10 Best Process Automation Software Shortlist
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With the multitude of process automation software on the market, selecting the right one can be a real challenge. You're looking to automate tasks, streamline workflows, and increase efficiency, but it can be difficult to know which software will serve you best.
Drawing from my extensive experience with various digital productivity tools, I will guide you through the options to help you find the right fit for you and your team. Here are my picks for the best process automation software.
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Best Process Automation Software Summary
Tools | Price | |
---|---|---|
Wrike | From $10/user/month (min of 2 seats) | Website |
Process Street | From $100/month (billed annually) | Website |
Pneumatic Workflow | From $99/month (unlimited users) | Website |
Nanonets | From $499/month for up to 5,000 pages (or invoices) | Website |
Pipefy | From $20/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Blue Prism | Pricing upon request | Website |
Studio Creatio | From $25/user/month | Website |
Nintex | Pricing upon request | Website |
ProcessMaker | Pricing upon request | Website |
Integrify | Pricing upon request | Website |
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Compare SoftwareHow to Choose Process Automation Software
As you work through your unique software selection process, keep the following points in mind:
- Identify Needs and Goals: Before diving into the options, clearly define what you need the software to achieve. Are you looking to automate repetitive tasks, improve workflow efficiency, or reduce manual errors? For instance, if your team spends excessive time on data entry, a solution that can automate this process will directly address this pain point.
- Integration Capabilities: Consider how well the software will integrate with your existing systems. Seamless data transfer between systems is crucial to avoid silos of information. For example, if you use a CRM system, the process automation software should ideally integrate with it to automate customer follow-up sequences.
- Scalability: Choose software that can grow with your business. If you anticipate an increase in process complexity or volume, the software should be able to handle this without the need for a complete overhaul. A small e-commerce business, for example, will benefit from automation software that can scale up during peak seasons like Black Friday.
- User Experience: Evaluate the ease of use and the learning curve associated with the software. It should be accessible to all users, regardless of their technical expertise. For example, a marketing team with limited IT knowledge will need a user-friendly interface to set up automated email campaigns.
- Cost Considerations: Analyze the total cost of ownership, including initial setup, training, and ongoing maintenance. Ensure the investment aligns with your budget and provides a good return on investment. A startup company may look for cost-effective solutions that offer basic automation capabilities without unnecessary features that inflate the price.
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Best Process Automation Software Reviews
As businesses seek to streamline operations and enhance efficiency, process automation software has become an invaluable tool in achieving these goals. Here’s a look at 10 of the best process automation software options currently available, each offering unique features to automate and optimize various business processes.
Wrike is a project management and collaboration software designed for businesses of all sizes, offering tools to manage both one-time projects and ongoing tasks.
Why I picked Wrike:
One of its core strengths is its customizable automation capabilities, allowing users to create rule-based workflows that automate repetitive tasks without any coding. Wrike's customizable templates, reporting tools, and interactive Gantt views also enable businesses to analyze and optimize their processes. The software even includes advanced features like AI risk prediction to alert teams when projects are at risk of falling behind.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include time tracking, project templates, Gantt charts, workload management, calendar view, file sharing, document editing, mobile app, custom dashboards, request forms, task dependencies, real-time collaboration, activity stream, resource management, time log, agile project management, recurring tasks, milestone tracking, automated notifications.
Integrations include Microsoft Teams, Slack, Salesforce, Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, Jira, GitHub, Evernote, Zendesk, QuickBooks, HubSpot, Marketo, Trello, Asana, and Tableau.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good collaboration features
- Approval workflow features
- Dynamic Gantt charts with dependency mapping
Cons:
- Advanced security and automation features are only available in higher-tier plans
- Configuring the platform to your needs can be complex
Process Street is a software tool designed to help businesses manage and automate their processes, workflows, and standard operating procedures.
Why I picked Process Street:
As a process automation software, Process Street offers no-code workflow automation, which allows businesses to manage their processes without needing technical expertise. The platform's dynamic checklists, conditional logic, and automated workflow triggers allow for flexible and responsive task management. The software is used across various industries and teams, with common use cases including employee onboarding, project management, GRC, due diligence, mergers & acquisitions, and investor communications.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include workflow templates, role-based permissions, collaborative editing, change tracking, workflow scheduling, audit trails, data import/export, customizable branding, automated approvals, API access, and detailed analytics for insights into key performance data.
