Low Code No Code SAP: A Comprehensive Guide

SAP's Low Code No Code (LCNC) platforms are revolutionizing app development, making it accessible and efficient for both tech experts and non-tech business professionals. With tools like SAP Build, SAP AppGyver, and SAP Cloud Application Studio, creating custom apps, automating tasks, and enhancing workflows has never been easier. Here's what you need to know:

SAP Build: Ideal for drag-and-drop app creation, workflows, and websites.
SAP AppGyver: Enables mobile and web app development without coding.
SAP Cloud Application Studio: Offers a blend of low-code options with the ability to add custom code.

These tools not only speed up the app development process but also significantly reduce costs and broaden the scope for innovation within businesses. By 2025, it's expected that a majority of app development will leverage LCNC platforms, with SAP leading the way in this transformation. Whether you're looking to create straightforward task automation or complex business applications, SAP's LCNC tools offer a user-friendly, secure, and flexible solution.

Quick Comparison

Feature	SAP Build	Business Application Studio	AppGyver	Process Automation
Interface	Easy, drag & drop	Mix of visual & code	Easy, drag & drop	Easy, drag & drop
Coding required?	No, but optional	Yes	No	No
Development approach	Visual	Code and visual	Visual	Visual
Extensibility	High	High	Medium	High
Deployment flexibility	Cloud or on-premises	Cloud or on-premises	Cloud or on-premises	Cloud or on-premises
Built-in services	Comprehensive	Advanced	Basic	Comprehensive
App types supported	Multiple	SAP specific	Mobile/web	Process automation
Use cases	Wide range	SAP integration	User experience focused	Business process automation

SAP's LCNC platforms are designed to empower users to bring ideas to life with minimal coding, harnessing the power of SAP's robust ecosystem for rapid, secure, and scalable app development.

Low Code Overview

Low code is like using building blocks to create apps. Instead of writing lots of code, you use a simple, visual way to put together what you need. Think of it as using a drag-and-drop method to make apps, where you can see and move pieces around on the screen to build your project.

Key features of low code platforms:

Easy-to-use visual setup
Drag and drop to add parts and link them together
Ready-made pieces and designs
Connecting to data and online services easily
Some basic coding might be needed

With tools like SAP Build, if you know a bit about coding, you can quickly put together apps, websites, and more without spending too much time.

No Code Overview

No code is even simpler than low code. You don't need to know any coding at all. It's all about using an easy interface where you can drag and drop the parts you want to use. This way, anyone can make apps and set up workflows without needing a tech expert.

Key capabilities of no code platforms:

Completely visual app making
No coding knowledge needed
Drag and drop to create processes
Easy-to-change templates
Links to data and online services
Keeping things secure and in line with rules

Tools like SAP AppGyver let people who aren't developers, like business folks, make their own mobile and web apps that fit what they need.

The LCNC Revolution

Low code and no code are really changing how apps are made. They make it much quicker and cheaper, letting people who know the business needs best handle the creation. Here's why it's becoming so popular:

Faster to get done: These tools can turn months of work into just days or weeks.
Saves money: You don't have to spend as much on professional developers.
More people can do it: It lets those who know their needs best make their own solutions.
Widens the field: It's not just for IT folks anymore.

By 2025, experts think that more than 65% of app making will use these easy tools. SAP is right there, offering everything a business could need to jump on this trend.

SAP's Evolution Towards LCNC

SAP used to rely a lot on a special coding language called ABAP to make its complex business software. But lately, SAP has been getting into something called low-code/no-code (LCNC) platforms. This is a big deal because it means not just the usual tech experts, but pretty much anyone can start making apps.

SAP Development Practices

For a long time, if you wanted to tweak SAP's software for your business, you needed to know ABAP. This is the language that makes SAP's big products work. It's powerful but not something just anyone can pick up.

You had to know ABAP to change or add anything major.
Making new stuff with ABAP took a lot of time and tech know-how.
Only folks with deep SAP/ABAP skills could do it.

