhat’s more, successful RPA depends on an intimate understanding of business processes plus insight on how best to automate them. Front-line employees are more likely to possess this knowledge than IT, so applying it to RPA can be challenging.\n \n[Citizen developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-pros-cons/) can help resolve these issues and jumpstart RPA. They can fill the development resource gap and apply their knowledge directly to bot design.   \n\n## What Are Citizen Developers in RPA?\n\n[Robotic Process Automation](https://www.bain.com/insights/automation-tech-report-2020/) optimizes business workflows to increase efficiency, leverage resources, minimize errors, and even add new capabilities. It replaces manual, repetitive tasks and workflows with bots running predefined instructions to automate processes. \n \nThe underlying technology is well-established, so creating the right bot instructions is key to effective RPA. That’s where [citizen developers provide support](https://quandarycg.com/how-citizen-development-supports-it/). Their hands-on knowledge of relevant processes is what makes RPA work best.\n\nCitizen developers are in an ideal spot to identify the processes ripe for automation. They know the necessary steps for each process and desired outcomes. As a result, they can ensure the solution fits the workflow exactly.\n\nWhat’s more, armed with [low- or no-code development tools](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-guide/), citizen developers can create effective bots without IT resources. And they typically do it [faster and more affordably](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/).\n\nMost IT departments are understaffed, overworked, and can’t catch up. Citizen development complements scarce IT resources, enabling rapid RPA deployment and allowing organizations to scale better.\n\n## How to Set Up Citizen Development in RPA\n\n[Governance](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-governance-guide/) is critical to successful citizen development RPA. It empowers citizen developers to do their best work while minimizing potential risks.\n\nA well-designed and implemented governance framework ensure leadership buy-in and support. It also promotes close collaboration between IT and citizen development.\n\nAs part of the framework, leadership and IT should support citizen developers with training and low- and no-code tools. \n\nAdditionally, they should provide formal planning, communication, and review processes. Monitoring and technical assistance are also critical to guard your organization against security risks and other issues.\n\nIntegration with more traditional, IT-based RPA programs already in place is also essential. Otherwise, duplicate or competing efforts can occur. \n\nAnd this wastes time, money, and resources.\n\nWhen set up correctly, citizen developer RPA accelerates bot development and implementation while maintaining quality and managing cost. Citizen developer RPA programs have many moving parts and stakeholders, so proper planning and a systematic approach are essential.\n\nTo ensure the success of your citizen developer RPA program, follow this 8-step process.\n\n### 1. Get Support from Leadership\n\nCitizen developer RPA ideally starts as a [top-down](https://www.uipath.com/blog/rpa/rpa-adoption-top-down-or-bottom-up) leadership initiative. Leadership should own the automation roadmap and assemble the team that builds and maintains the governance framework.\n\nLeadership support for citizen developers in your RPA program should be continuous, including strategic direction, oversight, and guidance.  \n\nAdditionally, leadership should be ready to supply budgetary and technical resources as needed. Their role can distinguish a business from a struggling, disorganized citizen developer RPA program that creates more problems and one that meets objectives.\n\nSymbolically, visible leadership involvement in citizen development RPA provides credibility to the effort and signals its importance to the company. This helps ensure the success of your program.\n\n###  2. Create a Citizen Developer Program\n\nLeaders now recognize that non-IT employees can often better identify process automation and improvement opportunities. \n\nBut traditionally, these employees could not act on these opportunities.\n\nNow, armed with low- or no-code development tools and appropriate support and guidance, these employees can assume the role of the citizen developer.\n\nInstead of adding more tickets to an ever-increasing IT backlog, they can quickly identify critical needs and address them directly.\n\n### 3. Establish Guidelines for Citizen Developer Governance\n\nOnce IT and leadership buy into the citizen development model, setting up citizen developer governance is the next step. \n\nYou will need formal guidelines, establishing clear rules of engagement between citizen developers, IT, and leadership.\n\nThese guidelines should act as a cross-departmental agreement for citizen development. They contribute to stakeholder alignment, reduce misunderstandings, and promote rational discussion. \n\nMost importantly, well-designed guidelines optimize results while avoiding risks and pitfalls.\n\n### 4. Provide User-Friendly RPA Tools\n\nCitizen developer RPA works best when an organization standardizes one or two approved [RPA tools](https://www.guru99.com/robotics-process-automation-tools.html) and integrates them into its existing framework. Sticking to authorized tools streamlines tech support, helps build a shared knowledge base and reduces licensing costs. \n\nIn addition to tool selection, IT should provide initial and ongoing training to developers. You’ll also need a dedicated RPA tool help desk to boost productivity and ensure quality control. Finally, IT should implement guidelines governing RPA tool installations, app handoffs, and integrations.\n\nImplementing only one or two RPA tools boosts productivity and reduces risk to your business. \n\nIt’s easier to support your citizen developers and provide the necessary oversight to ensure compliance. At the same time, it prevents redundancies that waste resources.\n\nLimiting RPA tools to authorized team members reduces security risks as well. There are fewer software platforms to monitor, and citizen developers can self-monitor to a degree.\n\nStill, not all RPA tools are equal. \n\n**Here are some well-regarded platforms to consider:**\n- [UiPath Platform](https://www.gartner.com/reviews/market/robotic-process-automation-software/vendor/uipath/product/uipath-platform)\n- [AutomationEdge](https://www.gartner.com/reviews/market/robotic-process-automation-software/vendor/automationedge/product/automationedge)\n- [Blue Prism Intelligent Automation Platform](https://www.gartner.com/reviews/market/robotic-process-automation-software/vendor/ssc-blue-prism/product/blue-prism-intelligent-automation-platform)\n- [TruBot](https://www.gartner.com/reviews/market/robotic-process-automation-software/vendor/datamatics/product/trubot)\n- [Automation 360](https://www.gartner.com/reviews/market/robotic-process-automation-software/vendor/automation-anywhere/product/automation-360)\n\n### 5. Create the Right Culture\nSuccessful citizen development starts with a culture of empowerment and innovation. Openness to new ideas and a willingness to collaborate and innovate are essential. \n\nEmbracing change and a “take charge” attitude can speed up progress. Additionally, a sense of mission and accountability helps keep your team on track and moving forward.