Scaling a business is an exciting milestone, but it brings with it some challenges — especially when it comes to managing complex processes efficiently. This is where business process automation (BPA) tools step in.
How about exploring the top BPA tools designed for scaling enterprises, focusing on solutions that not only enhance productivity but also adapt to growing business needs?
However, before we dive into the business process automation software comparison, let's take a look at an important “pre-selection” stage: learning what BPA tools are and identifying the specific requirements your company needs for business process automation tools.
Business process automation tools: the meaning behind
Business process automation tools are specialized software solutions that help organizations automate repetitive, time-consuming tasks and streamline complex workflows. BPA tools are used across various industries to enhance productivity, improve accuracy, and optimize resources by reducing reliance on manual intervention. By automating processes like approvals, data entry, reporting, and communication, businesses can free up their teams to focus on higher-value activities. Besides, automation eliminates the risk of human errors and ensures consistency across processes.
For large enterprises or scaling businesses, BPA tools are particularly valuable in managing the complexities of growing operations, handling high volumes of data, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Why your scalable business needs BPA tool integration
- Efficiency: Automates repetitive tasks, reducing errors and accelerating workflows.
- Cost savings: Cuts labor and operational expenses by optimizing processes.
- Accuracy & compliance: Improves data consistency and ensures regulatory adherence.
- Scalability: Handles growing data loads and workflow complexities seamlessly.
- Actionable insights: Provides analytics to monitor performance and optimize processes.
- Improved customer experience: Automates interactions for quicker, better service.
Dive deeper into the key benefits of BPA implementation following this link.
What scaling enterprises should look for in BPA tools
#1. Make sure they have integration capabilities
Today’s BPA software should effortlessly connect with your existing systems, such as ERP, CRM, databases, and APIs, minimizing setup hassles.
#2. Analytics and performance tracking as a must-have
Choose tools with powerful analytics and reporting features to track workflow efficiency, identify bottlenecks, and effectively evaluate ROI.
#3. Low-code automation possibilities
Opt for tools with intuitive interfaces, like drag-and-drop builders and low-code environments, to empower both technical and non-technical users.
#4. Built for your growth
Ongoing scalability is key — ensure the tool can handle increasing data loads, workflow complexity, and user numbers as your business continues to expand.
#5. Tailored to your unique needs
What suits one business might be completely ineffective for another. Choose a BPA tool with robust customization options, allowing it to align with your unique workflows instead of forcing you into inflexible templates.
Besides, it’s recommended to ask yourself these questions before choosing a BPA tool:
- What are my business’s most time-consuming or error-prone processes?
- How well does this tool integrate with my existing tech stack?
- Are there low-code/no-code services to speed up automation development?
- Can the tool scale as my business grows?
- What level of analytics do I require?
- Are there compliance or security standards it must meet?
- What’s the ROI of implementing this tool?
Once you've analyzed your needs and priorities, the next step is exploring the market for tools that align with your specific requirements. Below are examples of potential tools to consider, but keep in mind that there’s no universal solution. The best tool is the one tailored to your unique business processes.
Top 5 business process automation tools
Appian
Appian is a powerful business process automation software that combines low-code development with robust automation capabilities. It’s designed to help enterprises manage complex workflows, unify disparate data sources, and drive continuous process improvement.
Known for its focus on security and compliance, Appian is especially suited for industries like healthcare, finance, and government.
Why it can be a “go-to” option for scaling enterprises:
- Comprehensive automation: Appian integrates RPA, intelligent document processing, and AI-driven decision-making to streamline even the most complex workflows.
- Low-code automation software: Build custom applications quickly and efficiently without extensive coding expertise.
- Seamless data integration: The platform’s data fabric unifies data from multiple sources into one accessible model, enabling deeper insights and smoother operations.
- Security and compliance: With certifications like FedRAMP, Appian ensures compliance with the strictest security standards, making it reliable for regulated industries (finance, healthcare, etc.).