This way of doing things made it hard for regular business people to solve new problems quickly.

Shift Towards LCNC

SAP has been rolling out tools that let more people make apps without needing to be tech wizards:

SAP Build - A tool that's all about dragging and dropping to make simple apps, automations, and workflows.
SAP AppGyver - Lets you build mobile and web apps without any coding.
SAP Cloud Application Studio - Has some low-code options but still lets you do some coding if needed.

SAP is moving to the cloud and wants more people to be able to create stuff. LCNC tools help by:

Making it quicker to get solutions up and running.
Letting business folks and beginners make their own apps.
Helping close the gap for people not as familiar with cloud tech or SAP's newer systems.

SAP Build as a Milestone

A big moment was when SAP launched SAP Build in 2021. This tool is great because it lets you put together apps and automations fast by just moving pieces around on a screen, no coding needed.

Key features:

Easy-to-use, drag-and-drop setup
Over 500 ways to connect to different data and services
Quick to make and start using your projects
Keeps things secure and follows rules

Since it started, over 100,000 developers have used SAP Build to quickly tackle new challenges.

While ABAP is still needed for the really complex stuff, tools like SAP Build make it easier for more people to create simpler solutions. This is changing the game for SAP.

Overview of SAP's LCNC Platforms

SAP has some cool tools that make it easy for anyone to create apps and sort out their work processes without needing to dive deep into coding. These tools are great for both people who are new to building apps and those who have been doing it for a while.

SAP Build

SAP Build is a tool that helps you make apps, manage work tasks, and set up websites quickly using a simple drag-and-drop method.

Key points:

Simple to use with drag-and-drop
Connects to over 500 services easily
Keeps your data safe and follows rules
Lets teams work together smoothly
You can add your own code if needed

What you can do: Make simple apps, automate tasks, and get everyone involved in creating solutions.

SAP Business Application Studio

This is a space where you can build SAP apps using both easy drag-and-drop and coding for the more complex parts.

Main features:

Easy app building with some coding
Works well with GIT for saving your work
Helps you get your apps out there without a fuss

What it's for: Making more detailed apps and working on SAP projects.

SAP AppGyver

A tool for creating mobile and web apps without any coding, just by moving things around on the screen.

What it offers:

Build user interfaces by dragging and dropping
Turns your designs into real, working code
Easy to pull in data from different places
Works on all kinds of devices

Good for: Building apps for customers or your team without needing to code.

SAP Process Automation

This combines tools for automating regular tasks and managing work processes in one place.

Key things:

Keep an eye on all your processes from one spot
Set up workflows without coding
Makes sure rules are followed automatically
Works with SAP S/4HANA
Can be run in the cloud or on your own servers

Useful for: Speeding up things like paying bills, bringing in new employees, and handling IT requests.

SAP's mix of easy-to-use and no-code tools means both tech folks and business people can get more done and make apps faster.

Key Features and Capabilities

Intuitive Interfaces

SAP's tools like SAP Build and AppGyver have easy drag-and-drop setups. This means you can create apps by simply moving pieces around on your screen, without needing to write code. Here’s what you can do:

Easily put together apps using ready-to-go parts
Plan out how your app works with a visual guide
Set up and manage your app without getting into the weeds
Make sure your app looks good on any device

This approach lets everyone, not just tech experts, quickly put together apps by just clicking and moving things around.

Pre-Built Components

SAP gives you a bunch of ready-made pieces like forms, reports, and buttons that make building apps faster:

Templates for entering and looking at data
Ready-to-use steps for things like approvals or alerts
A collection of design elements for a consistent look
Services for handling data
Handy tools for common tasks like search or security

These pieces help you focus on making your app useful instead of starting from scratch.

Embedded Services

These platforms also have built-in features for things apps often need:

Ways to manage who can access the app
Options for sending messages within the app
Tools for storing and managing data
Easy connections to other apps and data
Ways to include services from other companies

These features are ready to go, so you can add important parts to your app without much extra work.

