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Appian is commonly used for low-code automation, but it's not the only option. This article compares 5 leading Appian competitors: Bizagi, Pega, Power Automate, ServiceNow, and Camunda, each catering to different business needs.
Appian is a software platform that helps organizations build and deploy applications that support better business operations. Key features include process automation, artificial intelligence, data fabric and process intelligence. They operate across industries but place particular focus on financial services and the public sector.
As with any company or technology platform, it’s about finding one that is the best fit for you and your requirements. Here are a few things that might be worth considering if you are evaluating Appian:
Steep learning curve
Appian is generally considered to have an intuitive interface for business users to create simple solutions, however more advanced features or complex workflows require users with a more technical background to learn Appian Expression Language (SAIL), putting more pressure on IT to support process automation projects.
“Appian’s focus on delivering automation of complex scenarios means that some customers report a steep learning curve and a need for specialized developer skills.” - Gartner 2023 LCAP MQ
Expensive pricing model
Appian is priced per user, per month, per app making it quite a costly option for organizations with many users and automations. In addition, AI, Copilot, AI Skills, Process mining, RPA, ML, and many other capabilities come at an additional cost.
Limited customization
Although advanced users can customize using code, customization options are limited, and businesses may require additional development or third-party solutions for advanced functionality.
Bizagi is a low-code platform used to orchestrate business processes using enterprise apps with built-in AI. Bizagi is often described as intuitive and business-friendly which boosts collaboration between business and IT teams, delivering quicker results.
Why choose Bizagi over Appian?
Intuitive to learn
Bizagi’s user experience makes it easy for people with different skills to work on process automation projects at every stage:
Lower total cost of ownership
Bizagi operates a consumption-based pricing model allowing organizations to have unlimited users and apps meaning they can start small and scale as the business’ automation needs grow.
“Pricing is clear and transparent and provides an inexpensive starting point for commitment.”— Forrester, 2023 DPA Wave
Shared success model
Bizagi’s pricing model also promotes a shared success approach where Bizagi is committed to customer success and being a true partner in your projects.
Find out why Bizagi is a leader in process automation
Like others in this list, Pega’s platform is designed to help organizations streamline operations by automating complex business processes. A key differentiator is its integration of CRM capabilities alongside process automation—something not all platforms in this space offer.
Why choose Pega over Appian?
Industry-specific solutions
Pega offers a range of industry-specific frameworks that include prebuilt components, regulatory models, and process templates. These can accelerate implementation in certain sectors, though their relevance and usefulness will depend heavily on the specifics of the organization’s needs.
Complex case management needs
Pega is generally well-regarded for its ability to handle advanced case management, particularly where processes are highly dynamic, rules-driven, or span multiple departments and stages.
Built-in AI
Pega includes native decisioning and Next-Best-Action (NBA) capabilities as part of its platform.
Microsoft Power Automate is a cloud-based automation platform designed to help individuals and organizations automate and optimize business processes using minimal coding.
Why choose Microsoft Power Automate over Appian?
Lower cost
Microsoft is a cost-effective option for organizations already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem
Power Automate integrates natively with other Microsoft tools (e.g. Outlook, SharePoint, Excel) making connecting data sources simple.
User-friendly for non-technical users
Power Automate is designed for non-developers to create simple apps, which means its limits should be investigated before considering complex use cases. It offers a drag-and-drop interface, formula-based logic and lots of prebuilt templates, making it perfect for individual productivity and small team projects.
ServiceNow is a cloud-based platform that provides digital workflows to automate and manage business operations. It is probably best known for IT management but provides solutions for other business areas including customer service and HR.
Why choose ServiceNow over Appian?
IT Service Management (ITSM) focus
ServiceNow is purpose-built for IT operations. If your primary need is ITSM, ITOM, or ITBM (e.g., incident, problem, change, asset management), ServiceNow is often the de facto standard.
Single data model
ServiceNow’s single data model provides a unified view of organizational data, enhancing data quality and simplifying cross-department collaboration, data management and governance.
Mature marketplace
The ServiceNow Store includes over 2,000 certified apps, plugins, and integrations. These can help reduce development effort and extend platform functionality, though the actual impact on time-to-value will vary depending on the specific use case and implementation.
Camunda is an open-source process automation platform designed to model, automate, and monitor business processes. Key capabilities include BPMN process design, workflow and decision automation and process monitoring.
Why choose Camunda over Appian?
Open architecture
Camunda offers open-source versions and extensive customization via code for skilled developers.
Modular integration approach
Camunda’s open architecture supports easy integration with external systems, APIs, and event streams.
Process control & transparency
Camunda gives full visibility into process instances: you can track every step, variable, and transition.
Skills amongst your build team
Consider the technical capabilities of the individuals who will design, build, and maintain your automation solutions. If your team is made up of business users or citizen developers, you’ll want a low-code platform that offers a drag-and-drop interface, templates, and reusable components, whereas if you’ve got experienced developers on board you can opt for a solution that requires more coding but gives greater control.
"The most successful automation solutions are built on platforms that bridge the gap between business and IT. By enabling collaboration between process owners and technical teams, organizations empower both less-technical stakeholders and IT experts to co-create solutions that truly align with business needs." – Alex George, VP of Customer Success – Bizagi
Process complexity
Are you looking to automate simple rules-based tasks with minimal variation or are you dealing with more complex, dynamic processes that involve multiple approvals and exceptions? Consider whether the process requires real-time data, human-in-the-loop decisions, or cross-departmental coordination, which might demand more robust and flexible platforms.
Budget
When evaluating which platform is best suited to your budget it’s important to look beyond the initial licensing fees and determine the total cost of ownership. Look at:
Licensing models
Is the platform priced per-user, per-process, or per-usage? Do you have the ability to scale up or down based on the changing needs of your business?
Additional costs
Factor in costs for training, maintenance, integrations, additional modules, or vendor support.
ROI potential
Consider the time to value and long-term ROI the platform could deliver.
Security and governance needs
Security is paramount for any organization as data breaches can have serious implications on brand trust and the bottom line. When making your decision consider:
Data encryption
Is data fully encrypted both in transit and at rest?
Access controls
Are there robust, role-based access controls to restrict data to authorized users only?
Incident response
Does the platform support rapid detection, response, and recovery in the event of a security incident?
Regulatory compliance
Does the solution comply with the relevant industry standards and legal requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2)?
Audit and accountability
Are detailed audit logs available to monitor and trace user activity and system changes?
Appian is a powerful platform, but it’s not the only one capable of driving automation success. Whether you prioritize cost, usability or flexibility, it's worth evaluating whether one of their competitors could be a better fit.
Want to know if Bizagi is right for your automation initiative? Get in touch.