Many companies have them: small, in-house developed web applications that make specific processes more efficient and step in where standard software solutions such as ERP systems reach their limits. These applications were often created to cover special requirements that cannot be met by the large, often complex systems. There are many examples of this: Whether it’s approving purchase orders, releasing special custom orders, or managing and booking customer rooms, these applications are often indispensable helpers in day-to-day work.

But what was once a clever solution is increasingly becoming a problem today. Many of these web applications were built years ago using outdated technology and under specific circumstances. Since then, a lot has changed in software development and IT infrastructure. These older applications often reach their technical and functional limits. They require a lot of maintenance, are difficult to adapt to new requirements, or can only be integrated into modern systems with difficulty.

The challenges of outdated web applications

The maintenance and operation of such applications often present major challenges. There are many reasons for this:

1. Technical obsolescence: Many of these applications are based on technologies that are no longer common. Frameworks, libraries and programming languages that were popular years ago have either evolved or are now obsolete. This makes it difficult to keep the applications up to date or to patch security vulnerabilities.
2. Lack of responsibility: Often, these applications were created by internal developers or external service providers who are no longer available. The developer may have left the company or is no longer responsible for the task at hand, while the service provider no longer offers updates.
3. Inflexibility: The old applications are difficult to adapt to new requirements, whether due to technical limitations or because the know-how about the original architecture has been lost. These applications are increasingly becoming an obstacle to the digitalization and modernization of processes within the company.

The solution: modern platforms like Microsoft PowerApps

ne way out of this situation is to use modern low-code platforms such as Microsoft PowerApps. These platforms enable companies to replace or modernize their old applications without the need for in-depth programming knowledge. A major advantage of PowerApps is the long-term maintenance and support provided by Microsoft. Updates, security enhancements and integrations into the Microsoft 365 world are ensured, which significantly minimizes technical risks.

Microsoft PowerApps also offers a high degree of flexibility to map existing processes more efficiently and develop new applications faster. Administrative processes or simpler workflows that do not place extreme performance demands can be easily implemented.

The iCore.UseCaseBuilder: Fast and precise transformation

Building on the experience gained from numerous customer projects, we have further developed our methodology. With iCore.UseCaseBuilder, we offer an efficient and structured method for transforming applications into modern solutions – such as PowerApps. Our methodology helps companies to keep track of their existing applications, select meaningful candidates for modernization, and implement the transformation quickly and in a targeted manner.

The methodology ensures that old solutions are not simply migrated to a new platform, but that a clean, future-proof solution is created. In doing so, we take into account both the functional requirements of the users and the technical and strategic specifications of the IT department.

Caution with high-performance applications

However, it is important not to transfer every old application to a low-code platform like PowerApps without thinking. High-performance applications that require a particularly high processing speed or complex functions are often better off in specialized environments or with tools that are suitable for the purpose. Here, the decision for or against PowerApps should be carefully considered to ensure that users experience an optimal customer experience and that processes can be automated smoothly.

On the other hand, many administrative or standardized processes, such as approval processes, form applications or simple database connections, are ideally suited for implementation with PowerApps. This is where the platform’s strengths in terms of flexibility, rapid development and seamless integration really come into their own.

Conclusion: Efficient transformation with the right methodology

Companies facing the challenge of modernizing or replacing outdated web applications should carefully consider their options. Microsoft PowerApps offers an excellent solution in many cases, especially for simple administrative processes. By using our iCore.UseCaseBuilder methodology, the transformation of these applications is precise and efficient, without losing sight of long-term maintainability and further development.

However, it is always important to consider the specific application. Other technologies may be better suited for complex high-performance solutions. Nevertheless, with a clear view of the requirements and a structured approach, even large application landscapes can be successfully and sustainably modernized.