\n \nLeadership and IT play an important role as their buy-in and support strengthen citizen development culture. In-depth and ongoing training in low-code/no-code RPA tools ensures that citizen developers have the resources they need to build the best apps.\n \nNurturing the appropriate culture and providing the right tools enables organizations to get the most out of citizen developers. With these elements in place, a more effective and scalable RPA program will likely develop.\n\n### 6. Choose the Right Citizen Developers for RPA\n\nRecruiting the right employees for developer roles goes a long way toward building an effective citizen developer RPA program. \n\nThe best citizen developer candidates often possess the following traits:\n- **Comfortable with the technology:** Employees with prior experience with low- or no-code tools like Microsoft PowerApps or a CRM like Salesforce are ideal candidates. Experience with integration, automation, or programming is even better.\n- **Deep understanding of business processes:** Employees with intimate knowledge of specific business activities and processes are a great fit. Effective implementation of this knowledge leads to better apps supporting critical workflows.\n- **Have sustainable motivation:** Being motivated is critical to achieving the best RPA results. A willingness to embrace new challenges and sustain focus on tasks or objectives are also essential. \n- **Creative thinker:** Designing new solutions requires an out-of-the-box mindset. Citizen developers should be eager to explore new ways of working and designing unique solutions.\n\n### 7. Monitor Bot Activities\n\nConstant bot activity monitoring helps track bot license utilization. Analyzing results is equally important because it validates problem resolution and desired outcomes. \n\n### 8. Validate the Benefits and Value Delivered\n\nMeasurement and validation of results should be part of your RPA citizen development program. \n \nValidating the benefits delivered and the value added by RPA provides a reality check of the program's effectiveness. It also feeds valuable insights into the development process.\n\n## 5 Key Benefits of Citizen Developers in RPA\n\nRPA citizen development programs leverage untapped talent and insight to automate processes and extend limited IT resources. \n\nEntrusting bot development to employees with in-depth, hands-on knowledge of the processes most suitable for automation brings significant benefits to an organization.\n\nHere are the top 5 benefits of RPA Citizen development:\n\n### 1. Reduces the IT Backlog\n\nIT is overwhelmed with tickets and solution requests. [64% of IT groups](https://www.outsystems.com/higher-education/-/media/1561DFEFA30542ECA8F5D63D96A855FC.ashx) report a backlog, and up to [77% admit](https://www.mendix.com/wp-content/uploads/IT-Business-Alignment-Study-Global.pdf) that solution requests often go unmet. \n \nCitizen developers can fill this IT resource gap and lead RPA development. More and better bots get developed, and IT can focus on other issues.\n\n### 2. Get Custom Solutions that Work\n\nRPA citizen developers are directly motivated to solve their operational problems and understand their business processes better than anyone else. Ultimately, they can create solutions custom-fit to their team’s exact needs.\n\n### 3. Improve the Customer Experience\n\nBy directly managing their automation process and associated bot development, citizen developers are much more attuned to customer needs. This positions them to better handle customer requests and improves customer experiences. \n\n### 4. Increase Scalability\n\nBecause citizen developers complement scarce IT resources, RPA instantly becomes more scalable. Your team will be able to build solutions for more use cases without relying on (and waiting for) IT or data scientists to build custom applications from scratch. \n\n### 5. Reduce Costs Through Process Optimization\n\nCitizen developers see process inefficiencies daily in the course of doing their jobs. \n \nThis perspective enables them to spot issues and identify ways to optimize workflows and [reduce costs better](https://quandarycg.com/how-to-cut-costs-while-increasing-efficiency-in-your-business/) than anyone else. You’ll get the exact solutions you need with minimal change management or adoption issues to worry about. \n\n## How to Implement Citizen Development in RPA Faster\n\nRPA can give your business a huge advantage. But implementing it isn’t easy. IT resources are costly and limited. Fortunately, citizen developers are a simple solution that can help you achieve new levels of automation and scalability in your organization. \n \nBut training citizen developers on RPA isn’t easy. \n \nYou need to provide the right support and governance. That can be time-consuming, difficult, and risky if you take the wrong approach.\n \nAt Quandary Consulting Group, we’ve [trained countless citizen developers](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-development-support/) in RPA at numerous organizations. Working with our clients, we’ve helped them get more out of low-code platforms like Quickbase, Workato, and Pipefy.\n \nReady to scale your citizen developers in RPA?\n \nOur team leverages our industry knowledge and low-code/no-code expertise to help stand up streamlined citizen developer programs for businesses of all sizes. \n \n[Reach out to us today](https://quandarycg.com/contact/)! ","shortDescription":"Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a crucial initiative for many companies. Done right, RPA dramatically increases productivity and operational reliability while minimizing costs.","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-f829a9f3-38ce-5aff-b09e-bd3c8d511168","title":"How to Lead Citizen Developers [Structured Framework]","publishedAt":"2022-12-08T16:00:00.000Z","_createdAt":"2022-12-08T20:40:13Z","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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"}}}},"slug":{"current":"citizen-developer-framework"},"author":{"id":"-765e4c81-f3b0-5ed3-b290-cae32bdad35b","name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"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","shortDescription":"Businesses today typically face non-stop challenges that demand rapid responses and out-of-box thinking. And they need numerous of applications to resolve these challenges.","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-4acdfcea-0ba3-5a70-8880-8335942bfc08","title":"Will the No Code Movement Change Software Development?","publishedAt":"2022-12-08T16:00:00.000Z","_createdAt":"2022-12-08T22:37:12Z","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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"}}}},"slug":{"current":"no-code-movement-software-development-changes"},"author":{"id":"-765e4c81-f3b0-5ed3-b290-cae32bdad35b","name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"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<table>\n<tr>\n<th>Attribute</th>\n<th>Low-Code</th>\n<th>No-code</th>\n</tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td>Primary Users</td>\n    <td>Professional Developers + Citizen Developers</td>\n    <td>Citizen Developers</td>\n  </tr>\n<tr>\n    <td>Key</td>\n    <td>Rapid Development</td>\n    <td>Ease-of-Use</td>\n </tr>\n<tr>\n    <td>Coding Required</td>\n    <td>Low/Minimal</td>\n    <td>None Needed</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n    <td>App Complexity</td>\n    <td>Moderate to High</td>\n    <td>Simple</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n    <td>Customization Capabilities</td>\n    <td>Total</td>\n    <td>Limited/Pre-Built Templates Only</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n    <td>Locked Platform?