Leveraging No-Code Workflows in Water Utilities: Supporting IT While Enhancing Operations
- WorkMobile
- Feb 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 14
The Changing IT Landscape in Water Utilities
Industry research suggests that many water utilities face workflow inefficiencies, leading to delays, compliance risks, and increased costs, as highlighted by industry research. IT teams are under constant pressure to modernise operations while maintaining security, data integrity, and system stability. However, with growing workflow demands, many IT departments face overwhelming backlogs of modification requests, slowing down agility and innovation.
Traditionally, any workflow adjustment—whether for compliance tracking, maintenance reporting, or asset management—required IT-led development, leading to bottlenecks and slower response times. As digital transformation accelerates, how can IT teams maintain control, security, and efficiency while enabling faster, more adaptable workflows?
Why Now? The Urgency for Adaptability in Water Utilities
Many IT leaders acknowledge the need for modern workflow solutions but haven’t prioritised them. However, waiting too long to act could put utilities at a disadvantage. The industry is shifting rapidly due to:
✔ Regulatory Pressures – Compliance requirements are increasing, and outdated processes struggle to keep up.
✔ Aging Legacy Systems – Many utilities still rely on rigid, outdated workflow systems that limit operational flexibility.
✔ Field Workforce Expectations – Teams demand mobile-friendly, intuitive solutions to streamline reporting and reduce errors.
✔ Cloud & Digital Transformation Trends – Water utilities are moving toward scalable, cloud-based digital tools that improve efficiency and collaboration.
To remain competitive, IT teams must act now to implement flexible, IT-governed workflow solutions.
Understanding No-Code, Low-Code (Mix-Code), and Pro-Code: Where IT Fits In
For IT leaders, the shift towards no-code, low-code, and pro-code solutions is reshaping how technology supports business operations. While these terms are well understood in tech circles, their implications for resource allocation, development speed, and adaptability are key considerations for IT decision-makers.
1. No-Code: Enabling Rapid Workflow Deployment with Minimal IT Involvement
No-code platforms allow business users to create workflows using visual interfaces without the need for programming.
✔ Fast deployment – Operational teams can design and launch workflows quickly without relying on developers.
✔ Flexible adjustments – Processes can be modified on demand without IT bottlenecks.
✔ IT oversight remains critical – Security, compliance, and integration controls ensure governance.
2. Low-Code (Mix-Code): Balancing Speed & Customisation with IT Involvement
Low-code combines no-code flexibility with custom coding where needed, allowing IT teams to extend functionality.
✔ Enables both business users and IT to collaborate on workflow development.
✔ Allows for complex logic and integrations while maintaining rapid deployment.
✔ Frees IT from minor modifications while ensuring governance.
3. Pro-Code: Full Development Control but Slower Implementation
Pro-code relies on traditional software development, requiring dedicated development resources. While it offers complete control, it can also lead to delays in adapting to changing business needs.
✔ Best for deeply integrated, highly customised solutions.
✔ Requires dedicated IT development teams, increasing workload and cost.
✔ Limited flexibility – Every modification requires dev involvement, slowing response times.
IT leaders must balance these approaches, ensuring governance, security, and adaptability without creating development bottlenecks.
No-Code: An IT-Managed Approach to Operational Flexibility
A common concern with no-code solutions is that they may bypass IT governance and lead to security risks. However, the reality is that no-code platforms empower IT teams rather than replacing them. These tools shift IT’s role from workflow execution to strategic governance, ensuring security, compliance, and integration while enabling operational teams to adapt processes independently.
How No-Code Benefits IT Teams in Water Utilities
✔ Reduces IT workload – Operational teams can modify workflows without burdening IT with minor adjustments.
✔ Ensures security & compliance – IT retains oversight of permissions, data governance, and regulatory adherence.
✔ Speeds up workflow implementation – No-code allows teams to digitise processes quickly without IT bottlenecks.
✔ Enhances system integration – IT can connect no-code solutions with SCADA, GIS, ERP, and other existing platforms.
✔ Adaptability & Scalability – Workflows can be easily adjusted in real-time to reflect changing compliance requirements or operational needs.
✔ Stakeholder Communication – Automated alerts and real-time updates ensure that all teams are informed of operational changes and potential risks instantly.
✔ Rapid iteration – Test and refine workflows quickly, ensuring continuous process improvements.
Case Study: How IT & Operations Improved Efficiency with No-Code Workflows
A leading water utility faced challenges with reactive asset maintenance, where paper-based processes and manual data entry led to delays and inefficiencies. read case study
Every time an adjustment was needed—such as adding a new inspection step or updating compliance reporting—IT had to get involved, slowing down response times.
The No-Code Solution with WorkMobileSolutions
✅ IT implemented a no-code platform that integrated with existing water utility infrastructure.
✅ Field teams could submit real-time maintenance updates without requiring IT intervention.
✅ Data security and compliance remained IT-controlled, ensuring accuracy and regulatory adherence.
✅ Automated reporting and alert systems allowed stakeholders to be notified instantly of critical issues
✅ Workflows could be tested, adjusted, and scaled without disruption.
Key Outcomes
✔ Significantly faster response times, with some utilities reporting major efficiency gains. – Field teams could log and process updates instantly.
✔ A notable reduction in IT workload, freeing up resources for high-priority projects. – Workflow modifications no longer required IT support.
✔ Better compliance tracking – Automated documentation reduced manual errors.
✔ Improved collaboration – IT and operations teams worked more efficiently together.
✔ Enhanced adaptability – Workflows could be quickly modified to reflect new operational challenges.
Getting Started: A Roadmap for IT Leaders
To effectively integrate no-code solutions while maintaining IT oversight:
✔ Step 1: Identify workflows causing bottlenecks.
✔ Step 2: Assess whether no-code, mix-code, or pro-code is the right fit.
✔ Step 3: Implement and test with a small pilot project.
✔ Step 4: Scale successful workflows across departments.
Conclusion
IT teams in the water sector must evolve from being process gatekeepers to strategic enablers. No-code platforms reduce IT burden while improving operational responsiveness, allowing IT to focus on cybersecurity, infrastructure, and innovation.
WorkMobileSolutions has helped water utilities digitise and streamline operational workflows while maintaining IT oversight.
If you’d like to explore how no-code solutions can integrate with your IT strategy, we’d be happy to discuss your specific needs.