Integrations include Slack, Google Drive, Salesforce, Zendesk, Asana, GitHub, Google Calendar, Dropbox, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports dynamic and complex processes
- Extensive customization of workflows
- No-code, drag-and-drop interface
Cons:
- Reports could be more robust
- The logic flow can be difficult to manage for new users
Pneumatic is a cloud-based workflow management tool designed for businesses across various industries. It offers a no-code platform that allows users to create, manage, and automate workflows with ease.
Why I picked Pneumatic:
Unlike many platforms that impose limits on the number of workflows, Pneumatic allows businesses to create an unlimited number of workflows. The platform offers customizable templates, which can be tailored to fit unique business processes, and an AI-powered workflow builder, which simplifies the workflow creation process. Users can describe the kind of workflow they want, and the system uses AI to generate the necessary steps.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include industry-specific workflow templates, workflow kick-off forms, white labeling, guest access for collaboration, conditional workflow logic, video-based workflows, dashboards, comments, and mentions.
Integrations include Gmail, Slack, Google Sheets, Trello, Google Docs, PandaDoc, Google Forms, Typeform, HubSpot, Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, and ClickUp.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automates a wide range of tasks
- Detailed reporting features
- Easy to customize workflow templates
Cons:
- Mobile app is less robust than desktop version
- May not be ideal for scaling businesses with complex systems
Nanonets is an AI-powered platform designed to automate document processing and workflows in industries like finance, healthcare, and logistics.
Why I picked Nanonets:
Nanonets stood out to me for its robust AI capabilities, particularly in automating intricate workflows using natural language processing. It integrates with various apps and data sources, enabling dynamic workflow management. The platform's support for custom Language Learning Models (LLMs) allows for personalized responses and actions, making it easy to adapt workflows to specific business requirements. Another valuable feature of Nanonets is its human-in-the-loop function, which allows for manual approvals, adding an extra layer of precision to automated processes.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a no-code platform, insights extraction from unstructured data, GDPR, SOC 2, and HIPAA compliance, and data extraction from various documents like invoices, bills of lading, purchase orders, and ID cards.
Integrations include Quickbooks, Salesforce, Google Sheets, Dropbox, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Provides APIs that allow for custom object localization
- Data extraction features
- Compatible with various programming languages
Cons:
- Compared to more advanced tools, Nanonets offers fewer customization options
- May not be suitable for more extensive machine learning projects with large datasets
Pipefy is a platform designed to help businesses standardize their processes. It is best for creating consistent and efficient workflows.
Why I picked Pipefy:
Pipefy excels in establishing uniform processes across an organization. Its intuitive design and powerful automation tools make it a standout choice for ensuring consistent operations. I believe Pipefy is best for process standardization due to its ability to provide a structured approach to managing workflows, which is essential for maintaining quality and efficiency as a business grows.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable templates, automation rules, and easy-to-use interface, which facilitate the design and management of standardized workflows.
Integrations include Slack, Salesforce, and Google Suite, enhancing its utility in various business environments.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust automation rules
- User-friendly interface
- Customizable workflow templates
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Minimum seat requirement for the starting plan
Blue Prism is a leading provider of intelligent automation solutions, designed to enhance business efficiency and agility. It is best for rapidly integrating and expanding process automation with AI.
Why I picked Blue Prism:
Blue Prism has a robust and scalable platform that delivers secure intelligent automation. What makes it stand out is its pioneering role in the RPA space and its focus on enterprise-grade solutions. Blue Prism combines RPA with AI to offer a transformative impact on business processes, enabling rapid integration and scalability.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include robotic process automation, scalability for handling large volumes of work, intelligent automation capabilities with AI and machine learning integration, secure and auditable processes, centralized control room for managing bots, drag-and-drop process design, multi-environment deployment support, extensive analytics and reporting, integration with various applications and systems, user-friendly interface, real-time monitoring and alerting, and compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Integrations include AWS, Oracle Cloud, Microsoft, IBM, Google, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced analytics reporting to streamline processes
- Generative AI and advanced integrations through Digital Exchange
- Secure and scalable intelligent automation platform
Cons:
- Could be complex to implement for smaller businesses without dedicated IT support
- May require a significant investment in infrastructure and training
Best for highly customizable business process automation
Studio Creatio is a low-code business process management platform designed to enable organizations to automate workflows and build applications without requiring extensive coding skills.
Why I picked Studio Creatio:
I like its no-code platform, which empowers users to design, execute, and monitor business processes without requiring extensive technical expertise. Studio Creatio's Business Process Management (BPM) engine supports BPMN 2.0 standards. This engine allows users to create and customize complex workflows using an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, making it accessible for non-technical users to automate their business processes efficiently.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include composable architecture, built-in validation tools for easier debugging, a marketplace for ready-to-use apps, multi-level architecture scalability, AI automation, an integrated development environment (IDE) for developers, and a mobile app.
