Skip to product menu
close
  • Recent Launches
    Press Space or Enter to display list of options
EXPLORE ALL PRODUCTS

Recent Launches

New

Payroll software with automated tax payments and filing.

Try now
New

Robotic process automation software to automate high-volume, rule-based tasks.

Try for free
New

Low-code IoT platform and solutions for connected businesses.

Try now
New

Business formation service to launch and grow your businesses.

Try now
New

Privacy-friendly application analytics solution.

Try for free

Sales

 
CRM

Comprehensive CRM platform for customer-facing teams.

CRM
 
Bigin

Simple CRM for small businesses moving from spreadsheets.

Bigin
 
Forms

Build online forms for every business need.

Forms
 
SalesIQ

Live chat app to engage and convert website visitors.

SalesIQ
 
Bookings

Appointment scheduling app for consultations with customers.

Bookings
 
Sign

Digital signature app for businesses.

Sign
 
RouteIQ

Comprehensive sales map visualization and optimal route planning solution.

RouteIQ
 
Thrive

Complete loyalty and affiliate management platform.

Thrive
 
Voice

Cloud Contact Center Software for businesses.

Voice
 
Suites
CRM Plus

Unified platform to deliver top-notch customer experience.

CRM Plus

Marketing

 
Social

All-in-one social media management software.

Social
 
Campaigns

Create, send, and track targeted email campaigns that drive sales.

Campaigns
 
Forms

Build online forms for every business need.

Forms
 
Survey

Design surveys to reach and interact with your audience.

Survey
 
Sites

Online website builder with extensive customisation options.

Sites
 
PageSense

Website conversion optimization and personalisation platform.

PageSense
 
Backstage

End-to-end event management software.

Backstage
 
Webinar

Webinar platform for webcasting online webinars.

Webinar
 
Marketing Automation

All-in-one marketing automation software.

Marketing Automation
 
LandingPage

Smart landing page builder to increase conversion rates

LandingPage
 
Publish

Manage all your local business listings on a single platform.

Publish
 
SalesIQ

Live chat app to engage and convert website visitors.

SalesIQ
 
Sign

Digital signature app for businesses.

Sign
 
Thrive

Complete loyalty and affiliate management platform.

Thrive
 
Voice

Cloud Contact Center Software for businesses.

Voice
 
NEW
LeadChain

Sync, manage, and convert leads across channels seamlessly.

LeadChain
 
NEW
CommunitySpaces

Online community platform for individuals and businesses to grow their network and brand.

CommunitySpaces
 
Suites
Marketing Plus

Unified marketing platform for marketing teams.

Marketing Plus

Commerce and POS

 
Commerce

eCommerce platform to manage and market your online store.

Commerce

Service

 
Desk

Helpdesk software to deliver great customer support.

Desk
 
Assist

Remote support and unattended remote access software.

Assist
 
Lens

Interactive remote assistance software with augmented reality.

Lens
 
FSM

End-to-end field service management platform for service businesses.

FSM
 
SalesIQ

Live chat app to engage and convert website visitors.

SalesIQ
 
Voice

Cloud Contact Center Software for businesses.

Voice
 
NEW
Solo

The all-in-one toolkit for solopreneurs.

Solo
 
Bookings

Appointment scheduling app for consultations with customers.

Bookings
 
Suites
Service Plus

Unified platform for customer service and support teams.

Service Plus

Finance

 
Books

Powerful accounting platform for growing businesses.

Books
 
FREE
Invoice

100% Free invoicing solution.

Invoice
 
Expense

Effortless expense reporting platform.

Expense
 
Inventory

Powerful stock management and inventory control software.

Inventory
 
Billing

End-to-end billing solution for your business.

Billing
 
Checkout

Collect payments online with custom branded pages.

Checkout
 
NEW
Payroll

Payroll software with automated tax payments and filing.

Payroll
 
NEW
Solo

The all-in-one toolkit for solopreneurs.

Solo
 
Practice

Practice management software for accounting firms.

