The Best Process Automation Tools for Small Businesses: A Comparison

Process automation tools are capable of automating most of your company’s operations. 

They also centralize information, making it easy for everyone to access it quickly.

Automations can even remove bottlenecks and reduce errors.

This page will guide you through the best process automation tools available and help you choose the best one for you. 

What is a process automation tool?

A process automation tool replaces the need for humans to execute a sequence of activities.

You can use it to automate nearly all aspects of your business and in all departments.

These tools can handle complex processes critical for your company to grow.

Types of process automation tools

Essentially, there are three types of automation tools you should be aware of:

• Macros
• Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
• IT Process Automation (ITPA)

The process management software you end up choosing depends on your company’s needs and size, but here’s how they differ.

Macros

Macros date back to when Excel was born.

These very basic tools don’t do well with large sets of data. Instead, they can create spreadsheets, shortcuts, and remove duplicates.

This makes them not only the easiest of the three but also the less capable.

RPA

These process automation tools are quite easy to use and perfect for beginners.

They are no-code and rely on their drag-and-drop functionality. This means that everyone in your company can benefit from using them.

RPAs are especially useful in running all day-to-day company processes. From opening emails, building a workflow, and monitoring security systems, RPAs are a great all-rounder. 

ITPA

ITPAs are particularly popular in the IT sector. 

They differ from RPAs because RPAs can automate a large variety of daily processes without using advanced techniques. 

ITPAs are capable of automating all processes, including very complex ones. For example, ITPAs can handle, monitor, and configure virtual servers.

Key process automation tool features

We’ve created a list of the 5 process automation features all tools should have: 

High usability

Your tool of choice adds value immediately. It should also be able to handle multiple processes with ease. Ensure that you can utilize the tool throughout your organization and on a day-to-day basis. 

Integration with third-party apps 

Look for tools that offer as many integrations as possible. This will make your life much easier because it will eliminate having to jump from one app to the next.

User-friendliness

It should go without saying, but a good automation tool should have a clear and user-friendly interface.

Support 

Any tool you ever buy should come with added support. Whether it’s phone or email-based, adequate support should always be available. 

Dynamic and personalizable

You’ll want a process automation tool that you can personalize to meet your needs. Find one that is as visually appealing as it is customizable. 

Best process automation tools

Here’s a comparison of several popular process automation tools currently available on the market.

UiPath

Is the interface user-friendly interface? 

Yes, especially good for beginners 

Can it handle any process irrespective of complexity? 

It can handle all processes

Is support available?

Yes, there are video tutorials, community forums, and over-the-phone support

Are integrations available?

Yes

Personalizable?

Somewhat

Features: 

• Affordable process automation tools for startups
• Process automation tools with strong customer support
• Easy-to-use process automation tools for non-technical teams

Pros:

• Low-code
• Free for individuals (so can easily be tested before purchase) 
• Drag-and-drop features

Cons:

• Cannot be fully customized

Process Street

Is the interface user-friendly interface? 

Yes, both for beginners and for advanced users  

Can it handle any process irrespective of complexity? 

Can handle all processes

Is support available?

Yes, there is comprehensive Help Center available, FAQs, along with email and chat support

Are integrations available?

Yes, thousands

Personalizable?

Yes

Features:

• Best process automation tools for small businesses
• Process automation tools for HR departments
• Scalable process automation tools for growing businesses
• Integrated process automation tools for CRM

Pros:

• A cloud-based solution
• No-code
• Doesn’t store data in a database making it more secure
• Robust and efficient to use

Cons:

• Can take some learning to understand how to use all the tools and features

Blue Prism

Is the interface user-friendly interface? 

Yes, for developers

Can it handle any process irrespective of complexity? 

It can handle most processes

Is support available?

Yes, there are video tutorials, guides, and over the email support

Are integrations available?

Yes

Personalizable?

Yes

Features:

• Process automation tools with advanced analytics capabilities
• Process automation tools for project management

Pros:

• Very reliable
• Comes with security for network credentials
• Can be used on any platform

Cons:

• Not for beginners since it requires programming skills
• Expensive at $ 15000 per annum 

Automation Anywhere

Is the interface user-friendly interface? 

Yes, both for beginners and for advanced users 

Can it handle any process irrespective of complexity? 

It can handle many processes

Is support available?

Yes, there are video tutorials  available 

Are integrations available?

Yes

Personalizable?

No

Features: 

• Top process automation tools for workflow management
• Process automation tools with advanced analytics capabilities
• Process automation tools for project management

Pros:

• Real-time analytics
• Powerful security through encryption and authentication options 
• Applicable to multiple industries especially those relying on security 

Cons:

• Interface could be improved

How to use process automation tools

Here are our top tips for implementing and using process automation tools effectively:

Make a list of all processes that need re-designing

This will allow you to analyze your business requirements and clarify what needs to be automated first.

Assess all the available tools

Make sure to read as much about their features as possible. Verify which tools fit your business objectives. 

Choose the right tool

Only choose the tool that offers adequate support and a knowledge base. You don’t want to buy software that delivers no training on how to use it.

Test, test, test

Before implementing any changes, ensure you test them first. And keep in mind that it may take some time for the results to show. Sometimes you’ll have to keep tweaking things until they start working as expected.

Process automation tools testimonials

Below you’ll find testimonials from some of our clients that have successfully used Process Street to automate their work:

“Very user-friendly. Workflow automatization is a great tool. I love how you can schedule the workflow runs and it reminds you when it needs to be run. We use checklists daily to ensure we comply with our business needs.”

Ebano C., Senior IT Support (medium business)

“Straightforward interface and a great set of tools to help map processes. I like the conditional logic feature, which allows you to hide or show elements of the process based on the options/outcomes you choose.”

Matthew P., Strategic Account Manager (small business)

“I love how Process Street makes it so straightforward, especially when it comes to highly detailed work like onboarding new staff and other similar processes. You can modify their pre-made templates to suit your needs or build your own from scratch.”

Sam O., Regional Property Management Director (small business) 

Benefits of process automation tools

Deciding on an automation tool can be tricky, as there are many currently on offer.

So before you take your pick, ensure that it fits with your business objectives. And you can also take advantage of our must-have features list to help you select the best tool.

But what are the benefits of using process automation tools?

Here are just a few:

• They boost productivity by passing on tasks to robots
• They save costs by eliminating the time spent on repetitive tasks
• They reduce errors by avoiding manual data entry
• They increase productivity by letting employees focus on important issues