No-Code for Operators

As ops leaders, we constantly need to create systems, processes and workflows. Unfortunately, we rarely have the engineering resources to support us in making this happen. 😬

This is where no-code comes in: providing a set of tools and methodologies for ops teams to achieve what they need to. No more waiting for space in the tech roadmap! 🎉

In this learning session, we looked at…

• what’s possible with no-code tools
• exploring the landscape of tools available
• a deep dive into a no-code tool: Stacker

Scroll down to get the findings and recording! 💡

Event Recording and Slides

You can watch the recording of this event (and our previous events) on our YouTube channel here:

Key Findings

Importance of No-Code for Ops

• Unique Software Needs: Ops leader often face unique challenges that off-the-shelf software cannot solve.
• Lack of Engineering Resources: There is a perpetual shortage of engineering time and resources.
• Operators as Solution Creators: Those who understand the problems best (operators) are best suited to create the solutions.

What is No-Code?

• Definition: No-code tools provide the power of software creation without the need for traditional coding.
• Components:
• Visual logic builders (e.g., flowcharts)
• Drag-and-drop interface designers
• AI chat interfaces

Categories of No-Code Tools

1. Data-Oriented Tools: Tools like Airtable, which act as databases dressed as spreadsheets.
2. Automation Tools: Tools like Zapier, which automate tasks across different systems.
3. Interaction Tools: Tools like Typeform, which create interactive experiences.

Benefits of No-Code

• Time Savings: Automating processes and simplifying human interactions.
• Reduced Errors: Minimising manual errors through automated checks and interfaces.
• Scalability: Making it easier to scale processes and train teams.
• Improved User Experience: Providing tailored interfaces and reducing the complexity of tools.
• Faster Iterations: Quickly adapting processes without extensive documentation.
• Optimized Engineering Time: Freeing up developers to focus on core product development.

Practical Applications

• Custom CRMs: Creating bespoke CRMs tailored to specific business needs.
• Self-Serve Onboarding: Enabling partners to onboard themselves through intuitive interfaces.
• Support Chatbots: Automating customer support to resolve issues immediately.
• Automated Financial Reminders: Setting up automated reminders for invoices and payments.
• Customer Surveys: Sending automated surveys based on customer interactions.
• AI Integration: Leveraging AI for tasks like categorising product feedback.

Case Studies

• TED: Transitioned from manual PDF submissions to an automated no-code application process.
• City of Lander: A small city using no-code to fully digitise and automate city services.

Learning and Resources

• Community: Joining no-code communities (e.g. NoCode.Tech).
• Training: Accessing resources like go9x for courses and training.

Specific Use Cases with Stacker

• Stacker's Role: An end-to-end platform designed for operations teams to create and manage processes.
• Example Application: Transforming a manual spreadsheet-based process into an automated system with self-serve capabilities for riders.

Questions and Answers

• Data Security: No-code tools like Stacker are compliant with data protection standards like GDPR, ISO, and SOC2.
• Integration: Tools like Zapier can connect various no-code tools to systems like financial software (e.g. Xero).
• Pricing: Stacker is priced around $40 (USD) per user, with considerations for costs associated with automation plug-in tools like Zapier.
• Onboarding Support: Stacker offers comprehensive onboarding and support to help teams set up and optimise their processes.

Conclusion

• Empowerment through No-Code: No-code tools provide ops folks with the superpowers to build and optimise their processes without waiting for engineering resources.
• Future of Operations: As no-code tools continue to evolve, they offer significant potential to revolutionise operations in tech startups and beyond.