- Built for growth: Appian’s scalability allows it to handle increasing data loads and user numbers while maintaining performance and efficiency.
Pros:
- Combines low-code with advanced automation (RPA, AI, and data processing).
- Highly secure, ideal for regulated industries.
- Scalable for complex processes and large enterprises.
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve, particularly for non-technical users or highly regulated processes.
- Limited advanced process intelligence and simulation features.
Pricing: Varies based on features, the number of users, and deployment complexity. It has both a free trial option and custom pricing based on your organization’s needs and scale, with three tiers: Standard, Advanced, and Premium.
Lear more about the platform | Visit the website
UiPath
UiPath is a BPA automation platform specializing in robotic process automation (RPA). It is known for its user-friendly interface and powerful AI business process automation, making UiPath a well-suited option for businesses aiming to scale their automation efforts across diverse workflows. Besides, the solution excels in linking automation with process analytics, making it suitable for both existing and new automation users.
Why it can be a “go-to” option for scaling enterprises:
- Advanced RPA capabilities: Automates repetitive and complex tasks with precision, reducing errors and improving speed.
- AI integration: Offers intelligent features like natural language processing and machine learning to handle unstructured data and advanced decision-making.
- Ease of use: Its drag-and-drop interface makes it accessible for both technical and non-technical users.
- Scalable architecture: Supports enterprise growth by efficiently managing large workloads and handling multiple automation workflows.
- Comprehensive ecosystem: Includes tools for end-to-end automation, from process discovery to monitoring, ensuring smooth implementation and management.
Pros:
- Intuitive interface suitable for users of varying technical expertise.
- Supports diverse use cases across industries, including finance, healthcare, and retail.
- Scalable and adaptable to enterprise-level demands.
Cons:
- Higher implementation and licensing costs compared to competitors.
- Requires advanced expertise in optimizing complex workflows.
Pricing:
- Free trial: explore basic features
- Pro: starting at $420/month
- Enterprise: flexible service offerings for comprehensive coverage.
Retool
Retool is a low-code automation software designed to streamline the creation of internal tools, offering significant process automation benefits for scaling businesses. While not a traditional BPA tool, its low-code capabilities empower organizations to optimize and automate internal workflows efficiently, making it a valuable asset for growth-focused enterprises.
Why it can be a “go-to” option for growing enterprises:
- Low-code efficiency: Retool’s drag-and-drop interface enables the rapid development of custom internal tools without extensive coding, saving time and resources.
- Custom automation: Ideal for automating manual processes like data handling, report generation, or workflow coordination, tailored to specific business needs.
- Integration-ready: Seamlessly connects with databases, APIs, and third-party services like Salesforce or Stripe, making it highly adaptable for diverse use cases.
- Scalable by design: Whether managing an expanding workforce or larger datasets, Retool supports your growth by providing tools that evolve with your operations.
- Enhanced team productivity: By reducing reliance on development teams for internal tool creation, Retool frees up engineering resources for strategic projects.
Pros:
- User-friendly, drag-and-drop design for quick tool creation.
- Extensive integrations with APIs, databases, and cloud services.
- Highly customizable for unique organizational workflows.
- Scalable and adaptive to growing business needs.
Cons:
- Not a full-fledged BPA tool; better suited for internal tool creation.
- Requires some technical knowledge to set up more complex workflows.
Pricing:
- Free plan: Ideal for developers or teams exploring Retool, offering unlimited web and mobile apps for up to 5 users.
- Team plan: Starts at $10 per standard user/month (billed annually), providing essential tools for growing teams.
- Business plan: Begins at $50 per standard user/month (billed annually), featuring advanced capabilities like audit logging and rich permission controls.
- Enterprise plan: Custom pricing tailored for large-scale organizations with extensive needs and enhanced control. Want to dive deeper into Retool pricing? Read this article.
