Appian is primarily used for building workflows and low code applications.
Sr AVP - EXL Digital at EXL Services
It's flexible so you can reuse it for a variety of use cases
Pros and Cons
- "Appian helps you do a lot of things. It's easy to configure and build an application platform, and it offers a lot of features that you find in an RPA solution. It's flexible so you can reuse it for a variety of use cases."
- "While Appian is generally flexible, it's rigid in some ways. It takes longer to do something that isn't available out of the box."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
Appian helps you do a lot of things. It's easy to configure and build an application platform, and it offers a lot of features. It's flexible so you can reuse it for a variety of use cases.
What needs improvement?
While Appian is generally flexible, it's rigid in some ways, doesn't allow you lot of options to cutomize. It takes longer to do something that isn't available out of the box.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using Appian for a couple of years.
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Appian is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Appian is scalable. We have a few more ongoing deployments, so the number of users will definitely go up.
How are customer service and support?
There can be some improvement in support, start giving customer more importance than process
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
How was the initial setup?
The cloud version is managed by Appian, so it doesn't take a lot of time.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The cost of Appian varies depending on the kind of license, and there are no additional costs that I'm aware of.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Appian eight out of 10.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Director of national processing at a legal firm with 501-1,000 employees
Easy to set up with satisfactory stability and potentially will scale well
Pros and Cons
- "The initial setup was seamless. We didn't run into any hardships at all."
- "I would like to see more complete university tools. For example, with UiPath, I have had a good experience related to a free course in order to provide some users some different levels of knowledge. This extra training helps users not only use the solution but to develop further within the tool."
What is most valuable?
The initial setup was seamless. We didn't run into any hardships at all.
The solution's stability is pretty good.
While we haven't tried to scale yet, we see that there might be potential to do so in the future.
What needs improvement?
We've had some issues in regards to functionality.
We are currently facing some challenges regarding the potential of using more advanced instruction in order to compare items. We'd like to have more modules so that we can understand the solution a bit better.
I would like to see more complete university tools. For example, with UiPath, I have had a good experience related to a free course in order to provide some users some different levels of knowledge. This extra training helps users not only use the solution but to develop further within the tool.
For how long have I used the solution?
We're currently working with the solution in order to build a report on its usability. The solution is quite new to us.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability was satisfactory. We did have some issues regarding the connectivity. For example, in the conference room, there is no connection anywhere. We sometimes lose connection even when we don't have problems with our network. It's very strange. We don't know why this happens.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We believe the scalability will be good. It has a good perspective in order to escalate the durations, however, unfortunately, we haven't been able to test the market to measure the potential for expansion.
We are in the testing phase, however, if we do decide to deploy the product, our plan is to scale from 20 to 300 users in the near future.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
This is our first test regarding RPA. We don't have any other previous experience with other solutions.
How was the initial setup?
We found the initial setup to be quite straightforward and very easy. It was not complex in any way. A company shouldn't have issues implementing it.
To completely deploy everything took about a week. It wasn't too long of a process.
What about the implementation team?
We used consultants and our own IT department to handle the implementation.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The licensing will be on a monthly basis. We are estimating that cost to be around $2000 to maybe $3,000 per month. We don't foresee any costs above that.
What other advice do I have?
We're just a customer and an end-user. We don't have a relationship with the company.
Currently, we are in the middle of a test pilot. We have about 20 users experimenting with the solution as we speak.
I would recommend the solution to others. However, I would advise them to measure the requirements associated with the complexity of implementation related to how much coding they need, how complex their interactions will be. These variables may be factors when choosing which tool to use.
I would rate the solution at an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Buyer's Guide
Appian
November 2024
Learn what your peers think about Appian. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: November 2024.
816,406 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Manager Software Projects at a computer software company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Good interface with easy integration capabilities and a helpful mobile app
Pros and Cons
- "The product has a very good mobile app."
- "We have clients that want to use Office 365, Microsoft Analytics, and Power Apps. Appian just isn't the same as using something specifically designed to cater to the Microsoft Suite."
What is our primary use case?
We primarily use the solution for office automation purposes.
What is most valuable?
The Sites features are very nice. We use it extensively.
We have Tempo reports and we enjoy that it has Tempo functionality.
The interface is very good. Our clients really seem to like that.
The product has a very good mobile app.
Overall, the features of the product are very helpful.
