OutSystems is a leading low-code platform that helps organizations build, deploy, and manage applications rapidly. It streamlines the application development lifecycle through visual development tools, pre-built components, and integrations, empowering businesses to create scalable and responsive web and mobile applications. OutSystems supports both on-premises and cloud deployments and is designed for flexibility, extensibility, and integration with external systems.

Frends can integrate seamlessly with OutSystems to extend the platform’s capabilities by enabling external system connections, automating processes, and orchestrating workflows. With Frends, businesses can ensure smooth data exchange and real-time interoperability between OutSystems applications and a wide range of enterprise systems.

Business use cases

API Integration for Enterprise Systems

OutSystems applications often need to integrate with third-party systems such as CRM, ERP, or HR platforms. Frends can act as an intermediate layer to manage API connections, data transformation, and integration flows. For instance, Frends can facilitate the integration of an OutSystems-built customer portal with an SAP ERP system, automatically syncing customer and order data between the two platforms.

Workflow Orchestration

Frends can automate complex workflows that span OutSystems and multiple external systems. For example, a ticketing system built on OutSystems can trigger a workflow in Frends when a new ticket is created. Frends can then update the ticket information in a related CRM system, notify the appropriate support team via email or Slack, and log the activity in a project management tool such as JIRA.

Real-Time Data Syncing

OutSystems applications often rely on the latest data from external systems. Frends can ensure real-time data synchronization between OutSystems and other platforms. For example, an inventory management application created in OutSystems can be synchronized with an ERP or warehouse management system through Frends, ensuring that inventory data displayed in the app is always accurate.

Legacy System Integration

OutSystems applications can connect to legacy systems using Frends as a middleware. Frends enables the transformation of data formats and protocols to integrate legacy systems with modern applications developed on OutSystems. For instance, a billing application built in OutSystems can integrate with an older on-premises financial system using Frends, simplifying and modernizing the billing process.

Multi-Cloud and Hybrid IT Connectivity

In hybrid or multi-cloud environments, Frends can bridge OutSystems applications with external cloud-based or on-prem systems. For instance, an OutSystems-built application deployed in the cloud can use Frends to securely interact with data stored in an on-premises database, ensuring seamless interoperability between environments.

HR and Employee Management Workflows

OutSystems is often used to create custom HR portals or employee management applications. Frends can integrate these applications with HR systems like Workday or SAP SuccessFactors. For example, when an employee requests vacation through an OutSystems HR portal, Frends can push the details to the HR system, notify team leads, and send confirmation emails.

Reporting and Analytics

Frends can integrate OutSystems applications with business intelligence (BI) platforms like Power BI or Tableau for advanced reporting and analytics. For instance, Frends can aggregate data from an OutSystems-built application and other data sources such as ERP or CRM systems, transforming it into reports or dashboards to support better decision-making.

Customer Portal Automation

Customer portals built on OutSystems can be enhanced with Frends to handle real-time processes such as account updates, subscriptions, or service requests. For example, when a customer submits a form in an OutSystems portal, Frends can update the relevant backend systems, such as creating a support ticket in Zendesk and notifying the appropriate support team.

E-Commerce Solutions and Payment Integration

OutSystems is sometimes used to build custom e-commerce solutions. Frends can integrate these solutions with payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, or Adyen. For instance, Frends can handle payment processing, transaction confirmation, and updating order statuses in real-time, ensuring a smooth purchasing experience for customers.

IoT and Device Integration

Frends can extend OutSystems applications to connect with IoT systems by enabling communication between the application and IoT devices. For example, an OutSystems-built dashboard for monitoring manufacturing processes can retrieve live data from IoT sensors via Frends, enabling on-demand insights for operational efficiency.

Compliance and Audit Reporting

Frends can help OutSystems applications meet compliance and audit reporting needs by automating data collection, formatting, and submission. For instance, an OutSystems financial application can use Frends to generate monthly compliance reports by retrieving data from multiple systems, consolidating it, and submitting it to regulatory authorities.

Secure Data Integration

With Frends, OutSystems applications can securely integrate and exchange sensitive or regulated data with other systems, ensuring compliance with data security standards like GDPR or HIPAA. For example, Frends can ensure that data flowing between an OutSystems-built healthcare app and external medical systems is encrypted and follows strict security protocols.

Event-Driven Workflows

Frends can enable OutSystems applications to trigger external workflows based on specific events. For example, when a user updates their profile in an OutSystems app, Frends can automate subsequent actions such as updating the CRM, creating a file backup in SharePoint, and notifying relevant departments through Microsoft Teams.

By pairing OutSystems applications with Frends, businesses can deliver robust solutions that are deeply integrated with their enterprise ecosystems. Frends simplifies automation and connectivity, enabling OutSystems-built applications to operate seamlessly as part of end-to-end workflows, fostering innovation and operational excellence.