Is your team bogged down with repetitive tasks and finicky manual processes?
Sometimes there’s no way around doing things manually. But it’s never been easier to automate business processes thanks to innovations in machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI).
You don’t need to know how to code or create machine learning models, either. Business process automation tools make it a cinch to introduce automation to non-technical team members—as long as you pick the right solution. ?️
Choosing a process automation tool is no small task, so think carefully before committing. To that end, we’ll show you what to look for in process automation tools and share our top 10 favorite process automation platforms of 2024.
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Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Should You Look For in Process Automation Tools?
There are so many process automation tools on the market, but at a minimum, your workflow automation software should offer the following features.
- Robotic process automation (RPA): RPA is a fancy way of saying the software uses bots to do tasks for you. Some platforms offer only trigger-based automations, which are fabulous, but RPA takes even more time-consuming tasks off your plate
- Integrations: We aren’t just talking about Zapier connections here. Look for solutions that integrate natively with Excel, Gmail, Slack, social media, and any other platforms you use
- Scalability: You should be able to use the automation tool for several use cases. For example, you might start using it just for data entry, but over time, you expand it to analyze and improve processes for accounting, marketing, and more
- User-friendly interface: The more intuitive a solution, the faster you’ll see value from it. Go for process automation software that is either no-code or low-code. A drag-and-drop interface is also a must-have
Summarize this article for me pleaseThe 10 Best Process Automation Tools to Use
Your business needs more clients to grow, but if you’ve maxed out your team’s workload, it’s time to eliminate bottlenecks with the power of robots. ?
With the right process automation tool, your team will work faster while meeting their objectives and key results (OKRs).
If you’re in the market for a business process management tool, we did all the research for you. Check out our list of the top 10 process automation tools to eliminate inefficiencies once and for all.
1. ClickUp
Flipping between a dozen browser tabs and programs on your computer takes way too much time. Instead of hunting down emails, documents, and data, keep everything in the same place with ClickUp.
That’s right: the world’s favorite project management tool is also a top contender for process automation. ?
ClickUp Automations streamlines just about every aspect of your workflow, from handoffs to approvals to dependencies. ClickUp’s process automation tool takes manual effort off your team’s plate to save time, reduce human error, and boost data-driven decision-making.
It has enough juice to support even the most complex SOPs. Trust ClickUp to automate finicky tasks like:
- Status changes
- Assigning tasks
- Posting comments
There are over 100 ready-made Automations to choose from, but you’re free to copy one of ours and tweak it to make something completely unique. Simply pick a trigger and condition—ClickUp will start routing everything from there. ?
But that’s not all. ClickUp comes loaded with hundreds of helpful templates to boost productivity.
Try the ClickUp Create Process Efficiently Template to visualize your business processes from start to finish. It’ll be a piece of cake building Automations once you understand exactly what you want the process to do. ?
ClickUp best features
- ClickUp AI helps you save even more time as the only AI-powered assistant tailored to your role
- You can connect ClickUp Automations to apps like Twilio, Slack, Dropbox, Calendly, and Google Sheets to handle all your work in a single platform
- Do business process reengineering with ClickUp Whiteboards and Mind Maps
- Track the success of your new processes in real time with your ClickUp Dashboard
ClickUp limitations
- ClickUp AI is only available on paid plans
- ClickUp has a lot of features, which beginners sometimes find confusing at first
ClickUp pricing
- Free Forever
- Unlimited: $7/month per user
- Business: $12/month per user
- Business Plus: $19/month per user
- Enterprise: Contact for pricing
- ClickUp AI is available on all paid plans for $5 per Workspace member per month
ClickUp ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (8,900+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (3,800+ reviews)
2. CMW Lab
CMW creates business process automation software (BPA) to boost productivity and cut labor costs. It bills itself as a complete automation solution with apps for everything from data analysis to reporting.
Best of all, you don’t need to be a technical user to use CMW Lab. It’s designed for non-technical folks, so you can drag and drop your way to victory. ?