Integrations include Microsoft Excel, Gmail, Mailchimp, Google Calendar, Microsoft Word, Tableau, Microsoft Outlook, Meta for Business, Twitter/X, Google Contacts, Brandwatch, Asterisk, Pentaho, and Avaya Experience Platform.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Versatile for a wide range of business functions
- No-code platform for non-technical users
- Highly customizable to meet specific organizational needs
Cons:
- Initial learning curve for those unfamiliar with no-code platforms
- Time-consuming customization
Nintex simplifies process management and automation, enabling optimized operations. It is best for organizations seeking to unify people, processes, and data for improved efficiency.
Why I picked Nintex:
Nintex offers a comprehensive suite of tools for designing, automating, and optimizing business processes with ease. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and extensive integration capabilities allow users to streamline complex workflows, reduce manual effort, and improve overall efficiency. Additionally, Nintex provides robust analytics and reporting features, enabling organizations to gain valuable insights and continuously enhance their processes.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include drag-and-drop workflow design, extensive integration capabilities with popular business tools, robust analytics and reporting, customizable process templates, mobile accessibility, document generation and e-signature support, real-time process monitoring, advanced security and compliance features, automated task assignment and notifications, visual process mapping, and user-friendly interface.
Integrations include SharePoint, Salesforce, Dynamics 365, Box, Dropbox, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive integration options with popular business tools
- Intuitive no-code platform for users of all technical levels
- Comprehensive process automation capabilities
Cons:
- Annual billing may not be flexible for all budgets
- Higher costs may be prohibitive for smaller organizations
ProcessMaker simplifies the automation of complex business processes. It is best for organizations seeking comprehensive workflow management and AI-enhanced data analysis due to its extensive features and AI capabilities.
Why I picked ProcessMaker:
ProcessMaker helps users automate workflows across an entire enterprise. Its standout feature is the no-code interface, which empowers users to create workflows with ease. ProcessMaker also offers a comprehensive suite of tools that enable organizations to manage their operations and leverage AI for data analysis, making it a top choice for businesses looking to automate complex processes.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include drag-and-drop process modeling, workflow automation, form builder, decision rules, role-based access control, api integration, process analytics, responsive form design, multilingual support, and email notifications. It also provides a dashboard for real-time monitoring, a dynamic case management system, and options for both on-premise and cloud deployment, making it adaptable to various business needs and IT environments.
Integrations include AdobeSign, DocuSign, G Suite apps, LumApps, and more. REST APIs can be used by developers that want to integrate ProcessMaker with other standalone or web applications, as well.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- AI-powered automation capabilities
- Advanced customization options for developers
- No-code interface for easy workflow design
Cons:
- May necessitate a demo to fully understand the capabilities
- Pricing information requires direct inquiry
Integrify manages the automation of complex business processes, making it ideal for organizations looking for robust workflow management solutions. It is best for workflow automation due to its intuitive drag-and-drop workflow builder, which makes designing and implementing processes straightforward and efficient.
Why I picked Integrify:
Integrify excels in customizing and automating complex workflows, which can be pivotal for enhancing a company's operational efficiency. It offers an intuitive drag-and-drop workflow builder and robust integration capabilities, allowing seamless connectivity with various business applications. Additionally, its real-time monitoring and advanced analytics provide valuable insights into process performance, ensuring continuous improvement and optimization.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a drag-and-drop workflow builder, customizable form creation, real-time process monitoring and reporting, integration with popular business applications, robust process automation capabilities, user-friendly interface, mobile accessibility, automated task routing and notifications, audit trails and compliance support, advanced analytics, role-based access control, and scalable architecture for growing business needs.
Integrations include Salesforce, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, SharePoint, Google Suite, and many others, through its RESTful API.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust analytics for process improvement
- User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality
- Customizable workflow automation
Cons:
- The potential need for customization may require additional resources
- Lack of transparent pricing information
Other Process Automation Software
Here is a list of additional process automation software that were shortlisted, but are still valuable and worth learning more about.
Related Project Management Software
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these other related tools that we've tested and evaluated:
- Project Management Software
- Resource Management Software
- Workflow Automation Software
- Time Tracking Software
- Task Management Software
- Collaboration Tools
- Gantt Chart Maker
- Productivity Tools
- Project Tracking Software
- Project Scheduling Software
Process Automation Software Selection Criteria
Selecting process automation software requires a careful analysis of functionality and the ability to meet specific use cases that are crucial for buyers. The criteria must address buyer needs, alleviate pain points, and align with the intended applications of process automation. In my experience, both through personal trials and extensive research, I've identified key features that are essential in this category of software.
