Deutsche Bahn Empowers Employees for Digital Transformation with Low-Code Solutions

Deutsche Bahn, Germany's rail and logistics provider, empowered its workforce of about 250,000 employees by deploying Microsoft Power Platform, including Power Apps and Power Automate. This initiative enabled non-IT staff, or 'citizen developers', to independently create custom apps and automate tasks within the secure company framework. With comprehensive Microsoft 365 integration, Deutsche Bahn standardized low-code/no-code development, making app creation accessible through visual tools and templates. Training programs and an internal community fostered knowledge sharing and reuse across departments. The transition replaced paper-based and Excel solutions in key operations, improving accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. Governance frameworks ensured security and data protection. Key business functions—from shift scheduling in vehicle cleaning, to documentation in track monitoring—have been digitized, reducing manual processes. The initiative marks a paradigm shift in internal IT ownership, accelerating digitalization at scale within Deutsche Bahn. Thousands of active community members engage in ongoing app development and automation, supported by continuous training initiatives. The long-term aim is to extend these capabilities across all departments, enabling efficiency gains and fostering a culture of innovation.