No-code development and RPA make low-barrier DX possible. We also explain how to choose the right tools for your company and key points for implementation.

Utilizing tools and services like RPA and no-code development makes it easier to advance DX, even without programming skills. This article explains the basics of RPA and no-code development while introducing key points necessary for promoting DX, even amid IT talent shortages, including the benefits of using them and how to select tools suited to your company.

What are RPA and No-Code Development?   Tools Enabling Work Style Reform and DX Realization

RPA (Robotic Process Automation) is a tool that mimics and automates human operations performed on a PC. It can record and reproduce manual operations, processing tasks more quickly and accurately than humans. It enables the automation of various PC-based tasks such as data entry, creating estimates, sending emails, and comparing or verifying information. It also handles operations spanning multiple applications and systems.

On the other hand, No-Code development refers to services and tools that enable the development of web services and applications without writing source code using programming languages. Development is possible through simple screen operations like drag-and-drop and basic input, enabling the creation of web services and apps easily and quickly, even without programming skills. Note that if no source code is written at all, it is called "NoCode," while if source code is minimized but still partially required, it is termed "LowCode." Representative NoCode development tools include "Wix," specialized for website creation, and "AppSheet," focused on app development.

The growing attention on RPA and no-code development likely stems from the recent push for DX (Digital Transformation) in many companies. Japan's working-age population is declining due to a low birth rate and aging society. Meanwhile, Japan's labor productivity per capita remains low compared to other nations, ranking 28th out of 38 OECD member countries (Japan Productivity Center, "International Comparison of Labor Productivity 2021"). Given this situation, actively leveraging digital technology in business operations to enhance productivity is arguably a critical challenge for many companies. Consequently, there is a growing movement to improve business processes and reform work practices by automating and streamlining tasks previously performed manually through IT.

However, building the web applications and systems needed to achieve DX requires personnel with IT skills like programming. Currently, Japan faces a severe shortage of IT talent. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) estimated in its 2019 "Survey on IT Talent Supply and Demand" that Japan could face a shortage of up to approximately 790,000 IT professionals by 2030. While more companies are expected to proactively pursue acquiring IT talent and internal training, a parallel trend is emerging: leveraging RPA and no-code development to compensate for skill gaps and advance DX while reducing time and costs.

For instance, when creating apps or web services, no-code development can enable completion of simple projects in just a few hours. Furthermore, automating routine tasks with RPA frees up human resources for critical areas, facilitating more flexible responses to diverse work styles.

Benefits of Implementing RPA and No-Code Development

As mentioned earlier, leveraging RPA and no-code development can aid in advancing DX. So, what specific benefits and effects can be expected?

RPA helps reduce human error and streamline operations

Implementing RPA can provide the following benefits:

• Reduce labor costs
• Prevents human error
• 24/7, 365-day operation
• Streamlining routine tasks allows human resources to focus on tasks only humans can perform

Tasks previously done manually—such as creating invoices, sending emails or DMs, managing inventory, or downloading and standardizing data from retail store POS systems—can be automated and streamlined with RPA. This significantly reduces time and effort, leading to lower labor costs. Furthermore, by delegating routine tasks to RPA, human resources can be redirected toward creative work that only humans can perform, or toward customer communication. Furthermore, RPA prevents human error and enhances quality. Tasks prone to oversights or omissions, like expense verification or data transcription, are executed reliably by RPA. Moreover, unlike humans, RPA never tires or loses focus, enabling 24/7 operation. It continues working automatically even after employees leave, potentially reducing overtime.

No-code development compensates for IT skill gaps

On the other hand, introducing no-code development offers the following potential benefits:

• Even those without programming skills can develop web services and apps
• Reduces the cost and time required for developing and updating web services and apps
• Reduces the hassle and cost of outsourcing to external engineers

With no-code development, even those without programming language knowledge or IT skills can develop web services and apps. For example, a site enabling searches for bookstores and book cafes nationwide was created using no-code development tools without engineers. Additionally, a "mobile order app" allowing customers to place orders in advance for immediate service upon arrival at restaurants was also born from no-code development tools. In this case, it's said that only no-code development tools enabled the rapid integration of necessary features.

Furthermore, no-code development shortens development time and makes updates easy. It not only reduces the hassle and cost of outsourcing to external engineers but also allows in-house teams to handle updates when needed. This is a significant advantage for companies lacking internal IT personnel.

Thus, by utilizing RPA and no-code development, companies can advance their DX even if they lack personnel with programming skills. For companies interested in DX but lacking the internal talent to drive it, feeling the barrier is too high, adopting RPA or no-code development could be the catalyst to break through this situation. Achieving DX and boosting productivity and operational efficiency frees up resources like working hours and labor costs. This enables companies to focus their energy on more forward-thinking and challenging initiatives, such as developing new businesses or transforming business models to meet customer needs.

Select RPA and no-code development tools suited to your company's current state and business characteristics

Numerous RPA and no-code development services are available. Below, we outline how to select the most suitable RPA or no-code development tool for your company.

Key Selection Criteria for RPA Tools

When selecting an RPA tool, focus on the following points:

• Tasks suitable for automation
• Execution environment (desktop, server, cloud, etc.)
• Usability
• Security measures

A key consideration when selecting an RPA tool is that the types of tasks each tool can handle vary. Therefore, it's important to consider which internal tasks your company wants to automate and choose a tool that supports those specific tasks. Additionally, there are differences based on the execution environment, such as desktop, server, or cloud-based. Desktop and cloud-based tools are often said to be more cost-effective and easier to implement, even for non-IT personnel. However, server-based tools offer the advantage of being easier to customize to fit your company's specific environment.

Also, verify whether the tool is easy for actual operators to use and if sufficient security measures are in place.

Key Selection Points for No-Code Development Tools

When selecting a no-code development tool, focus on the following points:

• The type of service you want to develop
• Supported devices
• Usability
• Security measures

No-code development tools are tailored for specific purposes, such as websites, apps, or e-commerce sites. Carefully consider what type of service your company wants to develop and select a tool that supports that service. It's also essential to verify whether the supported devices are limited to PCs or include smartphones and tablets.

Furthermore, a common consideration for both RPA and no-code development tools is that these systems depend on specific platforms. This means services or apps could cease functioning if the platform is discontinued or the provider withdraws. It's wise to also confirm how the service provider would handle such situations and what risk mitigation measures your company can implement.

RPA and no-code development are revolutionary systems that enable web service development and operational efficiency improvements without requiring IT skills. By achieving DX through these tools, you can not only reduce labor costs and operational time but also free up resources to pursue ambitious initiatives like creating new business ventures.