Core Functionality: 25% of Total Weighting Score
- Automating routine tasks to save time and reduce errors
- Connecting with other systems and applications to maintain data flow
- Visual tools to map out and design processes
- Tracking performance and generating insights from process data
- Ensuring that sensitive information is protected and access is regulated
Additional Standout Features: 25% of Total Weighting Score
- Interfaces that provide intuitive navigation and task management, such as drag-and-drop process builders
- Tools that offer predictive analytics for forecasting potential process bottlenecks
- Features that leverage AI to optimize workflows and decision-making
- The ability to tailor the platform to specific business needs, including custom forms and fields
- Ensuring full functionality on mobile devices for on-the-go process management
Usability: 10% of Total Weighting Score
- A balance between powerful features and a clean, accessible user interface
- The ability to customize the dashboard and views to individual preferences
- Assessing how quickly a new user can become proficient with the platform
- Tools that allow for easy creation and modification of workflows with visual aids
Onboarding: 10% of Total Weighting Score
- Availability of comprehensive training materials such as videos and documentation
- Guidance and tools to help with the initial setup and migration
- Product tours and interactive guides that facilitate hands-on learning
- Access to a user community for sharing tips and best practices
Customer Support: 10% of Total Weighting Score
- Quick and helpful responses to inquiries and issues
- A robust library of help articles and FAQs
- Multiple ways to get support, including live chat, email, and phone
- Clear commitments regarding response times and resolution
Value For Money: 10% of Total Weighting Score
- Transparent and flexible pricing options that cater to different business sizes
- A comprehensive set of features that justify the cost
- The ability to scale up or down based on business needs without excessive costs
- The opportunity to test the platform before committing financially
Customer Reviews: 10% of Total Weighting Score
- High ratings and positive feedback from current users
- Reports of consistent performance and uptime from users
- Testimonials that highlight tangible benefits and ROI
- Reviews that speak to the long-term value and support received after purchase
Trends for Process Automation Software in 2024
Process automation software is evolving rapidly, with new trends emerging that redefine how businesses operate. In 2024, these trends are set to enhance efficiency, innovation, and customer satisfaction:
- Strategic Automation: Strategic automation is now a core part of business transformations, not just a buzzword among CIOs. It's essential for operational efficiencies, data integrity, and sustained growth, making it a critical factor for businesses aiming to thrive in the digital landscape.
- The Rise of No-Code and Low-Code: No-code and low-code platforms are crucial for rapid application deployment, addressing skill shortages, and the need for speed in digital-first operations. They democratize the development process, allowing for the swift creation of applications across various sectors.
- Comprehensive Process Automation: Beyond RPA: While RPA remains popular for task-level automation, the trend is shifting toward systematic automation. Intelligent Process Automation (IPA), which combines RPA with AI and machine learning, offers deeper insights and greater scalability, automating broader business processes.
- Embracing Multi-Cloud Strategies: Businesses are increasingly adopting multi-cloud strategies to meet complex process requirements. This trend involves leveraging diverse cloud services from multiple providers, facilitating seamless document digitization and management across various cloud environments.
- Hyper Automation: Hyper Automation has become a strategic imperative, involving the identification of critical processes that benefit from automation and applying a mix of technologies like AI, ML, and low-code platforms to optimize these processes comprehensively.
As we progress through 2024, the integration of advanced automation technologies is key to scaling business operations, optimizing costs, and achieving high customer satisfaction. Embracing these trends will not only streamline processes but also unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth.
What is Process Automation Software?
Process automation software is a digital tool designed to automate business processes. It's used by organizations to reduce manual effort, improve accuracy, and speed up operations.
The software is typically employed by businesses looking to automate manual tasks, streamline workflows, and minimize human error. It serves various industries and departments, from human resources to finance, where efficiency and consistency are critical.
Features of Process Automation Software
When selecting process automation software, it's important to consider the features that will best support and enhance the efficiency of business operations. The right set of features can significantly improve workflow management, reduce manual errors, and save time.
Here are a few key features to look for:
- Workflow Automation: This feature allows for the creation of rule-based logic to automate repetitive tasks. It's important because it helps eliminate manual intervention, ensuring processes are consistent and efficient.
- Integration Capabilities: Process automation software should easily integrate with other systems. This is vital for ensuring that data flows smoothly between different platforms, maintaining data integrity, and reducing the need for manual data entry and process mining.