</td>\n    <td>Unlocked, Applications Are Portable</td>\n    <td>Dependent on Platform</td>\n</tr>\n</table>\n\n\n\nDespite these differences, the impact no-code and low-code will have on businesses and software development are similar.\n\n## 9 Ways the No-Code Apps Will Change Software Development\n\nOrganizations need more apps to meet urgent business goals and satisfy customer demands. \n \nHowever, scarce IT resources create a development bottleneck that interferes with new app production. \n \nNo-code is a disruptive solution that empowers employees to pick up the slack in application development. The benefits are immense. \n \nHere are 9 ways no-code apps impact software development.\n\n### 1. Faster Application Development + Launch\n\nNo-code apps are faster to develop and launch than apps created using traditional methods and tools. Whereas a conventional development cycle can [take months (or years!)](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-statistics/), no-code apps can launch in days or weeks. \n \nNo-code platforms don't require a steep learning curve, either. They are as simple to use as any drag-and-drop interface. Intended for non-technical employees, most come with easy-to-understand documentation and accessible training materials.\n \nThis means your organization can implement a no-code solution quickly. And you need to be prepared for the impact it will have on software development.\n\n### 2. Reduced App Development Costs\n\nTraditional development costs are high. Ongoing costs can be steep, too. If IT maintains an app, they typically impose chargebacks that continue for its entire service life.\n \nA conventional app development team may include several highly-paid professional programmers making an [average salary of $132k](https://careerkarma.com/blog/how-much-do-coders-make/). \n \nAdditionally, teams often have one or more project managers, UI designers, and DBMS administrators and incur IT resource chargebacks.\n \nOn the other hand, a no-code “development team” may consist of only one or two part-time employees. Labor costs are minimal. It also reduces IT overhead as organizations won’t have to hire more developers.\n \nAs a result, IT teams may see an increase in the budget for addressing more critical issues.\n\n### 3. No Programming Knowledge Needed\n\nUnlike traditional programming languages and tools, no-code platforms require no coding knowledge or skills. Anyone within an organization can build an app. All they need to do is drag and drop pre-built modules to assemble desired workflows or processes.\n \nUsers without technical knowledge become citizen developers and create great apps themselves. No-code gives them the power to create meaningful change.\n \nAnd they can do it without writing a single programming script or line of code.\n \nFor organizations with backlogs of support tickets, developers can delegate many of these minor issues back to the employee they impact. With a no-code platform, they’ll be better positioned to address the issue.\n\n### 4. Improved Project Management\n\nNo-code projects have fewer moving parts and people than conventional development. This makes project management less complicated.\n \nThere are fewer tasks and people to track and (typically) fewer mistakes. \n \nIn some ways, project management becomes “self-serve.” The no-code developer can often manage a project independently.\n \nWhile you still need to provide oversight and guardrails, developers can again delegate tasks. \n \nThis frees them up to focus on challenges that require a higher level of programming knowledge to solve.\n\n### 5. Alternative to “Cookie-Cutter” Turnkey Apps\n\nUnlike rigid turnkey solutions, no-code enables you to build a customized app tailored to your business requirements. \n \nRather than being constrained by the limitations and workflows of a turnkey app, you start with a clean slate. \n \nTurnkey solutions are generic by nature. Most take a swiss army knife approach to app design that is rarely a precise fit for any given use case. Customization is often difficult or impossible. \n \nNo-code adapts to your processes and workflows. You don’t have to force your business to fit the tool. \n \nInspired by this level of customization, businesses may turn to their software developers to create more custom solutions\n\n### 6. Inspires Creativity, Ingenuity, and Autonomy\n\nTraditionally, technology like app development completely depended on IT. Non-IT employees made suggestions or requests. \n \nHowever, they had little autonomy. Instead, they were stuck with what IT created.\n \nNo-code gives these employees new autonomy. This autonomy can spur creativity and reward ingenuity. The democratization of app development encourages employees to think outside the box and take positive action. \n \nThey can also apply their expertise directly rather than see IT as gatekeepers. \n \nWith more people building applications in your organization, there are more collaboration opportunities. Software and citizen developers can work closer together, gaining new appreciation and understanding of the demands each group faces.\n\n### 7. Shrinks IT Backlog + Demand\n\nCompeting priorities and projects often overwhelm most IT departments.\n \nRising demand for new business apps has only made life more difficult for IT departments, and [64% report a backlog](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-statistics/) of application development requests.\n \nAs many as 77% of IT teams admitted that new app requests often go met. And 88% of developers expect their workloads to increase in the next year. \n \nSoftware developers often feel pulled in many differing directions. No-code eases that chaos and helps make the workload more manageable.\n\n### 8. Empowers IT\n\nThe no-code movement supports IT by taking the lead on new business app development. Instead, they can focus on aligning business strategy and technology. \n \nThey can also provide oversight, guidance, and guardrails for citizen developers. This ensures any applications your team creates support business goals and remain compliant.\n\n### 9. Increases Competitiveness\n\nWith more than [87% of companies](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220209005275/en/87-of-Enterprises-Now-Pursuing-Digital-Transformation-Gaining-Measurable-Business-Benefits-Even-in-Early-Stages) pursuing digital solutions, competition is fierce. Any competitive edge technology that can give your business is worth considering.\n \nThe no-code movement can help your business get ahead of the competition. It can enable you to develop critical apps that offer unique value without burning your IT budget. \n \nWhen your business wins, your team wins. Developers can see increased budgets, reduced stress, and a better work environment resulting from reaching business goals.\n\n## Downsides of the No-Code Apps\n\nNo-code isn’t perfect. \n \nThere are some downsides compared to [low-code](https://quandarycg.com/low-code-guide/) or traditional application development. In fact, no code may not be a good fit for some projects or use cases. \n \nBusinesses and IT departments need to be aware of its shortcomings.