Shadow IT refers to the use of software not approved by the company’s IT department. This practice, although often driven by user’s desire for efficiency, poses significant risks in terms of security and governance. Unmanaged solutions can contain sensitive data and evade the company’s security oversight, thus creating potential vulnerabilities. Combining No code and Low code : Integrating No code and Low code platforms is a proactive solution for reducing the impact of Shadow IT. By combining the benefits of both approaches, organizations can create an environment where business needs are met while maintaining centralized control over data and applications.

How to end Shadow IT with Convertigo ?

1) Low code studio : Low code platforms are specifically designed for professional developers within the IT department. Unlike No code, Low code requires development knowledge. The IT department uses the Low code studio to create “data sources” (data held by the company) and “actions” (sending emails, exchanging data with ERP / CRM systems). The IT department then makes these available to business teams, ensuring that data governance is maintained.

2) No code studio : Business teams, which are now significant actors in digital transformation, use these “data sources” and “actions” in applications developed with the No code studio. The IT department knows where the data is, when it is used, and by whom. → This eliminates unmanaged forms that sometimes contain sensitive data.

The advantages of this approach :

Business teams can directly create the solutions they need. The IT department can delegate part of the projects while maintaining control over the company’s data, thus avoiding shadow IT. With smooth collaboration between business teams and the IT department, many applications can be deployed more quickly and integrated seamlessly into the central IT system. The involvement of business teams in the IT journey relieves the IT department of a significant workload, allowing them to focus on other complex projects. However, this is not a magic solution.

The IT department must be involved in :

Platform implementation.

Training.

Informing on the company's data usage policy.

Providing support as needed.

Setting up the application catalog.

A concrete exemple with Chantiers de l’Atlantique :

The need : → To put an end to unmanaged Google Forms used by teams, which sometimes contained sensitive data.

Why No code + Low code ?

Low code studio : → The IT department creates and consumes services from SAP and Alfresco. These data sources are then made available to business teams.

No code studio : → Business teams use these data sources to create their own form applications (audits, order/registration processes, satisfaction surveys).

Avantages : → End of shadow IT : all data is packaged and controlled by the IT department. → Over 100 applications deployed, working offline and fully integrated into the central IT system. → 30 citizen developers (business users with at least a Google Forms level of proficiency).