Should project automation software be integrated with cloud-based tools?

It depends on the business strategy and requirements... If the current application footprints (the ones that need to have automated workflow) then they will need to be on-prem/client-based. 

If there is an Org. level architecture requirement/strategy to move all platforms applications to the cloud then moving the automation processes will be a pre-requisite.

The product should also be flexible and scalable enough to use Cloud technologies like auto-scaling/ load balancing, etc. which will make it more resilient.

I agree with @Shlomi Kotv. It depends on your long-term infra development plan. 

If you plan to go into the private or public cloud also automation software should go there as well. 

In another case, you start facing losses in many fields beginning from bigger processing delays or even higher failures ratio, decreased systems reliability and so on.  

Should? 

Depends on the company strategy. In a long term, "yes". However, the RPA shouldn't be the "Go to Cloud" leader.

Managing all areas of a product is critical to success with the client base. 

If the UI is robust, but the backend is limited, then time needs to be spent on improvements for that area.

Hi @Madison Sophia Bennett, 

This is a very good query and my response is below:

The way I look at this is as follows: if my requirement necessitates the below points, the project automation software should be integrated.

- Collaboration. The ability to communicate and share information with team members about a project is a foundational element of project management.

- Task Management. The primary capability of all project management tools is all about creating lists of tasks that are tracked and managed as part of a given project.

- Time Tracking. Keeping track of time allocated and used for the project is an important project management capability.

- Scheduling. It’s not enough to just assign tasks; project management is also about scheduling due dates and managing deliverables. Typically project management tools use Gantt charts to visually illustrate a project schedule.

There are a number of key considerations to evaluate as part of a decision on cloud project management

- Features. The basics of project management, including scheduling, task creation, and project tracking, are part of all cloud-based project management tools. Beyond the basics, it’s important to identify if there are other required features that you need, whether it’s directly integrated billing or a specific type of collaboration capability.

- Integrations. Every organization is already using all kinds of different tools to get things done, whether it’s an existing collaboration, file sharing, customer relationship management, or another tool. Identify the tools that matter to your organization and make sure that the project management service you’re considering has integrations with them.

- Cost. Cloud-based tools are always driven by cost-per-user subscriptions. Consider the total cost to operate a given service as a key factor when evaluating different options.