Low-Code Development Platforms for Warehouse Operations: Exploring the Options

Your warehouse management system might do great job meeting everyday needs, but what happens when you need new workflows, specialized product handling or new compliance requirements? Traditional customization approaches often mean long development cycles, hefty consulting fees or settling for workarounds that slow your operations. 

Low-code development platforms are changing this reality for supply chain organizations. As Gartner projects, enterprise low-code application platforms will power 80% of mission-critical applications by 2029, up from just 15% in 2024.1 Forrester emphasizes that low-code development platforms empower development teams and citizen developers alike, enabling faster software production across the organization. Meanwhile, McKinsey underscores the importance of aligning low-code, no-code and pro-code development with proper IT support to maximize efficiency and governance. For warehouse and supply chain leaders, this shift represents an opportunity to gain operational flexibility. 

However, not all low-code approaches are created equal. Understanding the three primary models and their implications for warehouse operations is essential for making the right strategic choice.  

1. Low-code capabilities in standard software

This approach integrates basic low-code tools directly into traditional warehouse software. Think of it as having adjustable settings: You can toggle features on or off, rearrange dashboard widgets or modify simple workflows, but you're limited to the options the software vendor predetermined. 

Example use case 

A WMS might enable warehouse managers to adjust inventory workflows or build custom dashboards from a preset list of options. 

Challenges 

• Limited scope: Customization is restricted to predefined parameters, making it difficult to address unique business needs. Solutions work for common scenarios but struggle with industry- or company-specific requirements. 

• Integration gaps: Connecting these tools with external systems often requires significant IT intervention. 

• Scalability issues: These capabilities are often insufficient for growing or complex operational demands. 

2. Standalone low-code application platforms (LCAPs) integrated with software

This approach uses a separate low-code platform that connects to your existing warehouse system. Building a custom layer on top of your WMS is powerful but requires significant technical work to make everything communicate properly. 

Example use case 

A supply chain organization uses an external LCAP to create an analytics dashboard that aggregates data from their WMS and ERP systems. 

Challenges 

• Integration complexity: Connecting standalone platforms requires extensive IT resources and expertise. 

• Dual governance: Ensuring compliance across both the primary software and the LCAP adds operational overhead. 

• Disjointed user experience: Bolt-on platforms may not align seamlessly with the software’s interface and workflows. 

3. Software built on an embedded low-code application platform

This approach embeds the low-code development platform directly into the software’s core architecture, offering extensive customization and scalability. 

Example use case 

Tecsys’ Elite® WMS, built on the Itopia low-code supply chain platform, allows users to create advanced workflows, extend functionality and integrate seamlessly with enterprise systems. 

Advantages 

• Comprehensive customization: Users can modify workflows, data models and interfaces directly within the system. 

• Unified ecosystem: All customizations and integrations run natively, reducing complexity and latency while improving performance and reliability. 

• Single point of governance and security: Centralized control ensures compliance with enterprise-wide standards. 

• Enhanced agility: Embedded platforms allow for rapid adaptation to business changes without compromising system integrity, reducing the need for complete system overhauls. 

• Lower total cost of ownership: By eliminating the need for third-party solutions, organizations reduce licensing, integration and maintenance costs. 

Embedded low-code platforms eliminate the trade-off between operational flexibility and system reliability. When selecting a low-code supply chain platform, prioritizing embedded architecture can dramatically simplify both scalability and compliance. 

Download our e-book Improving Warehouse Operations with Low-Code Application Platforms to see how low-code architecture can help you unlock agility, cut costs and scale with confidence.