Extensibility and Integration

Even though these tools are easy to use, they’re also flexible:

You can add your own code if you need something special
They work with APIs, so you can connect to other apps or data
They fit in with systems you already have, like SAP S/4HANA
You can set them up in your own data center or use the cloud

This means you can make apps that work well with what your business already uses, making everything more streamlined.

With SAP's tools, making apps is easier and faster, even if you’re not a tech expert. You get the simplicity of drag-and-drop with the power to add more complex features if you need them.

Comparative Analysis

Comparison Table

Let's break down what each of SAP's main tools for building apps with little to no coding does. Here's a simple table to show you how they compare:

Feature	SAP Build	Business Application Studio	AppGyver	Process Automation
Interface	Easy, drag & drop	Mix of visual & code	Easy, drag & drop	Easy, drag & drop
Coding required?	No, but you can if you want	Yes	No	No
Development approach	More about choosing options	More about writing code	More about choosing options	More about choosing options
Extensibility	Use other apps/services, add your code	Use other code, add tools	Build with parts, add extras	Use other apps/services, add tasks
Deployment flexibility	Use in cloud or your own servers	Use in cloud, or run it yourself	Use in cloud or your own servers	Use in cloud or your own servers
Built-in services	Security, data handling, alerts	Code management, tools for building code, fixing bugs	Handling data, storing info, connecting to services	Keeping an eye on things, setting rules
App types supported	Websites, simple tasks	Custom apps for SAP	Apps for phones and websites	Setting up workflows, automating tasks
Use cases	Basic apps & tasks	Tailored apps for SAP	Apps focusing on looks and user experience	Automating business tasks

This table helps you see the main features and strengths of SAP's tools for making apps without needing to be a coding expert.

Key points to remember:

SAP Build and AppGyver let you make apps without coding. Business Application Studio needs some coding knowledge.
Business Application Studio offers more flexibility but is also more complex.
AppGyver is great for creating apps that look good and are easy to use. SAP Build is good for straightforward apps.
Process Automation is all about making business tasks run smoother.

Depending on what you need to do, one of these tools might be just right for you. They cover a lot of different needs for making apps easily.

Use Cases and Success Stories

SAP's tools for building apps without much coding help businesses solve real problems quickly. Here are some ways people are using these tools.

Customer Experience Apps

A phone company made a site where customers can check their orders or pay bills online using SAP Build. This made customers happier because it was fast and easy.
A store used AppGyver to make an app that brings together information from online and physical stores. This helps salespeople give customers a more personalized experience.
An insurance company created a mobile app with SAP Cloud Application Studio. This app lets people file claims by taking pictures, making the process faster.

Employee Productivity Apps

A bank set up a system with SAP Build that gets new employees' computers and access cards ready on their first day, making things smoother.
A hospital made an app with SAP Cloud Application Studio that helps manage and speed up how they order supplies, cutting down wait times by over 40%.
A service company used AppGyver to develop an app for their field workers to record their hours and expenses, getting rid of paperwork delays.

Business Insights Apps

A retailer built dashboards with SAP Build to watch sales and stock levels in real-time. This helps store managers make better decisions about inventory.
An industrial company used SAP Cloud Application Studio to create an app that shows data from equipment sensors. This helps catch issues before machines break down.
A healthcare provider made an app with AppGyver to find out why some patients come back to the hospital more often. This information helps them improve patient care.

SAP's easy-to-use tools let businesses quickly make apps that really help. With these tools, anyone can turn a good idea into an app that adds value.

