10 things no-code can tell us about AI in the workplace

• How no-code tools have transformed the workplace.
• What can we expect from Al in the workplace?
• 10 predictions for Al in the workplace.
• The future of artificial intelligence in the workplace.
• Baserow and Al.

Once the subject of our imaginations, artificial intelligence is now commonplace in our daily lives. Its recent surge in popularity is largely due to the widespread adoption of tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which have made AI more accessible to a broader range of people. Much like when no-code technology began reshaping the modern workplace, artificial intelligence is poised to redefine the way we interact with data and use it in our day-to-day activities.

Although some workers fear being replaced by AI, the technology can positively impact workers’ daily lives by streamlining tasks, automating processes, and fostering insights and innovation in their daily operations. By reflecting on our experience with the emergence of no-code tools, we can gain valuable insights into how AI might influence the workplace of the future, the potential benefits it brings, and the challenges we need to address to harness its full potential.

How no-code tools have transformed the workplace

Emerging technologies such as no-code platforms have been game-changers in the realm of software development, enabling end-users to build databases and applications without application development skills. At first, it was presumed that these platforms would eventually replace the need for developers. But in reality, while no-code tools bridge the gap between developers and non-IT users by reducing technical hurdles, some basic training or understanding of the underlying principles is still usually necessary for citizen development and developers themselves leverage these tools to develop applications faster.

Rather than replacing developers, no-code platforms have become catalysts for increased productivity in organizations, freeing up developers to concentrate on more complex and high-value tasks. These platforms have made it easier for non-technical teams to build bespoke applications and automate and integrate their workflows into one central workspace. This allows data and insights to flow seamlessly across various departments, breaking down data silos and fostering a collaborative environment, improving performance and efficiency, and sparking innovation in the workplace.

Similarly, AI-powered tools are capable of generating code based on user prompts, reducing the time spent on coding by both teams and non-IT end users. Developers have found that routine and mundane coding tasks can be automated to expedite the process, identify bugs more efficiently, and even find the root cause of any issues. AI tools have also been used to automatically generate test cases and update existing tests whenever there are changes in the source code, saving considerable time and effort.

Like their no-code and low-code counterparts, AI solutions are democratizing coding by empowering end-users to make significant changes without extensive coding knowledge.

Here’s a quick overview of the many ways that tools like Baserow’s open-source no-code database have transformed the workplace, many of which might be seen in the future of AI in the workplace.

• Productivity & efficiency: No-code platforms have boosted workplace productivity by enabling quick and efficient database and application development, without technical knowledge. Moreover, they’ve democratized data sharing across organizations, promoting collaboration, and providing valuable insights that drive performance and growth.
• Data security: In terms of data security, no-code platforms offer enterprise-level tools for user access permissions and self-hosting, ensuring safe and easy access to data. Plus, administrators can regulate data visibility, eliminating the need for multiple databases for different roles or departments.
• Lighter SaaS load: No-code helps organizations lighten their SaaS load. Since the onset of the global pandemic, the average number of SaaS solutions used by organizations has surged. With the help of no-code platforms, this growing trend can be mitigated by integrating different processes and data under one platform, driving data accuracy and consistency across teams, applications, and workflows.
• Speed: Performance is essential. No-code tools like Baserow are lightning-fast, even when handling large or complex datasets. The latest release of Baserow can handle tables with millions of rows, easily load related tables, create database indexes automatically, and much more.
• Cost savings: The fast and straightforward process of building applications on no-code platforms reduces the need for hiring expert developers, leading to considerable savings. Moreover, these platforms reduce the costs of managing multiple SaaS subscriptions and the complexity associated with managing various workflows, roles, and responsibilities.
• Agility and flexibility: These tools offer a unified source of information by integrating all existing software. They also give your team the ability to incorporate other software applications and processes to tailor your solution to cater to your organization’s unique needs, no matter how simple or complex.

What can we expect from AI in the workplace?

Given AI’s capability to construct simple, repetitive software and its inherent capacity for continued learning, it’s no surprise that developers are enthusiastic about the potential of artificial intelligence in the workplace. A recent survey from Microsoft’s GitHub says that out of 500 programmers surveyed, 92% reported using AI tools in their workflow. OpenAI’s own research suggests that artificial intelligence could automate 10% of tasks for 80% of the US workforce, while half the tasks of 19% of workers could be undertaken by the technology.

The way we work and interact with technology is set for a significant change due to artificial intelligence. Particularly, software engineering which functions within a rule-based system that AI can learn and adapt to. However, there is still a lot of uncertainty about the precise impact of artificial intelligence on software developers’ roles and what workplace AI will look like in the future.

