No-Code: from startup acceleration to internal process revolution

No-code is often seen as a solution for quickly creating websites or applications without writing a single line of code. This use case, particularly valuable for entrepreneurs looking to test and launch a product, is now well established. However, another side of no-code—less visible but just as powerful—is emerging: No-Code Ops.

This approach is based on the idea that these tools are not only useful for building customer-facing products but also for optimising internal company operations. By better structuring data, automating repetitive tasks, and interconnecting tools, no-code becomes a strategic lever for improving productivity and operational efficiency. Startups have fully embraced this shift, replacing Excel with Airtable, Word with Notion, and automating workflows through Zapier—fundamentally transforming the way they work.

To better understand this evolution, we spoke with Erwan Kezzar, co-founder of Contournement, a leading French no-code training organisation. Erwan and his team also lead a masterclass on this topic in the Startup Launchpad. In this interview, he shares his insights on the opportunities offered by no-code tools, their limitations, and best practices for effective adoption.

"No-code is the next-generation Office suite"

But what exactly is "no-code"? According to Erwan Kezzar, it refers to a new category of accessible tools that allow non-technical users to create cloud-hosted software and applications—without writing a single line of code. No installations or hosting required—everything is managed for you.

Although the no-code movement has gained massive traction in recent years, its roots go back decades. "One could argue that Microsoft Access in the 1980s was already a form of no-code", he explains. However, it was after 2018 that these solutions matured, with platforms like Webflow (for websites), Bubble (for apps), and Zapier (for automation) driving the movement forward.

For Erwan, no-code is not just a passing trend but a true technological evolution—an upgrade rather than a revolution. Increasingly, companies are replacing Word with Notion and Excel with Airtable, opting for more flexible and collaborative solutions.

Several key factors have driven this shift:

• The rise of cloud computing: launching a SaaS product is far easier today than 15 years ago.
• Constant connectivity: with everyone online at all times, cloud applications are more practical than ever.
• Changing user habits: a decade ago, most people were unfamiliar with online platforms like Facebook or Airbnb. Today, standardized UX conventions make software easier to design and adopt.
• Improved browser performance: no-code relies on complex tools that require powerful browsers. Technological advancements have enabled these platforms to flourish.

No-Code: a game-changer for entrepreneurs

When launching a startup, an entrepreneur needs to test their idea, refine their offering, and structure their organisation—all at speed. "No-code enables them to do all of this without needing to raise funds or wait months for a developer to build a first version", Erwan Kezzar explains.

Key benefits of no-code for entrepreneurs:

• Saves time and money: previously, developing an app required thousands of euros. Today, with Softr or Glide, an entrepreneur can create an MVP in days—or even hours.
• A crucial skill to acquire: understanding the basics of no-code is now as essential as knowing Excel. Those who don’t adapt risk becoming dependent on others, slowing down their projects.
• Better technical awareness: even if a project eventually requires custom development, having built an initial prototype with no-code enables clearer communication with developers.

No-code ops: the hidden side of the no-code revolution

While no-code is often associated with quickly building user-facing products, Erwan highlights an equally crucial but less visible aspect: its impact on internal company processes.

"No-Code Ops means these tools aren’t just for creating websites or apps—they also help automate tasks, structure data, and streamline business operations."

In other words, no-code is not just about software creation—it enhances productivity, reduces errors, and automates repetitive tasks without requiring a dedicated development team. This is next-generation office work, where companies rethink their workflows with more flexible and interconnected tools.

Real-world examples:

• Replacing complex Excel spreadsheets with dynamic databases: many businesses still rely on massive, error-prone Excel files. With Airtable, they can structure data more intuitively, benefiting from better UX, automation, and access control features—sometimes even digitizing entire processes into end-to-end internal solutions.
• Automating repetitive tasks and reducing cognitive load: employees waste hours copying and pasting information across different tools. With Zapier, these transfers can be automated in minutes. For example, a new Typeform entry can automatically be recorded in an Airtable database and trigger a confirmation email.
• Redefining internal company organisation: some startups have moved beyond traditional office software entirely. Instead of Word and Excel, they use Notion and Airtable, creating a more fluid and centralised information management system. This shift enhances efficiency, improves collaboration, and minimises data fragmentation across multiple tools.

Avoiding common no-code pitfalls

Despite its immense potential, no-code should not be used without discernment. Like any technology, its effectiveness depends on how it is applied. "Just because you can build everything yourself doesn’t mean you should", warns Erwan.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Spending too much time building unnecessary internal tools: no-code enables custom tool creation, but companies shouldn’t reinvent the wheel. Instead of rebuilding a CRM from scratch, it is often more efficient to use an existing solution like HubSpot.
• Delegating everything without understanding the basics: completely outsourcing no-code infrastructure management is risky. Companies must understand the tools they use to maintain control and avoid over-reliance on third-party providers. A basic grasp of no-code—attainable through just a few days of training—allows businesses to adapt their solutions as needs evolve.
• Automating broken processes: a flawed process remains inefficient, even with automation. Before automating a workflow, businesses must first analyse and optimise the underlying process. Otherwise, automation will only amplify existing inefficiencies.

The growing demand for no-code skills

Beyond these precautions, no-code is becoming a strategic asset in today’s workforce. Erwan Kezzar observes an ongoing transformation: "More and more companies are actively seeking professionals who can work with these tools."

Increasingly, non-technical professionals want to develop a second skill set in digital transformation through no-code—whether in marketing, HR, or project management. A clear sign of this trend is that the French government has recently introduced official certifications for no-code skills. Contournement was the first to register such a certification: RS6601 - ‘Digitise and optimise a business process using no-code tools.’

In other words, mastering no-code is no longer just an advantage—it is a highly sought-after skill. Whether it is for optimising workflows, automating tasks, or developing internal solutions, no-code tools are redefining how businesses operate daily.

Conclusion: no-code, a sustainable driver for innovation and productivity

Far more than just a trend, no-code is proving to be a real accelerator for entrepreneurs and businesses. It enables rapid testing and launching of ideas without immediate reliance on a technical team. But its impact goes beyond that—it is also reshaping the way companies structure and automate their operations.

However, no-code is not meant to replace developers or traditional tools. As Erwan Kezzar puts it: "The goal is not to replace all developers or existing tools, but to understand how and when to use these solutions wisely." Its adoption requires a thoughtful approach: knowing when to use it, how to integrate it efficiently—either by yourself or by outsourcing—and avoiding unnecessary reinvention when proven solutions already exist.

Today, no-code is no longer just a key resource for launching a product; it is also a powerful tool for innovation and operational efficiency. With the rise of no-code ops, it is becoming a core driver of business productivity, allowing companies to automate processes and streamline workflows. No longer just an experimental tool, no-code is redefining the way organisations operate—and its future is only just beginning.

About Erwan Kezzar
Erwan Kezzar is the co-founder of Contournement.io, a leading no-code training platform in France. Before fully embracing no-code, he had already contributed to making digital skills more accessible by co-founding Simplon.co, a social impact coding school.

With Contournement, he is now dedicated to democratizing no-code, offering training and resources tailored to professionals and businesses. Convinced that no-code is a revolution on par with office software, he strives to make it a key tool for the future of work and entrepreneurship.

💡 Want to get hands-on with Airtable, Softr, Zapier, and Notion from your couch? Check out Contournement’s free online course! 😉