Category : Product Management

Enterprise Applications Product Management Technology

No-Code Platforms: Revolutionizing the Digital Business Landscape  

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, software development is experiencing a democratizing shift, expanding its reach beyond specialized programmers to include a broader spectrum of individuals. Market predictions underscore this transformative moment.

Estimates by Emergen Research suggest that by 2028, the no-code market will surge to an impressive $68.05 billion (about $210 per person in the US). On the other hand, as per Growth Market Reports, the global no-code platforms market (which stood at $12.13 billion in 2021) is projected to index $68.03 billion by 2030. This paradigm shift speeds up the software development process and unlocks a new era of digital innovation driven by a wider community than ever before. 

No-Code Platforms and Why Are They the New Dev Bro-code 

If you have been anywhere near the buzzing world of software development, the term “no-code” might have piqued your interest. No-code models are sophisticated platforms designed to let users craft and launch applications without writing a single line of traditional code. It bridges those dreams of having a unique software solution and the formidable barrier of intricate programming knowledge. 

Think of it like assembling a puzzle. Traditional coding is like crafting each piece of the puzzle from scratch. On the other hand, no code provides you with all the pieces; your role is to assemble them coherently to create the desired picture. This approach democratizes software development and empowers a vast population of non-developers to translate their visions into functioning digital solutions. 

For instance, consider the ambitions of a restaurant owner dreaming of a unique loyalty program through an app. The conventional route would mean hiring a developer, explaining the vision, undergoing multiple iterations, and hoping the final product aligns with the original vision. With no-code platforms, this restaurant owner can enter the development world regardless of their tech savvy. They can choose and customize features, design layouts, and deploy their loyalty app, ensuring it aligns perfectly with their vision. 

This paradigm shift speeds up the software development process and unlocks a new era of digital innovation. The constraints of technical prowess no longer shackle the digital dreams of many. In the evolving app development landscape, this philosophy – where creative vision takes the driver’s seat over technical limitations – is rapidly becoming the new code among developers and business professionals alike. 

Why no-code is the new dev bro-code?

Some compelling reasons for the ascent of no-code models include: 

  • Web and Mobile App Development: Got an idea? Translate it into a functional app. With “no code,” your digital dreams are now tangible, even if coding may feel like Greek and Latin to you. 
  • Business Process Automation: No-code platforms, like Zapier or Integromat, are modern-day alchemists, converting mundane tasks like onboarding or expense report verification into automated gold. 
  • E-Commerce and Web Presence: Platforms like Shopify or Wix are the allies of businesses. With their help, you can craft your online castle without knowing the language of the digital realm. 
  • Data Dashboards and Reports: Platforms such as Tableau and Google Data Studio have emerged as the wizards of the digital age. They give businesses the power to make sense of the vast data oceans, painting a picture that even novices can understand. 
  • Prototyping and Minimum Viable Products (MVPs): Time is money. No-code platforms are the speedsters of the tech domain, letting startups road-test their ideas in real-world conditions without draining resources. 

But why the sudden infatuation with no-code platforms?  

That is simple – It is about empowerment, collaboration, swift T2M, intelligent resource allocation, and cost savings. 

What Not to Do with No-Code?

While no-code development is undoubtedly a transformative force in the tech industry, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution to every problem. Much like any powerful instrument, it requires thoughtful and responsible usage, with an awareness of hazards that could present themselves. 

Venturing into no-code is comparable to embarking on an excursion into uncharted territory: the experience can offer awe-inspiring vistas and invaluable rewards, but it is not without its complexities and risks that one must carefully manage. 

First and foremost, let us address the temptation of quick development.  

The accelerated pace enabled by no-code platforms can inadvertently lead to hastily rolling out applications, sometimes at the expense of vital quality assurance steps. To draw an analogy, it is like using a cake mix: the simplified process does not mean you can neglect to test if the cake is fully baked. This cautionary note, when translated into the software language, implies that you should still rigorously test the application to ensure it performs well across various devices, meets the users’ needs and expectations, and is devoid of glitches or bugs. 

Then comes the challenge of decentralized app creation.  

