Appian vs OpenText Process Automation comparison

Appian is a unified low-code platform and solution used by businesses to build enterprise applications and workflows. This product adapts to the needs of clients and the technologies they are already using to combine their data in a single workflow and maximize resources. The platform has four main components through which it transforms the work process for companies of various sizes. They are:

• Complete automation: Through complete automation, companies are able to coordinate and manage employees, existing systems, bots, data, and artificial intelligence (AI) in a single workflow. The solution offers a way to centrally manage all third-party automation vendors as well.
  
  
• Low-code applications: Appian offers the ability to build applications faster with visual development and low-code tools. All applications are ready-made to be suitable for mobile.
  
  
• Low-code data: Appian lets companies source data from multiple types of sources, eliminating the need for data migration. Through no-code and low-code solutions and industry-standard connectors, the platform also eliminates the need for data silos.
  
  
• Enterprise ready: The platform offers options for companies to scale their businesses to an enterprise level without complications.

Appian is utilized across a diverse set of industries, including automotive and manufacturing, energy and utilities, education, financial services, telecom and media, transportation, retail, insurance, healthcare, and life sciences. The most frequent use cases of Appian are customer journey, governance, risk and compliance, operational efficiency, supply chain, distributed order management, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management.

Appian Features

Appian has various features that allow users to create solutions for their businesses. These features can be separated into a few groups according to function, including automation, low-code application development, and integrations and data. Some of the most frequently used features of Appian include:

• Robotic process automation (RPA): Users of Appian can assign software bots to perform rules-based tasks that need to be repeated over a set course of time. This can improve efficiency and performance within an organization while saving human resources.
  
  
• Intelligent document processing: The tool offers a feature for quick and accurate extraction and structuring of data. This can reduce time and costs for organizations because it eliminates the need for outsourcing such services.
  
  
• AI: Appian utilizes artificial intelligence to enhance applications, workflows, and automation. AI is also used to address complex processes and unique situations.
  
  
• Business rules: Organizations can automate and simplify work processes while adhering to their operating procedures.
  
  
• Application development: Appian provides a low-code development feature that allows users to deploy applications over ten times faster than through conventional approaches. This feature not only allows for quick application building, but also applications that run on multiple types of platforms, seamless data integration, and business scalability.
  
  
• Integrations and data: Appian allows for data integration from a wide array of sources without the need for migration. This contributes to easy access to data across systems, real-time data insights, improved user experience, and accelerated development.

Appian Benefits

The benefits of using Appian include:

• The solution ensures seamless organization growth, as it supports various UX patterns, common data schemes, and upgrades, used to facilitate application development on a bigger scale.
  
  
• Appian can increase process speed and deliver applications considerably faster compared to conventional development.
  
  
• The platform is easy to use and suitable for complete beginners to build applications and workflows.
  
  
• Appian offers a variety of design tools that facilitate development and deployment.
  
  
• Appian offers detailed real-time data insight which allows organizations to access relevant information about their processes as they are developing.
  
  
• The solution offers clients the ability to move data between the cloud, on-premise, and hybrid configurations.
  
  
• The platform is easy to optimize, which allows businesses to utilize it according to their personal needs.
  
  
• Appian offers connectivity across web, mobile, email, voice, and chat, providing a multi-channel experience for companies and their clients.

Reviews from Real Users

A practice leader - digital process automation at a computer software company values Appian highly because the product is easy to develop, low-code, and has a good user interface.

Alan G., an advisory board member at Codecon VR, Appian offers a clear application life cycle, easy to learn documentation, and comes with a fundamentals course.

OpenText Process Automation offers a low-code environment for efficient development, enhanced by strong integration, dynamic case management, and OCR technology to streamline business processes across industries.

OpenText Process Automation provides a comprehensive platform for improving business processes with features that allow for significant time reduction through a low-code development environment. It integrates seamlessly with third-party systems, enabling dynamic case management and effective monitoring capabilities. By incorporating OCR technology, it enhances efficiency and lowers costs. Users benefit from its centralized architecture, which brings together diverse tools to streamline operations. Its BPM modules support automation in supply chain and vendor processes, leading to widespread implementation. Known for its stability and scalability, it also receives positive feedback for its reliable support. However, there are areas needing enhancement, such as improved low-code features, better integration, and a desire for a unified UI with better mobile compatibility. There is a call for an archival function to address database growth and concerns about pricing and performance related to the BPMN 2.0 model. Potential improvements include AI integration and enhanced modeling in the low-code platform.

• Low-Code Development: Enables user-friendly development and faster deployment.
• Third-Party Integration: Works well with systems like SAP and Salesforce.
• OCR Technology: Streamlines processes by enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.
• Dynamic Case Management: Adapts to complex workflows and changing conditions.
• Centralized Architecture: Integrates multiple tools, streamlining operations.

• Efficiency: Significantly reduces development time.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Lowers operational costs through process optimization.
• Scalability: Grows alongside organizational demands without performance loss.
• Reliability: Offers stable operations with robust support.
• Integration Capabilities: Seamlessly links with existing systems to enhance functionality.

OpenText Process Automation is implemented in industries like insurance, banking, and manufacturing for tasks such as invoice processing, accounts payable, cash management, and supply chain automation. It enables integration with systems like SAP and Salesforce, offering on-premises or cloud deployment, enhancing workflows and document orchestration.