It's a solution that doesn't really need a lot of coding, if at all. It's very drag-and-drop. That's what makes it so easy to use.
The product offers a lot of good integration capabilities.
What needs improvement?
We have clients that want to use Office 365, Microsoft Analytics, and Power Apps. Appian just isn't the same as using something specifically designed to cater to the Microsoft Suite.
The solution used to be a bit more difficult to use, but we've added Tempo and now everything is much easier. We can do things very quickly.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution for about 15 years or so. It's been well over a decade.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
As a person that's more in development, I've never tested the stability or noted any weakness in its reliability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I'm more on the development side of things and therefore haven't really been exposed to the scalability aspect of the solution. I don't know if it's possible or not.
How are customer service and technical support?
Currently, we don't have much of a need for technical support. I personally have never been in touch with them. I can't speak to their knowledgeability or responsiveness.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I don't deal with the financial aspect of the solution. I'm not sure how much it costs or if it is expensive or affordable.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I want to migrate to Microsoft PowerApps. I'm actually looking for the feasibility of migrating the existing Appian objects into PowerApps.
What other advice do I have?
We are Appian integration partners.
We have multiple clients using Appian, although some want to move over to Microsoft.
I would recommend the solution. It's quite easy to use, and the drag-and-drop functionality is great. For example, we have database records, and therefore we can easily pull the data from the database and connect and run the process. It's very easy when it's compared to previous versions. One thing to note, however, is that we do have a lot of memory. The memory has to be maintained and managed properly, otherwise, the system performance will come down.
I would rate the solution at a nine out of ten. There really is nothing like it on the market right now.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
Acquisitions Leader at a healthcare company with 10,001+ employees
Provides us with real-time data on all connected systems
Pros and Cons
- "It provides us with real-time data on all connected systems in terms of how they're integrated with each other and how they are performing in a workflow manner."
- "The graphical user interface could be easier to use. It should be simplified."
What is our primary use case?
We use this solution to provide us with real-time data on all connected systems — for a continuous process workflow.
Within our company, there are roughly 45 people using this solution — mostly developers. We have two admins that handle all maintenance-related issues.
How has it helped my organization?
Appian has enabled us tо аutоmаtе busіnеss рrосеssеs much faster sо thаt оur usеrs саn rерlісаtе thеm аnd use them on a daily basis to improve their productivity.
What is most valuable?
The most important and the most notable feature is that it provides us with real-time data on all connected systems in terms of how they're integrated with each other and how they are performing in a workflow manner.
What needs improvement?
The graphical user interface could be easier to use. It should be simplified. When we're dealing with a large number of complex applications, the user interface is not the best. There could be a simpler design especially when it comes to providing a view on handling large users/user groups.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Appian for two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
This solution is very stable and robust. The updates definitely work. I've never had to roll back an update.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It works very well actually across systems. It can work across multiple complex systems, as well. There's no problem when it comes to scaling up and scaling out. Still, the interconnections, in terms of provisions of real-time data, can be a little clunky as the current graphical user interface has some issues.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was fairly simple and straightforward. It's pretty much plug-and-play.
Deployment time depends on the environment and the use case. It can take anywhere from two weeks to six weeks.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
When it comes to connecting multiple systems, Appian fares much better compared to Pega.
What other advice do I have?
First, you have to understand the business logic behind all of your systems before you start developing and interconnecting the systems, and the process flows across the systems. That's the best advice I have.
Overall, on a scale from one to ten, I would give this solution a rating of eight.
In terms of the traffic, the user interface should be improved so that it provides real-time data for complex connections between systems. If that is improved, I would give this solution a higher rating. Otherwise, it's a very stable and very robust product.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Senior Software Engineer at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees
Enables quick development of code resulting in quicker turnaround time for automation
Pros and Cons
- "Low code development: Code can be developed pretty quickly which leads to less turnaround time for automation of business processes."
- "Architecture of product and scalabiility issues."
What is most valuable?
- Low code development: Code can be developed pretty quickly which leads to less turnaround time for automation of business processes.
- Ease of use: Any normal developer can pick up the development techniques pretty quickly.
- Regular updates: There are regular updates, as per market and as per client's requirements.
- Professional support: If you are stuck somewhere during the entire project lifecycle, the support team is ready anytime, so that timelines are met properly.
How has it helped my organization?
This product has helped in automating a lot of flows in a lot less time, which has actually reduced manual errors and enhanced quality assurance.
