When Off-the-Shelf Software Falls Short: Low-Code Bridges the Gap

For many organisations, off-the-shelf software solutions remain a reliable and efficient way to meet core operational needs. Whether it’s ERP, CRM, or HR systems, these solutions provide a solid foundation on which to run a business. But as organisations evolve, so do their processes, customer expectations, and operational demands. Increasingly, organisations are realising that not every business challenge can be solved within the boundaries of traditional software alone.

What’s emerging isn’t a replacement of off-the-shelf solutions, but a shift in expectations. Organisations today are looking for ways to respond faster to change, adapt processes without waiting on lengthy vendor roadmaps or costly customisations, and innovate in ways that align precisely with their unique needs. This is where low-code platforms like Microsoft Power Platform are transforming the conversation and helping businesses unlock greater value from their existing investments.

Why Off-the-Shelf Can’t Always Keep Pace

Standard off-the-shelf solutions are designed to meet the broad needs of many businesses. While this brings stability, it can sometimes mean compromise. Over time, gaps can appear between what your business needs and what your systems can deliver out of the box. Common signs your off-the-shelf software may be holding you back include:

Multiple Workarounds: Teams rely on workarounds, resorting to spreadsheets, emails, and manual processes to get things done.
Shadow IT: Individuals or departments creating or using unsanctioned solutions or tools to solve problems.
Slowed Innovation: Waiting for vendor updates or costly customisations can delay progress and stifle innovation.
Disconnected Systems: Fragmented systems can lead to challenges like siloed data and inefficient workflows across the organisation.
Evolving Needs: As organisations evolve, operational requirements change, and sometimes older systems cannot keep up.

Collectively, these signs can lead to wasted time and resources, employee frustration and missed opportunities.

How Low-Code Fills the Gaps

Low-code doesn’t have to replace your core systems; it complements and extends them. Low-code platforms can give organisations the tools they need to adapt, innovate, and build tailored solutions quickly. Helping to bridge the gap between what is available off the shelf and what is needed in reality.

One of the market leaders in this space is Microsoft Power Platform, which continues to see rapid adoption. As of April 2024, it boasts 33 million monthly active users, with 97% of Fortune 500 companies leveraging the platform. Gartner predicts that 65% of business problems can be addressed through Power Platform solutions. Power Platform is comprised of five key components:

Power Apps

Build low-code custom business applications.

Power Automate

Create custom workflows and data flows between apps and services.

Power Pages

Create custom business websites, webpages and portals.

Power BI

Generate powerful data visualisations, dashboards and actionable insights.

Copilot Studio

Design, create and develop custom AI-powered Copilot agents.

Combining The Power of Power Platform & Dynamics 365

Power Platform’s flexibility allows organisations to enhance their existing technology investments, particularly within the Microsoft ecosystem. A prime example is its seamless connection with Microsoft Dynamics 365 due to the shared underlying data platform, Microsoft Dataverse. This unified data foundation allows businesses to build apps, automate processes, and create dashboards that interact directly with Dynamics 365 data, without the complexity of third-party integrations.

With this integration, organisations can:

Extend Dynamics 365 functionality with bespoke, integrated apps tailored to specific departmental needs.
Connect systems and bridge gaps between legacy technology and modern solutions.
Digitise manual or repetitive processes through intelligent automation.
Empower innovation by enabling teams to test ideas quickly, refine solutions iteratively, and scale what works.

The pace of business change continues to accelerate. Customers expect faster, more personalised experiences. Internal teams demand tools that support, not hinder, agility. While off-the-shelf software remains critical, the ability to adapt around it is fast becoming a competitive advantage.

It’s not about choosing between off-the-shelf or custom solutions; it’s about understanding where each fits. Low-code platforms like Power Platform help close the gaps between standardised systems and your unique business needs, unlocking greater agility, faster innovation, and stronger return on the technology investments your organisation has already made.

If you would like to learn more about how your organisation can harness the power of low-code development, get in touch today to speak with one of our specialists.