The 6 best task automation solutions are Zapier, Make, Workato, Power Automate, Lapala, Tray.io. Each solution has its own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right automation software isn’t that simple. But this article will give you a good point of view.
These tools are all very powerful: they enable you to exchange data flows, generate documents, enter data automatically, manage process workflows… They save time, reduce costs and make maintenance easier for your company, for all your professions (sales, production, logistics, accounting, HR…).
These automation tools require no coding skills.
However, no code skills does not mean no technical skills.
Each platform has its own secret sauce for upgrading the skills of its users.
Some work hand-in-hand with their customers, some provide documentation and videos, others recommend integrators who are often costly.
If you had only one thing to remember from this article :
We’ve produced a comparison table in this article which summarizes the positioning and main features of these tools.
To sum up, choosing the right software depends on 5 factors:
- The size of your company
- The software you want to connect to the automation software
- The complexity of your processes to be automated
- The human interactions required to keep a process running smoothly in the midst of automated tasks (e.g. a manager’s validation of a purchase).
- Developing design skills within the tool (in-house or outsourced)
Overview of the 6 main automation software
Zapier is easy-to-use automation software. It is the solution with the most integrations with software on the market. Its new database creation and interface design functionalities enable better enterprise collaboration, but are not integrated with automated workflows.
Simple, independent parameterization via documentation, video and support
Lapala, the only French automation platform.
What makes it special is that it puts people at the heart of automation.
A tool for companies without IT departments as well as for companies with IT departments.
Hand-in-hand support for initial parameterization, followed by team autonomy
Make offers a powerful, easy-to-use visual interface for creating complex automations. But Make requires a higher learning curve for automation beginners.
Simple, independent parameterization via documentation, video and support
Microsoft Power Automate, this automation software is an excellent tool for organizations with more than 500 employees. Power Automate is less intuitive for non-experts.
Complex configuration via Microsoft expert or in-house expertise
Tray.io integration and automation tool with a full range of features. This automation software can be more expensive and complex for SMEs and non-technical users.
Easy, independent parameterization via documentation, video and support
Workato is highly customizable and supports non-linear automation (see explanation below). However, this tool is more complex and expensive.
Complex parameterization via Workato expert or in-house expertise
Kissflow, the automation platform that takes human interaction into account. It’s designed primarily for ITs.
Comparison table to find the automation software that’s right for you
| Criteria | Zapier | Make | Power Automate | Workato | Tray.io | Lapala | Kissflow |
| Publisher No-code | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ + low-code | ✅ + low-code | ✅ + low-code | ✅ + low-code |
| Logical condition and filter | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Branching Action multi-entrée | ❌ (linear workflow) | ❌ (linear workflow) | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ (linear workflow) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Number of software integrations | 6000 | 1000 | 1000 | 1000 | 500 | 400 | 500 |
| Integration of non-standard software | ✅ (Basic) | ✅ (Basic) | ✅ (Basic) | ⚛️ (Advanced) | ⚛️ (Advanced) | ⚛️ (Advanced) | ⚛️ (Advanced) |
| Database management | ✴️ Yes, but not integrated into workflow | ❌ | ✴️ Yes, but not integrated into workflow | ✴️ Yes, but not integrated into workflow | ❌ | ✅ integrated into workflow | ✅ integrated into workflow |
| Creating human interaction | ✴️ Yes, but not integrated into workflow | ❌ | ✴️ Yes, but not integrated into workflow | ✴️ Yes, but not integrated into workflow | ❌ | ✅ integrated into workflow | ✅ integrated into workflow |
| Nationality | 🇺🇸 USA | 🇩🇪 Germany | 🇺🇸 USA | 🇺🇸 USA | 🇬🇧 UK | 🇫🇷 France | 🇮🇳 India |
| Language | English | English | Includes French | English | English | French and English | English |
| Ease of use /10 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 7 |
| Deployment | SaaS | SaaS | SaaS | SaaS or Private Cloud | SaaS | SaaS or Private Cloud | SaaS or Private Cloud |
| Customer type | < 500 employees | < 500 employees | > 500 employees | > 500 employees | All companies | All companies | All companies |
| Support | No | No | By integrator | By integrator | No | From the publisher | By integrator |
Contact us if you think we’ve made a mistake
How to choose the right automation software?
4 parameters are very important when choosing automation software:
1- The structure of a process to be automated
Is the process linear, i.e. in the form of a tree structure of conditions and actions OR do the branches separate and regroup throughout the process?
- Linear automation software does not allow multiple entries into an action. Once a condition has been set, it can never be repositioned on a neighboring path.
- Linear software doesn’t allow for retroactive loops or backtracking.
2- Adding human actions to an automated workflow
See diagram opposite.
For example, if a purchase exceeds 5,000 dollars :
- Send a validation request to the director.
- The automation will pause until the director responds.
- Then resume once the action has been completed by the manager.
3- Integrate your existing software
Check that the existing software you want to automate is in the integration list.
Whether it’s your ERP, CRM, collaboration tools or HRIS, make sure your automation software has the right connectors.
4. The size of your company and the need for skills upgrading
- If you have fewer than 500 employees, automation software such as Workato and Power Automate can be difficult to use. In fact, they require a level of administration and parameterization that calls for an external or internal service provider (which requires a great deal of training and almost full-time involvement).
- On the other hand, if you have more than 500 users, Make and Zapier won’t be suitable for you, as their agile interface won’t fit in with your IS governance. Make and Zapier let their users build up their skills autonomously via documentation and videos, but they are still easy to learn.
- Kissflow is suitable for all sizes of company with an IT department. Like Workato and Power Automate, parameterization requires an external or in-house resource on an almost full-time basis.
- Lapala has no size limit, and is suitable whether you have an IT department or not. Lapala always supports its users in the co-construction of their first projects.
If these 4 parameters do not allow you to make a decision, it is necessary to carry out an audit.
An audit of the process you want to automate will surely be necessary, as underlying causes and consequences may not allow you to see your choice clearly.
If you’d like to do the audit yourself, we’ve documented an approach in another article: Process auditing.
Find out more in our article on how to conduct a process audit.
Conclusion: Choose automation software that suits you
Automating tasks and processes is a major challenge for companies of all sizes. No-code automation software such as Zapier, Workato, Power Automate or Lapala offer powerful solutions for saving time, reducing costs and improving process efficiency.
However, it’s important to choose the right software depending on the size of your business, the software to be connected and the complexity of your processes to be automated.
In all cases, it is essential to consider the ease of use and ergonomics of the chosen software to ensure successful adoption and optimum return on investment.
Now you know everything there is to know about choosing automation software. Now it’s your turn! See you soon for more content!
Leave a Reply