About Dr. Edona Elshan

Dr. Edona Elshan is an Assistant Professor at the KIN Center for Digital Innovation in Amsterdam. She studied Business Administration and Information Systems at the University of Zurich and earned her PhD from the University of St. Gallen. Her research focuses on low-code development, collaboration with artificial intelligence, and aligning business strategies with IT.

What Are Low-Code Development Platforms?

Low-Code Development Platforms (LCDPs) are tools that enable the creation of software applications with minimal coding effort. Instead of writing code line by line, developers—and even non-experts—can build applications using visual interfaces and drag-and-drop functionalities. This approach saves time and makes the development process more agile.

Challenges in Large Enterprises

Large enterprises often have extensive IT systems and structures, commonly referred to as "legacy systems." These systems have evolved over time to perform critical functions in daily operations. Introducing LCDPs into these environments can pose several challenges:

Strategic Challenges:

• Scope of Use: LCDPs are often deployed for small "fun projects," such as creating an app to remind employees about coffee breaks. While numerous, such projects may lack sustainable support if the creator leaves the organization.
• Compliance Risks: Applications affecting customers may introduce compliance issues, such as ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.

Technical Challenges:

• System Compatibility: New applications must integrate with existing IT systems, which is often not straightforward.
• Breaking Changes: Updates to LCDPs can introduce changes that disrupt previously developed applications.

Operational Challenges

• Shadow IT: Departments may independently develop applications without involving the IT department, leading to a lack of transparency, inconsistencies, and security risks. Internal policies alone often fail to address this issue adequately.

The Role of Enterprise Architecture Management

Enterprise Architecture Management (EAM) is an approach designed to align a company’s IT systems with its business strategies. The goal is to enhance efficiency, flexibility, transparency, and predictability. Dr. Elshan’s study underscores the critical importance of effective EAM in overcoming the challenges associated with integrating LCDPs.

The Study

Dr. Elshan conducted case studies in three companies from the finance, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. Using internal documents and interviews, she identified three main categories of challenges:

• Strategic Alignment: Ensuring that applications developed with LCDPs align with the company’s goals.
• Technical Integration: Guaranteeing compatibility between new applications and existing systems.
• Operational Governance: Establishing policies and processes to guide the development and deployment of new applications.

Proposed Solutions

To address these challenges, Dr. Elshan recommends the following:

• Flexible Architecture Frameworks: Enable easier integration of new technologies with existing systems.
• Central Knowledge Repositories: Store information about developed applications, technologies used, and best practices.
• Robust Change Management: Actively manage change processes to involve employees and overcome resistance.

Conclusion

The integration of Low-Code Development Platforms in large enterprises presents significant opportunities but also major challenges. Strategic, technical, and operational aspects must be carefully balanced. By leveraging effective Enterprise Architecture Management and targeted measures, companies can harness the benefits of LCDPs without compromising the stability and security of their existing systems. Dr. Edona Elshan’s research provides valuable insights and practical solutions for navigating this delicate balance between innovation and legacy systems.