With more people enabled to create, there is a surge in applications popping up everywhere. Imagine a bustling city with buildings springing up without proper urban planning. This can result in apps that need more cohesion with a company’s broader digital infrastructure. This decentralization can also be a breeding ground for shadow IT (Information Technology), bypassing critical security protocols and governance structures and exposing businesses to security threats. 

Integration is another factor that demands attention.  

In today’s interconnected digital ecosystem, applications do not function in isolation. They are part of a vast network, interacting with various systems. If a no-code platform does not seamlessly integrate with, let us say, your existing CRM or ERP systems, it is like trying to fit a misfit. The result? Disjointed systems and potential inefficiencies. 

It is also worth discussing the concept of technical debt.  

No-code platforms, with their predefined functionalities, are fantastic for quick deployments. However, as businesses grow and requirements become more intricate, deeper customization might be needed, which could strain the capabilities of a no-code platform. Think of it as starting with a toy car for quick travel, but as you embark on longer journeys, you might need to upgrade to a more robust vehicle. 

Finally, data breaches – a persistent concern in today’s digital age.  

With the proliferation of applications created through no-code platforms, rigorous security checks are not just recommended; they are imperative, primarily when the application interacts with external stakeholders or involves sensitive data. 

In short, while the no-code journey promises unfettered innovation and rapid development, it requires thoughtful navigation. The key lies in balancing the liberating power of no-code with a commitment to quality, security, and integration. 

Charting Your Course in the No-Code Realm: How to Get Started? 

Dipping your toes into the no-code waters can feel both exhilarating and overwhelming. The plethora of platforms and their expansive possibilities is akin to a kid stepping into a colossal candy store for the first time. Where do you begin? And, most importantly, how do you ensure you get the most out of this transformative technology? Here’s a roadmap to help you navigate: 

Roadmap to no-code success

  1. Identifying the Relevance: Before diving headfirst, step back and ask, “What am I trying to achieve?” The no-code platform you choose should align perfectly with your business’s specific challenges and future visions. For instance, a retailer looking to establish a digital storefront might lean towards platforms like Shopify, while an entrepreneur aiming to prototype a unique app might gravitate towards Bubble. 
  2. Seamless Integration: In the vast and intertwined web of modern digital tools, the ability of your no-code platform to effortlessly meld with other systems cannot be overstated. Imagine creating a puzzle masterpiece, only to find that one piece does not fit. That is how crucial integration is. Whether it is your CRM system, email marketing tool, or data analytics software, seamless interoperability ensures a harmonious and efficient digital ecosystem.
  3. User Experience: Even if a platform comes loaded with all features and functionalities, its utility could be better if users find it as incomprehensible as an extraterrestrial dialect. The key to usability is an intuitive user interface complemented by thorough and accessible documentation to ease learning. Take the example of platforms like Zapier, which have built their reputation on straightforward, user-friendly design. This approach enables users to construct workflows quickly, often in just a few minutes, thereby lowering the barriers to entry and promoting widespread adoption. 
  4. Harnessing the Power of AI: We live in an era where AI is reshaping industries. Modern no-code platforms, recognizing this seismic shift, are integrating AI to automate, optimize, and add unprecedented capabilities. Whether it’s predictive analytics, chatbots, or automated customer insights, platforms equipped with AI can supercharge your applications, offering a distinct competitive edge. 
  5. Versatility is Key: The digital needs of businesses are multifaceted. Today, you might need a tool for email campaigns, tomorrow for data visualization, and next week for automating customer feedback. A no-code platform that offers a broad spectrum of tools, spanning design customization to advanced analytics, can be your Swiss Army knife in the digital realm. 

The market is awash with choices, each vying for your attention with unique selling points. From Zapier’s vast integration capabilities to Salesforce Lightning’s comprehensive development suite, the options are plentiful. The trick lies in discerning which platform meshes best with your unique requirements. 

Remember, opting for the no-code is not mindlessly chasing the latest trend. It’s about strategically leveraging a powerful toolset to elevate your business, innovate faster, and deliver unparalleled value. With the right platform and a clear vision, the digital world becomes your oyster.