\n\n### Minimal App Customization\n\nNo-code enables only limited customization. It uses pre-built, modular components that work well for their designed purpose. But you can’t usually customize or modify these.\n\n### Not Turnkey\n\nNo-code isn’t a turnkey or ready-made solution that you simply purchase and deploy. It doesn’t start working out of the box. To realize its value, you must design and build an application.\n\n### Vendor Lock\n\nSome no-code platforms closely tie developed applications to the underlying, generated code. As a result, they lack portability. And it can be difficult or impossible for those platforms to migrate your finished app to another tool.\n\n## No-Code Movement: Fears and Objections\n\nThe no-code movement can be scary for the IT and developer communities. Many of these fears and objectives reflect a simple aversion to change. However, some concerns are relevant.\n \nIT concerns often result from a perceived loss of control over app development. And these concerns are often legitimate as low-quality no-code apps could lead to security vulnerabilities, integration problems, or shadow IT. \n \nEstablishing a [citizen development framework](https://quandarycg.com/citizen-developer-governance-guide/) to govern no-code development can alleviate these concerns.\n \nProfessional developers may perceive no-code development as a potential threat to their jobs. While no-code tools grow more advanced, they are only suited for creating simple apps. \n \nProfessional programmers are still the go-to resource for complex apps for the foreseeable future.\n\n## The No-Code Movement and the Future of IT\n\nThe no-code movement isn’t going to replace IT, traditional application development, or software engineers any time soon. \n \nBut it will have a significant impact on all three.\n \nNo-code tools enable citizen developers to take the lead in application development. IT staff can focus on enterprise systems, security, and administration. And professional programmers can concentrate on complex applications and problem resolution.\n \nNo-code doesn’t solve every problem. However, it is a powerful automation tool that innovative companies can use to create a competitive advantage.\n","shortDescription":"Corporate demand for new applications is booming, accelerated by key business initiatives like process automation and business transformation. Overwhelmed by new app requests, most IT and development teams simply can’t keep up.","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-d2d063bf-f846-5e90-a70e-9afa4ee29533","title":"Is Citizen Development Shadow IT?","publishedAt":"2022-12-26T16:00:00.000Z","_createdAt":"2022-12-27T09:30:59Z","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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"}}}},"slug":{"current":"citizen-development-shadow-it"},"author":{"id":"-765e4c81-f3b0-5ed3-b290-cae32bdad35b","name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"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","shortDescription":"The citizen development movement is in full force with 84% of companies 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. ","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-71afead1-527d-5cff-ad3f-317b32c4c703","title":"What Is a Citizen Integrator? (And Why They're Crucial)","publishedAt":"2023-02-12T16:00:00.000Z","_createdAt":"2023-02-13T09:59:18Z","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=="}}}},"slug":{"current":"what-is-a-citizen-integrator"},"author":{"id":"-765e4c81-f3b0-5ed3-b290-cae32bdad35b","name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"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","shortDescription":"Discover the power of citizen integrators! Learn how these domain specialists use no-code tools to improve workflows, streamline processes, and support IT.","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-dfc833e5-79fe-5c9e-b2fe-21e8005071f5","title":"Will Citizen Developers Reduce Programmer Shortages?","publishedAt":"2023-02-12T16:00:00.000Z","_createdAt":"2023-02-13T06:55:28Z","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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"}}}},"slug":{"current":"programmer-shortage"},"author":{"id":"-765e4c81-f3b0-5ed3-b290-cae32bdad35b","name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"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/)!","shortDescription":"Is the programmer shortage affecting your business? Citizen development may be the solution. Learn how it helps your company adapt to the changing market.","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-2391ab21-b73f-5060-931d-0d1ed8cd8b3b","title":"Citizen Developer: All Hype Or the Future of Coding?","publishedAt":"2023-02-12T16:00:00.000Z","_createdAt":"2023-02-13T08:29:15Z","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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"}}}},"slug":{"current":"citizen-developer-hype"},"author":{"id":"-765e4c81-f3b0-5ed3-b290-cae32bdad35b","name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"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/)!","shortDescription":"As the citizen developer movement picks up speed, businesses question whether or not it can deliver on its promise, or if it’s just hype. Here's the outlook.","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-477cbc38-eb49-5dfa-9e8c-65973bc7fcc4","title":"18 Best Citizen Development Resources","publishedAt":"2023-02-19T16:00:00.000Z","_createdAt":"2023-02-20T05:45:33Z","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 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100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":4477,"height":2965,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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"}}}},"slug":{"current":"citizen-development-resources"},"author":{"id":"-765e4c81-f3b0-5ed3-b290-cae32bdad35b","name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"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![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/270446812220fcdb39dfef9930d30d253a9b317b-2846x1472.png)\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![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/9a1b0cfa1c65f37156caee301193cfe9cd633c2a-1364x768.png)\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![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/d2a73e8ed16da417ab7555fa1e2ea4f5f195cd2a-2850x1314.png)\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![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/1cd35d036ce83f6eb439958d617ba7c71b87cf65-1708x1412.png)\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![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/94374999c533d6840db7af29447a41874925f55e-2664x1382.png)\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![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/65fbb6f0293ede14d4f96dc892e373e2b121c29e-2298x1320.png)\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![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f5cba49810594778c77bc1a24adc30f6413f0d71-2708x1150.png)\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![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f229093810faaf20cd9009d11d013cb9ff72571e-1280