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Performing repetitive manual tasks wastes your team members' time and energy. These processes often also breed errors, which can turn costly, implying rework or subpar outcomes.
Organizations that leverage AI workflow automation tools can minimize these risks, enjoying more streamlined, efficient processes that drive productivity and excellent results.
Here, learn how workflow automation software is transforming how companies perform work, speeding up operations and improving accuracy. Discover the top 13 tools on the market, and learn about their features, perks, and drawbacks. Land on the ideal option for your organization.
The 13 best workflow automation tools in 2026
At baseline, all workflow automation tools aim to turn inefficient processes into high-performing ones, free of bottlenecks, needless app sprawl, and resource-consuming redundancies. But each software takes a distinct approach, with some focusing on third-party integrations and others on streamlining processes inherent to popular platforms.
Here's more on the top 13 products on the market.
Scribe Capture
Scribe Capture automatically captures workflows and turns them into user-friendly step-by-step guides---complete with screenshots and how-to documentation
Key features
- One-click auto-capture of web, desktop, and SaaS workflows
- AI-generated titles, descriptions, and step labels
- Instant shareable guides for training, onboarding, SOPs, and tickets
- Embeds into wikis, LMS, help centers, and internal tools
- Redaction settings to protect sensitive information
Pros
- Extremely fast, no code, frictionless
- Generates accurate single sources of truth
- Perfect for documenting processes before automating them
Cons
- Not an automation tool on its own
- Most functional with digital screen-based workflows
Best for
Onboarding, support enablement, IT documentation, change management, process mapping
Scribe Optimize
Scribe Optimize supports data-driven decision-making by pinpointing current inefficiencies and offering AI-powered process improvement insights with ROI estimates.
Key features
- AI insights on time-intensive steps, bottlenecks, and redundant manual work
- ROI-driving automation recommendations
- Workflow path analysis to show how work actually happens
- Iterative, post-automation monitoring and improvement loops
- Team-level dashboards
Pros
- Gives teams the visibility they need before choosing automation tools
- Prioritizes high-impact workflows
- Supports IT and ops in scaling automations
Cons
- Requires captured workflows to analyze
- Not an automation tool on its own
Best for
Ops, IT, process improvement, automation leads, and teams preparing for or scaling workflow automation
Zapier
Zapier automates workflows in thousands of applications, from Slack to Google Sheets.
Key features
- Massive library of app integrations
- Handles multistep workflows
- Allows users to set filters and logic (conditional rules)
Pros
- Easy-to-use no-code tool for non-technical teams
- Countless app integrations
- Can plug large language models (LLMs) and other AI tools directly into “zaps,” Zapier's term for automations
Cons
- Limited functionality on some integrations
- Costs rise with usage
- Can glitch if external application programming interfaces APIs fail
Best for
Non-technical teams that want to automate repetitive work in commonly used applications
Airtable Automations
Airtable Automation streamlines record-keeping by automating notifications and triggering other subsequent workflows when a record is marked complete.
Key features
- Record-driven triggers
- Supports multistep workflows
- Webhook capability (inter-app data transfer)
Pros
- Easy to use
- AI-driven features like LLM embedded in workflows
Cons
- Limited integrations
Can't handle the most complex workflows without other tools
Best for
Teams that already use Airtable
Asana Workflow Builder
Asana Workflow Builder automates routine tasks within Asana.
Key features
- Task-based triggers
- Rule templates (standard sets of conditions)
- Process bundles (the same automations can be applied to various projects)
Pros
- Simplicity for non-technical teams
- Built to function specifically with Asana
Cons
- Limited AI features compared to AI-native platforms like Scribe Capture and Scribe Optimize
- Few-cross systems automations
Best for
Project-based teams already using Asana
ServiceNow Flow Designer
ServiceNow Flow Designer is a business process automation tool that integrates with third-party applications.
Key features
- Easy drag-and-drop flow builder
- Subflows and integration actions
Pros
- No-code
- Powerful for IT service management and HR teams
Cons
- Too heavy for simple use cases
- Functions better with the full ServiceNow stack
Best for
Large enterprises with complex IT or service workflows.