CMW Lab best features
- Use the Visual Process Designer to quickly model your own automations—no code required
- CMW Lab is cloud-based, so there’s no need to download special software
- Simplify data entry with CMW Lab’s Visual Form Builder
- CMW Lab integrates with several solutions, including Microsoft Outlook
CMW Lab limitations
- Some users say it’s hard getting ahold of customer support
- Others say the interface isn’t user-friendly and loads slowly
CMW Lab pricing
- Contact for pricing
CMW Lab ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.6/5 (110+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (370+ reviews)
3. ActiveBatch
ActiveBatch is a flexible process automation tool that connects to any application or server. Connect your CRM, ERP, business intelligence, and other tools to ActiveBatch and let the robots handle everything from task management to the customer experience.
If you know a little bit of code, use ActiveBatch’s low-code REST API adapter for more customized workflows.
ActiveBatch best features
- The tool works on any device
- ActiveBatch Job Scheduler is a workflow builder designed for cross-functional teams
- The REST API Adapter makes it possible to automate just about anything (as long as you know a little code)
- ActiveBatch integrates natively with Microsoft Azure, Hadoop, Oracle, SharePoint, and more
ActiveBatch limitations
- Users say it’s hard to find certain features in ActiveBatch
- Others say that event-based triggers aren’t always reliable
ActiveBatch pricing
- Contact for pricing
ActiveBatch ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.6/5 (190+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (55+ reviews)
4. ProcessMaker
It’s pricey, but people love ProcessMaker because it combines the power of both process automation and AI. If you’ve tried other automation tools and hit a wall, this could be a helpful option that includes intelligent machine learning. ?
FYI, ProcessMaker also has specialized offerings for banking and higher education, which could help you avoid compliance headaches.
ProcessMaker best features
- Support trigger-based automations with an AI decision engine
- Get Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) to extract, classify, and identify unstructured data
- ProcessMaker has AI-powered natural language processing (NLP) search to speed things up
- Use ProcessMaker’s ready-made templates or create one of your own
ProcessMaker limitations
- You need to know some code to use ProcessMaker effectively
- Some users wish there were job-specific dashboards and UI
ProcessMaker pricing
- Platform: $1,475/month for unlimited users
- Pro: Contact for pricing
- Enterprise+: Contact for pricing
ProcessMaker ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.3/5 (280+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (175+ reviews)
5. Kissflow
Kissflow is a different kind of process automation tool that comes with unique back-end setups for IT, developers, process owners, and business users. If multiple departments or teams are going to use this automation tool, Kissflow makes it easy to hit the ground running with little customization. ?
Now, you still need to know a little code for this platform. But once you’ve got that down, you’ll see the benefits of Kissflow’s form-first automation rules.
Kissflow best features
- Use Case Management boards for issue tracking and case management
- Kissflow offers no-code connectors
- Create an external portal for vendors, customers, and collaborators
- Access templates for procurement, finance, human resources, and business operations
Kissflow limitations
- Some users report slow response times and difficulty exporting data and reports
- Other users report negative experiences with customer support
Kissflow pricing
- Basic: $1,500/month
- Enterprise: Contact for pricing
Kissflow ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.3/5 (530+ reviews)
- Capterra: 3.9/5 (30+ reviews)
6. Bonitasoft
Bonitasoft is one of those process automation tools used primarily by developers. Whether you’re front-end, back-end, or full-stack, Bonitasoft speeds up process automation for you with simple low-code tools.
You have total control over automated tasks and drag-and-drop elements. It even automates deployment, so if your business has its own app, this could be the automation tool for you.
Bonitasoft best features
- Assign tasks based on your org chart
- Monitor KPIs
- Manage structured and unstructured data with Bonitasoft case management
- Bonitasoft connects to CRMs, ECMs, ERPs, social media sites, web services, databases, and more
Bonitasoft limitations
- The user interface isn’t the most modern we’ve seen
- Bonitasoft is a bit technical, making it best for IT teams
Bonitasoft pricing
- Contact for pricing
Bonitasoft ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.5/5 (4 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (15+ reviews)
7. ConnectWise
ConnectWise has a dizzying number of tools in its software suite designed for managed services providers (MSPs). If you aren’t a professional IT company that offers services to other companies, this tool won’t apply to you.
