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Integration
Feb 18, 2025
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6
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How Low-Code Simplifies Legacy Integration Migration

Migrating from legacy systems is complex and costly, consuming 60-80% of IT budgets. Low-code platforms simplify this process by reducing manual coding, speeding up workflows, and cutting costs by 30-50%. Here's how they help:

  • Faster Development: Drag-and-drop tools and pre-built connectors reduce coding time by 50-90%.
  • Improved Compatibility: Handle modern APIs (REST, GraphQL) and legacy systems (SOAP, EDI).
  • Enhanced Data Management: Automate field mapping, data transformations, and error handling.
  • Security Built-In: Meet compliance standards like GDPR and HIPAA with encryption and access controls.

For example, Schneider Electric saved $18M and reduced development time by 50% while migrating 70 legacy apps. By 2024, over 65% of app development is expected to use low-code platforms. Start by analyzing your current systems, mapping dependencies, and testing workflows side-by-side before full deployment.

Connected Enterprise through Low/No Code Integrations

Low-Code Basics for Integration Migration

Low-code platforms make complex migrations easier by using visual tools and pre-built components. These solutions remove the need for extensive manual coding, simplifying the integration process.

Reducing the Need for Custom Code

Low-code platforms replace much of the manual coding with visual interfaces and automation. Here's how they help:

Feature Benefit Impact
Drag-and-drop Interface Build workflows visually Cuts development time by 50-90% [4]
Pre-built Connectors Ready-to-use system links Removes the need for custom coding
Automated Data Mapping Matches fields automatically Speeds up data transformation
Reusable Components Standardized modules Maintains consistency across migrations

These tools let teams focus on core business needs instead of getting bogged down in technical details. They also lay the groundwork for additional low-code features that enhance migrations.

Key Features for Low-Code Migration

Modern low-code platforms go beyond reducing custom code. They offer powerful tools that ensure smoother migrations:

1. API Management Tools

Handle APIs effortlessly with built-in options for creating, testing, and monitoring. This allows teams to modernize legacy systems by exposing their functionality through APIs - without needing to write much code [1].

2. Data Transformation Tools

Simplify data processing with visual ETL tools that support:

  • Field mapping and validation
  • Data type conversions
  • Advanced transformation rules
  • Error handling and recovery

3. Security and Compliance

Built-in security measures help meet regulations like GDPR and HIPAA [3]. These include:

  • Encryption
  • Authentication controls
  • Access management
  • Audit logging

"Organizations reduce hand-coding by 50-90% compared to traditional integration development" [4].

These features streamline migration workflows, speeding up deployments and cutting down on backlogs.

Migration Steps Using Low-Code Platforms

Legacy migrations require a structured approach, and low-code platforms can help make the process smoother. Below, we break down the key phases to ensure a seamless transition with minimal disruption.

1. System Dependency Analysis

Start by documenting all existing connections and dependencies. This helps create a clear picture of the current system. Key tasks include:

Component Actions Why It Matters
Integration Inventory List APIs, data flows, and connections Build a complete system map
Data Flow Mapping Trace paths from source to destination Understand how data moves
Dependency Assessment Highlight critical system links Set migration priorities
Risk Evaluation Identify potential challenges Prepare for issues in advance

This groundwork ensures teams are ready to build workflows efficiently.

2. Building Low-Code Workflows

Use visual tools and pre-built components to recreate integration flows. Focus on these three areas:

  • Data Transformation: Configure field mappings and handle data type conversions visually.
  • System Connections: Use pre-built connectors to link common systems quickly.
  • Business Logic: Recreate existing integration rules to maintain functionality.

These steps simplify the process of replicating and improving workflows.

3. Migration Testing Process

Testing is critical to confirm that the new workflows operate as intended before full deployment. A structured approach includes:

  1. Component Testing
    Start small by testing individual workflow components. Validate data transformations and connections to ensure everything works independently.
  2. Integration Validation
    Test entire workflows under different conditions, including peak loads, error handling, recovery, and security protocols.
  3. Production Readiness
    Perform end-to-end testing, check performance benchmarks, and ensure security and user acceptance.

