The No-Code Era: In-house Development or Outsourcing? The Best Development Strategy for Your Business

Digital Division, Next1 Create Inc.
2025.03.03

Possibility of no-code development

In recent years, advances in AI technology and the spread of no-code tools have made it possible to create applications and systems without specialized programming knowledge. Increasingly, we are hearing from management that they may be able to do this in-house, and that a little ingenuity may lead to improved operations. However, when actually trying to use the tools, they may feel uneasy about how to operate them, the limitations of customization, and security. In this issue, we will introduce the basics of no-code tools and examples of typical services, while explaining the key points to consider when actually attempting development. As a new approach to developing automated applications, we will introduce RakuAuto, which combines the advantages of both in-house no-code development and outsourcing.

What is the no-code tool?


(Image source. https://x.gd/Uh9P9)

No-code tools are development platforms that allow you to create applications and systems with visual operations (drag & drop, wiziwig editor, etc.) without any programming expertise. In other words, you can work on system development as if you could create an image directly on paper. Specific features are as follows

  • Intuitive operation: No need to write code, just select and place buttons and icons to create layouts and functions.
  • Rapid development: Eliminates complex coding tasks, allowing prototypes and early versions of apps to be completed in a short period of time.
  • Flexible integration: Many tools can be integrated with external services, making it easy to work with existing data and systems.

Six examples of typical no-code services

In recent years, a wide variety of no-code tools have emerged for a wide range of applications. Some of the most representative examples are introduced below.

Bubble

Bubble is a tool specialized for building web applications. It allows users to create designs with drag-and-drop, and offers a wide range of functions such as user authentication and payment processing. It is often used to create prototypes for startup companies.

Airtable

Airtable is a service that combines the ease of use of a spreadsheet with the functionality of a database. It enables data management and business automation with simple operations, and is also used as a foundation for custom applications.

Zapier

Zapier is a tool that supports data integration and task automation between different web services. For example, it can automate daily tasks such as automatically recording input data from web forms into spreadsheets or notifying necessary information by e-mail without any hassle.

Webflow

Webflow is an intuitive tool for creating well-designed websites. It is ideal for marketing and branding because it allows you to build professional looking sites without specialized coding.

Microsoft PowerApps

Microsoft PowerApps is a no-code/low-code development tool specifically designed for enterprises, which integrates smoothly with Office 365 and Dynamics 365, allowing you to improve your business operations while leveraging your existing business systems.

Replit.

Replit is an integrated development environment that allows you to write and run code easily online, and is a tool that allows beginners to experience the basics of programming beyond the boundaries of no-code and low-code. It is suitable for creating simple applications and prototypes.

Whether to take on the challenge in-house or leave it to the experts - key points for decision making on implementation.

Although we have entered an era in which the above tools allow for no-code development without programming knowledge, we believe that at this point it is necessary to fully verify whether they should actually be utilized in business. Below are some points to consider when conducting such verification.

Requirement complexity and customizability

For simple operations and routine processes, no-code tools are sufficient. However, when unique business logic or complex system integration is required, the standard features of the tool may not be sufficient to achieve satisfactory results.

Security and Reliability

When dealing with a company's sensitive information, security enhancements are critical. While no-code tools provide basic security measures, more advanced risk management and custom security measures may require the expertise of specialized engineers.

Cost and Resources

While the low initial investment and immediate start-up are attractive, monthly licensing fees and tool restrictions may affect future scalability. Another point to consider is the time and human resources required to learn and operate the tools.

Future expansion and maintenance

Even if a simple system works fine at first, as the business grows, there will be times when additional system functions or modifications will be required. It is important to consider in advance whether a no-code tool can handle such a situation, or whether outside professional support is required.

Alignment with business strategy

System development is more than just operating a tool; it is deeply related to the overall business process and strategy. While in-house no-code development is a good start to improve business operations through initial trial and error, sometimes a system that fits the overall strategy can be better achieved with expert input.

A New Approach to Automated Application Development

https://rakurakuauto.com/

In fact, some people say, "It looks easy to use, but I'm not sure I can actually master it," or "It seems difficult to customize it to fit my company's business needs. Indeed, even if the intuitive operation is appealing at first, there is a possibility that you will hit a wall somewhere when considering business-specific requirements and future expansion. In addition, there are many requests for a more secure system in terms of security and stability.

Please allow us to introduce RakuAuto, a service designed to alleviate these concerns.

RakuAuto is a contracted development service that combines the ease of no-code development with the technical skills and know-how of professionals, and supports a wide range of use cases such as sales list creation, advertising report creation, automatic sending of recruitment emails, employee management, personal information checking, cash flow management, search research, chat reply, and even mental health checking. RakuAuto supports a wide range of use cases, providing multifaceted support for a company's daily operations. Below are some of RakuAuto's main features.

Feature 01: Automated applications are completed in as little as three business days with "Complete and Leave it to Us.

Our dedicated experts will carefully listen to your specific needs and create an original automation application utilizing the power of AI. We can develop your application in as little as three business days, helping you quickly improve operations and bring it to market.

Feature 02: Full customization is available, making it ideal for niche operations.

RakuAuto does not rely on existing templates, but provides original applications that are tailored to your business needs, and its great appeal is that it is not bound by preconceived ideas such as RPA (software robotics technology that can automate office work done on a computer), but can flexibly respond to complex operations and special requirements. This is a major attraction.

Feature 03: Internal distribution is very easy.

Completed applications can be distributed internally simply by attaching them to an email or chat message. Installation is easy, and the app icon can be freely customized, designed for ease of use and branding.

Feature 04: High security through local completion

RakuAuto's apps are local, running on your PC, so there is less risk of information leakage than with cloud-based services , and you can use them with peace of mind when handling confidential or personal information.

Feature 05: Can be introduced at low cost, with initial costs starting at 50,000 yen.

RakuAuto is a "full service" that provides custom automation applications, but by utilizing AI, we are able to offer our services at a lower cost than the average "self-service" RPA fee.

summary

No-code tools are a great ally when trying to develop a system for the first time. The option to try it out first is very attractive, as it allows you to quickly create an application with little initial investment. However, once you actually incorporate them into your business, you may need professional support in terms of complex requirements, security, and future scalability.

 

First, it is important to organize your company's operations and needs, and consider what level of system is necessary and what type of system is appropriate for your company's future growth. After that, it is a good idea to try a no-code tool at first for a quick trial, or to choose to receive professional expert support to improve your business with more peace of mind, which is also well worthwhile.

 

If you want to try no-code development but are concerned about learning tools, customization, and security, RakuAuto can help. With RakuAuto, which combines expert knowledge with the latest AI technology, you can use an original, exclusive application in a short period of time and with peace of mind. Please take this opportunity to consider implementing RakuAuto to improve your business efficiency and speed up your time to market.



 

Contact us here: RakuAuto Contact Form

Digital Division, Next1 Create Inc.
NEXT1CREATE'S DIGITAL DIVISION FOCUSES ON VIDEO PLANNING AND PRODUCTION AS WELL AS SOFTWARE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT WITH THE MOTTO OF "MOVING HEARTS AND MINDS" CREATIVITY. WE ARE ALSO WELL VERSED IN GENERATIVE AI AND BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY, AND HAVE EXPERIENCE IN A VARIETY OF USE CASES. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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