So, what transformations could we anticipate from AI in the workplace? The insights we’ve gained from the implementation of no-code/low-code tools in the workplace may serve as valuable pointers to understanding the potential influence of artificial intelligence in the not-too-distant future.

10 predictions for AI in the workplace

1. AI won’t replace developers

   Just as no-code platforms didn’t eliminate developers but rather sped up app-building processes, AI won’t replace developers. Instead, it will automate low-level tasks, leaving engineers more time for complex problem-solving.

   Developers frequently utilize pre-built modules in no-code tools to sidestep the grunt work of writing code from scratch. Interestingly, Gartner predicts that by 2025, organizations will build 70% of their new applications using low-code or no-code platforms; this is up from less than 25% in 2020.

   In a similar fashion, artificial intelligence can expedite mundane coding tasks but won’t erase the need for software engineers. Engineers will collaborate with AI to automate their existing processes, such as testing and debugging while retaining their roles in developing intricate and innovative software solutions catering to business requirements.

   Software engineers who resist adopting artificial intelligence may find themselves at a disadvantage, as their competitors who embrace these advancements forge ahead.

2. AI will democratize software development

   Like no-code platforms, artificial intelligence can open software development to non-technical users. This promotes organizational productivity and innovation, allowing end-users to tailor solutions to their specific needs.

   The value of low-code and no-code platforms lies in their ability to make software development accessible to non-technical users, by offering pre-built modules and components for creating tailored applications and solutions. Rather than replacing developers, this relieves overburdened IT teams and allows end-users to create no-code/low-code solutions that best fit their own needs.

   Artificial Intelligence is poised to have a similar democratizing effect. Users will be able to instruct AI tools to generate specific code, database structure, application functions, and website content and incorporate required features into their solutions.

   This shift, granting end-users greater speed and insights over their applications, fuels organizational productivity and sparks innovation. With a broader range of individuals participating in solution creation, the outcome is more innovative and business-aligned tools.

3. AI will accelerate digital transformations

   Like no-code platforms, artificial intelligence will likely push digital transformation, especially in traditional sectors, automating manual tasks and digitizing day-to-day processes.

   Traditional industries like manufacturing often lack the necessary resources for complex software development. To accelerate digital transformation, leaders in these fields are turning to no-code tools to automate manual tasks. AI modules are able to provide answers to problems that have occurred in the past and provide a ready answer when they occur again.

   Take, for instance, the Groupe Atlantic and Araymond factories in France, who’ve saved 700 hours of manual work per user per year, by replacing tedious manual data capture with smart no-code digital visual management systems. By employing no-code technology, they have achieved Industry 4.0 transformation in months instead of years.

4. AI will foster creativity

   With artificial intelligence taking care of routine tasks, workers will have more time to engage in creative problem-solving and innovation, contributing to business growth.

   No-code platforms have demonstrated that when routine tasks are simplified or automated, developers gain time and mental bandwidth to innovate. As AI technologies take over mundane tasks, we are likely to see this pattern continue.

   The technology can benefit many work departments. For instance, it can automate data analysis, allowing marketers to spend more time on creative campaign strategies. Or provide insights that humans might miss which can spark new ideas and creative solutions to problems. In fields like graphic design or web development, artificial intelligence can generate design elements or even full designs, which designers can use as a starting point for their creative process.

5. AI will encourage continuous learning

   As no-code, artificial intelligence, and other technologies evolve, developers and other IT professionals will need to constantly update their skills to stay relevant.

   No-code platforms transformed the way non-technical employees engage with software development and other traditionally technical tasks. Learning to use these tools boosts personal and professional development by expanding an individual’s skills and abilities in a new, in-demand area. AI platforms have the potential to tailor continuous learning at the individual level, based on specific needs. AI modules also never get tired and are always available to answer questions from their students.

   Similarly, utilizing AI tools effectively often requires a range of skills. Understanding data, its sources, and how to use data effectively is key to leveraging such tools. Other areas of knowledge that could be valuable include statistics and probability, programming languages used in AI like Python or R, machine learning concepts, and understanding AI ethics such as bias in artificial intelligence algorithms and the responsible use of emerging tools.

6. AI will enhance efficiency

   Drawing from the lessons of no-code and low-code tools, it’s clear that technology can dramatically increase efficiency by automating repetitive tasks. Just as no-code platforms have simplified the software development process by eliminating the need for manual coding in many instances, artificial intelligence is poised to take this a step further.