During initial deployment, run legacy and new systems side by side to provide a safety net and maintain continuity. This approach reduces risks and builds confidence in the migration process.

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Low-Code Migration Advantages

Low-code platforms, when paired with structured migration steps, offer powerful long-term benefits. Research highlights that these platforms not only speed up development but also significantly lower costs.

Faster Deployment

Low-code platforms can slash deployment times. For instance, Schneider Electric managed to reduce development time by 50%, saving $18 million over three years while migrating 70 legacy applications [2]. Tasks that once required weeks can now be completed in just hours.

Improved Resource Allocation

These platforms are excellent for optimizing how resources are used. Studies reveal that 80% of companies experience less strain on IT resources after switching to low-code solutions [5].

Benefit Impact
Skills Less reliance on specialized coding skills
Collaboration Better teamwork between IT and business
Maintenance Less time spent on routine updates
Distribution Non-technical teams can now contribute

These efficiencies make migrations faster and more scalable.

Simplified Updates and Expansion

Low-code's modular design lets teams handle updates and integrations with ease. For example, a healthcare provider cut its integration backlog by 60% in just six months, while organizations have reported up to a 40% reduction in maintenance costs [4].

Laminar Platform Implementation Example

Laminar

Laminar simplifies legacy system integration by turning complex processes into streamlined workflows. This example highlights how Laminar's low-code platform delivers practical benefits during system migrations.

API Integration Methods

Laminar uses pre-built connectors and protocols to handle a variety of API integration needs. It supports modern APIs like RESTful and GraphQL, as well as legacy systems such as SOAP and EDI. The platform also manages multiple authentication methods and performs data transformations through a single interface. This flexibility ensures compatibility with both new and old systems.

API Type Features
Modern APIs RESTful and GraphQL support
Legacy Systems SOAP, EDI, FTP/SFTP protocols
Database Connections Direct integration with legacy databases
File-Based Systems Automated file exchange and transformation

Visual Integration Builder Tools

Laminar's visual workflow designer makes integration development easier. Teams can use drag-and-drop tools to build complex workflows, cutting down on the need for custom coding. The builder includes pre-configured connectors, tools for creating custom functions, and built-in error handling to streamline the process.

Migration Results and Metrics

Laminar's implementation delivers measurable results. For example, a mid-sized enterprise reduced deployment time from three weeks to just two days, achieving a 10x faster integration rollout [3][4].

Key performance improvements include:

Metric Improvement
Development Speed 10x faster integration deployment
Maintenance Time 70% reduction in ongoing maintenance tasks
Integration Scalability Handles 25 transactions per second per workflow

These results are driven by Laminar's standardized approach to integration, which combines efficiency with the ability to meet custom requirements. Features like self-documenting workflows and a centralized management console have been especially helpful for teams juggling multiple integration points.

Conclusion: Low-Code Migration Benefits

Key Advantages at a Glance

Low-code platforms simplify legacy system migrations, slashing development time by 50–70% and cutting costs by 30–50% [1][3][4]. Teams adopting these platforms report a 70% drop in legacy system reliance, making it easier to modernize their integration infrastructure. By 2024, it's expected that over 65% of application development will leverage low-code platforms [6].

Metric Improvement
Legacy Dependency 70% decrease
IT Tickets Related to Integration 50% fewer

Steps to Start with Low-Code

Ready to take the leap? Start by analyzing your current integration setup - map out connections, assess complexity, and identify their impact on your business [3][4]. Select a pilot project that offers clear benefits while minimizing risks to critical operations.

Lay a solid foundation by training your team and establishing strong governance. The user-friendly interfaces and pre-built components of low-code platforms make integration faster and more efficient [1][3][7]. Opt for platforms with extensive integration features and pre-built connectors that match your tech stack. This lets you deploy solutions faster while freeing up your technical team to focus on strategic projects.

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