Zoho Launches New Low-Code Workflow Automation Product

Workflow Automation and Zoho's Qntrl

Workflow automation has emerged as a significant trend this year. Zoho, recognized for its cost-effective business applications, has entered this space with Qntrl, a new low-code workflow product.

Targeting the Mid-Market

According to Rodrigo Vaca of Zoho, who leads Qntrl’s marketing efforts, many existing solutions are geared towards larger enterprises. Zoho aims to serve the mid-market segment with a product that demands less specialized technical skill than conventional business process management (BPM) tools.

“Our goal is to empower customers to visually construct their workflows without requiring prior expertise in BPM notation or related modeling techniques,” Vaca explained.

Technical Integration

While Qntrl may necessitate some technical assistance for integration with complex systems like CRM or ERP, it allows non-technical users to easily design workflows using a drag-and-drop interface. Further technical support can then finalize the implementation.

“Connecting to systems such as NetSuite or SAP will likely require a developer’s involvement. IT departments will also need to grant necessary access,” Vaca stated.

Accessibility and Functionality

This product aims to make workflow automation accessible to companies previously excluded due to complexity, or those relying on less sophisticated methods like spreadsheets. Qntrl enables users to drag and drop components, then configure actions for each stage of a workflow.

Furthermore, Qntrl offers a centralized hub for monitoring workflow progress and identifying responsible parties at any given moment.

Industry Trend

Major players like Microsoft, SAP, and ServiceNow have also introduced similar functionality in the past year, as low-code workflow automation gains prominence.

The shift towards automated workflows became particularly crucial during the pandemic, when remote work became widespread. This necessity drove companies to adopt more automation capabilities.

Simplifying Complexity

Brent Leary, principal analyst at CRM Essentials, notes that Zoho is focused on simplifying the user experience.

“Qntrl manages the security aspects, ensuring appropriate data and process access. This allows users to build workflows through drag-and-drop functionality without needing to address security concerns,” Leary commented.