Global Low-Code / No-Code Industrial Automation Software Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecasts 2031

Key Findings

• The low-code / no-code industrial automation software market focuses on platforms that enable rapid development of automation workflows, applications, and integrations with minimal programming expertise.

• Manufacturers are adopting these platforms to accelerate digital transformation, reduce dependence on scarce software talent, and improve operational agility.

• Integration with PLCs, SCADA, MES, and IIoT platforms is expanding use cases across discrete and process manufacturing environments.

• Democratization of automation development is empowering engineers, operators, and process specialists to build and modify solutions directly.

• Demand is rising for configurable, modular automation tools that support rapid deployment and continuous improvement initiatives.

• North America leads adoption due to advanced Industry 4.0 maturity, while Europe and Asia-Pacific show strong growth through smart factory investments.

• Vendors are embedding AI-assisted logic, drag-and-drop orchestration, and reusable templates to enhance usability and scalability.

• Cybersecurity, governance, and version control are becoming critical evaluation criteria for enterprise deployments.

• Low-code/no-code platforms are increasingly used to bridge IT and OT environments within industrial enterprises.

• Long-term growth is supported by workforce digitization, brownfield modernization, and the need for faster automation ROI.

Low-Code / No-Code Industrial Automation Software Market Size and Forecast

The global low-code / no-code industrial automation software market was valued at USD 4.48 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 14.92 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 18.9%. Growth is driven by accelerating smart manufacturing adoption, increased automation complexity, and the need to shorten development cycles for industrial applications.

Manufacturers are leveraging these platforms to reduce custom coding, improve system interoperability, and rapidly adapt automation logic to changing production requirements. Expansion of IIoT deployments and data-driven manufacturing further supports demand for configurable automation software. As enterprises prioritize scalability and speed-to-value, low-code/no-code solutions are expected to become core components of industrial digital stacks through 2031.

Market Overview

Low-code and no-code industrial automation software enables the creation, deployment, and management of automation workflows without extensive traditional programming. These platforms provide visual development environments, prebuilt connectors, and reusable logic blocks to integrate machines, sensors, control systems, and enterprise applications.

They are used for tasks such as workflow orchestration, production monitoring, quality management, predictive maintenance, and system integration. Adoption spans automotive, electronics, food and beverage, chemicals, and energy sectors seeking faster automation rollouts. The market sits at the intersection of OT systems and IT platforms, supporting convergence strategies within industrial enterprises. Vendors differentiate through ease of use, industrial protocol support, scalability, and governance capabilities.

Future Outlook

The future of the low-code / no-code industrial automation software market will be shaped by deeper AI integration, edge deployment capabilities, and tighter coupling with industrial control systems. Platforms will increasingly support autonomous optimization, event-driven automation, and real-time analytics at scale.

Expansion into brownfield environments will remain a priority as manufacturers modernize legacy assets without full system replacement. Governance frameworks, security controls, and lifecycle management features will mature to support enterprise-wide standardization. Vendor ecosystems are expected to expand with marketplaces offering industry-specific automation templates. As digital transformation accelerates, these platforms will become foundational tools for continuous improvement and agile manufacturing operations.

Low-Code / No-Code Industrial Automation Software Market Trends

• Democratization Of Automation Development Across OT And IT Teams
  Low-code and no-code platforms are enabling engineers, operators, and domain experts to participate directly in automation development. Visual tools reduce reliance on specialized programmers and shorten iteration cycles on the shop floor. This democratization supports faster experimentation and continuous improvement initiatives. Collaboration between IT and OT teams improves alignment and reduces handoff delays. Enterprises are using role-based controls to balance empowerment with governance. The trend is reshaping how automation solutions are designed, deployed, and maintained.

• Integration With Industrial IoT And Data Platforms
  These platforms are increasingly integrated with IIoT systems to orchestrate data-driven automation workflows. Real-time sensor data is used to trigger actions, alerts, and optimization routines. Integration simplifies connecting machines, analytics engines, and enterprise systems. This enhances visibility across production lines and enables responsive automation logic. Vendors are expanding libraries of industrial connectors and APIs. The trend strengthens the role of low-code/no-code tools in smart factory architectures.

• AI-Assisted Logic And Intelligent Workflow Design
  Vendors are embedding AI capabilities to suggest automation logic, optimize workflows, and detect anomalies. AI-assisted design reduces configuration errors and accelerates deployment. Intelligent recommendations help users adapt workflows to changing conditions. This capability improves usability for non-programmers while enhancing performance. AI integration also supports predictive and adaptive automation use cases. The trend is elevating platform sophistication and competitive differentiation.

• Expansion Into Brownfield Modernization Projects
  Manufacturers are using low-code/no-code tools to modernize legacy systems without full replacement. These platforms act as orchestration layers that integrate existing PLCs and control systems. Brownfield adoption reduces capital expenditure while improving functionality. Flexible deployment supports gradual modernization strategies. Vendors emphasize compatibility with diverse protocols and equipment vintages. This trend is expanding addressable market size across established industrial facilities.

• Growing Emphasis On Security And Governance Controls
  As adoption scales, enterprises demand stronger governance, access control, and auditability. Platforms now include version control, approval workflows, and security policy enforcement. Cybersecurity considerations are critical due to IT-OT convergence risks. Governance frameworks ensure consistency and compliance across deployments. These capabilities are becoming key procurement criteria. The trend supports enterprise-grade adoption and long-term scalability.