Lear more about the platform | Visit the website
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Mendix
Mendix is a versatile low-code automation software tailored to rapidly build, deploy, and manage applications at scale. Known for its robust capabilities in integrating complex workflows, Mendix empowers enterprises to accelerate digital transformation, streamline operations, and enhance customer experiences.
With its emphasis on visual development and collaboration, Mendix is ideal for organizations seeking a scalable and agile solution to meet evolving business demands.
Why it can be a “go-to” option for scaling enterprises:
- Built for complexity: The platform excels in handling sophisticated workflows, integrating with external systems like ERP and CRM, and managing high-volume data operations.
- Cloud-native and scalable: Mendix supports multi-cloud and on-premise deployment, making it highly adaptable for growing enterprises needing global scalability.
- Comprehensive collaboration tools: Mendix fosters cross-department collaboration through shared workspaces, real-time feedback loops, and built-in version control, ensuring alignment across teams.
- Seamless integration: Offers robust APIs and pre-built connectors to integrate with enterprise systems and third-party applications.
Pros:
- Excellent collaboration features for multi-department teams.
- A scalable architecture suitable for growing businesses.
- An ecosystem with pre-built templates, widgets, and integrations.
Cons:
- Higher learning curve for non-technical users compared to simpler process automation platforms.
- Premium features and enterprise-level scalability come with significant costs.
Pricing:
- Free plan: Ideal for small-scale experimentation and individual developers, allowing access to basic features.
- Basic plan: Starts at $75 per user/month, offering essential app-building capabilities and support for smaller teams.
- Standard plan: Priced at $998 per month (billed annually), suited for medium-sized businesses needing advanced features and customization options.
- Enterprise plan: Custom pricing for large-scale organizations requiring premium support, advanced integrations, and high scalability.
Lear more about the platform | Visit the website
Nintex
Nintex is a process automation platform distinguished by its advanced workflow automation and document management capabilities. It stands out for its seamless integration with tools like Office 365, SharePoint, and Salesforce, making it a strong choice for businesses that rely on these systems.
It’s particularly well-suited for organizations aiming to streamline document-heavy processes such as approvals, compliance tracking, and contract management.
Why it can be a “go-to” option for scaling enterprises:
- Workflow automation: Nintex excels in automating repetitive tasks, approvals, and document workflows, making it a key choice for enterprises handling complex business processes.
- Document management: The platform provides strong support for generating, managing, and storing documents, a critical feature for industries like legal, finance, and healthcare.
- Low-code focus: With its drag-and-drop designer, both technical and non-technical users can build and deploy workflows efficiently.
- Integration ready: It integrates seamlessly with leading enterprise applications, including Office 365, Salesforce, and SharePoint, ensuring compatibility with existing systems.
Pros:
- Intuitive interface with low-code capabilities for quick workflow design.
- Robust document automation and process mapping features.
- Extensive integrations with popular business tools.
Cons:
- Licensing costs can increase significantly for larger enterprises.
- Limited advanced analytics and process intelligence capabilities compared to competitors.
Pricing: Pricing details for Nintex are not explicitly outlined, but the platform offers four pricing tiers based on scope and scale of use. A free trial is also available.
Challenges of BPA tools: some considerations
While BPA tools offer immense benefits, implementing them at scale comes with its challenges.
Firstly, integration with existing systems can be complex, especially in large organizations with diverse technologies.
Secondly, licensing costs may rise significantly as your business grows, and maintaining user adoption across departments can require ongoing training and support.
Thirdly, ensuring security and compliance at scale demands careful attention, especially for industries with stringent regulations.
Final thoughts
At the stage of scaling your enterprise, making the wrong choice can hinder progress.
Our business process automation experts can help you select and deploy the tools that drive efficiency, optimize workflows, and support sustainable growth. Let us help you transform challenges into opportunities with smart, scalable automation strategies.
If you’re interested — just drop us a message to explore your ideas and take the next step in your business journey.
