10 Best Process Automation Software Shortlist
Here are my picks for the best process automation software out of dozens that I reviewed.
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Process automation software is the best way to automate tasks, streamline your workflows, and increase efficiency on your projects, but it can be difficult to know which software will serve you best.
I've reviewed plenty of the options available on the market, based on my experience using this type of software to manage and automate project processes and workflows. Here are my picks for the best process automation software.
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Best Process Automation Software Summary
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for no-code workflow automation | Free trial available | From $100/month (billed annually) | Website | |
2 | Best for process standardization | Free plan available | From $20/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
3 | Best for intelligent automation solutions | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
4 | Best for highly customizable business process automation | 14-day free trial | From $25/user/month | Website | |
5 | Best for increasing overall efficiency | 30-day free trial + demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
6 | Best for enterprise-wide automation | 30-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website | |
7 | Best for intelligent automation | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
8 | Best for end-to-end automation | Free trial available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
9 | Best for knowledge management | Free trial + demo available | From $99/month (up to 20 members) + $5/month for additional members | Website | |
10 | Best for business growth and productivity | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website |
How to Choose Process Automation Software
Here's how to choose a process automation software tool that fits your needs:
- Identify needs and goals: 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 challenge.
- Integration capabilities: Consider how well the software will integrate with your existing systems. For example, you should be able to integrate the process automation software with your CRM system so you can automate customer follow-up sequences.
- Scalability: 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 ecommerce business, for example, will benefit from automation software that can scale up during peak seasons like Black Friday.
- User experience: Evaluate the software's ease of use and learning curve. 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. Make sure the cost aligns with your budget and provides a good return on investment. A startup company, for example, might look for a solution that offers basic automation capabilities without unnecessary features that inflate the price.
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Smartsheet
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.4 -
Wrike
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
monday.com
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6
Best Process Automation Software Reviews
Here’s a look at 10 of the best process automation software options currently available. Each offers unique features to help you automate and optimize your business processes.
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
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
Automation Anywhere is a platform that enables intelligent process automation. It is best for businesses looking to streamline and optimize their processes through intelligent automation.
Why I picked Automation Anywhere:
Automation Anywhere uniquely combines robotic process automation with advanced artificial intelligence, setting a new standard in the field of process automation. Its intelligent automation capabilities are particularly effective for businesses aiming to automate complex processes. I judge it to be the best for intelligent automation due to its ability to not only automate tasks but also to learn and improve over time, which is essential for any business looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include IQ Bot for intelligent document processing, Discovery Bot for process discovery, and RPA Workspace for managing and deploying bots. The platform also offers Bot Insight for analytics and a Bot Store with pre-built automation solutions.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, Oracle, Workday, ServiceNow, Google Workspace, IBM Watson, Zendesk, and Tableau.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive library of pre-built bots for various tasks
- A comprehensive suite of tools for process discovery and bot management
- AI-powered features for advanced automation
Cons:
- May require a significant learning curve for new users
- Higher starting price point compared to some competitors
Bizagi is a platform that simplifies process automation with a low-code approach. It is best for delivering comprehensive automation solutions that span across various business operations.
Why I picked Bizagi:
Bizagi provides a comprehensive approach to process automation, which distinguishes it from other software by enabling a low-code development environment. This makes it accessible for users who may not have extensive technical expertise. Bizagi also provides a cohesive platform that supports the creation, management, and optimization of automated processes, thereby facilitating a more efficient workflow.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include its dynamic case management capabilities, which allow for adaptive and context-aware processes. It also offers a model-driven logic that helps in designing complex workflows with ease. Additionally, Bizagi's digital process automation is designed to be agile and adaptive, supporting rapid changes to processes as business needs evolve.
Integrations include Zendesk, DocuSign, Salesforce, AWS, Dropbox, SAP, Microsoft Azure, UiPath, Microsoft Excel, Rest API, MuleSoft, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Model-driven logic simplifies the design of complex workflows
- Dynamic case management adapts to complex, unpredictable processes
- The low-code platform facilitates quick and easy app development
Cons:
- The adaptability of processes could lead to complexity in management
- May require a learning curve for users new to low-code platforms
SweetProcess is a tool designed to help businesses document procedures and train staff effectively.
Why I picked SweetProcess:
SweetProcess is best for knowledge management due to its all-inclusive feature set that empowers teams with the information they need to perform their jobs correctly. The platform's ability to turn procedures and policies into actionable tasks and its support for real-time collaboration further solidify its position as a top choice for managing knowledge within an organization.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include the ability to document step-by-step procedures, manage tasks, create public or private knowledge bases, and capture data through a form builder. It also provides two-factor authentication, email and phone support, and integrates with over 1000 apps through Zapier.
Integrations include Slack, Mailchimp, Gmail, Evernote, Zapier, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time collaboration and version history tracking
- Ability to create actionable tasks from procedures
- A centralized platform for all documentation needs
Cons:
- Reliance on Zapier for integration with other apps
- Pricing may be higher for smaller teams without discounts
Fortra's business process automation software is designed to streamline complex business processes and functions using advanced technologies. It is best for companies seeking productivity gains through comprehensive automation solutions that go beyond conventional data manipulation and record-keeping.
