What is an AI app builder?
An AI app builder blends the speed of low-code development with the intelligence of machine learning. It’s like having a co-pilot that doesn't just help you code faster but helps you build better.
At OutSystems, we’ve built AI into the bones of our platform. That means you get smart suggestions, code generation, automation, and guardrails that keep you compliant, secure, and scalable. No duct tape. No rework. Just better software—faster.
How AI App Builders Work
AI app builders make app creation faster and smarter by bringing artificial intelligence directly into the process. Think of it like having a smart assistant that doesn't just help you code but actually helps you build better.
By using machine learning to understand how apps are made, AI app builders can:
- Generate and optimize code: They can suggest and write code based on your needs, helping you move faster and reduce manual effort.
- Automate repetitive tasks: AI app builders handle routine tasks so your team can focus on what matters.
- Flag issues in real time: As you build, they catch potential risks such as performance problems or logic flaws.
- Structure suggestions: Based on context and patterns, AI recommends smarter ways to organize screens and workflows.
- Enforce guardrails: Compliance, security, and architecture standards stay intact as you build, so nothing gets missed.
The result? Less guesswork, more impact, and development that keeps up with your business goals.
For LOB Leaders: The importance of AI app building
You need results. Not just apps.
With an AI-powered app builder, your teams can deliver faster, iterate faster, and drive outcomes faster. Whether your goal is to streamline operations in finance, build customer portals in record time, or automate workflows that used to eat up your team’s week, AI helps you get there.
And the kicker? It’s not just about speed. It’s about impact. Top-line growth. Operational efficiency. Business agility. You’ll see it. And you can measure it.
No datasource selected.
VKI transformed a consumer rights platform, leveraging OutSystems AI capabilities.
For IT Leaders: The platform that keeps up with you and your stakeholders
Let’s be honest: you’ve got an innovation roadmap to deliver. But between budget constraints, talent gaps, and rising expectations from the business, even the best teams can get stuck.
AI app builders can unlock serious velocity. Developer productivity goes up. Time to value shrinks. And with OutSystems, you’re not trading control for convenience. Our AI features live inside a platform that supports your governance, compliance, security, and enterprise-grade needs.
Even better? You’re not boxing yourself into a corner. While most AI app builders plateau as complexity grows, OutSystems evolves with you. Build the quick wins today. Build the future tomorrow. Same platform. No replatforming.
"Speed to market is key, so being able to easily leverage OutSystems Forge's AI connectors to Azure and AWS is such a helpful accelerator."
Ashley Doody Chief Product and Technology Officer at Matrix
How Matrix uses OutSystems to build AI efficiencies into its SaaS platform.
For Tech Evaluators: Yes, it’s real AI
OutSystems AI isn’t a bolt-on feature; it’s built into the platform's core.
- Context-aware code generation
- Architecture and performance analysis
- Automated process flows
- Built-in compliance and security controls
And we don’t just talk the talk. Our AI features are backed by technical proof points and tested in enterprise-scale deployments. You need trust, transparency, and control, and we give you all three.
"We chose OutSystems because we needed different ways to communicate with external parties, events, and webhooks. The platform is very flexible in that sense.”
João Pereira OutSystems Tech Lead at NTT Data UK
Explore how NTT Data delivered an AI-powered sanctions compliance solution.
For Developers: You’re still in the driver’s seat with an AI app creator
Using an AI app builder doesn't mean you’re not getting replaced. You’re getting amplified.
With OutSystems, AI suggests code, automates boilerplate, and flags issues early—so you can focus on solving real problems. You’re in control. You can override, extend, and customize every step.
Whether you’re a senior dev or just getting started in app development, our AI app maker experience levels you up without locking you in.
"Most of our deployment teams will put in stuff every couple of months—maybe every month if they’re really good at what they’re doing. We're doing multiple releases every week."
Simon Cooke Lead Developer at Acacium Group
See how Acacium Group built a generative AI app in four weeks.
AI app builder comparison: What matters most
| Capability | Basic AI App Builder | OutSystems Enterprise-Grade AI App Platform |
|---|---|---|
|
AI Integration |
Add-on or plug-in; limited context awareness |
Natively embedded; context-aware, intelligent suggestions |
|
Developer Control |
Limited customization; black-box outputs |
Full override and extensibility; human-in-the-loop collaboration |
|
Scalability |
Suitable for small teams or departmental use |
Built for complex apps, multiple teams, and enterprise scale |
|
Governance & Compliance |
Basic controls; limited auditability |
Full enterprise governance (RBAC, SSO, audit trails, compliance) |
|
System Integration |
Prebuilt connectors with limited orchestration |
Deep integration with APIs, legacy systems, and modern stacks |
|
Use Case Flexibility |
Best for simple forms and workflows |
Supports complex workflows, omnichannel apps, automation at scale |
|
Reusability & Architecture |
One-off builds; minimal component reuse |
Modular architecture with reusable components and patterns |
|
AI Transparency & Trust |
Minimal explainability; little control |
Transparent, traceable AI with safeguards and testing tools |
|
Learning Curve |
Business-user friendly, but rigid |
Fast onboarding with advanced flexibility for devs and architects |
|
Long-Term Fit |
Ideal for quick wins with limited growth |
Scales with your organization—no need to replatform later |
The difference with OutSystems AI capabilities
Here’s the truth: most AI app builders do one thing well. But what happens when your business needs grow? You hit the edge of what they can handle.
With OutSystems, there’s no ceiling. Whether you’re building a simple internal tool or a mission-critical enterprise app, you’re working on a platform that grows with you. Start small. Scale infinitely. And keep pace with whatever tomorrow throws at you.
Whether you’re leading a business unit, running an IT team, or deep in the code, you can leverage real AI capabilities:
- Built for scale
- Ready for enterprise
- Designed to help you move fast, without breaking things
Start a free trial or get a personalized demo to experience the power of the OutSystems platform.
You’ve got questions. We hear them all the time. Let’s dig in.
We talk to IT leaders, business execs, developers, and tech evaluators every day. No two stories are exactly the same—but certain questions come up a lot. Maybe you’ve asked one of these yourself:
Totally fair. You should be skeptical. And yes, with OutSystems, the answer is yes—but with you in the loop. Our AI suggests, generates, and accelerates—but you control the outcome. It’s collaboration, not automation run wild.
OutSystems AI-powered platform plays nicely with others. We’re built to integrate with what you already use—whether that’s SAP, Salesforce, custom APIs, or something homegrown from the early 2000s. No forklift upgrades. Just smooth orchestration.
Oh yes. AI or not, the OutSystems platform is enterprise-grade at the core. Think fine-grained permissions, audit trails, SSO, RBAC, and compliance frameworks that make your security team smile (or at least stop frowning).
Short answer: no. Longer answer: Power Apps is fine for one-off departmental tools. OutSystems is built for everything else—complex workflows, enterprise scalability, multi-experience apps, and a governance layer that doesn’t make you sweat.