Alpha Anywhere vs. SAP Build

The speed of development from concept, through development and delivery of the end product is so impressive [with Alpha Anywhere]. There is an impressive array of genies and helper functions meaning that you can focus on what matters, the end user experience. It is not a "No code" solution but it is a very impressive "low code" solution which allows detailed access under the hood to tweak the applications to your own needs and the needs of your clients.

As mentioned, the integration between SAP Build Work Zone and SAP BPA, SAP S/4HANA, and Ariba was easy to follow once all requirements were met. However, there is not much information, or at least the SAP Documentation is not easy to follow to set up the right landscape that meets all the requirements; this was the case with the IAS and IPS configuration, where we needed the support of BTP Architects.

Incentivized

• Our company had been creating small business applications since the 1980's, when we used DBase IV (don't laugh... that's what was available). Then, we got more "sophisticated" with Microsoft Access. Clearly, we would always be limited with what we can do with those two programs. By accident, during an Internet search, we saw and ad for Alpha Anywhere (back then, it was called Alpha V). After working with the 30 free trial for just two weeks, we retired Access, for good. The best part was Alpha's flexibility in its use of "back end" data tables. That allowed us to use existing Access tables as we redesigned the front-end program (Alpha ships with its own DBF system, but we prefer SQL-Based tables). You can choose, SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, Access, Paradox (actually, too many to name) for your tables. You can even create links to Excel spreadsheets or QuickBooks Tables. It's outstanding!
• Alpha allows developers to create very large and very complex programs. However, it's also a great choice for RAD (Rapid Application Development) for those who need to be up and running quickly or for less experienced programmers. Actually, the interface truly allows for "codeless" development of your application (more on that later). That means you can design a fully functional application, without typing a single line of code. They have some examples on their website.
• My favorite part of Alpha is that it is constantly adding features and functions that allow us to do more with our applications. In fact, one of my biggest problems is that I need more time to learn and practice the added features as fast as they are introduced
• Prior to Alpha Anywhere, we never considered creating/developing "mobile" applications (for tablets, smartphones, etc.). Alpha created a unique "panel" system that makes those application work great... and allows for the design of very sophisticated Apps.

Incentivized

• Unattended Automation.
• Attended automation.
• Connecting to the backend SAP system (ECC or S/4).
• Can also talk to non SAP world.
• Doesn't require skills strictly pertaining to BPA. In fact, even a RPA developer can build logic.

Incentivized

• I really enjoyed product when the database was a part of it, less maintenance
• Converting to the cloud has been challenging
• Security setup should be simpler, like Softr or Stacker

• Reusability of components in sap build apps.
• Limited development platform support.
• Desktop agent not available for MAC OS.
• Offline mode.
• Accessibility feature.

Incentivized

The interface is very modern, web-based, no deep technical knowledge is required to use SAP Build Process Automation. It works with drag and drop, configuration and almost no coding is needed. Actually, we had to write code only for one specific small business logic. All the rest could be done in a no-code manner.

Incentivized

There are, for example, great blog writings about automation cases and examples. The studio version is updated often. There are also useful OpenSAP online courses.

Incentivized

Alpha Anywhere is a full-stack IDE. It’s no code and low code, but you can also custom code if you need to. About 10% of our application is no code. 80% is low code and 10% is custom code.

Bubble.io is more user-friendly in comparison with SAP AppGyver. The latter being practically a free tool provides enough functionality to achieve results though while Bubble.io doesn't let you export your projects without a paid subscription. Bubble.io has great initial tour and tutorial integrated into the platform that can be handy for any new beginner while SAP AppGyver can be a little overwhelming.

Incentivized

• Allows for a great return on investment since you can quickly become very productive and complete more projects and applications in a shorter period of time with hand coding and the normal programming headaches of PHP, C#, Angular, etc.
• You can afford to take on more and smaller projects since they will require far less time to complete than more traditional development environments.
• Alpha Anywhere is continuously updated coming out with new features and capabilities on essentially a daily basis. Continuous improvement and frequent updates allows you to always stay ahead of the curve and competitors.
• Alpha Anywhere allows you to offer lower cost solutions that will be completed in less time and that will be much easier to support and maintain.

Incentivized

• Lower costs for development and automation
• Very easy to use
• Integrates existing applications with pre-built APIs, components, and templates for SAP and non-SAP applications

Incentivized