x914.png) \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![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/1cb0a53eda6926cd46e033088010d8063cc49c38-1412x815.png)\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![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/a467ae030834a182a96b9f9cabd91c26d0f266e7-1452x720.png)\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![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2fe6d82a6b0e1af572f5f58f5616dcd9e2a7363a-1267x748.png)\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![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/f38e4d8355cf90fcdff59ad03d2c8695cca80ebc-1396x698.png)\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![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0eddb3a17aad2a0b4cd40837ddc16e9c4740cc21-1135x664.png)\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![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/ad179b7a8e79ac054847d4e437d5c50b0e6a4b01-1439x926.png)\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![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/58eef0c932a06680e3375e982d2c7d15c725741a-1453x920.png)\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<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"500\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/FvICXTWxaw0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\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![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/c4584c4fcad7b862a362592e174e477dc7809be7-1247x901.png)\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![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/4f5f853b97883af2c68936458162cfb32f28c5ec-1600x716.png)\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","shortDescription":"With citizen development, business users can build apps and automate workflows while maintaining a high level of quality. ","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-a2c6a976-278a-518c-8185-a36a4f7704db","title":"How Will Citizen Developers Disrupt Project Management?","publishedAt":"2023-02-21T16:00:00.000Z","_createdAt":"2023-02-22T15:33:16Z","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 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/49b9ca332fd80012cc0153cb94f260e89494ce59-2250x1500.jpg?rect=1,0,2249,1500&w=1366&h=911&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/49b9ca332fd80012cc0153cb94f260e89494ce59-2250x1500.jpg?rect=1,0,2249,1500&w=1600&h=1067&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/49b9ca332fd80012cc0153cb94f260e89494ce59-2250x1500.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&auto=format 1920w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/49b9ca332fd80012cc0153cb94f260e89494ce59-2250x1500.jpg?w=2048&h=1365&auto=format 2048w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/49b9ca332fd80012cc0153cb94f260e89494ce59-2250x1500.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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"}}}},"slug":{"current":"citizen-development-and-project-management"},"author":{"id":"-765e4c81-f3b0-5ed3-b290-cae32bdad35b","name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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="}}}}},"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","shortDescription":null,"categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-ac906d91-20f7-56e0-a358-763c79f525f5","title":"Everything You Need to Become a Citizen Developer","publishedAt":"2023-02-24T06:23:15.996Z","_createdAt":"2023-02-24T06:06:45Z","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":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"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](https://www.airslate.com/academy/citizen-development-whats-it-all-about). 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/)!","shortDescription":null,"categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-3a6c7b06-a057-5dfc-bacb-65684ca663d8","title":"Citizen Development Best Practices","publishedAt":"2023-02-26T16:00:00.000Z","_createdAt":"2023-02-27T23:13:02Z","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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"}}}},"slug":{"current":"citizen-development-best-practices"},"author":{"id":"-765e4c81-f3b0-5ed3-b290-cae32bdad35b","name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"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.","shortDescription":null,"categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-b663c498-2022-5705-b48e-543cf4d85fac","title":"Workplace Agility: The Best Way to Grow Your Business","publishedAt":"2023-04-20T16:00:00.000Z","_createdAt":"2023-04-21T02:48:51Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/9368db5d6d86bd10a1fb638cd76fb70f8e48448e-1125x750.png?w=1125&h=750&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/9368db5d6d86bd10a1fb638cd76fb70f8e48448e-1125x750.png?rect=0,1,1125,749&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/9368db5d6d86bd10a1fb638cd76fb70f8e48448e-1125x750.png?w=654&h=436&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/9368db5d6d86bd10a1fb638cd76fb70f8e48448e-1125x750.png?w=768&h=512&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/9368db5d6d86bd10a1fb638cd76fb70f8e48448e-1125x750.png?rect=1,0,1124,750&w=1024&h=683&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/9368db5d6d86bd10a1fb638cd76fb70f8e48448e-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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"}}}},"slug":{"current":"agility-in-the-workplace"},"author":{"id":"-765e4c81-f3b0-5ed3-b290-cae32bdad35b","name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"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\n[Speed is the most important component](https://www.forbes.com/sites/piasilva/2021/06/01/speed-is-the-most-important-thing-for-your-business-profitability---heres-why/?sh=3f4499a869d2) 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](https://focus.kornferry.com/leadership-and-talent/the-organisational-x-factor-learning-agility/). 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","shortDescription":null,"categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-b8a37349-03f9-5183-b517-259d849c2005","title":"18 Proven Ways to Expedite Software Development ","publishedAt":"2023-04-21T03:43:25.000Z","_createdAt":"2023-04-21T05:44:09Z","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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"}}}},"slug":{"current":"how-to-speed-up-software-development"},"author":{"id":"-765e4c81-f3b0-5ed3-b290-cae32bdad35b","name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"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&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=gallup_access_branded&amp;utm_term=&amp;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","shortDescription":null,"categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-4889bf2a-f8e9-5294-bfa9-1d95845da285","title":"How to Reduce IT Pressure, Bottlenecks, and Burnout","publishedAt":"2023-04-26T16:00:00.000Z","_createdAt":"2023-04-27T05:30:35Z","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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"}}}},"slug":{"current":"software-engineer-burnout"},"author":{"id":"-765e4c81-f3b0-5ed3-b290-cae32bdad35b","name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"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","shortDescription":null,"categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-aaa8b8b0-0583-5d90-9ebf-21fd8d7e3f8f","title":"Improving Digital Transformation Success Rates","publishedAt":"2023-05-05T16:00:00.000Z","_createdAt":"2023-05-06T01:27:31Z","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 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Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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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- <i>Vision - ‘why to transform</i>’. It includes validation of change, short-term goals, and long-term objectives.