Risks & Limitations Of AI App Builders

A year ago we wrote about innovations in software development, with AI heading the list. In the succeeding months, AI platforms have emerged with a range of tools and capabilities that can speed up the development process, and make simple development accessible to more people.

So are there any caveats? That depends on your purpose, your awareness of the limitations, and your expectations.

When might an AI app builder be a good option?

Some scenarios can lend themselves to the ease of using an AI platform.

Proving Out Your Idea

You have what you think is a great idea for an app, but what if your intended end users are less than enthusiastic about it after you’ve invested significant time and money into custom development?

In this instance, AI platforms can be helpful in “proving out” your app idea by creating a minimum viable product, or MVP. However, this is likely only a realistic scenario with a “lightweight” app that isn’t laden with features. Why? Because your idea may prove to be successful, but now you have to build to scale. Maybe user feedback included requests for more features. In those cases, you will likely need to rebuild the application from scratch using a custom software development approach. The initial savings in time and cost can be offset by the need for a complete redevelopment later.

Look and Feel

AI platforms likely give you some level of control over the look and feel of your application through customizable templates and themes. This can be sufficient for basic branding and user interface adjustments. However, achieving a unique and highly tailored user experience would be challenging. Custom animations, intricate design elements, and specific user interaction patterns may not be fully supported, leading to a more generic, less engaging user experience.

It Fits a Specific Need at a Specific Time

AI platforms might fit the bill in certain scenarios:

• Temporary or One-Time Projects. If your app development project is a one-time project, or intended to have a short lifespan, the quick development time associated with an AI development platform and lower cost can make some sense.
• Need for Rapid Prototyping with a Limited Budget. Early startups, solopreneurs, and very small businesses may be particularly drawn to the speed and cost-effectiveness of these platforms.
• Non-Technical Entrepreneurs: Those without a strong technical background can use AI platforms to bring a basic idea to life without needing to understand complex coding principles.

The Risks and Limitations

Despite some limited benefits, the risks and limitations of using AI platforms to develop your software are numerous and must be considered in the decision-making process.

Lack of Full Customization

Having a limited ability to customize your application using AI platforms is a significant drawback. AI platforms typically offer pre-built modules and templates – convenient for rapid development, but the numerous accompanying constraints limit the extent to which you can tailor the application to meet specific needs. This can be especially problematic for businesses with unique requirements that fall outside the scope of the platform’s standard offerings.

“I liken it to buying a pre-built Lego set,” said Flint Hills Group CEO Dave Cunningham. “You receive a box with pieces and instructions to build a predefined model. While you can change a few blocks here and there for some personalization, you’re fundamentally limited by the pieces and design provided in the box.”

“On the other hand, custom software development is like having access to every possible Lego piece and the ability to create a completely unique model from scratch. You have the freedom to build exactly what you envision, without any constraints.”

Creates Dependency

When you build an application on an AI platform, you become dependent on that platform for maintenance, updates, and scalability. If the platform provider decides to change their pricing model, discontinue certain features, or cease operations, where does that leave you and your application?

This dependency can also limit your ability to integrate with other tools and systems not supported by the platform; AI platforms might not support seamless integration with all third-party services or legacy systems. This can be a significant drawback for businesses that rely on specific tools and need their applications to interact with a diverse ecosystem of software.

Data Security and Privacy Concerns

We know data and security are significant concerns affecting every sized business and every individual. Using an AI platform means entrusting your data to a third-party service provider, a marked concern if your application handles sensitive or confidential information. While many AI platforms have robust security measures in place, the concern over data breaches and unauthorized access is magnified when you cede control to a third party.

Limited Scalability

AI platforms are often designed to handle a certain scale of operations. If your application grows beyond these limits, you might face performance issues or find that the platform cannot accommodate your needs. This limitation can hinder your ability to scale your business efficiently and cost-effectively.

Quality of Code and Performance Issues

The code generated by AI platforms might not always meet the highest standards of quality. While it can be sufficient for simple applications, it might lack the robustness and efficiency required for more complex and mission-critical systems. Poor code quality can lead to maintenance challenges and increased technical debt over time. This can, obviously, lead to possible performance issues, particularly with performance-intensive applications. High-load scenarios, real-time processing, and complex data manipulations might be beyond the capabilities of many AI platforms.

Intellectual Property Concerns

An early concern raised with artificial intelligence in general was ambiguity of ownership: Can you be sure who owns the code and intellectual property of your software? It’s crucial to understand the terms and conditions of the platform to ensure that your business retains the necessary rights over the developed application.

Weigh the Risks and Rewards

AI has its place, and it can be fun! Seeing your idea come to life by entering simple descriptions, or in some programs, creating a drawing, can seem, well, magical, but that initial excitement might soon give way to the real-world limitations. Before committing to developing with an AI platform weigh the above concerns against the benefits of using a custom software development team:

• Full customization. Your application is built precisely to your specifications without the limitations of pre-determined programming.
• Scalability. Your custom-built application can scale with your business to accommodate growth and increased demand without performance degradation.
• Integration. You have the assurance that your customized application can seamlessly integrate with your existing systems and third-party services to provide a more cohesive and efficient workflow.
• Ownership and Control. Your complete ownership of the code and intellectual property is not in question, giving you full legal control.
• Enhanced Security. A custom software development team can ensure a design with robust security measures tailored to specific needs, reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.

Custom Development: Know Exactly What You’re Getting

When you select an experienced custom software development team, you remove the ambiguities and weaknesses that accompany AI platforms. At FHG, our team designs and develops using your precise input so that the result fits your business like a glove now and as your business scales, while giving you control – without taking shortcuts or cutting corners. If you have any questions about whether an AI platform or full customization is better for your short or long term goals, give us a call. We’re transparent, honest, and here to help.