A no-code/low-code business process platform enables citizen developers without IT knowledge to model executable business processes

Abstract

This research is identifying no-code/low-code features for Business Process Management Systems (BPMSs) which help citizen developers model executable business processes. No-Code Platforms (NCPs) allow citizen developers to participate in application development through intuitive visual tools, while Low-Code Platforms (LCPs) require some programming knowledge. Although LCPs offer advantages such as cost reduction, faster development, and user-friendliness, they often lack essential BPMS features like process discovery, case management, and human workforce management. Business Process Management (BPM) aims to develop, maintain, and optimise business processes, including Structured Business Process (SBP) and Unstructured Business Process (UBP). This study creates a list of no-code/low-code BPMS features. For each feature, an implementation proposal, benefits, challenges, no-code level and importance score are identified. With this information, the question of whether a citizen developer can model executable business processes with a no-code/low-code BPMS can be answered. To identify features for the feature list, documentation from four different BPMS products were analysed, and four interviews were conducted. Over 50 features were collected and categorised into 12 initial categories during analysing the product documentation. The features were further refined and re-categorised into four main categories: Modelling environment, Modelling support, Workflow, and Form. A total of 26 features, with additional sub-features, were identified and described in detail, including implementation suggestions, benefits, challenges, and a no-code level and importance score. The majority of these features (20 out of 26) have a high no-code level of 7 or more. Indicating that experienced citizen developer can effectively implement various requirements using these features. However, support from a modelling specialist and developer is needed for some features.