Requirements Engineering for Enterprise Low Code Platforms – Role, Process and Benefits

Requirements engineering plays a crucial role in the development of software solutions. Especially in the context of low code platforms, this discipline is becoming increasingly important. In this article we take a closer look at how requirements engineering works for low code platforms and how companies can benefit from it.

Short & concise

  • Enterprise low code platforms like A12 enable large enterprises and organizations to develop complex applications with minimal programming effort.
  • Requirements engineering is the process of eliciting, documenting and managing requirements for a software solution.
  • By accurately capturing, analysing and documenting requirements, efficient and high-quality applications can be created quickly and cost-effectively with low code platforms.

What are Enterprise Low Code Platforms?

Enterprise low code platforms such as A12 are development platforms that enable large companies and organisations to create applications with minimal programming effort. They provide a visual development environment in which applications can be created using drag-and-drop tools and configuration options.

The use of enterprise low code platforms offers a number of benefits to organisations. On the one hand, these platforms enable accelerated development of software solutions, as they are based on visual modelling tools and prefabricated components. Secondly, low code platforms facilitate collaboration between developers and subject matter experts. Through the visual representation of requirements and the possibility to integrate feedback directly into the system, communication is improved and misunderstandings are reduced. This leads to a higher quality of the developed software solutions and a better fulfilment of business requirements.

The role of requirements engineering

Requirements engineering is the process of eliciting, documenting and managing requirements for a software solution. It is critical that requirements are clearly defined and understood to ensure that the software developed meets the needs of the users.

In the context of enterprise low code platforms, requirements engineering plays a particularly important role. As development is based on visual tools and configurations, it is essential to understand and specify requirements accurately. This enables the developers to design and configure the application according to the business requirements.

The Requirements Engineering Process for Enterprise Low Code Platforms

  1. Requirements elicitation: The process starts with requirements elicitation. It is important to understand the stakeholders’ needs and expectations precisely in order to formulate high-quality requirements. In addition to common requirements elicitation methods such as interviews, surveys, observations and prototyping, we often use design thinking. This method offers a holistic approach to better understand the needs of users and develop appropriate solutions.
  2. Requirements analysis: Once requirements are identified, they are analysed and prioritised. This includes identifying dependencies, recognising conflicts and defining clear goals. A thorough analysis of the requirements is crucial to avoid problems later on during development.
  3. Requirements documentation: The identified requirements are recorded in a detailed requirements document. This document serves as a reference for the developers and ensures that all requirements are described completely and clearly.
  4. Validation of requirements: Requirements engineering also includes the validation of requirements. This is done through regular reviews with the stakeholders to ensure that the requirements have been correctly interpreted and documented. Close cooperation between developers and stakeholders can ensure the quality of the requirements.
  5. Requirements management: After validation, the requirements need to be managed. Changes or additions to the requirements must be documented and communicated. Effective requirements management ensures that the developed application meets changing business requirements.

Advantages of requirements engineering for low code platforms

  1. Precise requirements: By using requirements engineering, requirements can be formulated clearly and unambiguously. This reduces the risk of misunderstandings and misinterpretations during development.
  2. Improved collaboration: Requirements Engineering promotes collaboration between stakeholders and developers. Through continuous exchange, problems can be identified and resolved at an early stage.
  3. More efficient development: Well-defined requirements enable efficient development on low-code platforms. Developers can design and configure the application in a targeted manner without wasting time on unnecessary adjustments.
  4. Cost savings: By clearly defining the requirements, expensive rework is avoided. This leads to cost savings and a faster time to market for the application.

Conclusion

Requirements engineering is an important part of developing software solutions on enterprise low code platforms. By accurately capturing, analysing and documenting requirements, efficient and high-quality applications can be created quickly and cost-effectively. Well-executed requirements engineering enables companies to take full advantage of enterprise low code platforms and increase their competitiveness.

Learn more about our Enterprise Low Code Platform A12.