Workflow Applications - Process Maker

The need to build work flow automation applications, is more than 2 decades old, and several tools have to tried to accomplish this feat. Many programmers will attempt to achieve work flow automation using various programming languages, such as PhP, Java, C or .net 

In this post, i ll review Process Maker, a commercial/Open Source Application. 

ProcessMaker is a simple, cost-effective, open source workflow software solution. Also known as business process management (BPM) software, ProcessMaker helps organizations of all sizes to easily design, automate, and deploy approval-based business processes.

Pros

Active forum

Process maker has sample applications

The web based GUI is 

Open source

There is a 30 day Cloud based Trial version
Pentaho Business Intelligence reports
Good Webinars

Cons

The community is not yet large

It has no market place similar to the iphone store
The open source version has no reports

"A review of Software Applications"

This is going to be a review of various software tools, that a user both Technical or non Technical will find effective in their day to day activities.

For Purposes of this Post, i will start by reviewing Automation Anywhere: Feel free to send your posts or suggestions.

Automation Anywhere

Website: http://www.automationanywhere.com

Pricing: $ 695 - 7,000

Platform: Windows

Software Brief: 

Automation Anywhere is an intelligent automation program that enables you to automate complex tasks without any programming. You can either record keyboard and mouse activity or create detailed automation scripts with the help of wizards. The software comes with built-in scheduler, repeat options, multiple variable and debugging support, as well as support for task-chaining, conditional IF statements, file, system and Internet commands. Advanced users can also integrate external scripts within an Automation Anywhere script to automate even more complex tasks.

Good Points

• This software is very good having used it for three years, i find it a must have utility for anyone with a series of repetitive tasks.
• The Software has very good technical support
• Ability to encapsulate tasks and send them via email
• 3rd party API integration

Bad Points

• Only runs on Windows
• Crashes every once in a while, especially for windows intensive tasks. Its always good to use commands for certain processes that do not require the Graphical User Interface
• Requires Advanced custom programming for several tasks
• Inability to print scripts or story boards
• The software has some bugs which can be avoided by custom coding

Brownie points (Out of Ten)

7

About me

Cavin is a Software Developer, who plays golf on weekends to keep healthy. I was introduced to computing in 1992, by a programmer, who gave me a few tips.

Cavin is conversant with several programming languages, Web Development Tools, Database Management Systems, Network Design, Setup and Configuration, his major interest is in development of Information Systems that are not just efficient but also effective in meeting organizational requirements and objectives.

Cavin is a researcher in ICT for Development.

Selected Publications:

Open Source Software can be the steam engine for Africa
The emerging role of Open Source Software in e Learning
I.T. Strategies for Micro Finance Institutions
A web based Decision Support System for Agriculture
Analysis of e Agriculture initiatives in India


Education:

Master of Science Information Systems: 2004
Management of IT Projects (ITIL) 2003
Bachelor of Computer Science: 2002

Email: 
mugarurac@gmail.com