Getting Started with SAP LCNC

Prerequisites

Before diving into making apps with SAP's easy tools, here are a few things you'll need:

Access to SAP's cloud: Sign up for SAP's cloud platform. They offer a free version to start with.
Choose your tool: Decide if you want to use SAP Build, AppGyver, or Cloud Application Studio. Some of these might cost a bit, depending on what you pick.
Know the basics of app design: Have a clear idea of how you want your app to look and work.
Learn about connecting apps: If you plan to link your app with other systems, understanding APIs is helpful.
Have the right permissions: You'll need the ability to install tools and manage your cloud space.

Make sure you're ready with the budget, people, and skills needed to use these SAP tools. Remember, using the cloud platform and tools might lead to some costs based on how much you use them.

Environment Setup

To get everything ready, follow these steps:

Sign up for an SAP cloud account.
Get your admin access sorted and make a space for your apps.
Pick your tool like SAP Build or AppGyver and sign up for it.
Add people to your project and decide who can do what.
Link up any data sources or services you need.
Check on any limits like how much data you can use.

Setting things up the right way from the start makes building apps easier.

First LCNC Project

Ready to make your first app? Here's a simple guide:

Think about what your app should do and what data it needs.
Sketch out how it will look and flow.
Start building by putting together the parts of your app.
Link up your app with data and other services.
Try it out and see how it works. Make it better based on feedback.
Share your app so others can use it.
Keep an eye on how your app is doing and make updates as needed.

Begin with something straightforward to learn how everything works. It's good to make changes and improvements as you go along.

Best Practices and Considerations

Governance and Compliance

When more people start creating apps with low code no code (LCNC) tools, it's crucial to have rules in place to keep everything safe and under control. Here's what you can do:

Clearly define who can do what. Make sure only the right people have the access they need to build apps. Use tools like SAP Process Automation to help manage this.
Have a check-up system where apps made by users are reviewed by someone in charge before they go live. This helps catch any issues early on.
Keep track of changes with version control. This way, if something goes wrong, you can easily go back to a version of the app that worked well.
Make sure your apps are secure by adding things like user authentication and data protection. This keeps your information safe.
Offer guidelines and templates within the LCNC tools. This helps people build apps the right way, staying within the rules.

Quality Assurance Testing

Testing is key to making sure your apps work well and don't have problems:

Use tools like SAP Solution Manager to automatically check your apps. This is faster than checking everything by hand.
Set up a system where tests run automatically whenever you make changes. This helps you spot problems early.
For more complex SAP integrations, you can use specific testing tools to make sure everything works together smoothly.
LCNC platforms like SAP Build have their own testing features. Use these to check your apps as you're building them.
Besides automatic tests, it's also good to have real people test your apps on different devices to make sure they're easy to use.

Documentation and Training

Since LCNC lets more people who aren't tech experts build apps, it's important to help them learn how:

Make easy-to-follow guides and videos that show how to use the LCNC tools you have.
Keep a central place where you can find information about the apps, like what they do, how they connect to data, and any problems they might have.
Offer classes to teach people how to build apps with LCNC tools properly. Giving them a certification can help make sure they know what they're doing.
Provide help when people need it, like a chat support or experts they can talk to.
Set up a place where people can share their own tips and advice about building apps. This can be really helpful for others just starting out.

The Future of LCNC at SAP

SAP Business Technology Platform

The SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) is like a big toolbox that helps people make new apps and connect them with other SAP software and services outside of SAP. It's designed to let people who aren't professional coders build apps using simpler methods like dragging and dropping pieces together.

SAP BTP is great because it lets these easy-to-make apps work well with big SAP systems and use cool tech like AI without needing a lot of tech knowledge. Looking ahead, SAP BTP will become even smarter, making it easier for everyone to work together, no matter how much coding they know.

Expanding the Developer Base

SAP thinks a lot more people will start using these easy app-making tools. They believe that by 2025, most apps could be made this way. This means more people can make apps quickly, without waiting on the tech experts.

As more people start using these tools, there will be a bigger need for training and rules to make sure everything stays on track. SAP and its partners will have to teach teams about these tools and how to use them responsibly.