Some of the Use- cases of Platforms implementing No-code Technology 

  1. Teachable Machine: An innovative platform focusing on machine learning and AI that allows users to create custom models. They can only do this with understanding and knowledge of coding through the power of AI. It is being able to teach your device camera live in the browser through a neural network.  
  2. Rapid Miner: This is a no-code data analytics and machine learning platform ideal for data pre-processing, modeling, and deployment. It uses an intuitive visual workflow builder to drag and drop data and analyze it further without complex codification. It is ideal for seasoned data scientists and enables collaboration among teams.  
  3. Airtable: This app combines the functionalities of spreadsheets and databases for flexible data organization, collaboration features, and API integrations. Alternatively, this does not have options for setting collaborator permissions at the table, record, and field levels. So all your data is accessible.  
  4. Bubble: Making a visual programming platform for web and mobile applications without coding, enabling drag-and-drop interface, database management, and integration capabilities. They build web apps ten times faster and are more affordable than most.  

In this vibrant digital era, no-code platforms are not just tools but transformative powerhouses. They democratize innovation, breaking down the barriers that once limited the creation of digital solutions to a select few. No longer are businesses and individuals bound by their technical know-how. Everyone can craft their digital destiny with no code, from the local baker dreaming of a customized online store to the large corporation seeking streamlined operations. And while the appeal of no-code platforms is undeniably vast, it’s not just about having access to these tools but mastering them.  

Read more: Navigating scalable website updates with agility amid constant change and complexity

Harnessing the No-Code Revolution with Robosoft

Enter Robosoft- Our expertise goes beyond merely understanding the no-code movement. We champion and mold it to fit your unique needs and ensure you reap its maximum potential. 

Partnering with Robosoft means unlocking doors to rapid innovation, cost efficiencies, and a tailor-made digital trajectory. Our team, seasoned in the art and science of no-code platforms, can guide, mentor, and work alongside you, ensuring that every step in this arena is strategic, sound, and successful.

If you envision a future where your business operates with agility, where digital solutions adapt and evolve in sync with your ideas, and where the digital landscape is navigable and accessible, let’s have a conversation. Together, we can explore various approaches to co-create the future, ensuring to meet your specific needs while considering the benefits of low-code and no-code platforms.

 

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Product Management

What is product management – myths, core values, methodologies, and scope

Various definitions of product management have been floating around for more than two decades now. In fact, product managers themselves may have varying definitions of product management.

Martin Eriksson’s representation, though overused, remains extremely relevant to the present day. The product manager’s role oscillates between gathering customer needs/wants, aligning business objectives, hand-in-glove relationship with the tech and design teams; and extensive data crunching. Product managers can perform these roles by interacting with business stakeholders or meeting users directly. He can also do market analysis, competitive analysis, derive impact of product changes and more.

“A product manager is essentially a person who is tasked with identifying the customer needs and the larger business objectives that a product or feature will fulfill, thereby articulating what success looks like for the product, and drives the team to turn that vision into a reality.”

In our earlier published article, we have addressed the key questions one may have in product management. Here we will cover the myths, core values, methodologies, and scope of product management.

Product management overview

Myths about product management

Over the years several myths about the function have surfaced. It is influenced by the fact that there is no exact definition and job description of Product Manager or PM. Some of these myths are listed below –

PM is CEO of the product – Unlike the CEO, a PM gets pulled in all directions by various stakeholders. The PM commands minimal authority as the stakeholders try to incorporate their own suggestions into the product. Even the team the PM rallies, do not report to him/her. Hence the reality is far from this loosely thrown moniker.

PM should be creative – The primary role of the PM is to solve the customers’ problems. It is their responsibility to pull all the strings together to deliver a quality product. So rather than having abundant creativity, a PM must pay attention to all minute details.

PM should be a visionary – The PM looks for the most efficient way to solve customer’s problem. He doesn’t go deep into the future problems or solutions the customer may face or need. It is futile to expect a prediction of exact date and time of migration of entire Web 2.0 to Web 3.0 from a PM.

PM needs to make every stakeholder happy – The only person a PM should look to make happy is the customer. It doesn’t matter whose suggestions and needs get more priority as long as the customer is happy. Due to this, many times some key stakeholders will not be happy. But a PM must always look at the ultimate goal.

