Visual workflow builder to automate your business processes
You can automate email notifications, add and update records, restrict form fields, integrate with third-party apps, and much more using our visual workflow builder—no coding needed.
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What is a visual workflow builder?
Visual workflow builders are tools that let you automate time-consuming and repetitive tasks with ease, using a simple drag-and-drop interface. This visual development environment eliminates technological barriers and empowers everyone to build applications that solve real-time business problems.
Zoho Creator's visual workflow builder is built upon low-code technology. It is a platform that enables a visual representation approach to application development. This WYSIWYG model allows you to automate everything—send instant SMSes, set field values, push data to Salesforce, link to PayPal, and more, with just a few clicks./p>
Benefits of a visual workflow builder
Accelerated automation
Creating a visual workflow helps you design workflows quickly and automate tasks with ease. Our platform allows you to streamline your business processes, eliminating manual tasks and reducing errors. The drag-and-drop interface makes automating even the most complex processes simple and efficient. A visual workflow provides a visual representation of your team's processes, making it easier to identify inefficiencies and improve overall performance.
Easy maintenance
Maintaining and updating workflows is effortless with our tool. Anyone on your team can modify records, adjust workflows, or implement changes—no coding required. This flexibility ensures that our workflows grow and adapt with your business needs.
One stop shop
With our platform, you can manage every aspect of your business operations from a single tool. Our visual workflow builder enables you to create workflows, build databases, automate tasks, and generate reports—all in just a few clicks.
Democratization of process automation efforts
Creating visual workflows makes it easy for your team to stay aligned. If you’re working on complex projects and optimizing daily tasks, everyone will have a clear view of each step. This clarity boosts team productivity and ensures seamless collaboration.
More than your usual visual workflow builder
It is designed for both business owners and developers. With no-code and low-code options, you can easily build and modify workflows to suit your needs. You don’t need technical expertise to manage complex workflows—we’ve made it simple and accessible.
Efficient process management
With the visual workflow builder, managing complex processes becomes intuitive. Break down workflows into clear, actionable steps, automate where needed, and stay organized. This leads to more efficient operations and minimizes manual errors.
How to build visual workflows
Every workflow consists of three parts—an action, an event, and a trigger. Mapping your business requirements to these components is the most important step in creating workflows. Once the mapping is done, building workflows becomes a cakewalk.
Action
Any task that needs to be automated, like sending an email notification, an approval process, or a meeting.
Event
Specifies the instance at which a task has to be carried out, like sending an email notification when a record is created.
Trigger
The user input that initiates the workflow, like when a record is created upon form submission.
Zoho Creator, a visual workflow builder for every need
- Forms
- Schedules
- Approvals
- Payments
- Custom Functions
Visual workflow builder for Forms
Forms are the basic structure for creating any application on our visual workflow builder. They let you create forms, import data, add fields, set triggers, and perform actions. In short, they help you make sense of your data; all visually.
Visual workflow builder for Schedules
As the name suggests, this allows you to create workflows for tasks that are constrained to different schedules, without any user input. You can set up a schedule to send anniversary wishes to employees, welcome emails to prospects, SMS notifications updating shipment details to customers, and more.
Visual workflow builder for Approvals
This is a dedicated workflow builder for all approval requests, ranging from assignment submission to visa documentation. You can add single or multilevel approvals based on filters, and even add actions to be performed upon approvals or rejections.
Visual workflow builder for Payments
All payment related workflows, like selling subscriptions, collecting registration fees, sending purchase orders, and more, can be created using this option. All you have to do is configure a payment gateway, and then create the payment workflow. And that's it, you're good to go with all your financial transactions.
Visual workflow builder for Custom Functions
For more complex workflows, you can use the functions feature—which lets you create functions and invoke them using Java or Deluge (our in-house scripting language) statements whenever required. This feature provides more customizability options for professional developers and businesses that require more complex applications.
One of my favorite Zoho features has got to be the ability to basically change anything I want, create anything I want on the fly. Its seamless. Its easy. Its efficient.
Zoho Creator brings an integral solution to the company, and it is user-friendly regardless of each employee’s study level or computer skills.
We didn’t face great challenges in switching to Creator. Because, once built, it was child’s play for our teams to work on the Creator app. It gave us minimal scope for manual errors and greater accountability.
Data management
Easily build and manage your databases. Import data from Excel, migrate from MS Access, or use ready-to-go templates. Automate your data handling to save time and eliminate manual errors.
Learn moreIntegrations
Connect with your favorite tools like CRMs, payment gateways, and APIs. Sync everything in just a few clicks and keep your workflows smooth without switching between apps.
Learn moreCustomized application development
Quickly build apps tailored to your business. Automate workflows, streamline operations, and cut down on development time—10x faster than traditional methods..
Learn moreEnterprise-grade security
Keep your data secure with end-to-end encryption and cloud backups. Focus on your business knowing your information is safe and easily recoverable.
Learn morePrebuilt applications
Start fast with 60+ prebuilt apps. Customize templates for project management, CRM, and more. Automate tasks and get your business moving quicker.
Learn moreAutomation made easy with a powerful visual workflow builder
Try for freeFrequently Asked Questions
What is a visual workflow?
A visual workflow is a setup that allows users to build every aspect of their workflow visually, using simple drag-and-drops and point-and-clicks.
What is a workflow builder?
A workflow builder is a visual tool that allows people to automate tasks by creating custom workflows. Workflow builders follow the WYSIWYG model, and makes it easy for anyone to automate tasks.
How can visual workflows help project managers improve the efficiency of business operations and time management?
In a business operation, visual workflows help project managers identify bottlenecks and remove them, ensuring a smoother flow of work. By mapping out each step visually, teams can instantly see where delays might occur and take action. This approach also helps businesses improve communication and easily track progress among the team.
How do I create a workflow system?
Although it depends on the use case, there are usually 5 to 6 steps involved. Here's what we recommend:
- Recognize the repetitive tasks in your business.
- Sketch the workflow of the processes and define the requirements.
- Identify the action, event, and trigger.
- Choose a workflow builder that suits your needs.
- Start building your workflow.
Why choose Zoho Creator?
We've helped 22,000+ brands create bespoke workflows and improve their end-to-end operations across a variety of industries. With over 25 years of experience in catering to B2B organizations, we have the best tools in the trade to help you improve your business. You can get started with Creator by signing up here, or by visiting the sign up page.