Workflow management software is vital, particularly in this day and age of extensive remote work. Even more crucial is workflow management software, which serves as the vehicle for managing workflows, campaigns, projects, and tasks. We’ll cover the basics of workflow management, the best online tools, and critical features any excellent system must have.
What Is Workflow Management Software?
The job of leading a team to plan and strategize for good results is the management element of workflow management, while workflow itself is about the act of processing data. Workflow management software is a technology that divides projects into smaller tasks that teams may do collaboratively.
The capacity to automate repeating processes is a crucial feature of workflow management software systems. Steps must be repeated and regular to keep project timeframes on track. In the end, an online workflow management tool is just a method for organizations to coordinate their efforts and ensure everyone is on the same page as the project progresses.
How Does Workflow Management Software Work?
What you want to achieve from an online workflow management software determines how it operates; planning, strategizing, task management, etc. However, to cover these bases, workflow management technologies must function in a particular manner.
Often, workflow management software will act as a virtual whiteboard or blank canvas where you and your staff may collaborate and generate new ideas. You can interact in real-time via an audio calling tool, video conferencing, or anything similar to live chat.
During this process, your workflow software will also help keep track of tasks. Input large tasks and deadlines and the application will automatically divide them down into manageable sequences. When tasks need to be accomplished, you and the rest of the team will be alerted.
Workflow management technologies discover trends and automate operations over time. Furthermore, it will collect data and provide insightful reports highlighting what is done effectively vs. what needs more improvement. You will access data visualization tools such as Gantt charts and Kanban boards to visualize your performance better.
Best Online Workflow Management Tools
Hive
Google, Starbucks, Comcast, and Toyota all utilize Hive as a sophisticated project management tool. Hive provides teams that need to coordinate their day-to-day tasks and projects while still working as effectively as possible using its workflow management solutions.
Hive Automate, built within the Hive platform, allows you to construct workflows between Hive and other regularly used work applications. This application is accessible to all Hive users. It is an excellent method to simplify operations, automate repetitive procedures, and save time. So, how exactly does it work?
In Hive Automate, you can create “Recipes” that use triggers and logic to perform desired tasks. Recipes are automated procedures that may share across programs. Each recipe includes a trigger and one or more actions that may be performed when the trigger event is detected.
Using these many variables, your team may construct multi-step processes that use as many distinct programs as needed. With access to hundreds of applications, the Recipe possibilities are limitless!
Kissflow
It is a cloud-based workflow platform that allows business users to design, model, and deploy business process applications with little to no coding experience. It takes a lighter approach than existing workflow tools, allowing non-coding team members to develop procedures they are comfortable with.
Kissflow, unlike some of the other alternatives, does not employ BPMN 2.0 notation but instead focuses on a simple visual workflow designer that requires no training.
This online workflow management system has a simple visual interface with drag-and-drop tools that allow you to develop logic-based forms with pre-populated fields and tables. You may also create workflows with sequential tasks and get alerts and analyses based on your metrics of choice.
Kissflow customers get access to KPIs, user management, dashboards, ad-hoc reports, simplicity of use, and price levels that are reasonably affordable.
You can also check out our full review of Kissflow.
Nintex
Nintex, one of the most well-known workflow solutions for intelligent process automation, can automate communication and content management platform activities. Content is accessible in various forms and from multiple sources; Nintex is skilled in routing it to the appropriate receivers.
This online workflow management solution may streamline operations by integrating material and allowing team members to collaborate seamlessly. The user-centered design will enable users to simplify operations effortlessly. Nintex also provides price options for small, medium, and big enterprises.
You can also check out our full review of Nintex.
monday.com
When finding the best free collaboration software for your team, go no further than monday.com. It centralizes all information on a single, easily accessible platform, making it the ideal choice for managing everything from the sales funnel to project and portfolio management. It also encourages team members and agents to make more informed judgments.
Monday.com’s primary focus is on streamlining procedures. It also assists in evaluating and presenting work in a simple, logical manner, making it easy for all team members to follow the progress of their projects. Furthermore, it guarantees that everyone is aware of their responsibilities.
Monday.com has a 14-day free trial as well as a free version. It also has affordable options starting at $8 per seat per month. It has a Standard plan for $10 per seat per month and a Pro plan for $16 per seat per month. You can contact the vendor for price information on its Enterprise plan.
ProcessMaker
ProcessMaker, a solution built for approval-based processes, improves and simplifies data flow through systems and activities. It depicts methods using BPMN 2.0 notations. It is one of several open-source workflow tools that may use to simulate approval-based business processes at a cheap cost.
ProcessMaker is notable for its cheap overhead and straightforward methodology. Some features include a user management system, a set of dashboards and key performance indicators, customizable form templates, and a bunch of customizable documents.
ProcessMaker is a drag-and-drop interface that allows business analysts to model processes.
Wrike
Wrike is an online workflow management program that allows organizations to create unique workflows that provide them access to the status and development of their projects.
It consists of several different task states that stand in for the many possible transitions a task might go through as it progresses through its life cycle. Each process is divided into four categories: active, postponed, and canceled.
Wrike’s workflow management system eliminates the need for status meetings since everyone can see the status of any job, whether it is still in the planning stage, evaluated, or completed. Built-in alerts notify everyone about tasks that need to track. They may be adjusted or disabled based on personal desire.
Wrike has two premium subscriptions as well as a quote plan. It also provides a free trial time and a free version plan.
Trello
As a type of workflow management software, Trello uses Kanban boards to depict projects, cards to define tasks, and lists to monitor the progress of projects. Trello is a project management tool that encourages teamwork so that more may be accomplished.
Additionally, it ensures everyone is on the same page, makes meetings worthwhile, and creates an environment where work may be approached in various ways while still being productive. Everyone from solo entrepreneurs to small businesses to massive corporations uses it.
It has a built-in rule-based workflow automation system, complete with a buffer, a checklist, and user-defined card/button boards. It is compatible with many industry’s leading programs, including email clients, productivity suites, time-tracking tools, and instant messaging services.
The lowest monthly cost for using Trello is $9.99 per user. Also, it has a free version.
What To Look For In Workflow Management Software?
Your workflow management software should fill the deficiencies in your current processes. To do this, you’ll need to find a system that can:
- Detect Patterns – A technology that automates operations so your organization runs hands-free.
- Managerial Oversight – Having a visual representation of real-time progress and project schedules.
- Integrations – Unless it’s a standalone program, it must work well with other programs.
- Data – Insights into your shortcomings and triumphs for future development.
- Updates – Sync changes and updates for all users simultaneously across all devices.
- Communication – Cooperation via collaboration is the key to a better workflow.
Each online workflow management software program will provide something different, so you’ll need to select the one that best meets your demands and desires.
Conclusion
As an essential component of your operations, business processes must be efficiently managed and controlled before they begin to rule your business.
Even though there are numerous workflow automation solutions in this competitive industry, there are relatively few workflow tools with extensive functionality. Seek the characteristics that these seven best workflow tools provide. You’ll have a trustworthy solution for managing company operations.
Which tool do you think is the right one for you?
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