- Process Modeling and Design: This feature provides tools for visualizing and designing workflows. It's crucial to understand and optimize business processes before they are automated.
- User Access Control: By setting permissions and roles, this feature ensures that only authorized users can perform certain actions. It's essential for maintaining security and compliance within automated processes.
- Real-Time Analytics and Reporting: The ability to track performance and generate reports in real-time is a key feature. It allows businesses to make informed decisions based on current data.
- Mobile Accessibility: With this feature, users can access the software from mobile devices. It's important for flexibility and for users who need to manage processes while away from their desks.
- Task Notification and Alerts: Automated notifications keep users informed about tasks that require their attention. This feature is important for ensuring that critical steps in a process are not overlooked.
- Document Management: This feature provides a system for storing and managing electronic documents. It's crucial to keep all relevant information organized and accessible within the automated workflows.
- Error Handling and Recovery: The software should be able to handle errors effectively and recover from them. This is important for minimizing downtime and ensuring that processes can continue smoothly even when issues arise.
- Scalability: Process automation software must be able to grow with the business. This feature is important for ensuring that the software remains useful as the volume of processes and complexity increases.
Choosing the right process automation software is a strategic decision that can have a lasting impact on a company's operational efficiency. Each feature plays a specific role in ensuring that automated processes run smoothly and effectively, contributing to the overall success of the business. It's essential to select software that not only meets current needs but is also capable of adapting to future challenges and opportunities.
Benefits of Process Automation Software
Process automation software is a powerful tool for businesses looking to improve efficiency and accuracy in their operations. By automating routine tasks, companies can allocate their resources more effectively and focus on strategic initiatives. Here are some of the primary benefits that such software can offer:
- Increased Efficiency: By automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks, employees can focus on more complex and rewarding work, thereby increasing overall productivity.
- Reduced Errors: Enhanced accuracy is a key advantage. The software minimizes human error by ensuring that tasks are performed consistently and correctly, leading to higher-quality outcomes and reduced rework.
- Cost Savings: By streamlining processes and reducing the need for manual intervention, businesses can lower their labor costs and minimize expenses related to errors and inefficiencies.
- Improved Compliance: Process automation software can be programmed to follow regulatory requirements precisely, making it easier for businesses to comply with industry standards and avoid costly penalties.
- Better Data Management: The software can collect and organize data systematically, providing businesses with valuable insights and aiding in informed decision-making.
The adoption of process automation software can be a game-changer for organizations aiming to stay competitive in a fast-paced market. By leveraging the power of automation, businesses can not only improve their operational efficiency but also enhance their overall performance and scalability.
Costs and Pricing of Process Automation Software
When considering the acquisition of process automation software, it's important to understand the various plans and pricing options available.
Pricing and plans can vary widely, and they are typically structured to cater to different sizes of businesses and scopes of needs. Below is a detailed overview of the common plan options, their average prices, and the features typically included.
Plan Comparison Table for Process Automation Software
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
Free | $0 | Access to basic automation features, limited number of processes, community support |
Basic | $10 - $20/user/month | Basic automation capabilities, access to pre-built templates, email support |
Standard | $30 - $50/user/month | Advanced automation features, multi-user access, priority support |
Premium | $70 - $100/user/month | Full range of automation features, integration options, dedicated support, analytics and reporting tools |
Enterprise | Custom pricing | Customized solutions, enterprise-grade security, personal account management, 24/7 support, training and onboarding |
When selecting a plan, consider the scale of automation required and the complexity of the processes you aim to automate. It's also important to think about the level of support and customization you may need as your business grows and your automation needs evolve.
Process Automation Software FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about process automation software:
Can process automation software integrate with other systems?
Yes, most process automation software is built to integrate with a variety of other business systems and applications. This includes CRM systems, ERP systems, databases, and other software tools. Integration capabilities allow for the smooth transfer of data between systems and the automation of cross-functional workflows.
Is process automation software suitable for small businesses?
Small businesses can greatly benefit from process automation software. It can help them manage tasks more efficiently and scale operations without the need to significantly increase staff. Many solutions are scalable and offer flexible pricing to accommodate the needs and budgets of smaller companies.
What types of processes can be automated?
A wide range of processes can be automated, including but not limited to, data entry, invoice processing, employee onboarding, customer service, email marketing, and appointment scheduling. Essentially, any repetitive task that follows a set of rules can be a candidate for automation.
How secure is process automation software?
Security varies by product, but reputable process automation software typically includes robust security features such as data encryption, user authentication, and access controls. It’s important to review the security measures of any software you’re considering and ensure they comply with your industry’s regulations.
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