These days there are thousands of productivity apps that vary in the degree of technical skill required, the purpose they serve and the capacity in which they are used. Some businesses use multiple productivity apps and some just use one. The apps you use depend on the size and nature of your business and the problems you are trying to solve.
Below is a list of popular productivity apps used in their respective spaces:
Personal Automation and Task Management
1. IFTT
If This Then That (IFTTT) offers a simple approach to the concept of automation. If this (A) happens then that (B) happens as a result, just as the name suggests.
IFTTT makes it easy to automate different aspects of your daily life, be it personal or professional. It does so by connecting different platforms and initiating actions based on the specific triggers you set up. The application has a wide number of templates that you can use to set reminders, transfer information between apps, save pictures, and more.
Unfortunately, you can only set up connections between two events, which limits the type of processes you can automate. However, IFTTT is still a perfect introduction to automation and you can use it to impress your friends or make your life just a little bit easier.
2. Zapier
Zapier is a step up from IFTTT in the world of automation. Boasting over 1000 connectors and counting. Zapier allows users to automate a wide array of processes such as archiving emails, lead management and many more.
While IFTTT only allows for one action between two platforms, Zapier’s premium version allows users to link together multiple platforms and actions, providing additional versatility and compatibility.
Work Management
4. Process Street
Process Street is a process management platform that allows users to create, manage, schedule, and assign structured processes, documents and checklists in seconds. The drag-and-drop technology makes it easy for anyone to start automating processes right away.
Process Street integrates with Zapier to connect to other platforms and easily import and export data. It also has a search function that helps you find processes and templates for easy reuse.
Use Process Street to streamline those repeating business processes and integrate data across different platforms.
5. Trello
Trello focuses less on automation and more on organization and visualization. Its Kanban-inspired card wall makes it a more suitable tool for creative teams that may also want to include visual elements in their projects.
With easy-to-see progress on your projects and cards that are easy to edit and drag from one part of a process to the next, Trello delivers a clean and simple way to manage collaborative projects and get tasks done. Trello is a great way to organize a small number of projects, especially when it comes to content creation.
Business Communication
6. Slack
While it doesn’t seem to fit in directly with the other nine on this list, communication is vital when it comes to productivity and collaboration, and Slack takes the cake in the space of business communication.
With its searchable chats, message starring, easy drag-and-drop file sending and secure platform, Slack makes it easier and safer for teams to communicate virtually.
Project Management
7. Basecamp
Basecamp is a simple project management tool that puts everything in one place and allows teams to brainstorm and chat about ideas, track multiple projects, assign tasks, set up email alerts and access reports on upcoming and completed items.
Basecamp is great for smaller to medium-sized companies or teams looking for informal and easy-to-use software. While Trello has the edge in the visual component, Basecamp makes up ground on the communication front.
There are now three versions of Basecamp, so you may want to just start with the latest edition if you are new to the platform.
8. Smartsheet
Boasting that they are “Better than Excel,” Smartsheet is a powerful project management tool that is great for users who spend most of their time in Excel and/or working with Gantt charts. Smartsheet offers versatility in display formats, with styles including calendar style, Gantt chart and Kanban style, so users can choose the style that they are most comfortable with.
Smartsheet took what everyone is using – Excel – and made it better and easier to use by adding cloud collaboration, a chat function, powerful graphics tools and more.
9. Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project offers a robust project management experience complete with budget capabilities that allow project managers to make informed decisions. Task inspector is a function that lets users see how changes to any part of the project will affect the timeline and budget of the project. Microsoft Project also integrates well with other Office products, such as Excel, and allows for easy import and export of files.
There are many new and exciting project management tools, but Microsoft Project remains one of the most dependable for large-scale projects.
Automation
10. Nintex
The global leader in workflow content automation, Nintex makes it easy to automate processes throughout your organization. The drag-and-drop, code-free design experience makes it possible for users to build and publish workflows and forms easily and quickly.
The Nintex platform offers on-premises, cloud-based and mobile-based capabilities, making it easier to get work done from anywhere and everywhere. In addition, Nintex Analytics allows users to collect and analyze data at different points in a process, giving them the power to make more informed decisions about their existing workflows.
The Right Automation Tool For Your Processes
Every organization is different and each has specific needs. The productivity apps mentioned above do great things in their respective spaces. As an organization’s business need grows and evolves, so do the tools they use and their usage within them.
Sometimes you just need tools to help keep you organized. We get it. But if you’re serious about automation and making work easier, you need Nintex.
To find out how Nintex can help you automate your business processes, sign up for a free trial today.
