Salesforce.com Inc. is bolstering its lineup of software development services with two new tools that enable nontechnical business users to build custom applications.

Introduced today, the offerings facilitate what’s known as low-code development. It’s an emerging approach that involves using ready-made, reusable components to reduce drastically programming requirements in certain software projects. Some tools in the category remove the need for custom code altogether.

That’s what Salesforce promises to do with Lightning Object Creator, the first new service. The tool enables workers with no technical background to turn spreadsheets containing business data into more easily navigable “apps.” These apps enable end-users to search files for specific information, jot down notes and export data to other records stored on Salesforce’s platform.

Lightning Object Creator is joined by Lightning Flow Builder, which offers more advanced capabilities. The tool enables workers to cobble together specialized automation workflows using ready-made “Flow Actions” available from Salesforce’s partners.

Each Flow Action performs a specific task such as processing payments or accessing data from a certain backend system. A sales team, for example, could use Lightning Flow Builder to create a portal where prospects can view technical information about a given product and then place an order directly via the interface. Salesforce said that Flow Actions support more niche use cases as well, such as insurance claim management.

Uses can further customize workflows using Einstein Next Best Action, one of the cloud giant’s many artificial intelligence features. The capability analyzes details such as customer’s purchase history and generates targeted purchase incentives to speed up the deal-making process.

Lightning Flow Builder is launching with more than a dozen Flow Actions from Salesforce partners. They’re available via the cloud giant’s AppExchange third party solution marketplace, which is being updated too as part of today’s update. The catalog now features a “Recommended for You” section that automatically relevant offerings to users based on their download history, profile data, location and a few other factors.

Photo: Salesforce