Practice
 
Sign

Digital signature app for businesses.

Sign
 
Commerce

eCommerce platform to manage and market your online store.

Commerce
 
Suites
Finance Plus

All-in-one suite to manage your operations and finances.

Finance Plus

Email and Collaboration

 
Mail

Secure email service for teams of all sizes.

Mail
 
Meeting

Online meeting software for all your video conferencing & webinar needs.

Meeting
 
Writer

Word processor for focused writing and discussions.

Writer
 
Sheet

Spreadsheet software for collaborative teams.

Sheet
 
Show

Create, edit, and share slides with a sleek presentation app.

Show
 
Notebook

Beautiful home for all your notes.

Notebook
 
Cliq

Stay in touch with teams no matter where you are.

Cliq
 
Connect

Employee experience platform to communicate, engage, and build positive employee relations.

Connect
 
Bookings

Appointment scheduling app for consultations with customers.

Bookings
 
TeamInbox

Shared inboxes for teams.

TeamInbox
 
WorkDrive

Online file management for teams.

WorkDrive
 
Sign

Digital signature app for businesses.

Sign
 
Office Suite

Powerful collaborative work platform for teams.

Office Suite
 
Office Integrator

Built in document editors for web apps.

Office Integrator
 
ZeptoMail

Secure and reliable transactional email sending service.

ZeptoMail
 
Calendar

Online business calendar to manage events and schedule appointments.

Calendar
 
Learn

Knowledge and learning management platform.

Learn
 
Voice

Cloud Contact Center Software for businesses.

Voice
 
ToDo

Collaborative task management for individuals and teams.

ToDo
 
Tables

Work management tool to connect people, processes, and information.

Tables
 
FREE
PDF Editor

Collaborative online PDF editing tool.

PDF Editor
 
Suites
Workplace

Application suite built to improve team productivity and collaboration.

Workplace

Human Resources

 
People

Organize, automate, and simplify your HR processes.

People
 
Recruit

Intuitive recruiting platform built to provide hiring solutions.

Recruit
 
Expense

Effortless expense reporting platform.

Expense
 
Workerly

Manage temporary staffing with an employee scheduling solution.

Workerly
 
NEW
Payroll

Payroll software with automated tax payments and filing.

Payroll
 
Shifts

Employee scheduling and time tracking app.

Shifts
 
Sign

Digital signature app for businesses.

Sign
 
Suites
People Plus

Comprehensive HR platform for seamless employee experiences.

People Plus

Security and IT Management

 
Creator

Build custom apps to simplify business processes.

Creator
 
Directory

Workforce identity and access management solution for cloud businesses.

Directory
 
FREE
OneAuth

Secure multi-factor authenticator (MFA) for all your online accounts.

OneAuth
 
Vault

Online password manager for teams.

Vault
 
Catalyst

Pro-code platform to build and deploy your apps.

Catalyst
 
Toolkit

Complete resource for any admin-related lookup queries.

Toolkit
 
Lens

Interactive remote assistance software with augmented reality.

Lens
 
Assist

Remote support and unattended remote access software.

Assist
 
QEngine

Test automation software to build, manage, execute, and report testcases.

QEngine
 
NEW
RPA

Automate manual, tedious, and repetitive tasks easily.

RPA

BI and Analytics

 
Analytics

Modern self-service BI and analytics platform.

Analytics
 
Embedded BI

Embedded analytics and white label BI solutions, tailored for your needs.

Embedded BI
 
DataPrep

AI-powered data preparation service for your data-driven organization.

DataPrep
 
NEW
IoT

Harnessing IoT analytics for real-time operational intelligence.

IoT

Project Management

 
Projects

Manage, track, and collaborate on projects with teams.

Projects
 
Sprints

Planning and tracking tool for scrum teams.

Sprints
 
BugTracker

Automatic bug tracking software for managing bugs.

BugTracker
 
NEW
Solo

The all-in-one toolkit for solopreneurs.

Solo

Developer Platforms

 
Creator

Build custom apps to simplify business processes.