But if you’re an IT company, ConnectWise PSA automates everything from quotes to customer feedback to IT documentation. It’ll even gather data to benchmark your company’s performance. ?
ConnectWise best features
- The SmileBack tool automatically collects customer feedback
- ConnectWise PSA streamlines online billing, help desk tickets, and supply chain procurement
- Manage all tasks, projects, and timesheets in one place
- ConnectWise CPQ automates quotes and proposals
ConnectWise limitations
- Several users mention negative experiences with training and support
- Others say the apps are too disparate
ConnectWise pricing
- Contact for pricing
ConnectWise ratings and reviews
- G2: 3.9/5 (460+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.⅕ (230+ reviewS)
8. Quixy
Quixy is a no-code process automation tool for developing apps, automating workflows, and automating business processes. You have ultimate control over the user experience in this 100% customizable platform.
Brainstorm processes before implementing them in Quixy’s visual interface. There’s no limit to how many steps you can add, so get as complex as you want. ?
Quixy best features
- Create your own web applications in a simple drag-and-drop interface
- Access advanced features like facial recognition and QR code scanning
- Choose from sequential, parallel, and conditional workflows
- Quixy offers apps and templates for applicant tracking, employee onboarding, project management, and more
Quixy limitations
- Quixy doesn’t have a lot of documentation to help new users navigate the platform
- Some users have difficulty navigating the system
Quixy pricing
- Platform: $20/month per user, billed annually
- Solution: Contact for pricing
- Enterprise: Contact for pricing
Quixy ratings and reviews
- G2: 5/5 (125+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (25+ reviews)
9. Camunda
Camunda uses predictive intelligence, generative AI, and augmented intelligence to blend AI with your business processes. It uses open architecture that integrates well with all common web frameworks, making compatibility a non-issue.
Camunda also provides process health dashboards, so you can see just how effective your new automations are. The downside is that this platform requires code, so it’s best left to your development team. ??
Camunda best features
- Camunda hooks up to any process endpoint, so the use cases are endless
- Build with Java, Go, Node.js, Python, or C#
- Camunda Modeler builds process diagrams via web or desktop
Camunda limitations
- The Form Builder is a drag-and-drop tool for building workflows that still require human interaction
- Some users report there’s not enough good documentation, which can make it difficult to set up and navigate
Camunda pricing
- Free for up to five users
- Starter: $103 (€99)/month for 10 users
- Enterprise: Contact for pricing
Camunda ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (100+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (9 reviews)
10. Nintex
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a tool that identified automation opportunities for you? Well, that’s exactly what Nintex does.
Nintex uses AI to mine your tasks to discover and document your processes. From there, the platform automates everything—including process mapping and document management—to save your team a lot of time. ⌛
Nintex best features
- Try Nintex analytics to improve automation performance
- Nintex automatically generates documents for e-signing
- The tool includes RPA bots to accelerate workflows
- Visualize your process data to find areas for improvement
Nintex limitations
- Some users say the platform gets complicated and unwieldy
- Other users wish there were more integrations
Nintex pricing
- Pro: $25,000/year
- Premium: $50,000/year
- Custom: Contact for pricing
Nintex ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.2/5 (700+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.1/5 (80+ reviews)
Summarize this article for me pleaseWorkflow Management Made Easy
Your team is already the cream of the crop, but workflow automation software will take your crew to the next level. Ditch manual tasks and save more time by leveraging the best process automation tools of 2024. ✨
Automation is a must-have, but even then, most of these platforms still separate your automations from your actual work. Save time and keep everything in the same place with ClickUp. We give you the benefit of an all-in-one tool and some seriously powerful Automations.
Best of all, ClickUp is Free Forever. Sign up for ClickUp now—no credit card required.
Everything you need to stay organized and get work done.
