AWS Step Functions Reviews

Name: AWS Step Functions
Brand: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Rating: 4.1 (12 reviews)

4.1 out of 5

12 reviews
81% willing to recommend

What is AWS Step Functions?

AWS Step Functions enables orchestration of complex workflows, parallel task execution, and seamless integration with AWS services, simplifying ETL automation and data pipeline management.

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AWS Step Functions is the #11 ranked solution in BPM Software and #13 ranked solution in top Workload Automation solutions. PeerSpot users give AWS Step Functions an average rating of 8.2 out of 10. AWS Step Functions is most commonly compared to Camunda: AWS Step Functions vs Camunda. AWS Step Functions is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 78% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 33% of all views.

Helped 831,020 peers since 2012

Featured reviews

Carlos Alberto Marangon

Senior AWS Tech Lead at Nextios

Step Functions provide seamless integration with AWS services, which enhances the speed of application development. The JSON app launched recently allows us to define data execution more easily. The Standard Workflows feature includes error replay capabilities, which are crucial for efficient error management. The Amazon State Language (ASL) in JSON format facilitates workflow automation and accelerates the deployment of Step Functions.

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Mahender Nirwan

Software developer at TAIGLE LLC

There are two main features I like. You can use the UI or write basic JSON to define the workflow. If you write JSON, it converts it into a visual workflow in the UI. This allows you to visualize what's happening. When you get an error, it's easy to find in any large workflow, and debugging is also pretty easy. I like their UI, to be honest. It has the best profit UI.

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Vladimir Shilov

DevSecOps at Ciklum ApS

I use Amazon Step Functions to visually design and simplify the development of functions, automate various tasks, and coordinate workflows across different AWS services. I also use it to streamline the development of my Azure tool by visually orchestrating Lambda Functions and integrating them with…

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AWS Step Functions mindshare

Product category:

As of January 2025, the mindshare of AWS Step Functions in the Business Process Management (BPM) category stands at 2.3%, down from 3.6% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Business Process Management (BPM)

PeerAnalyst reports

Type	Title	Date
Category	Business Process Management (BPM)	Jan 17, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Jan 17, 2025	Download
Comparison	AWS Step Functions vs Camunda	Jan 17, 2025	Download
Comparison	AWS Step Functions vs Apache Airflow	Jan 17, 2025	Download
Comparison	AWS Step Functions vs Pega Platform	Jan 17, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Camunda	4.1	22.2%	89%	77 interviews Add to research
Appian	4.2	6.5%	95%	59 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

AWS Step Functions integrates with AWS services, enabling scalable parallel task execution via the "map" state. Its graphical user interface simplifies pipeline creation and debugging. Users value the JSON feature that visualizes workflows and manages errors efficiently. Historical event control, microservice integration, and the Amazon State Language in JSON aid workflow automation. Its advanced workflows streamline application development by ensuring consistent orchestration and reducing delays. The UI is appreciated for system visualization and debugging ease.

"Overall, I would rate AWS Step Functions at least nine out of ten."
"The JSON app launched recently allows us to define data execution more easily."
"AWS Step Functions offers advanced workflows that save time and enhance efficiency by reducing delays and ensuring consistent orchestration among various services."

Room for Improvement

AWS Step Functions needs improvements in data limit and pricing structure. Users find the 256 KB data limit restrictive and request more data transformation features. They encounter challenges with third-party integrations, licensing, and ecosystem dependency. Integration with IDEs, profiling, logging, and visibility into processes could be enhanced. Concerns about payload size also exist, requiring alternative data handling strategies. Additional integrations and a dynamic coding platform are desired to increase functionality.

"One area for improvement is the payload size. Currently, I sometimes have to save data as a file since I cannot pass it within Step Functions, necessitating caching in processes."
"Increasing the payload size would be beneficial."
"It is difficult to suggest improvements at the moment."

ROI

Users reported a significant boost in task automation and orchestration efficiency using AWS Step Functions, resulting in reduced time-to-market and lower operational costs. They highlighted how AWS Step Functions improved workflow management and scalability, contributing to better resource allocation and process optimization. Users also noted enhanced integration with other AWS services, streamlining complex applications and increasing overall productivity. The simplified development and monitoring of microservices further added value, resulting in substantial returns.