\n- <i>Plan - ‘what to transform</i>’. It includes people, processes, and [legacy systems](https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/technology/articles/legacy-infrastructure-modernization.html).\n- <i>Execution - ‘how to transform</i>’. 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","shortDescription":null,"categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-4a8d2eb8-543b-5fc1-8144-766dafbfa697","title":" Unleashing Citizen Development: Eye-Opening Use Cases","publishedAt":"2023-05-17T05:00:00.000Z","_createdAt":"2023-05-17T04:57:56Z","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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"}}}},"slug":{"current":"citizen-developer-use-cases"},"author":{"id":"-765e4c81-f3b0-5ed3-b290-cae32bdad35b","name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"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.","shortDescription":null,"categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-c4ba2bdf-439a-504a-88c4-c80d3c46d8a1","title":"Supercharging Growth: Defying the Software Engineer 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Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"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","shortDescription":null,"categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-1d821099-77dd-5438-b7cb-3c1500148e2c","title":"Maximize Developer Velocity and Unleash Innovation","publishedAt":"2023-05-24T23:38:01.041Z","_createdAt":"2023-05-24T23:36:35Z","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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"}}}},"slug":{"current":"increasing-developer-velocity"},"author":{"id":"-765e4c81-f3b0-5ed3-b290-cae32bdad35b","name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"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","shortDescription":null,"categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-a3b00e22-934a-5e96-aa5a-e1a698a9213a","title":"Addressing Citizen Developer Security Concerns","publishedAt":"2023-05-26T01:16:56.910Z","_createdAt":"2023-05-26T01:13:09Z","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":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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="}}}}},"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","shortDescription":null,"categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-40aa0818-ea6a-5c83-9293-be86df540bab","title":"Getting Buy-In For Your Citizen Developer Program","publishedAt":"2023-09-25T04:40:00.000Z","_createdAt":"2023-09-25T04:38:22Z","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 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0ecd3a4b3ff4c1383b29665a4023849a8a06b68e-5158x3434.jpg?rect=0,1,5158,3432&w=768&h=511&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0ecd3a4b3ff4c1383b29665a4023849a8a06b68e-5158x3434.jpg?rect=1,0,5156,3434&w=1024&h=682&auto=format 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Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"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","shortDescription":"Most digital transformations fail. 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. ","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-fa651a82-e377-5205-94f5-ab28682726f5","title":"Key Takeaways from Shell's DIY Citizen Development Program","publishedAt":"2023-09-25T05:00:00.000Z","_createdAt":"2023-09-25T05:13:18Z","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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"}}}},"slug":{"current":"shell-citizen-development"},"author":{"id":"-765e4c81-f3b0-5ed3-b290-cae32bdad35b","name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"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","shortDescription":"With 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.","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-c8250547-4027-5265-ac94-ca77ffd568fd","title":"Citizen Integrators: The Key to Automating Your Tech Stack","publishedAt":"2023-10-25T01:52:07.488Z","_createdAt":"2023-10-25T02:21:12Z","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"}}}},"slug":{"current":"citizen-integrators-automating-tech-stack"},"author":{"id":"-765e4c81-f3b0-5ed3-b290-cae32bdad35b","name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"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![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/1b1e2bdcbd997d0cee06de87716eb1f1b69eddf3-620x515.png)\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![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/b156e05b7125419fbbfe1b1b4e0c70eafdfa6f72-612x713.png)\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![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/617e1bd8528660f4b88968711daa518073ba38d0-682x544.png)\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. ","shortDescription":"The average business has 200 tools in its tech stack. Few of these systems are connected. This severely limits data insights, cost savings, and agility.","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-cd526d2c-2737-5681-b7c6-9853fabe9172","title":"50+ Current Citizen Developer Statistics (2024)","publishedAt":"2024-03-06T09:30:00.000Z","_createdAt":"2022-10-14T08:06:28Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/652985d1682430c285de9b5c8f13fd7174e30567-4256x2832.jpg?w=4256&h=2832&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/652985d1682430c285de9b5c8f13fd7174e30567-4256x2832.jpg?rect=1,0,4255,2832&w=320&h=213&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/652985d1682430c285de9b5c8f13fd7174e30567-4256x2832.jpg?rect=0,1,4256,2831&w=654&h=435&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/652985d1682430c285de9b5c8f13fd7174e30567-4256x2832.jpg?w=768&h=511&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/652985d1682430c285de9b5c8f13fd7174e30567-4256x2832.jpg?rect=0,1,4256,2830&w=1024&h=681&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/652985d1682430c285de9b5c8f13fd7174e30567-4256x2832.jpg?w=1366&h=909&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/652985d1682430c285de9b5c8f13fd7174e30567-4256x2832.jpg?rect=1,0,4255,2832&w=1600&h=1065&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/652985d1682430c285de9b5c8f13fd7174e30567-4256x2832.jpg?rect=1,0,4255,2832&w=1920&h=1278&auto=format 1920w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/652985d1682430c285de9b5c8f13fd7174e30567-4256x2832.jpg?rect=1,0,4255,2832&w=2048&h=1363&auto=format 2048w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/652985d1682430c285de9b5c8f13fd7174e30567-4256x2832.jpg?rect=0,1,4256,2831&w=2560&h=1703&auto=format 2560w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/652985d1682430c285de9b5c8f13fd7174e30567-4256x2832.jpg?w=3440&h=2289&auto=format 3440w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/652985d1682430c285de9b5c8f13fd7174e30567-4256x2832.jpg?w=3840&h=2555&auto=format 3840w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/652985d1682430c285de9b5c8f13fd7174e30567-4256x2832.jpg?rect=1,0,4255,2832&w=4096&h=2726&auto=format 4096w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/652985d1682430c285de9b5c8f13fd7174e30567-4256x2832.