How to Create No-Code Automation

No-code automation solutions can integrate apps and workflow automation to handle your most repetitive and time-consuming tasks. No-code automation tools are great, but let's face it, there are 100s of them, making it challenging to choose the right one.

However, building your own gives you more control over your workflows while saving you money. Developing it in no-code allows you to custom configure your automated processing and learn a new skill that can open doors to a ton of other opportunities.

Here at 100DaysOfNoCode, we deliver engaging, practical, and effective learning experiences. With our challenges and boot camps, learning to no-code has never been easier. We also offer plenty of advice and guidance to help boost your learning, like this article, where we’ll discuss the necessary steps for building no-code automation.

What is No-Code Automation?

No-code automation platforms allow techie and non-tech people to automate processes. It's done by dragging and dropping chunks of pre-made code instead of traditional code programming, which requires a fair bit of expertise to pull off. 

Examples of Tools You Can Use to Automate Tasks with No-Code

Zapier

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Zapier lets you easily automate your work by connecting to 5,000+ web apps. It connects more web apps than any other automation and integration platform and frequently adds new options, like their latest AI implementation, for instance. 

Airtable

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Airtable combines a spreadsheet interface with features like Kanban card stacks and reporting. You can use their “Automations” feature to develop powerful workflows and track record changes. Airtable allows you to define the “logic” to trigger Airtable to get to work!

Notion

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Notion is a unified workspace where teams can store their projects and wiki docs. And thanks to their Notion API release, you can pull and push data from your favorite productivity apps to automate recurring actions.

ClickUp

ClickUp is a centralized productivity platform for task automation and access to basic customizable automation templates. They offer workflow automation flexibility with the option to develop built-in automation or easy collaboration with others to create customized automation.

Why is No-Code Automation Important?

• Increases productivity. It replaces the problematic side of everyday business processes with pre-made workflows to get more done quicker.
• Reduces project costs. People without technical experience can use no-code automation. Therefore, development teams can consist of developers at all different levels. The cost and time required to recruit a team of qualified developers is removed.
• No need for additional IT bandwidth. Automated processes can be used with your current resources as it doesn't require extra IT bandwidth. So, your IT teams won't need to worry about additional load on the network.
• Scales and grows with your team. It scales your team's operations so new processes and rules can be deployed efficiently. And you won't incur extra costs as your business grows and your automation capabilities expand.
• Have better control over your data. Cybercrime activities are more accessible through the use of non-approved IT resources, such as personal devices or third-party SaaS apps. A no-code automated environment provides better data usage and storage control, as apps and workflows can be created for specific functions.

How to Create No-Code Automation Processes  from Scratch

First things first, although no-code is a drag-and-drop visual way to develop, it still needs to be learned. And at 100DaysOfNoCode, our online campus helps people from all walks of life learn no-code.

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We offer fun, engaging, practical, and effective learning experiences where you can bring your websites and app ideas to life as you learn at your own pace.

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Here you'll be part of a community of 12k+ no-coders continuously learning, soft-launching, and demoing their developments.

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1.   Establish a purpose

Before you delve in, it's important to be clear on your desired outcome. Set a goal for your project by asking yourself the following questions: 

• What is the main task your solution will solve?
• What needs to be automated?
• Would your solution need to support other features and functions?
• Is this a short-term or long-term solution?

2. Choose a no-code automation platform

A slew of no-code automation platforms on the market makes picking one the most challenging step. The best way to whittle down your options is to see which out-of-the-box features are included. And to go with the platform offering the functionality and features that will work for your setup and suit your budget.

3. Identify your triggers, filters, and actions

Your workflow is dependent on triggers, filters, and actions.

A workflow will have a single trigger, filter conditions, and perform one or more actions if the filter conditions are met. 

For example, an IT manager may wish to automate the password reset process, so the workflow could look like this:

• Trigger: Emails sent to the helpdesk mailbox.
• Filter condition: Any emails with a “Forgotten password” subject.
• Automated actions: Create a temporary password and send the details to the sender.

A workflow like this will need the cooperation of the password resetting app, so perhaps the workflow will need another filter condition for the password reset part of the process to work. Still, in a nutshell, you can set up automations to trigger specific actions for different situations.

No-code platforms may include pre-configured triggers and actions for supported apps. So, another thing to do before starting is to check the supported triggers and actions for the apps you want to develop connections with.

4. Set up the workflow

The best way to see how all your business processes, triggers, and actions will connect is to outline the entire process by drawing a diagram. Consider using workflow management software to visually represent your workflows’ triggers, filters, and actions, making it easier to spot inefficiencies. The best software supports easy collaboration so you can work with others on your project.

Drawing up your workflow will help you better understand how processes are organized, the critical stages, and the elements to focus on.

5. Test and refine the automation

Throughout development, test your solution to ensure it works as intended. You may find that you'll need to make a few adjustments throughout. Fortunately, the no-code platform will help you troubleshoot and fix bugs and issues.

It’s important you test out your solution before you roll it out, however. Make sure to test it with people who will use the function most. This way, you’ll be able to gain greater insights on any improvements you can implement before deployment.

 6. Deploy and monitor

When you feel it's ready, deploy it to the live environment for use in the real world. Keep up with regular maintenance and updates so it runs optimally.

Something to remember when it comes to no-code tech is that it's constantly evolving. To stay in the loop about the latest no-code best practices and technology, consider joining a no-code online community like 100DaysOfNoCode. Where you'll get to discuss all things no-code and make friends with like-minded people who you can discuss your ideas with.

Make Your Tech Dreams a Reality at 100DDaysOfNoCode

Workflow automation is an ideal solution to increase productivity by handling repetitive tasks to free up resources and streamline processes to support multitasking. Developing automated workflows specifically for your teams is more straightforward than people assume, and learning no-code to get started isn't as challenging either.

With no-code you can build sophisticated workflows without writing a single line of code. You can configure your automation projects precisely how you want and avoid paying for an expensive off-the-shelf tool. Not to mention learning a highly sought-after skill!

At 100DaysOfNoCode, we'll teach you how to bring your workflow automation and any other tech ideas to life. Join 12k+ no-coders and start learning how to no-code today.