Appian vs. Formstack for Salesforce

Appian works great for automating manual processes and integrating multiple systems through its toolset. It gives great flexibility for establishing rules for approvals, routings, escalations, and the like. Because of the low code toolset, it's very easy to deploy and make changes as needed as processes evolve and as the organization learns to utilize the system better. Minimal maintenance is required to support the applications build on the platform. Some of the automated testing integration with tools like Jenkins is limited so that may be an issue for some.

Incentivized

- Formstack for Salesforce excels in scenarios where organizations need to capture leads seamlessly. The platform's ability to create customized and branded lead generation forms, coupled with its direct integration with Salesforce, facilitates the smooth transfer of lead data into the CRM system. This is particularly beneficial for marketing teams running campaigns and events.- In scenarios where the primary goal is to collect basic contact information without the need for complex workflows or integrations, the comprehensive features of Formstack may be more than what is required. Simpler tools or solutions might be more appropriate for straightforward contact form needs.

• Allows at a glance workflow documentation which assists in the need we have for information readiation.
• Drag and drop interface for workflow development greatly speeds our apps time to market.
• Using the advanced features of Appian, we are able to create working sites in a fraction of the time it would take to do so using "traditional" development.

Incentivized

• Collecting customer data and keeping it clean and organized
• I can send forms to the candidates so that they can easily review the documents
• The forms are easily embedded in websites, allowing us to utilize formstack for our various seasonal programs.

Incentivized

• Search issues when type ahead and database search are used in the same field.
• Buttons implementation where user is require[d] to click on the button description - if clicks on the button outside that text - button will not work.
• Problems with using certain off-the-shelf performance tools like WebLoad or Neoload. That is because of different dynamic variables being used internally in Appian - which these tools are unable to correlate. We are still investigating using other tools like Jmeter to overcome dynamic correlation problem for performance testing.

Incentivized

• mastering the more advanced features of Formstack, especially those related to complex form configurations and workflow automation, can be challenging.
• we need a broader range of pre-built templates within Formstack
• Improvements in the mobile app experience, such as a more intuitive design and additional features comparable to the web version, would enhance the usability of Formstack

We recently renewed our license with Appian. We are convinced that its flexibility, relative ease of use, the support they provide, there mobile advancements and their general willingness and desire to see us succeed all contributed to our reason to renew our agreement with Appian

Appian is a low code environment, because of this, a very good visual interface is required. Appian is providing a feature-rich dashboard [that] we can use for building the dashboards and other interfaces. Appian also provides patches and releases to enhance these features. A developer can start off development just by going through a basic course from the Appian learning community.

Incentivized

Appian is one of the leading low code business automation platforms that support RPA, decision rules, case management, workflow automation, and machine learning all in a single bundle. But it is also harder to implement and replace the traditional business process.

Incentivized

As analyst I participated in a developer boot camp. At times it was hard to keep up but most of the time it made sense. Trainer took the time to explain and slowed pace down to answer questions etc.

Incentivized

Very boring; hard to get through quickly, but rather effective in demonstrating the use of the platform.

Incentivized

It was really seamless. SaaS in the true definition of the word. We logged on and started using the product. Very easy.

Incentivized

Appian has enormously transformed and keeps on updating the product every quarter to meet the latest needs of the world with new innovations & technologies being integrated within the platform. What gives more pleasure than a product that keeps on continuous[ly] improv[ing]?

Incentivized

Formstack has a lot of work to do to get up to Jotform standards. Jotform has more payment integration options which is a HUGE selling factor for us as far as which program to choose. They also offer more discounts for non-profits which we work with often. Formstack has some pros but Jotform is more elaborate

Incentivized

• I believe it has negatively impacted our release dates. There may have been a misunderstanding as to the learning curve, even though it is "low code."
• The look and feel of the applications created using Appian have uniformity and it's easier to have "reuse" between applications.
• There is less developer control when it comes to features. I think this mainly has to do with the amount of plugins available. I would think there should be many more available plugins. But again, our use case is probably different than most others.

Incentivized

• This can lead to time savings, allowing employees to focus on more strategic tasks rather than manual data handling.
• By automating the transfer of data from forms to Salesforce, the platform contributes to improved data accuracy.
• The automation and customization capabilities of Formstack can streamline various processes, from lead generation to internal approvals.