The R&D project Open Low Code Labs, in which Devol participates along with other leading companies and organizations, is approaching the culmination of its ambitious journey started two years ago. This collaborative effort has aimed to position the low code as a strategic tool to enhance the competitiveness of the Basque business network.
Throughout this period, the participants -Igarle, Irontech, Iametza, Clúster TIC Galicia, Imatia, Clúster TIC Asturias, Q2tec, Clúster GAIA and Devol- have worked on identifying and establishing the essential characteristics that a low-code development platform must have in order to be competitive, useful and accessible.
Devol’s experience in the development of applications with tools of this type has been key in determining the criteria for the selection of an appropriate open source solution. In a context where business automation and digitization are a priority, the choice of efficient tools is crucial to ensure the success and scalability of developments.
After a thorough analysis of needs and requirements, the consortium chose Appsmith as the tool on which to further investigate the potential of open source low-code platforms.
Appsmith is an open source platform that allows developers to create and deploy internal applications quickly and efficiently. It offers an intuitive user interface with drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy to build custom interfaces without extensive programming skills.
In addition, it supports a wide range of integrations with databases, APIs and cloud services, making it a versatile option for the development of internal tools.
Appsmith’s potential as a low-code development solution lies in its accessibility and scalability. Unlike commercial platforms, its open source nature allows companies to adapt it to their specific needs, without relying on expensive licenses or closed vendors. This flexibility is a key factor for companies looking to innovate without being tied to proprietary solutions.
The next phase of the project consists of replicating a part of another project previously developed with a commercial low code tool, using Appsmith. The objective is to compare the complexity and speed of development, as well as to evaluate if Appsmith meets the needs and requirements of a professional environment. The goal is to measure both the efficiency in the implementation of solutions and the ease of maintenance and scalability in the future.
The application selected for this comparison is Process360, an RPA automation lifecycle control tool developed entirely in low code by Devol.
Process360 has several screens of varying complexities, which will allow a detailed evaluation of Appsmith’s capabilities in a real-world, production environment. This comparison will provide key insights into Appsmith’s capabilities in terms of performance, usability and flexibility versus commercial solutions.
This project not only seeks to expand the knowledge of open source low code tools, but also to apply this learning to new developments and continue supporting customers with cutting-edge technological solutions. The ability to adapt and evolve technologically is essential for companies to remain competitive in a constantly changing market.
Led by the GAIA Cluster, Open Low Code Labs is an R&D&I project supported and subsidized by the AEIs – Agrupaciones Empresariales Innovadoras (Innovative Business Groupings) initiative of the Ministry of Industry and Tourism (Mincotur) for 2024-2025. Investment in innovation and development is a fundamental pillar for the digital transformation of companies, and projects like this one demonstrate the positive impact of collaboration between entities in the exploration of new technologies.
Open Low Code Labs underscores the growing relevance of low-code open source solutions in today’s technology landscape. By leveraging platforms such as Appsmith, companies can develop internal applications faster and more efficiently, reducing costs and improving competitiveness.
In a world where agility and process optimization are key to success, low code open source tools represent an attractive alternative to drive digital transformation in various sectors.
