🎧 This article is based on episode #129 of our podcast. You can listen to it here.
The digitalization of business processes is no longer a trend, but a necessity for companies that want to remain competitive. In the latest episode of the VisualMakers podcast, Frank Böhmer, CEO and founder of Ninox, a true pioneer of the German no-code and low-code scene, answered our questions. The conversation revolved around the role of Ninox as a platform for internal business processes, make-or-buy decisions, the classification in the spectrum between no-code, low-code and visual development as well as the integration of artificial intelligence. Here we summarize the most important insights and impulses for companies.
Ninox: What's behind the platform?
Ninox is a low-code platform that enables companies to develop customized business applications for internal processes - even without in-depth programming knowledge. The target group is primarily medium-sized companies that want to digitize and automate their individual processes without having to rely on standard software, which is often not flexible enough.
The highlight: with Ninox, processes can be mapped as they are actually lived in the company. This means that the software adapts to the company - not the other way around. Whether liquidity planning, HR management or individual workflows - Ninox offers the flexibility to control internal processes centrally and efficiently.
From no-code to low-code: The evolution of the platform
The development history of Ninox is exciting. The first version was released back in 2014 - long before the terms no-code or low-code were on everyone's lips. Back then, the aim was to make software development accessible to everyone. Today, Ninox has evolved from a single-user app in the Apple ecosystem to a comprehensive platform that serves both small teams and large companies.
The platform has constantly evolved: From the simple database solution to specialized modules such as Ninox HR, which specifically cover typical business areas. The aim is always to combine standardization and flexibility: out-of-the-box modules that can be individually expanded using low-code.
Make-or-buy: Why low-code is often the better choice
A key topic of discussion was the classic make-or-buy decision: should software be developed individually (make) or purchased as a ready-made solution (buy)? Ninox positions itself as a hybrid here - companies benefit from ready-to-use modules, but can adapt these flexibly to their needs.
The advantage: iteration cycles are significantly shortened. Companies can quickly move from the idea to the prototype, make adjustments and thus continuously optimize their processes. Compared to traditional IT projects, which often take a long time and miss the target, low-code offers enormous agility. At the same time, it is still possible to use standard software if this is sufficient. However, Ninox scores points with its adaptability and integration options, especially for complex, company-specific processes.
Security and compliance as a competitive advantage
For many companies - especially in German-speaking countries - data protection and compliance is a decisive factor when choosing a tool. Ninox can score points here with its location and servers in Germany as well as ISO 27000 certification. This is an important vote of confidence, especially for companies that have to meet strict GDPR requirements. At the same time, Ninox offers numerous integrations (e.g. Make, Zapier, REST API) so that the platform can be seamlessly integrated into existing IT landscapes.
Low-code in practice: from no-coders to low-coders
One particularly interesting aspect: many users start with simple, visual workflows without a single line of code - and grow with their requirements. As soon as more complex automation or individual calculations are required, they can upgrade with low-code functionalities. This creates a gradual learning curve that facilitates access to software development and promotes the involvement of specialist departments.
AI and visual development: the next stage of evolution
Artificial intelligence is rapidly finding its way into the world of low-code platforms. AI is also a major topic at Ninox - both as an internal tool (e.g. for translations, developer support with Copilot) and as a planned feature for the platform itself. Particularly exciting: AI can improve the so-called "builder experience", i.e. simplify the onboarding and development of data models and scripts.
Another trend is the merging of no-code, low-code and AI-supported coding into a new paradigm: visual development. This blurs the boundaries between the approaches and the focus is on the visualization and automation of processes - regardless of whether code is written in the background or not.
Modularity and future outlook
A central development goal of Ninox is modularity: in future, companies will be able to choose from an ecosystem of standard modules (e.g. HR, CRM) and combine these flexibly with their own customized solutions. The result is a modular system that combines the advantages of standard software with the flexibility of low-code.
Conclusion: low-code as an enabler for digital transformation
The interview with Frank Böhmer impressively demonstrates that low-code platforms such as Ninox are far more than just a trend - they are a key enabler for digital transformation in SMEs. They offer the necessary flexibility, speed and security to digitalize processes efficiently and be prepared for future requirements.
Companies that invest in low-code and visual development today gain a clear competitive advantage. If you are looking to get started, VisualMakers and the Ninox Fundamentals course will provide you with the tools you need to take the first steps - and actively shape the future with the right tools.
If you want to get started with Ninox, take a look at our free Ninox Fundamentals course over!