What needs improvement?
Architecture of product and scalabiility issues.
For how long have I used the solution?
For three years, from version 7.8 to 17.2.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Not much, but sometimes very minor issues on tier 0, 1 applications.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Not much, but again if high usage is not anticipated while gathering the requirements, the tool becomes slow sometimes, which is not good for tier 0 applications.
How are customer service and technical support?
10 out of 10.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
No, I didn't use any.
How was the initial setup?
It's straightforward, like any other normal tool installation or deployment.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I have no idea about this, as my senior management has been dealing with this.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Not before; but after I evaluated Pega.
What other advice do I have?
It's good to implement this product for automation.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Senior account executive at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Heavy on business processing in terms of logic, process workflows, and primarily on the process design modeler
Pros and Cons
- "It's heavy on business processing in terms of logic, process workflows, and primarily on the process design modeler. Appian is really great at that. In terms of the full stack set from a low-code platform perspective, it's definitely an eye opener since it can be deployed via mobile app and on the web as well."
- "What could be improved is more on the front end perspective, like the user interface and the mobile application aspect."
What is our primary use case?
For a majority of Appian use cases, it's more about business process workflow. Primarily, the ones that have high logic on the coding perspective and more on the backend processing. We deploy Appian in that particular setup.
We are using version 21 of Appian. For a majority of our customers, the solution is deployed on cloud.
What is most valuable?
It's heavy on business processing in terms of logic, process workflows, and primarily on the process design modeler. Appian is really great at that. In terms of the full stack set from a low-code platform perspective, it's definitely an eye opener since it can be deployed via mobile app and on the web as well.
What needs improvement?
What could be improved is more on the front end perspective, like the user interface and the mobile application aspect. It could be tweaked to make it more sexy or more appealing from business to consumer.
Appian has a good lineup of features already. Upfront, I believe there is also RPA intelligent document processing. We need to fully maximize those features with our customers, like how they can be focusing on the artificial intelligence or machine learning perspective, and the detailed or more advanced intelligent document processing. I believe right now they can only cater to PDF files, so maybe in the future other types of files can be processed.
For how long have I used the solution?
I am currently using Appian. We are a reseller of the solution.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Appian is stable as long as the design is properly worked on or the architectural design is based on the best practice. I think the best practices are being cascaded to us as a partner and with our clients as well.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
In terms of scalability and flexibility, it could be a mix of things. It's flexible in the sense that it can be upgraded or scaled initially or in a fast manner. But if it can be done abruptly, maybe due to processing or maybe even involvement internally, that would be some sort of cause for delay. So it's not fully scalable per se, but what is being offered by Appian is quite flexible enough to cater to the needs of our end users or customers.
How are customer service and support?
I believe technical support offers a premier support perspective. It's on a global setting, but maybe we can have a different setting for the Philippines. That's the angle we are looking into to work with our partner.
Overall, it's good. They are providing 24/7 support.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Appian is the first low-code platform that I've handled. I came from a hardware background.
How was the initial setup?
It's quite easy and fast specifically for a new client to onboard an Appian solution or Appian platform. It would be more like quick provisioning, primarily for all the environments involved. Appian is actually providing services also with the cloud set up.
Deployment depends on the complexity of the application. One or two people could deploy Appian given the circumstances of the full visibility or full awareness.
What was our ROI?
There's definitely an ROI on the usage of Appian. In terms of digital transformation, it could be people, processes, and technology. If it goes hand in hand, the client or the customer will be achieving their vision, goals, and objectives. We have clients that have that particular vision in mind, and they're actually in their ROI setting as well.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate this solution 9 out of 10.
For someone who is looking to implement Appian, my advice is definitely don't think twice. I mean, if you need automation, definitely there's a solution that would cater to their needs. As long as they know what they want or what they need to digitize, Appian would be there to support the transformation that their corporation or their company would be needing in the future. My advice is don't be scared of the changes and be open to the digital shift.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
System Administrator and DevOps Engineer at a tech services company with 10,001+ employees
The UI and its performance are very nice
Pros and Cons
- "In terms of interface, it's very good. In terms of infrastructure, it's amazing and already using multiple tools behind the scenes. It's a low-code platform, so it's very easy to implement."
- "It is also not easy to learn. Training tutorials could be improved."
What is our primary use case?