Creator
 
Flow

Automate business workflows by creating smart integrations.

Flow
 
Catalyst

Pro-code platform to build and deploy your apps.

Catalyst
 
Office Integrator

Built in document editors for web apps.

Office Integrator
 
ZeptoMail

Secure and reliable transactional email sending service.

ZeptoMail
 
QEngine

Test automation software to build, manage, execute, and report testcases.

QEngine
 
Tables

Work management tool to connect people, processes, and information.

Tables
 
NEW
RPA

Automate manual, tedious, and repetitive tasks easily.

RPA
 
NEW
Apptics

Application analytics for all apps.

Apptics
 
Embedded BI

Embedded analytics and white label BI solutions, tailored for your needs.

Embedded BI
 
NEW
IoT

Build, deploy, and scale IoT solutions for connected businesses.

IoT
 
DataPrep

AI-powered data preparation service for your data-driven organization.

DataPrep

IoT

 
NEW
IoT

Low-code IoT platform and solutions for connected businesses.

IoT

Search Result

 
CRM Plus

Unified platform to deliver top-notch customer experience.

Try now
CRM Plus
 
Service Plus

Unified platform for customer service and support teams.

Try now
Service Plus
 
Finance Plus

All-in-one suite to manage your operations and finances.

Try now
Finance Plus
 
People Plus

Comprehensive HR platform for seamless employee experiences.

Try now
People Plus
 
Workplace

Application suite built to improve team productivity and collaboration.

Try now
Workplace
 
Marketing Plus

Unified marketing platform for marketing teams.

Try now
Marketing Plus
 
All-in-one suite

Zoho One

The Operating System for Business

Run your entire business on Zoho with our unified cloud software, designed to help you break down silos between departments and increase organizational efficiency.

TRY ZOHO ONE
Zoho One
Zoho Marketplace

With over 2000 ready-to-use extensions across 40+ categories, connect your favorite business tools with the Zoho products you already use.

EXPLORE MARKETPLACE
Marketplace
Skip to main content

How to choose the right workflow automation software

  • Last Updated : August 25, 2023
  • 1.1K Views
  • 9 Min Read

Everyone wants to know how they can implement workflow automation so they don't have to worry about repetitive tasks and human error anymore. With all the tools on the market, how do you decide which one is the best workflow automation software for your needs? In this post, we'll explore some things to consider when choosing workflow automation software for your company.

What is workflow automation?

Workflow automation is the use of technology to create, monitor, and edit defined steps within a business process. These workflows are typically created to define specific tasks that must be completed before moving on in an automated system. The entire goal behind workflow automation is to streamline the overall process so that there isn't any downtime or unnecessary hand offs between various team members. The act of business process automation can save time while also decreasing costs by limiting mistakes caused by human error along the way.

For example, an insurance company may use workflow automation to ensure the claims process runs smoothly. All files are routed, monitored, and approved at each step along the way without any human intervention necessary. This type of workflow automation tool can save time while also reducing costs by decreasing mistakes caused by manual error in routing or approving documents.

At every stage of the automated claims process, all data is stored in one platform, which makes it easy for employees to access pertinent information at any time throughout their workday. For instance, a claim may require hospital records from three years ago that need to be obtained by mail instead of email, due to HIPAA regulations. This entire task can be completed within minutes, with no additional human effort, using workflow automation tools.

Who should use a workflow automation software?

Workflow automation tools can be used by businesses of all sizes, for various reasons. The overall goal remains the same, though: to increase efficiency and save time, while also decreasing costs.

Smaller companies may also use workflow automation tools as a way to handle simple tasks like expense reporting or invoice processing, since they can't afford their own dedicated IT department. Larger companies could implement this type of software in order to manage more complex processes, like task management or inventory management, which would typically require more human effort. This can potentially lead to costly mistakes, due to overworked employees along the way, if left unmanaged.

Why is a workflow automation software important to a business?

A workflow automation tool is important because it empowers you to streamline your business processes with a nominal investment of time and money. This can lead to increased profits, since employees are now able to focus more time on other tasks, which may have been pushed to the back burner due to a previous lack of available hands.