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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"}}}},"slug":{"current":"citizen-developer-statistics"},"author":{"id":"-765e4c81-f3b0-5ed3-b290-cae32bdad35b","name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"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","shortDescription":null,"categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-bf385af2-ee23-51fd-a425-c9e4b75bee71","title":"20 Ways to Reduce Business App Development Costs (in 2024)","publishedAt":"2024-05-06T06:38:00.000Z","_createdAt":"2023-05-26T04:28:17Z","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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"}}}},"slug":{"current":"reduce-app-development-costs"},"author":{"id":"-765e4c81-f3b0-5ed3-b290-cae32bdad35b","name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"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](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/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\n[Applications with offline automation](https://www.forconstructionpros.com/construction-technology/article/22644257/overcoming-construction-management-inefficiencies-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](https://www.smartsheet.com/content-center/product-news/automation/workers-waste-quarter-work-week-manual-repetitive-tasks) 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","shortDescription":"Discover practical strategies to cut down business app development costs and maximize your budget with these 20 actionable tips.","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-6b3a2d40-3805-544b-93e4-8c9de6062714","title":"IT Leader Round-Up: Citizen Developer Challenges [2024]","publishedAt":"2024-05-13T07:15:00.000Z","_createdAt":"2023-05-16T07:42:41Z","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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"}}}},"slug":{"current":"citizen-developer-challenges"},"author":{"id":"-765e4c81-f3b0-5ed3-b290-cae32bdad35b","name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"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](https://www.smartsheet.com/iterative-process-guide) 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","shortDescription":null,"categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-26035d4c-cf56-523c-9255-89794680b495","title":"45+ Shadow IT Statistics for 2024","publishedAt":"2024-05-15T08:10:00.000Z","_createdAt":"2023-02-13T09:07:57Z","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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"}}}},"slug":{"current":"shadow-IT-statistics"},"author":{"id":"-765e4c81-f3b0-5ed3-b290-cae32bdad35b","name":"Kevin Shuler","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-214de3faacf7010e5e2e27dcb14f3a8ddcbc7358-862x745-jpg","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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"}}}}},"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/)!","shortDescription":"Stay ahead of the game with these 37 eye-opening Shadow IT statistics. Learn about the prevalence of Shadow IT, the risks, and how to mitigate them.","categories":[{"title":"Citizen Development"}]}},{"node":{"id":"-4e02e605-ac19-5401-98cf-a216e2970233","title":"How to Maximize Time to Value within the Construction Industry","publishedAt":"2024-10-01T05:50:24.315Z","_createdAt":"2024-10-01T05:22:41Z","mainImage":{"asset":{"gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/cd99c3a6e34653306056480c31a245c0b4b188f4-1920x1272.jpg?w=1920&h=1272&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/cd99c3a6e34653306056480c31a245c0b4b188f4-1920x1272.jpg?w=320&h=212&auto=format 320w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/cd99c3a6e34653306056480c31a245c0b4b188f4-1920x1272.jpg?rect=0,1,1920,1271&w=654&h=433&auto=format 654w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/cd99c3a6e34653306056480c31a245c0b4b188f4-1920x1272.jpg?rect=1,0,1919,1272&w=768&h=509&auto=format 768w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/cd99c3a6e34653306056480c31a245c0b4b188f4-1920x1272.jpg?rect=0,1,1920,1271&w=1024&h=678&auto=format 1024w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/cd99c3a6e34653306056480c31a245c0b4b188f4-1920x1272.jpg?w=1366&h=905&auto=format 1366w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/cd99c3a6e34653306056480c31a245c0b4b188f4-1920x1272.jpg?w=1600&h=1060&auto=format 1600w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/cd99c3a6e34653306056480c31a245c0b4b188f4-1920x1272.jpg?w=1920&h=1272&auto=format 1920w","sizes":"(min-width: 1920px) 1920px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":1920,"height":1272,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGQAAAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgCBAUH/8QAIBAAAQQCAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAQACAwQFEQYSByFBcf/EABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP/xAAYEQADAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIRA//aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8A7nl+WY7EWXQWzIHNAJLW7C2cfdhv1I7Nc7jeNjaWnx/kMjyXmjIL96QtkB7bAd6/CmRxtOPH02V4N9G/T9RxTpaJ1hQ8RbJ9oUCUJAT/2Q=="}}}},"slug":{"current":"maximize-time-to-value-within-the-construction-industry"},"author":{"id":"-bbab4be7-fa13-5281-81f3-10273503ce69","name":"Dennis Lovie & Luke Neverisky","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-2c65c7421b1e18b5657e0fbde28a71691c9af20f-225x224-png","gatsbyImageData":{"images":{"sources":[],"fallback":{"src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2c65c7421b1e18b5657e0fbde28a71691c9af20f-225x224.png?w=225&h=224&auto=format","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/2c65c7421b1e18b5657e0fbde28a71691c9af20f-225x224.png?w=225&h=224&auto=format 225w","sizes":"(min-width: 225px) 225px, 100vw"}},"layout":"constrained","width":225,"height":223.99999999999997,"placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/png;base64,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"}}}}},"body":"While the construction industry has always struggled to meet project deadlines and improve efficiency, adoption rates for digital solutions to manual processes have grown. But it’s not a straightforward or easy decision. \n\nWith all the applications and solutions available to improve project management, teams struggle to onboard and effectively use tech without weighing down teams with more work. Meanwhile, people are hopeful about tech but hesitant due to the onboarding and training involved with new tools. \n\nFor firms to successfully deliver projects on time and within budget, they must navigate process optimization with a tech stack that reduces gray work while moving teams away from manual processes and spreadsheets. \n\nThis article will show how we’ve helped construction companies improve adoption rates, automate workflows, and drastically reduce manual work with Quickbase. And we’ll walk you through a real-world case study (with an example of the application at the end).