In 2026, “speed” has become the new currency. Low-/no-code platforms, AI, and BPMS promise application delivery at a pace that would have seemed impossible just a decade ago. However, in enterprise-class environments—where systems are deeply interconnected (and sometimes resemble a tangled Gordian knot)—haste without solid architectural foundations inevitably leads to a painful collision with reality.
The First-Month Euphoria
The scenario is usually the same: a company implements a simple low-code tool, and within days the business team “clicks together” a working prototype. Costs appear low, and delivery feels lightning-fast. The problem begins when the application stops being an isolated island and must become part of the organization’s broader ecosystem. As additional user fees start to rise, the initial euphoria quickly gives way to disappointment.
Where Is the Trap?
Most popular low-code platforms targeting SMEs are built around hiding complexity. For a non-technical user, this is an advantage. For an IT architect, it is a potential risk.
- The Database as a “Black Box”
Many tools provide little to no visibility into data structures. As the system grows, the inability to optimize SQL queries or manually adjust database schemas can lead to severe performance bottlenecks. - The Illusion of Easy Change
In enterprise environments, modifying a single data field can affect multiple processes—from reporting and workflows to integrations with ERP systems. Without advanced Impact Analysis, every change becomes a guerrilla operation that gradually destabilizes the existing solution. - Technical Debt on Steroids
Rapid development without engineering discipline means accumulating technical debt. Its “interest”—in the form of maintenance and debugging costs—very quickly outweighs the savings achieved during initial implementation.
How to Avoid the Pain? An “Engineering-First” Approach
For mature organizations, the answer is not abandoning low-code, but consciously choosing tools designed with IT in mind. High-end, enterprise-grade low-code platforms do not attempt to replace architectural thinking—they genuinely accelerate it.
- Structural Transparency
The ability to work with standard databases such as MSSQL or PostgreSQL allows IT teams to maintain full control over these “connected vessels.” The option to modify and tailor default schemas to specific requirements unlocks performance for large-scale solutions. - High-Code Support
The system must allow developers to “drop down” into traditional code wherever visual building blocks become a limitation. - Scalability
Enterprise-class solutions should ensure predictable costs and performance as organizational scale and process complexity increase.
What Should You Look For?
Speed in IT only has value when it is built on a solid foundation. Data should be at the center of attention already at the technology selection stage. Instead of focusing on how quickly the first screen can be delivered, it is far more important to ask about the cost and risk of changing the database structure two years down the line. The best tools are those that do not hide architecture, but treat it as the starting point for further growth.