When do you need workflow automation for your business processes?

Workflow automation can be implemented at any stage in a business. It all depends on the amount of input that needs to go into each business process along the way, and how much oversight is required by managers or executives before moving forward without human intervention.

For instance, a company may choose to automate the invoicing process in order to increase efficiency and meet deadlines quicker. In that case, a workflow automation software would decrease or eliminate errors in any business workflow by allowing for simple tasks like sending an invoice from one platform that's then routed through various approval steps, before being sent out into the world, where it can be paid by a client with minimal effort on their end after receiving the notification email.

What are the steps involved in the workflow automation process?

A general flow involved in the implementation of a workflow automation system will have the following steps:

  1. The implementation process would start with the clear scoping of all manual tasks across the organization.
  2. Based on the scoping, the workflow automation requirements are captured in a detailed manner.
  3. After this, individual processes are isolated and the ones that need to have automated workflows are chosen based on priority.
  4. The next step is to create a visual diagram of the workflows to be automated.
  5. Choosing the best workflow automation software that fits your requirements comes after the process outlining phase.
  6. An important step that has to precede the implementation of the workflow automation software is training. Relevant stakeholders need to be trained on the automation tool of your choice.
  7. The building phase follows this where workflows are created for processes in multiple phases based on the preset priority.
  8. Workflow automation is an ongoing process in most cases with newer business avenues opening up, so the maintenance of the system is a crucial final step.

Workflow automation process steps

How can you select the best workflow automation tools?

Here's a list of some major considerations to think about before investing in a workflow automation tool.

The overall cost associated when choosing a workflow automation software, aka the total cost of ownership (TCO)

Some workflow automation software may include the basic functionality you need for free, while others offer similar services but charge per user or at different subscription levels. That means there will be an ongoing expense depending on how much effort is required by employees within each step along the way throughout various business processes in your company's daily operations.

How complex is the workflow software's process?

Another important criteria for selecting a workflow automation software depends on the complexity of the business processes you are intending to automate.

You can start to drill down on this by asking yourself these questions:

  • Will the business process that needs to be automated work without human intervention?
  • Do I have multiple users involved who require oversight and approval from managers or executives before moving forward?
  • Will certain steps within this process involve collaboration between several users at once?

All of these things will determine how much time and money you can expect to invest in your chosen workflow automation tool.

Does the workflow automation tool offer integrations with other software I use on a daily basis?

Other software may include accounting platforms, communication apps employees already rely upon for day-to-day operations, or even marketing and sales tools used when interacting with clients from start to finish. This feature is becoming more common within workflow automation tools, as companies look for ways to cut costs while increasing efficiency across the board throughout their entire company's lifespan.

Is the software easy to use or will I need training on how to implement it into my company's workflow?

If your employees are not technologically savvy, you may want to choose a workflow automation software that's user friendly. Choosing workflow automation tools with an intuitive system along the lines of drag-and-drop may prove easier for users who don't work with technology often, rather than choosing something more advanced, which requires extensive knowledge about coding or programming languages.

How many team members can use the software?

Some workflow automation software solutions are offered on a per-user basis, while others offer everyone within the company access to certain levels of functionality. If just one person is responsible for multiple business processes within your company, then you may want to consider choosing an automation tool with this aforementioned per-user option. If everyone in your organization needs access to the workflow automation system, including executives, managers, and other employees (depending on how many are involved in each step along the way throughout various processes), an all-inclusive pricing model would likely be best suited for you.

Does the software offer reporting and analysis?

This is a defining characteristic of most top workflow automation software. This is an important feature that will determine how much money you can save by choosing one automation software over another. Some tools deliver simple data in a table form, which requires filtering before users can take any action on what they see. Other solutions allow for complex visualizations, so managers or executives can get real-time results without having to wait for them every time they run reports or analyses. Depending on your business process needs, this may be something incredibly crucial when deciding on which workflow management platform would work best within your company's current structure.

