Workflow App, 6 best process management softwares

14 minutes
Workflow app

A workflow app is software that optimizes the distribution and execution of processes and tasks within a company. In the past, these solutions were reserved for large companies and required technical expertise. Now they are available to SMEs, who can streamline and automate their processes without having to write a single line of code.

The main features of a workflow app are :

  • Assign the right tasks to the right people at the right time, without unnecessary clicks
  • The creation of guided, actionable tasks
  • Automation of non-value-added tasks.

In this article, we’ll share tips and methods for simply managing complex processes and workflows. We’ll also compare the 6 best workflow software packages, so you can discover a solution that’s right for you.

What does a workflow app do?

A workflow app is process management software that guides teams through workflow steps and automates non-value-added tasks. Its main benefits are to simplify repetitive processes, free teams from non-value-added tasks and improve employee comfort.

Thanks to a no-code workflow builder, i.e. one that doesn’t require technical skills in writing code, a small or medium-sized business can build intuitive interfaces in just a few clicks to implement and control all types of process – whether individual or collaborative, linear or subject to business conditions and rules.

Once built, the workflow app enables automatic assignment of tasks, efficient approval circuits, retrieval of information entered throughout the process, data centralization and progress monitoring for managers.

What’s the best workflow app? Comparison of the 6 best workflow apps.

Lapala logo

Lapala, a workflow app for all SMEs

Free version – Then from $39/month – No user limit

Getting started:
No-code

Ease of use :
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Customers :
SMES

Lapala is the only workflow app 100% accessible to SMEs, thanks to its ease of use and adapted pricing model. This workflow software doesn’t necessarily require the intervention of an IT department. In fact, with the help of Lapala’s documentation and, if need be, Lapala’s teams, an employee can work with the workflow builder to build an initial application 100% customized to his or her own expertise.

Although Lapala is the easiest of the app workflow tools to use, it remains a powerful tool that can also be used for more or less complex processes.

With Lapala, you can transform a process into a guided, automated workflow. The software frees your teams from non-value-added tasks.

Lapala main benefits:
– Simple and no-code.
– High level of personalization.
– Low prices.

Want to know in just 30 minutes if Lapala is right for you? Try it for free in autonomy

Lapala’s main features

No-code Workflow Builder

The workflow designer is visual and 100% customizable. You can create multi-actor approval circuits, iterative loops, conditional paths, and include automations – in green on the image – in the same process. What’s more, every piece of data entered becomes an element that can be transferred throughout the process, without having to be re-entered.

Purchase request
Displaying data from other programs

Simplified data management

With Lapala, you can choose to enter your data directly into the software, or store it in your preferred solutions – ERP, CRM, HRIS…-. What’s more, you’ll be able to display your data directly in your teams’ manual guided tasks, eliminating the need for chaotic searches for information in a workflow.

Kissflow

Kissflow, for SMEs with IT departments

From$1,500/month for 50 users – Free 30-day trial

Getting started:
Low-code
No-code limited

Ease of use:
⭐⭐⭐

Customers:
SMEs with IT department
Large companies

Kissflow is a workflow app with a complete range of solutions. It includes some no-code features, but is best known for its low-code positioning. This makes it an ideal platform for IT departments of all sizes. Like Lapala, it includes a form designer and automation features that deliver rapid gains in efficiency and time.

Data management is another strong point: companies retain total control over their information, with the option of hosting it on their own servers or using the Kissflow infrastructure. This flexibility extends to interactions with existing systems via robust APIs.

Kissflow main benefits:
– Powerful and modern fir IT
– From $1,500/month for 50 users
– A large catalog of functions

No-code Workflow Builder

The workflow designer is visual and 100% customizable for IT departments. It takes a little time to master, but it’s still powerful. Kissflow also provides numerous templates. However, they can’t be reused without having to rework them to suit your operation.

Like Lapala, you can create approval circuits, conditional paths and feedback loops.

Process designer in the Kissflow workflow app
Process Street, workflow app

Process Street, a checklist-based workflow app

From $100/month for 5 users – 14-day free trial

Getting started:
No-code

Ease of use :
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Customers:
SMEs

Process Street brings a modern approach to process management by integrating AI into its operations. What makes it special? An intuitive interface accessible via all media, enabling teams to remain productive even when on the move.

Its workflow designer favors simplicity with a linear approach, particularly suited to sequential processes such as lead follow-up or claims management. Native integration with automation tools such as Zapier or Make means that its capabilities can be considerably extended without complex development.

Process Street main benefits:
– Specialized in checklists
– From $100/month for 5 users
– A large catalog of features

No-code Workflow Designer

The workflow builder abstracts from common models by proposing monolithic processes as you can see in the screenshot opposite. This brings simplicity, but too much simplicity can also lead you to fail in building the workflow.

