Item: GlobiFlow for Podio
Rating: 9
Author: Kim Westermann

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

GlobiFlow helps us automate many tasks. It is being used across our agency to assist with requests for time off, acceptance of documents and applications, and to prompt future tasks. GlobiFlow makes it possible for us to digitize and automate things we were doing by hand before. It especially helps us use Podio and ShareFile to their greatest potential.

Pros and Cons

GlobiFlow allows one event to prompt a task or notification automatically, which greatly improves workflows and internal communications.
GlobiFlow makes it possible to automate some interactions we have with people outside the agency, for example, responding immediately to an application when it is received, creating a ShareFile folder to collect submitted documents all in one secure location, etc.
GlobiFlow suggests new ways of setting up workflows that makes us think through and improve our processes.
GlobiFlow helps us keep track of events in new and improved ways. For example, when a leave request is approved GlobiFlow automates the process for putting that date on an agency-wide calendar.
GlobiFlow helps us use Podio and ShareFile better so we communicate with employees in other offices and out in the field more effectively.

There is a steep learning curve for your typical PC user. I've used GlobiFlow for over a year but there are many things I still don't understand about it. The help pages are somewhat helpful, but there is a whole vocabulary associated with GlobiFlow that is a bit mysterious at the front end.
Any limitations in Podio are repeated in GlobiFlow.
Setting up processes in GlobiFlow is somewhat complicated, which makes it a little tedious when employees change and responsibilities shift, as they often do in a growing organization. Naming your processes well is important so you can go back and find places where changes need to be made.

Return on Investment

GlobiFlow saves time once you get it up and running.
GlobiFlow improves internal communication and cross-agency collaboration.
GlobiFlow helps us communicate with external clients and applicants in a more efficient and professional manner.

Alternatives Considered

Podio and Citrix ShareFile

We acquired GlobiFlow at the same time that we GlobiFlow Podio and ShareFile. GlobiFlow helped us use both Podio and ShareFile more efficiently. Podio has an internal automation function that performs some of the same tasks as GlobiFlow but is far more limited, which is why we decided to go ahead and learn how to implement GlobiFlow.

Other Software Used

Bloomerang, RightSignature, Adobe Acrobat DC

Likelihood to Recommend

GlobiFlow should be considered advanced software for a limited number of employees. If users of GlobiFlow don't work together, they could easily create processes that cancel out other work. GlobiFlow works very well when one person understands the program well and uses it to help coworkers think through processes. The most helpful way we've used it is in automating our hiring process somewhat. Instead of receiving hundreds of emails with job applications, we set up an app in Podio and used Globiflow to notify supervisors when applications were received through our website. As a candidate moves through the hiring process, GlobiFlow processes provide triggers to help us remember what needs to happen at each step along the way by automatically generating tasks, emails, and items in other apps.

Use GlobiFlow to take your Podio and Sharefile to the next level

Overall Satisfaction with GlobiFlow for Podio