We are currently using the latest version. We are a low-code platform. Using this product we can easily deploy a process. It will easily create a business process in the minimum time and the minimum effort. It's easy to manage the Business Process Management (BPM) tool. We are Appian partners.
How has it helped my organization?
I cannot see any drawback in this actually. It's a market leader in BPM tools right now, Appian. Its UI and performance are very nice.
What is most valuable?
In terms of interface, it's very good. In terms of infrastructure, it's amazing and already using multiple tools behind the scenes. It's a low-code platform, so it's very easy to implement.
What needs improvement?
It is very expensive. It is also not easy to learn. Training tutorials could be improved.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Appian for the last three years. We use it on the cloud and on-premise. We have over 100 users using this tool.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is a stable product.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It's highly scalable and highly secure. We can also create distributed environments.
How are customer service and technical support?
The support is great. So actually I'm working as an Appian system administrator. We provide support to our clients.
How was the initial setup?
No, it's not that easy to install, it's a bit difficult to install. But it's a very powerful tool because this product it's a combination of multiple technologies. So that's why. Implementation is easy in the front end, but when we install it, it's not that straightforward. It takes about 45 minutes to one hour to install. I implemented it myself.
What about the implementation team?
I implemented Appian in-house.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
There are two ways to buy the Appian. For the on-premises you have to buy the license; or on the cloud, you have to pay per user. It's an enterprise tool and can be used by enterprises only. So it's a very expensive tool.
What other advice do I have?
If anyone has to work on a BPM, then it's the best tool, and it's currently the market leader in terms of BPM in our country. In the BPM category, I will rate 10 out of 10 for this product.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Other
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
IT senior consultant
Defines activity ownership, streamlining productivity; we can also see process bottlenecks
Pros and Cons
- "The Application Designer is very user friendly. There are also lot of plug-ins that you can use and, for the most part, they are free."
- "The reporting is not as good as in similar products. They could also improve the dashboards."
What is our primary use case?
We use for this solution for organizing and distribution for supermarkets, for coordinating the disposition of expired goods in the supermarket.
It is also used internally, to structure the budget; also for task scheduling and tracking.
How has it helped my organization?
It has improved the organization by defining activity ownership. When we give ownership to the right user, processes go very fast. Before it wasn't very good. It was slow. Now, with this application, you can see the bottlenecks, where the business processes is slow. There is a lot of information from it.
What is most valuable?
- I think the interface is a good feature because it's simple to use and you can quickly develop the users' interface.
- The Application Designer is also very user friendly.
- There are a lot of plug-ins that you can use and, for the most part, they are free.
What needs improvement?
Something they need to improve is, it is difficult to catch errors. When there's an administration error you can't catch the error, and it is there until the administrator addresses it. This is a problem because if you are the developer, you try to catch the error but you can't. The process will stop. There is a workaround but it would be pretty cool of you could catch the error before.
Another limit is the reporting. The reporting is not as good as in similar products. They need to improve on that side.
They could also improve the dashboards.
For how long have I used the solution?
One to three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
No issues with stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We haven't encountered any issues because we use small processes. We have not had any problem with the amount of work or data it can handle.
How are customer service and technical support?
Their technical support is good. There is a community which will, for the most part, answer problems. But if you have a big problem and you need support from Appian, they are a little slow, but they are good; they provide good answers.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We didn't have previous solution.
How was the initial setup?
No it was not complicated. It was simple.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It's good value for the price.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I only saw demos of Pegasystems and IBM. We selected between Pega, IBM, and Appian. Appian was cheaper than the others when we saw these three solutions. As of now, I don't know about the pricing.
What other advice do I have?
Be sure to use the product in the correct way and don't ask the product to make up for experience in BPM.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Updated: November 2024
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Learn More: Questions:
- What is your experience working with different BPM Software?
- Is Appian a suitable solution for beginners who have no additional preparation?
- Is it easy to set up Appian or did you have to resort to professional help?
- In comparison with Salesforce Platform and similar platforms, do you think Appian is expensive?
- Which HCM solution is better for a healthcare organization: SAP HCM, Appian, or Workday?
- What are areas for improvements for established BPM software tools and vendors?
- Which do you prefer - Appian or Camunda Platform?
- How would you estimate the ROI and cost-benefit analysis of Pega BPM versus Appian?
- Do you have any recommendation for design & architecture principles when building apps on Appian ?
- When evaluating Business Process Management, what aspect do you think is the most important to look for?