As the name implies, no-code automation allows you to streamline workflows without writing code. But how does it actually work?
Can you simply press a button and watch your tasks complete themselves? Sometimes, yes, but it often requires some initial setup and the right tools.
This guide will explain no-code automation, its benefits, and how to select the best no-code automation tool for your business.
But first, let's take a step back and explore the broader concept of no-code.
What does no-code mean?
No-code is a method for building software applications without using traditional programming languages.
Instead of writing code, we use tools with graphical interfaces to define our application's functionality. These tools handle all the necessary backend coding based on our specifications.
For example, let's say we want to create a simple button for a website. Before no-code tools, we would need to learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create, design, and program the button's behavior. With a no-code website builder, creating a button is now as simple as:
- Dragging a button content block onto our web page.
- Adjusting the button’s font and color settings.
- Providing the URL where the button should redirect users when clicked.
How is no-code different from low-code?
In addition to no-code, there is also the "low-code" approach to software development. While they are similar, low code requires some programming knowledge, unlike no-code development.
For example, a low-code website builder might offer the same basic settings as a no-code tool for creating a button. However, it could also include an option for adding custom CSS. If the standard customization options aren't sufficient, we could use a few lines of CSS to achieve the desired design.
Low-code provides more flexibility by allowing additional code for customization, while no-code focuses on ease of use with no programming required.
What are some examples of no-code tools?
No-code website builders:
Wix.com, WordPress, and Webflow are leading no-code website builders that empower users to create professional websites without any technical skills.
- Wix, established in 2006, is known for its intuitive drag-and-drop editor, extensive template library, and versatile app market, making it a favorite among small businesses and creatives.
- WordPress, a pioneer in the no-code movement, powers over 43% of websites globally, offering a vast selection of themes, an intuitive content publishing system, and multi-user backend management.
- Webflow, another prominent platform, combines advanced design options with built-in responsiveness and a robust CMS, catering to both beginners and professionals.
No-code app builders:
Bubble, Adalo, and Actoner.com enable users to create sophisticated applications without coding expertise.
- Bubble offers a powerful visual programming interface, extensive templates, and plugins, making it ideal for startups and developers seeking extensive customization.
- Adalo features an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, rich components, and integrations, catering to users needing quick deployment and rapid prototyping for mobile and web apps.
No code automation tools:
Zapier, Make.com, and Actioner enable users to automate workflows and integrate applications without coding skills.
- Zapier connects various apps and services through simple workflows called "Zaps," automating tasks across over 3,000 apps to boost productivity and efficiency.
- Make.com (formerly Integromat) provides a visual platform for designing complex automation workflows with drag-and-drop features and advanced data manipulation, ideal for customized automation needs.
- Actioner offers a visual designer for creating automated workflows with pre-built templates and extensive integration capabilities, streamlining operations for beginners and advanced users. Actioner also offers a platform to build apps specifically for Slack and MS Teams.
What is no-code automation?
No-code automation differs from other no-code applications like building websites, apps, or games. Instead of creating a standalone software asset, no-code automation focuses on automating processes.
In formal terms, no-code automation refers to the practice of creating and automating processes and workflows without the need for traditional programming, using visual interfaces and pre-built functionalities.
With no-code automation, you can streamline processes such as approvals, celebrating office birthdays, and even enriching contacts without coding.
What are the benefits of no-code automation?
Automate repetitive tasks
If you evaluate your team's daily activities, you'll likely discover many are mundane and repetitive. Tasks like clicking buttons in sequence, dragging files, moving cards, or copying and pasting text multiple times are essential for smooth operations but aren't the best use of your team's skills and energy.
Slack's 2023 Productivity Report highlights that 77% of respondents believe automating routine tasks would significantly enhance productivity.
No-code automation can take over these repetitive tasks, ensuring they are completed efficiently without requiring manual intervention from your team. This lets your employees focus on more strategic and intellectually engaging work, ultimately boosting productivity and job satisfaction.
Scale your operations faster
Even with skilled programmers on your team, no-code automation offers significant advantages. By leveraging a no-code automation tool, you can implement automations faster than coding them from scratch. According to McKinsey, using no-code or low-code applications can reduce development time by up to 90%.
Think of no-code automation as a shortcut that allows you to achieve the same outcomes in a fraction of the time, freeing up more hours to focus on growing your business.