Pricing

AWS Step Functions pricing is perceived as both flexible and complex, depending on service consumption. Charges are based on the number of requests and duration, with additional factors like data transfers influencing costs. Users often find it cheaper than alternatives like Azure Workflow, but some consider it expensive due to numerous pricing variables. Proper configuration can lead to average costs, and it's seen as cost-effective when used efficiently. Pricing clarity and control remain common concerns among enterprises.

"The solution is expensive."
"The solution's price is reasonable."

Popular Use Cases

AWS Step Functions is primarily used for orchestrating data pipelines, executing parallel processes, and automating workflows by integrating multiple AWS services. It helps manage ETL jobs, microservices, and API integrations, ensuring seamless orchestration and handling interdependencies. Users leverage it for visual design, efficient workflow coordination, and cost-saving possibilities by utilizing AWS's serverless features. The tool facilitates infrastructure-related orchestration, execution of tasks rapidly, and automation of multi-step processes across various environments.

Service and Support

AWS Step Functions customer service is available and helpful, though can be more responsive. Tickets are often raised for limit issues, with support generally rated high. Larger organizations receive critical support, while others mention timely fixes for library issues. Enterprise support is praised for quick responses, but regular support can be expensive. Interaction with business support is limited to chat or web, maintaining quality.

Deployment

Many find AWS Step Functions' initial setup simple, utilizing its GUI for efficient configuration while deployment time varies based on dependencies. Some experience challenges initially but gain confidence with more practice, especially when familiarizing themselves with ASL and connector features. Newcomers to AWS may find it difficult, requiring days to adapt. Setup via JSON or interface is comparable to other AWS services, and it typically requires minimal maintenance, with solutions like Terraform influencing ease.

Scalability

AWS Step Functions offer a highly scalable experience, suitable for various team sizes. Users consistently appreciate its ability to handle significant demand fluctuations. It automatically scales to accommodate numerous simultaneous requests, adapting swiftly to surges in demand. Many organizations trust its performance, noting its effective scalability during high-demand periods. It's rated favorably by users, with strong confidence in its capacity to support large-scale operations efficiently.

Stability

AWS Step Functions are described as highly stable, receiving ratings from seven to ten out of ten for stability. Users emphasize its reliability, indicating no significant stability issues. The service spans multiple availability zones, ensuring continuity by shifting demand if one zone fails, which underscores its high availability. Companies implement strategies for managing stability, focusing on reliable integration and maintaining uptime through automatic restoration and additional instances, enhancing operational assurance.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our AWS Step Functions Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

33%

Computer Software Company

10%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Healthcare Company

Insurance Company

Government

Retailer

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Media Company

University

Educational Organization

Non Profit

Real Estate/Law Firm

Comms Service Provider

Transportation Company

Construction Company

Hospitality Company

Legal Firm

Engineering Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Marketing Services Firm

Outsourcing Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Compare AWS Step Functions with alternative products

Learn more about AWS Step Functions

With AWS Step Functions, developers streamline task automation and ensure smooth microservices orchestration. It simplifies development and manages interdependencies, validates data, and integrates AWS services for cost-effective workflows. It offers a user-friendly graphical interface for creating pipelines, scalable parallelization via the "map" state, control over historical events, and visualization with JSON. Enhanced by a dashboard-like view, it aids in visual workflows and debugging.

What are the most valuable features?

Seamless AWS Integration: Easily integrates with the entire AWS suite for efficient workflow creation.
User-Friendly Graphical Interface: Simplifies creating and managing workflows with visual tools.
Scalable Parallelization: Utilizes the "map" state for efficient parallel processing tasks.
Control Historical Events: Manages and controls historical data and events effectively.
Visualization and Debugging: Provides a dashboard-like view to enhance understanding and debugging.

What are the benefits and ROI to look for?

Streamlined Development: Simplifies orchestration and automates task management.
Cost-Effective Workflows: Creates efficient, cost-saving workflows by integrating with AWS services.
Enhanced Data Validation: Ensures data correctness by managing interdependencies.
Automation of ETL Jobs: Automates data extraction, transformation, and loading processes seamlessly.

In specific industries such as finance, healthcare, and e-commerce, enterprises implement AWS Step Functions to manage data pipelines, orchestrate microservices, and automate complex ETL jobs. They benefit from seamless integration with AWS services, enhanced data validation, and streamlined development, resulting in efficient and cost-effective workflows tailored to their operational needs.

AWS Step Functions was previously known as Amazon Step Functions, Step Functions.