Process designer in Workflow app Process Street
Pipefy workflow app

Pipefy, a kanban workflow app

From $24/month per user – 14-day free trial

Getting started:
No-code

Ease of use :
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Customers:
SMEs

Pipefy stands out for its visual, Kanban-inspired approach, which is particularly relevant to SMEs and SMBs. This methodology enables clear visualization of task progress, whether for tracking HR applications or managing sales opportunities.

The platform shines in its ability to eliminate repetitive tasks through intelligent automation. Interconnected forms avoid double-entry, while integrations with existing tools maintain data consistency across the organization.

Pipefy main benefits:
– From $24/month per user
– No-code and modern
– Original no-code approach

No-code Workflow Designer

What makes Pipefy so special is its Kanban principle. Each process is considered as a set of statuses to be traversed. This structuring makes it a linear process management tool.

Process designer in the Pipefy workflow app
Appian workflow app

Appian, a workflow app for large groups

Rates on quotation from$2,000/month – No free trial

Getting started:
Low-code

Ease of use:
⭐⭐

Customers:
Large corporations

Appian has established itself as an essential leader in process automation for large enterprises. This platform combines power and agility with an advanced low-code approach, particularly suited to organizations with complex integration requirements.

This workflow app stands out for its ability to rapidly build robust enterprise applications while maintaining the highest security standards. Its strong presence in regulated sectors, such as banking and insurance, testifies to its ability to meet the most stringent compliance requirements.

Appian main benefits:
– Suitable for large enterprises
– Low-code for ITs
– High prices

Low-code workflow designer

The workflow designer is a powerful process engine, but it can quickly become complex. Even so, it requires a certain level of mastery to deploy its full potential. Like the other workflow app alternatives, it is visual and lets you manage conditions.

Process designer in the Appian Workflow app
Nintex worflow app

Nintex, the Rolls-Royce of workflow apps

Rates on quotation between $1,500 and $2,500 /month – No free trial

Getting started:
Low-code

Ease of use:
⭐⭐

Customers:
Large corporations

Nintex has established itself as a major player in business process automation, focusing particularly on the needs of large organizations. The platform stands out for its ability to automate complex processes while remaining accessible to business users.

Its strength lies in its ability to orchestrate sophisticated enterprise-wide workflows, integrating seamlessly with Microsoft environments, particularly SharePoint and Office 365, which are very prevalent in large organizations.

Nintex main benefits:
– Suitable for large companies
– Low-code for ITs
– High prices

Low-code workflow designer

Nintex enables the digitalization of complex processes. Nintex delivers the security and robustness that large-scale IT departments expect.

Process designer in the Nintex Workflow app
Process Maker workflow app

ProcessMaker, the workflow app for IT departments

Rates quoted between $1,300 and $2,300/month – No free trial

Getting started:
Low-code
No-code limited

Ease of use:
⭐⭐⭐

Customers:
SMEs with IT department
Large companies

With over two decades of experience, ProcessMaker has built up a solid reputation among major corporations. What sets it apart is its hybrid approach: business teams can model their processes autonomously, before developers take over for technical optimizations.

The tool excels at creating complex business applications, while maintaining an accessible interface for end-users. Its extensive integration with popular office suites (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365) and leading CRMs facilitates its adoption in existing enterprise environments.

ProcessMaker main benefits:
– Suitable for large companies
– Low-code for ITs
– High prices

Low-code workflow builder

ProcessMaker includes BPMN mapping functions for business processes. Thanks to its no-code engine, it’s easy to represent how an organization works. Complete design of the workflow app requires mastery of no-code technologies.

Process designer in the Workflow app Process maker
Heflo

Heflo, BPMN workflow app for SMEs

From $90/month – Free trial

Getting started:
No-code

Ease of use :
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Customers:
SMEs

Born in Brazil in 2015, the Heflo workflow app is positioned as a process automation facilitator for companies of all sizes. Its compliance with BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) standards makes it a relevant choice for organizations concerned with standardization. However, this standardization is not mandatory and may be too complex for SMEs.

In addition, the platform stands out for its ability to rapidly transform theoretical modeling into operational tools. Integrated dashboards provide valuable visibility into process efficiency, enabling managers to quickly identify opportunities for optimization.

Heflo main benefits:
– Process modeling
– No-code and simple automation
– Prices unknown

Low-code workflow designer

Heflo offers a modeling tool that is 100% customizable according to your know-how. In particular, it follows BPMN standards. You can manage conditions and complex processes

Process designer in the Heflo Workflow app

Workflow app comparison chart

Lapala logo

Lapala
Workflow app is visual, easy to use and perfectly suited to SMEs.