Why I picked Fortra:
Fortra has capabilities in automating complex, mission-critical business processes that are essential for running a business efficiently. Its focus on running the business automation efforts makes it stand out from other process automation tools. Fortra offers a scalable, comprehensive solution that can handle the automation of entire workflows, not just individual tasks, which is crucial for achieving significant productivity improvements.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include as no-code automation, which allows business users to build powerful automation without coding, and step recorders for creating BPA workflows. It also includes native actions for common applications, API integration capabilities, and the use of machine learning and AI to enhance processes.
Integrations include Microsoft Excel, Sharepoint, PowerShell, and Outlook, AWS, VMware, and most cloud applications.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface for teams with varying technical expertise
- No-code automation that empowers business users to create workflows
- Scalable solutions that can grow with the company's needs
Cons:
- May have a steeper learning curve for users new to automation software
- Pricing for unlimited RPA is not transparent and requires direct contact
Other Process Automation Software
Here is a list of additional process automation software that is worth a look if you didn’t find a fit in the list above.
- Appian Low-Code Platform
For enterprise agility
- Nanonets
For AI-driven process automation
- Wrike
For rule-based workflows
- Kissflow
For no-code app creation
- Pneumatic Workflow
For unlimited workflow creation
- Smartsheet
For work execution and planning
- Zapier
For simple cross-app automation
- ActiveBatch
For IT workload automation
- UiPath
For enterprise-scale RPA
- TrackVia
For mobile workflow management
- ClickUp
For team collaboration and productivity
- IBM Robotic Process Automation
For integrating AI capabilities
- InRule
For business rules management
- AgilePoint
For building enterprise apps quickly
- Pega
For customer engagement and CRM
- Workato
For connecting apps and automating workflows
- Decisions
For no-code process automation
- monday.com
For workflow customization and management
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
Here's the criteria I used to evaluate the functionality and specific use cases of each process automation software tool. I tested and researched each tool extensively, and identified key features that are essential for this type of software.
Core Functionality: 25% of total weighted score
- Automate routine tasks to save time and reduce errors
- Connect with other systems and applications to maintain data flow
- Visual tools to map out and design processes
- Track performance and generate insights from process data
- Make sure sensitive information is protected and access is regulated
Additional Standout Features: 25% of total weighted 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
- Apps with full functionality for mobile devices for on-the-go process management
Usability: 10% of total weighted 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 weighted 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 weighted 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 weighted 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 weighted 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 2025
Process automation software is evolving rapidly, with new trends emerging that redefine how businesses operate. In 2024, these trends are set to make waves:
- 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, and is 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 allow for rapid application deployment, help address skill shortages, and keep up with the need for speed in digital-first operations. They democratize the development process and allow for the swift creation of applications.
- Comprehensive process automation: While robotic process automation (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 for smarter automations and greater scalability.
- Embracing multi-cloud strategies: Businesses are increasingly adopting multi-cloud strategies to meet complex process requirements. This trend involves using diverse cloud services from multiple providers, which can help you facilitate seamless document digitization and management across various cloud environments.
- Hyper automation: Hyper automation involves identifying critical processes that would benefit from automation and applying a mix of technologies like AI, ML, and low-code platforms to optimize these processes comprehensively.
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. It serves various industries and departments, from human resources to finance, where efficiency and consistency are critical.
Features of Process Automation Software
Here are a few key features to look for in process automation software:
- Workflow automation: This feature allows you to create rule-based logic to automate repetitive tasks. It's important because it helps eliminate manual intervention and keep your processes consistent and efficient.
- Integration capabilities: Process automation software should easily integrate with other systems. This helps make sure data flows smoothly between different platforms, maintains data integrity, and reduces the need for manual data entry and process mining.
- Process modeling and design: This includes 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 makes sure 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 notifications and alerts: Automated notifications keep users informed about tasks that require their attention. This feature helps you make sure 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 making sure processes can continue smoothly even when issues arise.
- Scalability: Process automation software must be able to grow with the business. This feature helps make sure the software remains useful as the volume of processes and complexity increases.
Benefits of Process Automation Software
Here are some of the primary benefits that process automation software can offer:
- Increased efficiency: By automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks, your team can focus on more complex and rewarding work, which increases overall productivity.
- Reduced errors: The software minimizes human error by making sure tasks are performed consistently and correctly, which leads to higher-quality outcomes and reduced rework.
- Cost savings: By streamlining processes and reducing the need for manual intervention, you can lower your labor costs and minimize expenses related to errors and inefficiencies.
- Improved compliance: Process automation software can be programmed to follow regulatory requirements precisely, so it's easier for you to comply with industry standards and avoid costly penalties.
- Better data management: The software can collect and organize data systematically, so you get valuable insights that help with informed decision-making.
Costs and Pricing of Process Automation Software
Here's a table covering typical pricing and plans for process automation software:
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 |
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 you 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 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 make sure they comply with your industry’s regulations.
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