PM must know coding – Technical knowledge does help when allocating tasks and assigning timelines. But that doesn’t mean only software engineers can be exceptional product managers. You can do very well without knowing how to code via the help of various software tools.

Product Manager and Project Manager are the same – Product Management and Project Management are loosely interchanged in corporate parlance but essentially, they are worlds apart.

Product manager vs project manager

Some common methodologies/models in product management

Agile

The idea is to set product strategy and create product roadmaps in an agile environment. Agile methodology encourages an adaptive approach to product planning and implementation. It enables organizations to quickly respond to feedback and build products that customers love. At its core, agile product management is a response to the widespread use of agile software development methodologies. These methods emphasize evolutionary development, early delivery, and continuous improvement.

Agile methodology

Scrum

Scrum is a type of agile development methodology. It is used in the development of software based on an iterative and incremental process. It is an adaptable, fast flexible, and effective agile framework used during development.

Scrum delivers value to the customer throughout the development of the project. It creates an environment of transparency in communication, collective responsibility, and continuous progress.

Scrum

Waterfall

Waterfall model can be best put as a linear product management approach. Here the PM creates a sequential project plan after gathering stakeholder and customer requirements at the beginning of the project. It is named the waterfall model because each phase of the project cascades into the next, flowing steadily down like a waterfall.

Waterfall model

General Structure of Product Manager/Product Owner Squad

The basic structure of the Product Manager Squad remains the same despite having a fluid headcount.

  • The Scrum Master handles picking up the tasks for the developers and designers and clearly capturing them in time bound sprints.
  • The Business Analyst helps in writing user stories that are captured in product management tools like Jira. They also help with data crunching – market and competitive analysis, how the changes in the product are faring, etc.
  • Then there are development team members – the ones working on the front end, back end, and middleware. They comprise of Developers, Testers, Solutions Architects and DBAs. The profiles of developers vary according to their expertise in specific technologies.
  • And last but not least comes the creative lot – the designers. They comprise of Design Architects, UX Designers and UI Designers.

Now these team members could be working on the payroll of the product organization, or they may be outsourced.

Product management team structure

What makes a great Product Manager?

Before deciding what makes a great product manager, we need to understand and appreciate their role. A product manager’s role is truly a people’s role that involves taking inputs/ buy-ins of numerous stakeholders and getting work done through multiple team members.

Hence, we can say that although technological know-how/ core competencies are imperative, the one skill that really distinguishes good product managers from great ones is – stakeholder management.

Stakeholder management in product management

And if one wants to shift organizations for personal growth, the following aspects must be looked at with great detail:

  • The current stage of the organization – introduction/ growth/ maturity/ decline.
  • Industry analysis– which sector the company operates in. The learnings in one industry will vary from the other. Hence the decision to shift should be made by weighing the learning trajectory and not just the compensation on offer.
  • Culture fit– All companies have different ways of working. What works for one product manager might not work for the other and vice versa. Look into the company philosophy and vision.

Thus, we can argue that it’s the “product management mindset” that helps you grow in this profession rather than just having skills.

A glimpse of popular tools used by product managers worldwide

There’s no dearth of online tools which can life easier for any role nowadays. Here are a few common tools to meet the common needs of a product manager.

Product management popular tools

 

What is MVP and its significance beyond the set features?

Of all the milestones in the career span of product managers, the MVP is arguably the most important milestone.

Minimum Viable Product (MVP) can be graphically represented as below:

MVP graph

This graph takes the assumption that customer expectations remain static with time, which usually is not the case. All the skills, tools and methodologies are applied to arrive at this milestone. It further lays the foundation for incremental features in the product.

A timely MVP is hence the validation of all the inputs at play. These are – stakeholders’ inputs, market research and data crunching done to arrive at handpicked features, the effectiveness of the design and development teams, and of course, the dexterity of the omnipresent PM. A great MVP is reflection of a team which is working like a well-oiled machine. It is bound to achieve great heights with its vision and execution capabilities.

Product management: eternally relevant

With the increasing adoption of tech in all spheres of life, the relevance of product management will continue to grow. As we can see, traditional companies continue to invest in and augment their digital infrastructure. Top tech companies are pivoting their business strategies. The final execution of all these responsibilities comes on the shoulders of the product management team.

