No-Code Platforms Suitable for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
Original: https://cli.im/article/detail/2367
In the 2025 business environment, "digital transformation" is no longer an option but a necessity for many enterprises. Especially for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), they often struggle with high development costs (traditional systems can easily cost over 100,000 RMB), lack professional technical talent, and face pressure from frequent business requirement changes necessitating system updates. This reality makes "no-code platforms" the tool of choice for a growing number of businesses.
Data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology shows that enterprises using no-code platforms save an average of 83% on digital transformation costs while increasing delivery speed by 5 times. This article will conduct an in-depth evaluation of several mainstream platforms, focusing on the three most common concerns for SMEs: ease of use, coverage of business scenarios, and return on investment.
I. SME Selection Guide: 4 Core Criteria
1. Easy to Use: Enabling Workshop Supervisors to Develop Systems
A good no-code platform should allow frontline business personnel to easily build business systems. For example, the equipment department head at Xintai Machinery independently created an inspection system covering 100 pieces of equipment in less than 3 hours without IT support. This means a no-code platform must have:
- A freely combinable component library (e.g., forms, workflows, approvals)
- A large number of reusable templates
- Support for synchronized operation on mobile and desktop
2. Practicality: Meeting Common High-Frequency Scenarios
Analyzing over 500 SMEs, we found the following scenario demands are most concentrated:
| Scenario | Core Need | Typical Application Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment Management | Scan QR code to view equipment information, record inspection logs | Luoyang Molybdenum Group increased equipment operation rate to 98.7% |
| Asset Management | Track assets throughout their lifecycle with one code per item | Enterprise asset inventory efficiency increased 3x, standardized asset loan/return management |
| Personnel Management | Display information with one code per person | Scan QR codes on construction sites to view real-name information of workers, etc. |
| Information Display | Display product information with one code per product or item | Manufacturers aggregate selling points, parameters, manuals, etc., reducing printing costs |
3. Cost Control: Utilize Free Versions Reasonably
Major platforms offer free versions or free trials. For instance, CaoLiao QR Code's free version can meet the basic needs of most SMEs. Examples:
- CaoLiao QR Code: Free version includes unlimited application creation, unlimited users, unlimited scans, unlimited data submissions.
- JianDaoYun: Free version limits to 1 application and basic form functions.
- Qingliu: Free version limits to 10 collaborators and a maximum of 10,000 data records.
4. Data Security: National Level 3 Cybersecurity Classification Protection Certification as the Baseline
Data security is a non-negotiable baseline during digital transformation. Choose platforms that have obtained National Level 3 Cybersecurity Classification Protection certification and possess features like granular permission management, IP tracking, and data desensitization. Also consider the platform's operational history and user base – CaoLiao QR Code is the longest-established and has the largest user base among these.
II. CaoLiao QR Code: An Ultra-Lightweight No-Code Platform Using QR Codes as the Entry Point
Compared to most no-code platforms on the market, CaoLiao QR Code is a no-code platform centered around QR codes as the primary management entry point. Due to the "everyone can scan" nature of QR codes, the learning and training costs are lower, making it more lightweight. It has three key highlights:
1. Dynamic QR Code
Traditional static QR codes require reprinting if content is modified. CaoLiao QR Code's "dynamic QR code" technology supports real-time content updates. When device parameters are changed, all posted QR codes update automatically. Supports bulk generation and management – generate up to 500 equipment QR codes at once and update their content in bulk, e.g., changing the responsible person.
2. Anti-Fraud Features
Addressing common falsification in field inspections, CaoLiao provides: photo function with location watermark, restricting form filling via scan to specific times/locations, and blockchain notarization. Combined with the handwritten signature component, it can replace pen-and-paper signatures, ensuring data is authentic, reliable, tamper-proof, fully traceable, and usable as court-admissible electronic evidence.
3. AI Assistant
This year, CaoLiao integrated DeepSeek and launched a series of AI features to enhance management efficiency. For example: AI can recognize paper forms and automatically generate electronic forms; AI automatically reviews submitted content, reducing manual review costs; integrating AI into QR codes allows scanners to ask questions within the code for quick answers.
4. Cost-Benefit Comparison
Comparing traditional development with mainstream platforms, CaoLiao QR Code shows significant advantages:
| Solution | Implementation Period | Starting Cost (Paid) | Learning Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Custom Development | 3-6 months | 100,000+ RMB | Very High |
| CaoLiao QR Code | 1 day | 780 RMB/year | None |
| JianDaoYun | 2 weeks | 2000 RMB/year | Relatively High |
| Qingliu | 2 weeks | 9600 RMB/year | Relatively High |
III. Selection Recommendations for Different Scenarios
- Lightweight Scenarios: Such as equipment inspection, meeting management, labor personnel management, product information display, etc. – scenarios involving one code per object, person, or event. CaoLiao QR Code is suitable, offering both information display and collection functions. Its free features are quite comprehensive and can often support full implementation for an extended period.
- Medium Complexity Processes recommend JianDaoYun or Qingliu: Such as inventory management, CRM systems. JianDaoYun is more flexible in data management and process control, but has a relatively higher starting price, posing a slightly higher barrier for startups. Qingliu suits enterprises with complex processes or multi-department system integration needs, but its free version is limited, requiring significant investment for practical application.
- DingTalk Ecosystem Users choose YiDa: For approval workflows, meeting management, etc., YiDa integrates natively with DingTalk features like attendance and schedules, automatically generates task reminders, enabling seamless extension.
IV. Implementation Advice: Gradual Progression Leads to Easier Success
1. Pilot Phase (1-2 weeks)
Start with high-frequency, essential scenarios like equipment inspection or meeting check-ins. Use the free version to test effectiveness, validate the platform's value, and see if it fits your needs. For example, use CaoLiao QR Code templates to create a fire extinguisher inspection system and verify feasibility.
2. Promotion Phase (1-3 months)
After getting a feel for it, promote usage rapidly. Learn from successful experiences of other users in the CaoLiao community. Drive internal enterprise adoption, set KPIs like departmental scan completion rates. Then, quickly refine the system based on user feedback.
3. Integration & Iteration Phase (3-6 months)
Use the platform's built-in templates to replicate successful practices. Create more applications to replace existing management models, gradually expanding the digital scope. Gradually integrate with existing enterprise systems (ERP, CRM, etc.) to build a complete digital ecosystem. Integrate BI tools to generate decision-making dashboards, etc.