Market Growth Drivers

• Accelerated Industry 4.0 And Smart Manufacturing Adoption
  Manufacturers are investing heavily in digitalization to improve efficiency, quality, and flexibility. Low-code/no-code platforms support rapid implementation of smart manufacturing initiatives. They enable faster deployment of automation without extensive custom development. This aligns with goals of agility and responsiveness. Adoption supports continuous improvement and operational excellence programs. Industry 4.0 momentum is a primary driver of market growth.

• Shortage Of Skilled Automation And Software Talent
  Industrial organizations face limited availability of automation engineers and software developers. Low-code/no-code tools reduce dependency on scarce skills by simplifying development. This allows existing staff to build and maintain solutions. Reduced skills barriers improve scalability of automation initiatives. Talent constraints make these platforms strategically attractive. Workforce shortages therefore directly drive adoption.

• Need For Faster Time-To-Value And ROI
  Enterprises seek rapid returns from automation investments. Low-code/no-code platforms shorten development and deployment timelines significantly. Faster iteration enables quick adaptation to production changes. Reduced development cost improves ROI visibility. Decision-makers favor solutions that deliver measurable benefits quickly. This economic pressure accelerates market growth.

• IT-OT Convergence And Integration Requirements
  Modern manufacturing requires seamless integration between operational systems and enterprise IT. Low-code/no-code platforms act as integration layers across environments. They simplify data exchange and workflow coordination. Improved integration supports advanced analytics and optimization. IT-OT convergence initiatives rely on flexible automation software. This requirement fuels sustained demand.

• Rising Complexity Of Industrial Operations
  Production environments are becoming more complex with customization and shorter product cycles. Automation logic must adapt quickly to changes. Low-code/no-code platforms support modular and configurable workflows. This flexibility reduces disruption and downtime. Complexity management drives need for adaptable automation tools. Market growth is reinforced by this operational reality.

Challenges in the Market

• Scalability And Performance Limitations In Complex Environments
  Some low-code/no-code platforms face challenges scaling across large, mission-critical operations. Performance bottlenecks may arise with high data volumes and real-time requirements. Enterprises evaluate platforms carefully for latency and reliability. Custom extensions may still be required in complex scenarios. Balancing simplicity with performance is challenging. Scalability concerns can slow enterprise-wide adoption.

• Governance And Shadow IT Risks
  Democratized development can lead to uncontrolled application sprawl if governance is weak. Shadow IT risks increase when multiple users build workflows independently. Lack of standardization can affect maintainability and security. Enterprises must implement strong oversight mechanisms. Governance adds complexity to deployments. Managing these risks remains a challenge.

• Integration Complexity With Legacy Systems
  Although platforms simplify integration, legacy equipment may lack standard interfaces. Custom adapters and middleware may be required. Integration complexity can increase deployment time. Inconsistent data quality affects automation reliability. Legacy constraints can limit achievable benefits. This remains a barrier in some facilities.

• Cybersecurity And IT-OT Exposure
  Connecting automation platforms across IT and OT increases attack surfaces. Cyber threats targeting industrial environments are growing. Platforms must meet strict security requirements. Misconfiguration can expose sensitive operations. Ensuring secure deployment requires expertise and investment. Cyber risk is a key adoption concern.

• Vendor Lock-In And Platform Dependency Concerns
  Enterprises may become dependent on specific platforms and ecosystems. Migration between vendors can be complex and costly. Long-term roadmap alignment is critical for buyers. Concerns about proprietary components influence procurement decisions. Organizations seek flexibility and openness. Vendor lock-in remains a strategic challenge.

Low-Code / No-Code Industrial Automation Software Market Segmentation

By Platform Type

• Low-Code Platforms

• No-Code Platforms

• Hybrid Low-Code/No-Code Platforms

By Application

• Workflow Automation

• Industrial Integration And Orchestration

• Predictive Maintenance Automation

• Quality And Compliance Automation

• Production Monitoring And Control

By End User Industry

• Automotive

• Electronics And Semiconductors

• Food And Beverage

• Chemicals And Materials

• Energy And Utilities

By Deployment Mode

• Cloud-Based

• On-Premise

• Edge And Hybrid

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia-Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa

Leading Key Players

• Siemens Digital Industries Software

• Rockwell Automation, Inc.

• Schneider Electric SE

• ABB Ltd.

• Emerson Electric Co.

• Honeywell International Inc.

• PTC Inc.

• Mendix (Siemens)

• OutSystems

• Tulip Interfaces

Recent Developments

• Siemens Digital Industries Software expanded low-code capabilities within its industrial software portfolio to accelerate smart factory application development.

• Rockwell Automation enhanced visual workflow tools to simplify IT-OT integration and rapid automation deployment.

• Schneider Electric advanced low-code automation features aligned with modular and open industrial architectures.

• ABB strengthened integration between automation platforms and digital applications for flexible manufacturing environments.

• Honeywell International expanded configurable industrial software offerings to support faster deployment across connected operations.

This Market Report Will Answer the Following Questions

• What is the projected size of the low-code / no-code industrial automation software market through 2031?

• Which industries are adopting these platforms most aggressively?

• How are AI and IIoT shaping platform capabilities?

• What role does IT-OT convergence play in adoption?

• Which deployment models are preferred by manufacturers?

• What scalability and governance challenges affect enterprise rollouts?

• How do talent shortages influence purchasing decisions?

• Who are the leading vendors and how do they differentiate?

• What security considerations shape procurement criteria?

• How will low-code/no-code platforms influence future automation strategies?