Just as brand management is an amalgamation of several skill sets, so too is product management. It calls for an understanding of consumer behavior, market trends and the role of technology in solving consumer pain points and meeting their needs. Given the central role of digital experiences in our lives, the relevance of a specialist role like product management will only increase.

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Product Management

Kickstarting a career in Product Management – your key questions answered

A decade or two ago, it was common for engineers or graduates to complete their MBA and then take up a career in Marketing or Finance. Several industry leaders in these domains have come through this path. The explosive growth of IT services and followed by digital solutions has opened up new career opportunities in software engineering, design, quality assurance, and so on. In the world of digital solutions, the role of a Product Manager, Product Lead, or CPO has come into focus over the past few years.

As a digital transformation company, we at Robosoft have product management specialists in our team working closely with counterparts at client companies. So if you are considering a career in product management, this article attempts to answer a few key questions that you may have. In this article we are referring to Product Management from a digital experience perspective – be it a mobile app on a phone, a Smart TV app that is typically accessed via Firestick or Chromecast, or even a website.

What is Product Management?

A web search on the topic would result in videos and articles outlining a few common things: that despite the practice being around for a couple of decades there is still some ambiguity on what it’s all about. In 2012, Ben Horowitz, the legendary venture capitalist described a product manager as the ‘CEO of a product’. However, that may give connotations of an all-powerful role that has the power to be the final authority on every aspect of a product. According to Product Plan, Product management is the practice of strategically driving the development, market launch, and continual support and improvement of a company’s products. The role is pretty similar to brand management in consumer goods companies, specialized by giants such as Proctor & Gamble, Unilever, and others.

In 2019, Sherif Mansour, Distinguished Product Manager at Atlassian, an Australian company that develops products for software developers, project managers, and other software development teams, shared this video which could be a great place to start in terms of giving a perspective on various challenges of a product management role.

Another starting point would be read to this series of tweets from Shreyas Doshi who is considered an authority in this space. As Syed Abbas, our Principal Digital Consultant says ‘A great product manager ensures that all team members work harmoniously towards achieving the product vision. The key responsibilities include setting the long term vision and strategy, ensuring user engagement, satisfaction, and monetization’. In other words, product managers are responsible for the end-to-end product experience for users.

Why has Product Management gained prominence of late? Is it a fad or does it offer a long-term career opportunity?

The rise of Product Management as a career option can be linked to the uptake in the use of digital experiences by consumers and the rise of tech startups. Over the last few years, and accelerated fuelled by the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers have resorted to digital options for their day-to-day needs – be it banking, payments, hailing taxis, watching movies, or connecting on social media. Using digital products has become a way of life for a large section of society across the globe. Enterprises believe that their business success depends on the quality of their digital experience. Hence there is a premium on talent which can drive great product experiences.

Media too has celebrated the success of brands created for the digital world. Paytm, Netflix, Amazon, GoJek (an Indonesian SuperApp), Facebook, Hotstar, Twitter, Dunzo, WhatsApp are just some of the brands which get wide coverage for offering great product experiences. Companies too have given visibility for their product management teams, acknowledging them as key players in business success. As we increasingly depend on digital products to get things done or entertain us through streaming or gaming, the discipline of product management is not a fad and here to stay. Tech-enabled or tech-focused start-ups and established businesses such as CRED, Dream11 among others offer an attraction as a career option as opposed to the old practice of moving to marketing or finance after completion of an MBA.

Are there college courses available? How can I formally learn about Product Management?

As of now, there are no college degrees in product management. However, specialist online platforms such as The Product School and many other ‘EdTech’ brands such as UpGrad, Udemy, or UpGrad offer courses in Product Management (links offered for reference only and not an endorsement). You can read about the courses and choose to opt for a relevant one.

What are the skill sets required to be a good Product Manager?

Before we speak about skill sets, let us what Product Managers typically do. They:

  • Define what we should build and why
  • Partner with software engineering, UX, and cross-functional stakeholders such as legal, sales, and marketing to ensure that the product or the feature is built
  • Evangelize the product with a clear vision internally and externally
  • Define success metrics, goals for the team, and act as the user voice for the product

It is important to understand that Product Managers often need to thrive in ambiguity. They need to do tightrope walking by understanding users as well as team partners, the engineering challenges, and time constraints.  This 2017 video ‘20 Years of Product Management in 25 Minutes by Dave Wascha’ is a good watch on key aspects of the role.