Workato
Workato is a low-code/no-code automation tool that allows teams to automate cross-system workflows.
Key features
- Advanced automation across apps and data
- Strong governance
Pros
- Enterprise-ready
- Perfect for AI-driven workflows
Cons
- Can be too expensive and complex for some teams
- May require technical management
Best for
Enterprises with massive cross-system workflows
HubSpot Operations Hub
HubSpot Operations Hub automates data syncs, revenue operations, and data quality workflows inside HubSpot.
Key features
- Two-way sync (automatic changes across connected systems)
- Programmable automations
- Data cleaning
Pros
- Great for HubSpot ecosystems
- Improves data reliability
Cons
- Many paid features
- Limited functionality outside of the HubSpot CRM
Best for
RevOps and operations teams already using HubSpot
Pipefy
Pipefy is a non-code workflow management platform for automating business processes.
Key features
- Drag-and-drop pipelines and phases
- Templates for finance, HR, and procurement
Pros
- Very flexible
- User-friendly
Cons
- High pricing on advanced features
- So much flexibility can generate inconsistency
Best for
Operations and services teams managing request-based workflows
Smartsheet
Smartsheet is a cloud-based platform for work management and collaboration, featuring dashboards, reporting, and automation.
Key features
- Approval workflows
- Reminders and update requests
- Dashboards and reports
Pros
- Helpful for project-focused teams
- Ideal for enterprise adoption
Cons
- More focused on work management than on integrating with existing tools
- Cross-system automations are limited
Best for
Collaborative organizations that rely on dashboard visibility
Jira Automation
Jira Automation supports development, project, and IT teams by automating workflows inside Jira.
Key features
- Triggers, rules, and conditions
- Templates for common issue automation
Pros
- Intended for Jira
- Easy-to-use
Cons
- Limited functionality outside of the Atlassian stack
- Cross-system automations may demand other tools
Best for
Software and IT teams managing development workflows and tickets
Microsoft Power Automate
Microsoft Power Automate is a low-code automation tool for Microsoft 365, Dynamics, and Azure.
Key features
- Flow builder
- Deep integrations with Microsoft tools
- Robotic process automation (RPA) for legacy tools
Pros
- Ideal for Microsoft environments
- Enterprise-grade tool
Cons
- Limited AI features compared to Scribe Capture and Scribe Optimize
- Complex workflows may need scripting
- Can face performance issues on large automations
Best for
Enterprise IT and business teams using Microsoft ecosystems
Make
Make is a visual automation builder that streamlines complex business processes.
Key features
- Drag-and-drop scenario builder
- Branches, loops, and conditions
- API and HTTP modules
Pros
- Powerful
- Flexible
- Good value for large organizations
Cons
- Limited AI features compared to platforms like Scribe Capture and Scribe Optimize
- Steep learning curve
Best for
Teams wanting advanced logic without coding
How Scribe supports smarter workflow automation
Workflow automation won't drive results if integrated into broken underlying processes. With Scribe, you can identify inefficiencies before implementing automation tools, maximizing their potential to boost productivity.
Scribe Capture helps teams document processes and create detailed SOP guides. Leveraging insights from Workflow AI, Scribe Optimize provides recommendations on potential workflow simplifications. Instead of relying on gut instincts, make data-backed decisions about which processes to automate.
Choosing a tool that delivers real impact
Workflow automation tools deliver the most value when they agilely integrate into organizations' existing systems, without demanding infrastructure overhaul or unprecedented expenses.
The right tool for your organization is the one that responds to your needs, optimizing processes while staying on budget.
FAQs
How do workflow automation tools work?
Workflow automation tools run on if/then commands, triggering sequential tasks based on set rules and conditions.
Which business processes can be automated?
Common use cases for business process automation are HR (onboarding), customer service (ticket requests and chatbots), marketing (triggered messaging), finance (payroll and invoicing), and IT (ticket management).
How do I compare workflow automation tools?
Compare tools based on their level of integration with your most commonly-used applications, ease-of-use, and cost.
What is the difference between workflow automation and integration?
Automation triggers tasks on if/then logic, and integrations share data across different apps or systems.