This shift will let professional coders focus on the really tricky stuff, while others can easily make apps for everyday tasks. This teamwork will help make sure these apps are safe, work well with other systems, and can handle lots of users.

Intelligent Enterprise Impact

Using these simple app-making tools can change how companies work. They make it possible to quickly create apps that meet new business needs, leading to more innovation and better ways to compete.

Automating tasks with these tools can make work faster, more accurate, and efficient. Plus, adding smart tech like machine learning means businesses can make better decisions and improve how they serve customers.

As companies get better at using these tools, they'll be able to mix automation, smart tech, and human creativity in new ways. This could lead to huge improvements in how much work gets done and what new ideas come to life. SAP and its partners are ready to help guide companies through this exciting future.

Resources and Further Learning

Beginner's Learning Path

If you're new to making apps with SAP's low code/no code tools, here are some easy-to-follow guides and courses to get you started:

Build a Fact Sheet App from Scratch - This guide walks you through creating an app using SAP Business Application Studio. It's a good starting point for beginners.
SAP Build Basics Course - This free course goes over the basics of using SAP Build to develop apps and automations.
AppGyver Composer Fundamentals - A free course to help you learn how to use AppGyver Composer to create apps.
SAP Cloud Application Programming Model - These tutorials show you how to build enterprise applications on SAP BTP.

SAP Community Discussions

SAP Build Help - A place to talk about SAP Build with other users.
AppGyver Forum - A community forum for discussing AppGyver development topics.
Business Application Studio - Join discussions about SAP Business Application Studio on the SAP Community.

Official Product Documentation

Conclusion

SAP's tools like SAP Build, AppGyver, and Cloud Application Studio make it easier for people to create apps without needing to know a lot about coding. These tools use a simple drag-and-drop method, letting you put together apps quickly by using pieces that are already made for you.

These tools come with built-in features to keep your apps safe and work well with other systems, making it less of a headache for you to focus on what your app needs to do. They also offer templates and guides to help you stay on track.

Here are some ways people are using these tools:

Creating websites where customers can interact with their business easily
Making the process of getting new employees set up on their first day smoother
Giving businesses instant insights with custom-made analytics tools

SAP is always improving these tools through the Business Technology Platform, making it easier to use new technologies like AI and reach more users.

If you're new to this, there are beginner guides and community forums to help you get started. The official documentation is also there when you need more detailed information. Partnering with SAP, you can make your business run more efficiently and bring new ideas to life without needing deep tech skills.

Now is a great time to start using these simple tools to create apps that can really make a difference for your business.

What is SAP no-code low-code?

SAP's low-code/no-code platforms are tools that help you make apps without needing to know a lot about coding. They use simple, drag-and-drop methods and ready-made parts to make app building quicker and easier. For instance, SAP Build allows you to create apps, workflows, and websites easily without writing code.

What is the best low-code no-code platform?

There are many good low-code/no-code platforms out there, including:

Mendix - Great for building apps for businesses
OutSystems - Very quick and powerful
Appian - Good for managing workflows and tasks
Quickbase - User-friendly with nice options for connecting apps
Zoho Creator - A budget-friendly choice for smaller businesses
SAP Build - Perfect for creating apps that work well with SAP's other systems

The "best" platform really depends on what you need it for.

What is the difference between low-code and no-code?

Low-code platforms might need you to do a bit of coding. They let you build apps with easy drag-and-drop actions and some simple coding.
No-code platforms don't need any coding at all. Everything is visual and can be set up without writing code.

Low-code gives you more control to customize things, while no-code is super easy to use but might be a bit limited in what it can do.

Is low-code no-code the future?

Yes, more and more people are using low-code/no-code because:

It's expected that by 2024, over 65% of app development will use these methods
They can make app building up to 10 times faster than traditional coding
They let more people, not just IT folks, create apps

Platforms like SAP Build are making it easier for businesses to adapt and grow quickly by allowing more people to get involved in building apps.