Optimize your workforce
It's crucial to optimize how your teams spend their time. For example, Payroll consumes a significant portion of a business's operating expenses, often up to 70%. No-code automation empowers staff to automate their own tasks without relying on the IT team.
This self-service approach enables employees to offload repetitive tasks and take on more meaningful responsibilities, reducing the need for additional hires. As a result, you create a more efficient and productive work environment where your teams can fully utilize their talents and skills.
Types of no-code automation tools
No-code automation tools facilitate process automation in various ways. Let's explore the different types and their functionalities.
Prompt-based automation tools
Prompt-based no-code automation tools function through text inputs or "prompts." When given specific instructions, these tools execute tasks accordingly. An example is Alexa, users can issue voice commands to perform various tasks, such as controlling smart home devices, setting reminders, playing music, or even making purchases online. Alexa interprets and executes the spoken instructions, providing a hands-free, intuitive way to automate daily activities. However, like other prompt-based tools, formulating specific and accurate commands is crucial, especially for more complex tasks, to achieve the desired outcome.
Text-based automation tools
Text-based no-code automation tools utilize textual instructions to guide users through automating their processes. For example, with Zapier, users can create automated workflows, known as Zaps, using textual instructions. For instance, you can set up a Zap starting with "When a new Trello card is created" and "Send a notification to Slack."
Users can customize triggers and actions across various apps and services. While Zapier offers extensive flexibility and control over automation processes, its text-centric interface can make it challenging to visualize intricate workflows, particularly those involving multiple conditions and branches.
Visual no-code automation tools
Visual no-code automation tools present automations in a graphical format, making it easier to build and comprehend workflows. These tools often use color coding for different processes and graphical connectors to show data flow between various apps. Visual representation simplifies the automation-building process, particularly when integrating numerous apps or setting up conditional routes for various scenarios.
How to choose a no-code automation tool
1. Ease of use
Even without the need for coding, the no-code automation tool should be straightforward and user-friendly. For instance, you can explore its visual automation builder using Actioner's free plan to see how easily workflows can be automated at no cost.
2. Tool sophistication
The chosen tool should be robust enough to meet your specific automation needs. Actioner excels in this area, capable of automating many app actions and managing unlimited routes within a single automation.
3. Unique features
No-code automation tools offer varying feature sets, some more unique than others. For experienced programmers, Actioner's ability to handle parallel webhook processing and provide API access to trigger automations within your own platform might be particularly appealing. These features are not commonly found in other no-code automation tools.
4. Human-in-the-loop automation
"Human-in-the-loop" (HITL) automation refers to systems where human intervention is integrated into the automated process, ensuring that critical decisions or actions are made or supervised by humans rather than being left entirely to machines. This approach is particularly useful in complex or high-stakes environments where human judgment, intuition, and adaptability are crucial for handling unexpected situations and anomalies. HITL automation balances the efficiency and precision of automated systems with humans' cognitive and problem-solving capabilities, enhancing overall reliability and safety.
For instance, in events like deal updates, ticketing systems, or deploying code, Actioner’s HITL automation notifies human operators about changes. It allows them to take the appropriate action via platforms such as Slack. Human oversight is maintained for critical decisions, while automation handles routine tasks.
5. Range of app integrations
Consider the number of apps the tool can connect with and whether it supports the app actions you require. Actioner integrates with your favorite apps and offers numerous connectors per app, allowing for more comprehensive automation compared to some competitors. Additionally, if Actioner doesn't support a specific app yet, you can still connect it using Actioner's HTTP node, provided it offers API access.
6. Pricing
The tool should fit within your budget while providing significant value. Actioner's Free plan offers access to its full suite of supported apps and allows you to invite team members without additional user charges.
Begin your no-code automation journey with Actioner
No coding experience, no time for manual tasks, and no budget for developers were once the primary reasons to invest in no-code automation software. These reasons remain valid, but platforms like Actioner are now expanding the possibilities of no-code automation, enabling businesses to:
- Rapidly scale their AI processes
- Easily build and support apps and services
- Grow faster at a fraction of the cost
If your business has such aspirations, there's no better way to get started than by signing up for a free Actioner account and exploring the world of no-code automation while enjoying the process.
Blog