\n\n<p><a href=\"https://quandarycg.wistia.com/medias/ryv4qhwgjm?wvideo=ryv4qhwgjm\"><img src=\"https://embed-ssl.wistia.com/deliveries/ad9852f117b23f529400161c0c2ae231.jpg?image_play_button_size=2x&amp;image_crop_resized=960x502&amp;image_play_button=1&amp;image_play_button_color=2949e5e0\" width=\"1000\" height=\"400\" style=\"width: 1000px; height: 400px; margin-top: 2rem; margin-bottom: 3rem;\"></a></p>\n\n## What Is Gray Work in Construction?\n\nA very common phenomenon in today's business landscape is this notion of [gray work](https://www.quickbase.com/webinars/decoding-gray-work). Gray work is work that teams perform using ad hoc technical solutions to make do when your technology doesn't work for you.\n\nYour department uses tools to perform vital job functions. They don't integrate well with one another. Or, they don't produce quite the right reports you need. So, you build those capabilities yourself.\n\nWhat tools would you use for this? \n\nTeams tend to use whatever tools are available to them. For example, Joan from accounting is an Excel whiz at Excel. This leads her to use Excel to manage tasks.\n \nThis quickly spirals. Soon, you have a department full of functions with some expensive software tools and numerous Excel spreadsheets that glue together and extract data in the form that’s needed. \n\nYour team may even email spreadsheets back and forth to share data, opening the door to other risks.\n\nYou are making do in this situation.\n\nPeople would be shocked to see just how much of today's commerce relies on spreadsheets to function. Organizations, small and large.\n\nSpreadsheets are affordable, have a low barrier to entry, are easy to use, are ubiquitous, and use a metaphor (tables with rows and columns) that's very, very intuitive.\n\nIt’s not just spreadsheets. Numerous businesses run on Word documents, databases, third-party apps, random platforms, and specialized tools—all glued together while the team manually performs operations.\n\nThis is gray work.\n\nGray work is often ungoverned, arbitrary, unorganized, and unplanned. It’s outside of the realm of IT. It's gray. It leads to a very disconnected experience for business users.\n\n[At Quandary](https://quandarycg.com/), we see this impacting business users or business units within larger organizations where there is a disconnect in priority, understanding, or budget between business and IT. We also see it in small organizations or where there's a very small IT budget. \n\nGray work is everywhere. And it impacts the construction industry no differently than many other organizations.\n\n\n<img src=\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/c622d24a9e0939b173b4fffc1b5b18812ba7dde9-1258x652.png\" style=\"width: 1000px; height: 400px; margin-top: 2rem; margin-bottom: 3rem;\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Most Construction Teams Rely on Gray Work to Execute Disconnected Processes highlighting how difficult tools to manage functions, productivity, and development open the door to gray work with 3rd party apps, spreadsheets, and manual processes.\" class=\"lazy\"> \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<img src=\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/4cc48b04d3c8f452f18a9e93a3e43c18a99a0f39-1258x654.png\" style=\"width: 1000px; height: 400px; margin-top: 2rem; margin-bottom: 3rem;\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Bureau Veritas North America (BVNA), illustrating the details about the client-a major fast food chain in the US with over 3,000 locations.\" class=\"lazy\"> \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<img src=\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/32820f1693cfdb1998ab299af1cefc0e09c59a35-1256x640.png\" style=\"width: 1000px; height: 400px; margin-top: 2rem; margin-bottom: 3rem;\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"An overview of a custom application build with Quickbase. It provides a solution overview along with key features (Nationwide Batching, Dashboarding and Reporting, and Automation-Assisted Workflows).\" class=\"lazy\"> \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<img src=\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/6114b725bb8308ea985889f9778090381b16525f-631x307.png\" style=\"width: 1000px; height: 400px; margin-top: 2rem; margin-bottom: 3rem;\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Custom Quickbase application for construction, managing milestones with estimated and actual completion dates.\" class=\"lazy\"> \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<img src=\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/1be4828c4d1ad5166c9fdf7ea9c5db30a2b75a5d-1260x658.png\" style=\"width: 1000px; height: 400px; margin-top: 2rem; margin-bottom: 3rem;\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Illustrating the overall positive impact of the custom application on the nationwide construction project for the client along with results.\" class=\"lazy\">\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<img src=\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/8a9d1f5505c55d1509a86305511044ad8c0d9960-1262x714.png\" style=\"width: 1000px; height: 400px; margin-top: 2rem; margin-bottom: 3rem;\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Daily reports for general contractors in Quickbase application, including the ability to share comments, details, and photos relating to a specific project.\" class=\"lazy\">\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<img src=\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/013da7babc7fd84d15dd70960a27e0ebd5a70bc3-629x317.png\" style=\"width: 1000px; height: 400px; margin-top: 2rem; margin-bottom: 3rem;\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Trend spike reporting for Quickbase construction app showing 6 key EDC Metrics rolling back for the last 5 weeks.\" class=\"lazy\">\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<img src=\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/0637fe555daa7d83ca563ef819984b8e2f1a6efa-1318x598.png\" style=\"width: 1000px; height: 400px; margin-top: 2rem; margin-bottom: 3rem;\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Financial Forecasting\" class=\"lazy\">\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<img src=\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/8f0fcec7174c7c314f4e2048a213e22ef6da7c0c-1266x638.png\" style=\"width: 1000px; height: 400px; margin-top: 2rem; margin-bottom: 3rem;\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Quickbase Punch List and PDF Generation within custom construction application. The application allows for line by line comments and details for each project.\" class=\"lazy\">\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<img src=\"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/55lcecww/production/801118e1849a1b9592f07ede0d2cfafe6c5b4000-1264x712.png\" style=\"width: 1000px; height: 400px; margin-top: 2rem; margin-bottom: 3rem;\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Quickbase Application highlights the permitting feature of the tool. It shows how users can track the submission and approval of permits.\" class=\"lazy\">\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/). ","shortDescription":"While the construction industry has always struggled to meet project deadlines and improve efficiency, adoption rates for digital solutions to manual processes have grown. But it’s not a straightforward or easy decision. 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