Billing Automation for a SaaS Company with Low-Code
Our client needed a robust billing solution to manage hierarchical licenses, ensure compliance, and automate invoicing for streamlined operations.
The solution:
We developed a Retool-based application that supports multi-tiered licenses, automates invoicing workflows, and integrates seamlessly with CRM and accounting platforms to enhance financial data management.
The result:
- Achieved 100% adherence to licensing agreements, mitigating penalties.
- Automated invoicing and workflows reduced manual effort significantly.
- Dashboards and reports improved decision-making and operational visibility.
Retool Dashboards with HubSpot Integration
Our client needed a centralized tool to aggregate account and contact activity, improving visibility and decision-making for the sales team.
The solution
We built a Retool application integrated with HubSpot, QuickMail, and Clay.com. The app features dashboards for sorting, filtering, and detailed views of companies, contacts, and deals, along with real-time notifications and bidirectional data syncing.
The result
- MVP in 50 hours: Delivered a functional application in just 50 hours.
- Smarter decisions: Enabled data-driven insights for strategic planning.
- Streamlined operations: Reduced manual tasks with automation and real-time updates.
Lead Generation Tool to Reduce Manual Work
Our client, Afore Capital, a venture capital firm focused on pre-seed investments, aimed to automate their lead generation processes but struggled with existing out-of-the-box solutions. To tackle this challenge, they sought assistance from our team of Akveo Retool experts.
The scope of work
The client needed a tailored solution to log and track inbound deals effectively. They required an application that could facilitate the addition, viewing, and editing of company and founder information, ensuring data integrity and preventing duplicates. Additionally, Afore Capital aimed to integrate external tools like PhantomBuster and LinkedIn to streamline data collection.
The result
By developing a custom Retool application, we streamlined the lead generation process, significantly reducing manual data entry. The application enabled employees to manage inbound deals efficiently while automated workflows for email parsing, notifications, and dynamic reporting enhanced operational efficiency. This allowed Afore Capital's team to focus more on building relationships with potential founders rather than on administrative tasks.
Retool CMS Application for EdTech Startup
Our client, CutTime, a leading fine arts education management platform, needed a scalable CMS application to improve vendor product management and user experience.
The scope of work
We developed a Retool application that allows vendors to easily upload and manage product listings, handle inventory, and set shipping options. The challenge was to integrate the app with the client’s system, enabling smooth authentication and product management for program directors.
The result
Our solution streamlined product management, reducing manual work for vendors, and significantly improving operational efficiency.
Building Reconciliation Tool for e-commerce company
Our client was in need of streamlining and simplifying its monthly accounting reconciliation process – preferably automatically. But with a lack of time and low budget for a custom build, development of a comprehensive software wasn’t in the picture. After going through the case and customer’s needs, we decided to implement Retool. And that was the right choice.
The scope of work
Our team developed a custom reconciliation tool designed specifically for the needs of high-volume transaction environments. It automated the processes and provided a comprehensive dashboard for monitoring discrepancies and anomalies in real-time.
The implementation of Retool significantly reduced manual effort, as well as fostered a more efficient and time-saving reconciliation process.
Creating Retool Mobile App for a Wine Seller
A leading spirits and wine seller in Europe required the development of an internal mobile app for private client managers and administrators. The project was supposed to be done in 1,5 months. Considering urgency and the scope of work, our developers decided to use Retool for swift and effective development.
The scope of work
Our developers built a mobile application tailored to the needs of the company's sales force: with a comprehensive overview of client interactions, facilitated order processing, and enabled access to sales history and performance metrics. It was user-friendly, with real-time updates, seamlessly integrated with existing customer databases.
The result? Increase in productivity of the sales team and improved decision-making process. But most importantly, positive feedback from the customers themselves.
