Navigating Development on Non-DevOps Platforms - Challenges and Strategies

Sometimes, the tools that seem most accessible can end up creating the biggest challenges. Lightweight platforms like Microsoft Access, Power Apps, and even Google Sheets or Airtable are designed to make solution-building simple and approachable. They empower non-developers to create and maintain applications without relying heavily on IT teams. For small-scale projects, these platforms shine. But when consultants are tasked with developing enterprise-level solutions on these platforms, we often encounter significant hurdles. 

Organizations often gravitate toward these tools for logical reasons. They’re familiar, easy to learn, and typically come bundled with existing licenses, making them appear cost-effective. They also enable quick wins—allowing teams to prototype solutions rapidly. Often times consultants are brought into upscale existing tools deployed on lightweight platforms making it tempting to stay within that platform.  Yet, as consultants, we know these platforms weren’t designed to handle the complexities of large-scale development projects involving teams of developers, high-volume data, or mission-critical processes. 

One of the biggest challenges with these platforms is the lack of robust development operations, or DevOps, support. For example, when multiple developers collaborate on the same Power App or Google Sheets-based solution, version control becomes a headache. Without built-in tools to manage changes, track revisions, or roll back updates, teams can find themselves stepping on each other’s toes. In Access, for instance, a single misstep can overwrite a colleague’s work, leading to delays and frustration. This is not just an inconvenience; it’s a risk to project timelines and quality. 

Standardization is another struggle. In platforms like Airtable or even Tableau, enforcing consistent design, logic, and data models can feel like herding cats. One developer might build a feature in a way that works but doesn’t align with the overall architecture, leading to fragmented solutions that are difficult to maintain or scale. And then there’s the issue of platform limitations. These tools often lack automated testing, continuous integration, or deployment pipelines—cornerstones of modern software development. As projects grow, so do performance bottlenecks, making these lightweight platforms ill-suited for enterprise-grade applications. 

The key to navigating these challenges starts with working closely with the customer. Often, customers choose these platforms because they see immediate benefits: they’re already paying for them, their teams know how to use them, and they can see a working prototype quickly. It’s essential to acknowledge these advantages while also gently guiding them to consider the long-term trade-offs. Conversations grounded in education, rather than confrontation, work best. For example, you might explain how a more robust platform could save money in the long run by reducing maintenance costs or improving scalability. Demonstrating the limitations of their preferred tool through examples—like showing how hard it is to collaborate without version control—can also be effective. 

There are ways to bridge the gap when switching platforms isn’t an option. Simulating a DevOps environment can be a game-changer. Tools like Azure DevOps, Bitbucket, or even GitLab can provide robust version control, issue tracking, and deployment pipelines for platforms that lack native support. For instance, exporting a Power App as a package and storing it in a GitLab repository allows teams to track changes and coordinate more effectively. For Access or Airtable, integrations with external databases like PostgreSQL or SQL Server can offer a much-needed boost in scalability and performance. 

Governance frameworks are another valuable strategy. By defining clear standards for naming conventions, code reviews, and design principles, you can introduce a level of consistency that these platforms don’t enforce on their own. Workshops or training sessions can help onboard teams to these practices, ensuring everyone understands their role in maintaining quality and coherence. 

Sometimes, the best solution involves a hybrid approach. Lightweight platforms might work well for prototyping or handling secondary workflows, while core business processes are developed on more robust platforms. In these cases, it’s about finding the balance between meeting the customer’s immediate needs and ensuring the long-term success of the solution. 

Ultimately, while lightweight platforms like Access, Power Apps, Google Sheets, and Airtable have their place, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. The real challenge for consultants is helping customers see beyond the quick wins and understand the bigger picture. Through education, communication, and thoughtful technical strategies, we can navigate these limitations and deliver solutions that stand the test of time.