From $39/month with no user limit

Free version available

Ease of use
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kissflow workflow app

Kissflow
Complete panel of low-code solutions for small and medium-sized businesses with IT departments

From $1,500/month for 50 users

30-day trial period

Ease of use
⭐⭐⭐

Process Street

Process Street
Checklist-based workflow with AI integration

From $100/month for 5 users

14-day trial period

Ease of use
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pipefy

Pipefy
Kanban-based visual approach to task tracking and completion

From $24/month per user

14-day trial period

Ease of use
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Appian

Appian
Advanced low-code solution for complex, high-security integrations

From $2,000/month

No free trial

Ease of use

Nintex workflow app

Nintex
Low-code solution for large enterprises

Between $1,500 and $2,500/month

No free trial

Ease of use

Process Maker workflow app

Processmaker
Hybrid approach to BPMN modeling and technical optimization

Between $1,300 and $2,300/month

No free trial

Ease of use
⭐⭐⭐

Heflo workflow app

Heflo
BPMN-compliant modeling

From $90/month

30-day trial period

Ease of use
⭐⭐⭐⭐

How do you choose the best workflow app for your business?

  • No-code or low-code. If you’re in a company without an IT department, or with an IT department with limited availability, it’s best to choose a no-code workflow app. On the other hand, if you have access to IT developers, you can choose a low-code or no-code solution.
  • Workflow builder ergonomics. Many solutions are available for free trial. It’s important to evaluate how easy it is to learn how to use the authoring tools. The more intuitive the tool, the less training time you’ll need.
  • Day-to-day ease of use for users. Once you’ve built an initial process, it will be in the hands of your teams. This tool is supposed to make their work easier and save them time. If it’s the other way around, there are questions to be asked.
  • Integration with your existing software. Check with your company that your existing software can be connected to their workflow app via native connectors or API Rest.
  • The right price. Some solutions have progressive pricing that lets you go step by step, while others have a higher barrier to entry and less transparent pricing. It’s up to you to choose the most appropriate for your needs.

What are the main features of a workflow app?

100% customized workflow builder

Create simple or complex operational workflows by integrating manual tasks and automation

Complete form builder

Forms are your interface for simplifying data entry by your teams. In this way, you can facilitate their work and guide them.

Data redisplay throughout the workflow

At each stage, you can enter data that has already been entered or data that already exists in your software.

Automatic task allocation

This automation makes it possible to push the right task to the right person at the right time, without unnecessary clicks.

Data management

The best workflow apps let you choose where your data is stored. In the software itself or on your existing software

Access to models

Models can be the basis for building your processes. They make it easy to achieve initial results

Tracking and tracing

Managers have access to operational monitoring functions to facilitate decision-making.

Collaboration interface

All your teams have access to guided experiences through a highly intuitive interface that requires no training.

Examples of workflow app use

Tired of manual processes that slow down your business? Discover examples of how workflow apps can transform day-to-day operations.

Example 1 – Purchasing approval workflow

Purchase request
Designed with Lapala aps workflow

Is your purchasing department swamped with validation emails? Are your teams waiting days for their orders to be approved? Not any more. With an automated purchasing workflow, each request follows a clear circuit: the right buyer is notified immediately, approvals are made in just a few clicks, and everything is archived automatically. The result: purchases validated in a matter of hours instead of days.

Example 2 – Service management workflow

Request for intervention
Designed with the Lapala workflow app

Imagine: your technicians receive their assignments directly on their phone, with all the information they need. They can fill in their reports live, complete with photos. Meanwhile, your customers can follow the progress of their work in real time. No more juggling calls and emails: everything is centralized and accessible at the click of a button.

Example 3 – Supplier invoice management operations

Supplier invoice approval
Designed with the Lapala workflow app

No more invoices lying around on desks! Today, as soon as your invoices are received, they are scanned, important data is automatically extracted, and the right validator is notified. Your accountant saves an incredible amount of time, payments are faster, and your suppliers are delighted. What’s more, by closing time, everything is already filed and organized.

Example 4 – Expense claim entry workflow

Expense report submission
Designed with the Lapala workflow app

No need to keep crumpled tickets for weeks on end: your employees take a photo of them with their smartphone, and the magic happens. Amounts are recognized, categories automatically filled in, and the ticket goes straight to validation. At last, your accounting department can concentrate on more important tasks than checking parking tickets.

Example 5 – Managing partially automated administrative requests

Administrative request management
Designed with the Lapala workflow app

A workflow for streamlining the way you handle internal and external administrative requests. Tasks are distributed without unnecessary effort. Information retrieval is efficient and frictionless. Processing times are accelerated and quality improved. It also increases customer satisfaction.

To sum up

Workflow apps today represent a simple, highly effective solution for SMEs looking to optimize their processes. The democratization of these tools, thanks in particular to no-code solutions, gives access to functionalities previously reserved for large companies.

The market offers a wide variety of solutions, from the simplest to the most sophisticated, with positioning and pricing to suit different needs. Solutions like Lapala stand out for their accessibility and ease of use, while others like Appian or Nintex target the more complex needs of large organizations.

The choice of a workflow app should be based on key criteria such as customization requirements, technical skills available in-house, ease of use, integration possibilities with existing systems, and of course budget. The ultimate goal remains the same: to automate repetitive tasks, streamline processes and enable teams to concentrate on higher value-added activities.

You know all about workflow app, now it’s your turn!


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