So the core functions of a product manager include:

  • Be the voice of users in decisions that affect the product roadmap and experience
  • Hypothesize and then prioritize what users want the most
  • Ensure your product and/or features are aligned with business goals
  • Have a vision for how the product looks and evolves
  • Make sure the team understands what to build, who to build for, and why
  • Be the glue that binds all teams (UX, marketing, sales, etc)

A common mistake is to mistakenly equate product management with program management. Product managers define, scope, and focus on WHAT the end-to-end experience should be while program managers track dependencies, and ensure that the product is delivered on time.

Should Product Managers be experts in software engineering too?

In Product Management, there could be two aspects: technical side as well as pure ‘consumer product management’. The former comes with an Engineering or Computer Science background. They are typically involved from the strategy development till the execution and final launch of the product. They oversee end-to-end execution till the launch of a product by managing the design and the engineering team. The latter usually have a Design and Business background. They tend to be experts in identifying business and consumer needs by working very closely with them, identification of pain-points, developing personas, creating end-to-end user journeys, and product road-mapping.

Either way, good product managers must understand enough ‘tech’ to speak confidently and partner with the engineering team, to make them understand what they should be building. They should have a good grasp on tech to understand what can be done (aka “is this even feasible?”). Product Managers are expected to describe and understand the trade-offs involved and make necessary changes to the product. Product Managers should also understand data; they should take a data-driven approach in identifying areas of improvement or the next big opportunity for the product.

Shreyas Doshi captures some of the skills required thus:

Image Source

Is Product Management a career option for all or only for a certain kind of aptitude?

Before you consider a career in Product Management ask yourself: Are you passionate about understanding what problem a business is trying to solve and for whom? Do you put yourself in the shoes of the user, empathize with what they want and how that improves the product? If so you could pursue this discipline which has great potential for growth.

Shreyas Doshi has a great summary on the scope for growth:

Image Source

Some of the traits which may be useful for growth in this discipline would be:

  • Ability to break down a problem into smaller parts. Remember, this is not a job about you building a bridge yourself but knowing what it takes to get a team to build one which consumers love
  • Understanding what’s important for the consumer and then be able to whiteboard ideas, jam with the UX team
  • Be creative; this is a job that solves problems and calls for innate creativity. It doesn’t mean that you have to design skills but an ability to think of unusual, unexpected ingenious solutions
  • Strategic — constantly evaluate the competitive landscape, and think about the product advantage
  • Have a strong handle on the economics of the business and user dynamics
  • Influence people to go after high impact ideas
  • Be the leader — prioritize, get resources to build things that matter to users; and ruthlessly say no to things that don’t add value to the business or the consumer needs
  • Message your product and help users use and understand your product or feature easily
  • Most importantly, curiosity and a growth mindset

How can I find a job in product management if I don’t have experience? 

It is generally believed that MBAs typically have the right skillsets for product management with an inkling for processes, logical thinking, GoToMarket skills, and customer management. Product Management is a natural fit for those with some experience in Business Analysis. Even if you are a fresher you can start in program management and progress towards product management. More importantly:

Learn: Read about products, be curious about what makes them successful and how they evolve. Portals such as Product Hunt and articles on product management at Medium can be a good start. A simple search for Product Management on YouTube can also give you many useful videos. You can also follow Twitter lists on ‘Product management’. Meet and learn from experienced product managers – ask them what their day looks like, what problems they think about, and what challenges they face in solving them. Books such as Art of product management, The design of everyday things, Creative confidence, and The lean start-up are some books to start off.

You can also proactively think of a problem you want to solve and ideate a solution. Another interesting act which manifests your passion for the discipline is to intern as a product manager in an enterprise.

At Robosoft, our Product Managers work closely with enterprises that already have product teams of various sizes and skills. As a full-service digital transformation company, we definitely see vast potential for product management as a sought-after skill in the years to come. After all, it is the product experience that makes the enterprise.

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