   AI algorithms, through machine learning, are adept at identifying patterns and performing tasks that would otherwise be mundane and time-consuming for human workers. They can sort through large volumes of data, spot anomalies, find bugs and suggest fixes, process transactions, and much more, all at a pace, consistency, and scale that humans can’t match.

   Moreover, artificial intelligence systems can operate round-the-clock, eliminating the constraints of traditional work hours and increasing output. This automation frees up workers’ time, allowing them to focus on more complex and value-adding tasks. These tasks often involve creative problem-solving, strategic thinking, or specialized expertise that AI systems can’t replicate.

7. AI will boost collaboration

   No-code platforms have broken down departmental silos and enabled cross-functional collaboration, an attribute artificial intelligence is likely to enhance. AI tools don’t just foster collaboration by enabling non-IT users to participate in software development – they also act as a bridge between different functional areas of an organization.

   With no-code, we see all departments working together to build and modify applications. This means that the end product is more closely aligned with the needs of all users, not just those within IT. AI tools are likely to carry this collaborative ethos further, making it possible for diverse teams to collaborate on projects, with artificial intelligence as the common language bridging the communication gap.

   Furthermore, AI-powered project management tools can enhance team coordination by automating task assignments based on team members’ skills, workload, and availability. They can also predict potential project roadblocks and suggest proactive solutions, facilitating smoother teamwork and project execution.

8. AI will increase accessibility

   Much like no-code platforms, artificial intelligence can provide tools that are user-friendly, reducing the barriers to entry that formal coding education can present. Tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT have played a pivotal role in broadening the accessibility of the technology to a wider audience.

   ChatGPT, for instance, utilizes advanced AI to engage in natural language conversations with users, making interaction more accessible and intuitive. This is much like the transformation that no-code platforms brought about, where complex technical procedures were simplified for users without formal coding education.

   AI is set to continue and accelerate this trend, enabling a greater number of people to contribute to software development and solution design.

9. AI will foster data-driven decision-making

   AI’s ability to analyze large amounts of data quickly and accurately can help businesses make more informed decisions. It can identify trends, make predictions, and generate insights from even the largest datasets, making the process considerably simpler, faster, and more efficient.

   Similarly, no-code platforms have simplified the process of managing large amounts of data, creating custom data analysis and visualization tools. Users can create bespoke databases, dashboards, and reports that present the most relevant data in a comprehensible and actionable way.

   Looking ahead, it’s quite likely that artificial intelligence and no-code technologies will be integrated more seamlessly into workplaces, creating an environment where businesses can make better data-driven decisions.

10. AI will enable customization

    Just like no-code, AI is poised to take customization in the workplace to a whole new level by intelligently tailoring tools and workflows to the individual needs and preferences of users.

    It can analyze patterns and trends in large datasets, enabling it to understand user behavior and predict their future needs. For instance, artificial intelligence could observe that a particular employee frequently conducts certain types of data analysis and could generate templates or shortcuts for these analyses, saving the employee time and effort.

    In addition, it can offer personalized assistance and training to each user, identify areas where a user is struggling and suggest relevant resources or training materials. AI can also adapt user interfaces and workflows to better fit each user’s style and preferences.

    The integration of artificial intelligence and no-code tools in future workplaces will amplify these advantages, allowing for even more extensive and sophisticated customization.

The future of artificial intelligence in the workplace

As artificial intelligence quickly evolves, it’s important to realize that the technology won’t replace developers. The impact of technologies like no-code tools tells us that emerging technologies enhance roles and empower non-technical users.

When looking to the future of AI in the workplace, we should expect more combined AI and no-code tools soon, bringing even more profound and nuanced capabilities. However, with such advancements, developers’ roles are shifting, with a focus on complex problem-solving or customizations over routine coding tasks.

With this in mind, it’s crucial for developers to adapt, proactively embrace these technologies, and incorporate them into their workflows to remain competitive and prepared for future trends in the industry.

Baserow and AI

Baserow’s full-featured database comes with an array of tools and functionalities to help you manage and structure even the largest and most complex datasets. It’s user-friendly, built on a no-code system that makes it easy to build automated workflows without any coding skills. Plus, it’s open source, so you can run it on your own server, with no vendor lock-in.

We’ve already started to leverage AI capabilities by offering functionalities like fully automated workflows with OpenAI’s ChatGPT for idea generation, story creation, business plan drafting, character descriptions, and marketing content.

This is only the beginning; anticipate an array of AI integrations enriching Baserow in the near future. Ready to get started? Create an account with Baserow today!

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