You might notice that the term "stacking tools" has rapidly gained traction. This method involves using a combination of tools, platforms, or services synergistically to achieve a specific task or to automate a business process. Essentially, it's about layering different functionalities to develop a solution that meets all your needs.

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Understanding tool stacking

Tool stacking is rooted in the concept of a "technology stack"—a term familiar to developers, which refers to the layers of technologies used to build and run applications. Simplified, a "technology stack" comprises the building blocks of any digital project and has several layers. At the base you have the first layer: data storage, where all your information is kept. Building upon that, there are process layers that do different tasks, like sending and receiving information, performing logical decisions and calculations, etc. On top of this, there's the user interface layer: the visible part of the software that users interact with. Sometimes, tools offer additional layers within their own platforms (e.g. Zapier has now added user interface and logic layers).

In the case of no-code stacking, a service business could be using the following combination of solutions in one core process, for instance: Calendly for booking and managing appointments, Salesforce Essentials for managing customer relationships and sales pipeline, Trello for tracking projects, tasks, and team collaboration, and FreshBooks for generating invoices and managing payments. This would make up the company’s tool stack.

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The complexity and challenges

As tool stacking becomes more prevalent in the no-code space, it introduces a new set of challenges. With each additional tool or layer, there's an increased risk of errors, glitches, and compatibility issues. Updates in one component can potentially disrupt the harmony of the entire stack, leading to operational headaches. Moreover, relying on multiple tools can amplify downtime risks, affecting the overall reliability and performance of the solution. In addition, a large tool stack requires more extensive documentation, which is resource-consuming for many entrepreneurs and small businesses.

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The dilemma of medium-sized businesses

The practice of tool stacking varies widely across different business sizes and stages. Self-employed entrepreneurs, startups and creators often resort to piecing together various apps and services to tailor solutions to their unique requirements. On the other side of the spectrum, large corporations lean towards low-code platforms that offer full-stack capabilities but come with high complexity and cost.

Caught in the middle are mid-sized businesses, which stand to gain the most from no-code solutions. Yet, these businesses often find the market offerings lacking, as 47% of SMBs feel that enterprise vendors fail to address their specific challenges effectively. Out there, there are simply not many reliable tools that offer the scalability of low-code platforms with the ease of no-code.

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The case for full-stack no-code solutions

For medium-sized businesses, the appeal of a full-stack no-code solution becomes evident. Single-tool solutions, as opposed to tool stacking, promise a higher degree of reliability, speed, and ease of management. These solutions streamline core processes, minimizing the potential for the problems inherent in managing multiple, interconnected tools.

Triggre emerges as a prime example of such a solution, striking a balance between affordability, flexibility, and reliability. Built from the ground up as a complete stack platform, Triggre addresses the needs of mid-sized companies, offering a scalable and user-friendly alternative to the more fragmented approach of stacking multiple no-code tools.

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Conclusion

Tool stacking in the no-code domain presents both opportunities and challenges. While it offers a pathway to customized application development, it also introduces risks related to compatibility, performance, and management. For mid-sized businesses looking to leverage the power of no-code development without the pitfalls of tool stacking, full-stack solutions like Triggre are the optimal match. These platforms not only provide the necessary scalability and reliability but also ensure a smoother, more manageable experience for businesses aiming to thrive in their market.