Developing PoC with Low Code for a Tour Operator
To efficiently gather, centralize, and manage data is a challenge for any tour operator. Our client was not an exception. The company was seeking to get an internal software that will source information from third-party APIs and automate the travel itinerary creation process. Preferably, cost- and user-friendly tool.
The scope of work
Our experts ensured the client that all the requirements could be covered by Retool. And just in 40 hours a new software was launched. The tool had a flexible and easy-to-use interface with user authentication and an access management system panel – all the company needed. At the end, Retool was considered the main tool to replace the existing system.
Testing New Generation of Lead Management Tool with Retool
Our client, a venture fund, had challenges with managing lead generation and client acquisition. As the company grew, it aimed to attract more clients and scale faster, as well as automate the processes to save time, improve efficiency and minimize human error. The idea was to craft an internal lead generation tool that will cover all the needs. We’ve agreed that Retool will be a perfect tool for this.
The scope of work
The project initially began as a proof of concept, but soon enough, with each new feature delivered, the company experienced increased engagement and value.
We developed a web tool that integrates seamlessly with Phantombuster for data extraction and LinkedIn for social outreach. Now, the company has a platform that elevates the efficiency of their lead generation activities and provides deep insights into potential client bases.
Building an Advanced Admin Portal for Streamlined Operations
Confronted with the need for more sophisticated internal tools, an owner of IP Licensing marketplace turned to Retool to utilize its administrative functions. The primary goal was to construct an advanced admin portal that could support complex, multi-layered processes efficiently.
The scope of work
Our client needed help with updating filters and tables for its internal platform. In just 30 hours we've been able to update and create about 6 pages. Following features were introduced: add complex filtering and search, delete records, styling application with custom CSS.
Together, we have increased performance on most heavy pages and fixed circular dependency issues.
Creating MVP Dashboard for Google Cloud Users
Facing the challenge of unoptimized cloud resource management, a technology firm working with Google Cloud users was looking for a solution to make its operations more efficient. The main idea of the project was to create an MVP for e-commerce shops to test some client hypotheses. Traditional cloud management tools fell short.
The scope of work
Determined to break through limitations, our team of developers turned Retool. We decided to craft an MVP Dashboard specifically for Google Cloud users. This wasn't just about bringing data into view; but about reshaping how teams interact with their cloud environment.
We designed a dashboard that turned complex cloud data into a clear, strategic asset thanks to comprehensive analytics, tailored metrics, and an intuitive interface, that Retool provides. As the results, an increase in operational efficiency, significant improvement in cost management and resource optimization.
Elevating CRM with Custom HubSpot Sales Dashboard
Our other client, a SaaS startup, that offers collaborative tools for design and engineering teams, was on a quest to supercharge their sales efforts. Traditional CRM systems were limited and not customizable enough. The company sought a solution that could tailor HubSpot to their workflow and analytics needs.
The scope of work
Charged with the task of going beyond standard CRM functions, our team turned to Retool. We wanted to redefine how sales teams interact with their CRM.
By integrating advanced analytics, custom metrics, and a user-friendly interface, our developers provided a solution that transformed data into a strategic asset.
In 40 hours, three informative dashboards were developed, containing the most sensitive data related to sales activities. These dashboards enable our customer to analyze sales and lead generation performance from a different perspective and establish the appropriate KPIs.
Building a PDF Editor with Low-Code
Our client, a leading digital credential IT startup, needed a lot of internal processes to be optimized. But the experience with low-code tools wasn’t sufficient. That’s why the company decided to hire professionals. And our team of developers joined the project.
The scope of work
The client has a program that designs and prints custom badges for customers. The badges need to be “mail-merged” with a person’s info and turned into a PDF to print. But what is the best way to do it?
Our developers decided to use Retool as a core tool. Using custom components and JavaScript, we developed a program that reduced employees' time for designing, putting the data, verifying, and printing PDF badges in one application.
As a result, the new approach significantly reduces the time required by the internal team to organize all the necessary staff for the conference, including badge creation.