How does the user community feel about the software you are considering?

Even though the marketing team is responsible for this aspect, it's always best to do your own research about how people currently using one automation tool feel about its user experience. This will help you make an informed decision before choosing the best workflow automation software that could potentially be complicated for key members of your workforce to learn. Knowing what other users are saying about their experiences with the workflow automation software can save countless hours of frustration and headaches down the road.

Does it offer support?

If there are any problems or glitches within the app, you may want to choose an automation platform that offers around-the-clock phone and email support with a higher level of service. Some companies offer this type of dedicated assistance, whereas others may only be available during business hours, so it's important to look into these details before making your final decision.

How stable is the software?

If you plan on using a workflow automation software for multiple business processes across your entire organization, it could be detrimental if one aspect of that process breaks down due to some issue with the underlying system. It will be beneficial, in this case, to choose software that has been around for a longer period and has proven its worth to business owners that belong to various industries. Purchase software that's highly reliable and helps automate business processes efficiently every single day, without worrying about any downtime.

Security

Many companies have a hard time finding workflow automation tools that don't compromise their company's internal systems with viruses, malware, or anything else that can harm their IT infrastructure or put sensitive information in jeopardy. Look for a workflow automation software that provides enhanced security features, such as data encryption, authentication procedures, and more, so you know any custom workflows created are safe from people who want to break into them.

Points to consider when selecting a workflow automation platform

How can low-code play the role of a top workflow automation software?

Low-code platforms are one of the leading software tools available on the market that can help you achieve workflow automation. Let's take a look at how these platforms can help you automate workflows.

  • Low-code platforms are equipped with drag-and-drop tools which can be used to quickly create process automations that eliminate the need for manual repetitive tasks.
  • Good low-code platforms come with prebuilt code snippets and components in addition to the drag-and-drop tools. This allows users to get a head start when automating business workflows.
  • Business process automations need to be seamlessly integrated to function optimally. Most top low-code platforms come with libraries of prebuilt connectors that let you stitch together your workflow solutions.
  • The scale of business process automation can vary based on the size of the organization or the level of existing automated workflows. Low-code platforms can manage projects of varying scale making them handy automation tools to streamline business processes.
  • Low-code platforms help automate workflows that are highly secure thanks to their built-in, role-based access control and data encryption capabilities. In addition to this, the prebuilt components in these tools reduce the need for coding workflow automation implementations from scratch, reducing the risk of introducing security vulnerabilities.
  • Qualities of low-code platforms like modular design, reusable components, and multi-tenant compatibility support scalability in comparison with traditional coding or stitching together multiple tools to meet your workflow automation needs.

The time is now: Workflow automation is here

Workflow automation is one of the most important tasks a business owner can undertake. The more business processes that can be automated, the more time and money will be saved, which businesses need in order to grow stronger everyday. Choosing the best workflow automation software should take precedence over anything else.

It's important that you do as much research as possible before making a final decision about what works best with your company's current structure, budget, culture, and more. In order to make an educated choice regarding a workflow automation software that suits your business, it's crucial to evaluate key aspects, like security, support, and ease-of-use, which will help determine how beneficial the outcome of this process is going to be down the line.

Explore More About Workflow Automation

Related Topics

  • Pranesh

    Pranesh is a serial entrepreneur and the Founder of Studio 31, a 12 year old, deep tech enabled, wedding photography and film company that has been recognized by many publications for its zero inventory model and unique culture in the unorganised sector.
    Zoho Creator has helped Studio 31 redefine its business model by automating over 37 processes and save three hours every single day. He is also a growth consultant for Zoho Creator and helps the team address real-world challenges from a customer's point of view.

Comments(1)

  • Alice CarrollMay 17, 2022 at 2:31 PM

    Thanks for the reminder that getting ample support is essential when it comes to workflow automation. I plan to look for a good workflow automation software someday because I want to be able to managed projects more efficiently. That way, when my friends and I start our game development side project, I will be able to allocate our resources well for it.

You may also like