Appian RPA vs Fortra's Automate comparison

Why PeerSpot?

Appian and Fortra are both solutions in the Robotic Process Automation (RPA) category. Appian is ranked #11 with an average rating of 8.7, while Fortra is ranked #4 with an average rating of 8.7. Appian holds a 1.3% mindshare in RPA, compared to Fortra’s 2.7% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Appian users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 97% of Fortra users who would recommend it.

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Feb 15, 2026

Fortra's Automate and Appian RPA compete in the robotic process automation market. Appian RPA seems superior in features due to its comprehensive capabilities, while Fortra's Automate stands out in pricing and support.

Features: Fortra’s Automate offers easy integration, user-friendly automation solutions, and streamlined operations. Appian RPA combines advanced AI integrations, robust scalability, and extensive functionalities, providing effective solutions for complex automation tasks.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Fortra's Automate provides straightforward deployment and is commended for strong, prompt customer service. Appian RPA supports flexible deployment models suited to diverse infrastructures, complemented by effective support. Fortra prioritizes simplicity; Appian emphasizes adaptability and flexibility.

Pricing and ROI: Fortra's Automate is noted for its cost-effective solutions, with low initial setup costs that result in favorable ROI. Appian RPA, while initially more expensive, offers high returns through enhanced productivity and efficiency. Fortra highlights affordability, while Appian targets a high-value outcome.

To learn more, read our detailed Appian RPA vs. Fortra's Automate Report (Updated: September 2026).

Buyer's Guide

Appian RPA vs. Fortra's Automate

September 2026

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Automation Anywhere

Mindshare comparison

As of September 2026, in the Robotic Process Automation (RPA) category, the mindshare of Automation Anywhere is 5.2%, down from 9.0% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Appian RPA is 1.3%, up from 0.7% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Fortra's Automate is 2.7%, up from 2.0% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Automation Anywhere	5.2%
Fortra's Automate	2.7%
Appian RPA	1.3%
Other	90.8%

Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Featured Reviews

Venkat Sivaprakash

Management Consultant at Accenture

Has significantly improved document-driven workflows and reduced processing time across finance and HR functions

Automation Anywhere has evolved significantly and upgraded itself to provide agentic AI and AI-based automation solutions for document automation. The product has matured considerably over time. We can create workflows that can call an API. We can include prompts in particular workflows for ChatGPT-related functions, connecting to an LLM and RAG to perform tasks. For document automation, modern features are available to train documents, ensuring high accuracy and repeatability over time. The system is very easy to use. I recently completed a course in document automation, typically designed for people involved in coding and technical aspects. Though I understand coding comprehensively, I don't do actual coding. The course was very accessible. Currently, extensive coding isn't necessary due to the hybrid model incorporating GenAI aspects, low-code, no-code capabilities, APIs, and numerous pre-built objects in Automation Anywhere. The features include GenAI-driven prompting methods and workflow creation capabilities. In these workflows, we can create decision boxes and call APIs without coding. We simply pull objects, drop them, connect them, and add minimal coding when needed. The most crucial aspect isn't coding but rather sizing the automation and fleshing out the details. Automation Co-pilot takes notes and performs automated analysis. It can extract details from videos, summarize conversations, and provide detailed information. During calls, it identifies instructions and performs tasks such as preparing reports and reconciliation. Automation Anywhere can also connect with Microsoft Co-pilot. Through Co-pilot, real-time operations can be executed, allowing direct interaction between vendors and automation through this component.

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Ashish-Chopra

Principal Architect at Westpac Bank

Automation has reduced manual errors and now needs better high-volume data handling

In my opinion, Appian RPA can be improved. We are planning to conduct a proof of concept on volume because we are still not entirely certain about how well the record type feature performs on Appian with high volumes of data. After conducting client calls with HSBC, Santander, and a few of the Big Four, we learned about use cases where Appian has been used for high volumes of data. We are planning to conduct a proof of concept to test that hypothesis. Additional features that could enhance Appian RPA in the future would include AI on Azure. Currently, their AI is only AWS-based, and we are in discussions with the company about this because we are an Azure shop. I believe this would be a good area for them to concentrate on.

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Jane Rachma Kiniti

IT Project Manager at Labo des histoires

Automate has streamlined workflows and increased efficiency with powerful automation

The best features of the solution are the flexible automation features, it is rich with beautiful connectors, and it is easy to use with little to no coding knowledge required to get started, so anybody can use the tool. The intuitive interface of Automate has an intuitive design, which makes it easy to learn and use even without a strong technical background, and it has a drag-and-drop interface, which makes everything so easy and straightforward. The error handling capabilities in complex automation tasks are powerful, as it handles all types of tasks, whether complex or simple. I've never faced any problems even when dealing with complex tasks, so everything is super smooth and highly reliable, even when dealing with big tasks, as it has never slowed down. Automate's compatibility with existing IT infrastructure has impacted our business operations positively by providing smooth integration with other software that we use, such as Gmail, Jira, and Microsoft 365 apps, which gives us a unified platform instead of having to keep switching from one software to another, saving a lot of time and streamlining the whole workflows. The automated analytics have helped improve our business processes since it has increased our efficiency by automating our everyday tasks, freeing up time for us to focus more on strategic activities such as analyzing data and developing new business strategies. It is also cost-saving. By minimizing manual labor, it decreases human errors that can lead to costly mistakes. By automating the tasks, it helps to save costs, and it also improves our accuracy by reducing these errors to ensure that tasks are done almost perfectly.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"The CyberArk integration and setup are really amazing and it helps us to win deals for new projects."

"In some cases, we see savings on the order of $100,000 and, in the newer processes that we are trying to do, it may be up to $1,000,000."

"The reporting capabilities are pretty nice."

"The bottom line is that it is extremely simple and developer-friendly."

"RPA implementation will be always fruitful, and return on investment will be always higher than the input costs."

"We have seen more efficient processing and less number of errors due to quality control."

"After using AA for some of the flows, we identified that the execution time was reduced by 70% when compared to the other automation tool that we have been using for 8 years."

"It removes demotivating, repetitive work from our teams."

More Automation Anywhere pros

"The best feature of Appian RPA is that it is highly integrated into the Appian platform itself and is very easy to configure in the end-to-end Appian automation solution."

"I find the pricing of Appian RPA reasonable because it is user-based, and we can experiment with it."

"Appian RPA is super easy to use, offering low code, no code capabilities."

"I like the interface; it makes managing automation easy. We can set different schedules and templates for each task."

"I would recommend Automate because it has made my work much easier."

"The best features in Fortra's Automate include centralized job orchestration and reliable scheduling, along with role-based security and audit trails, which I value the most about this product."

"Automate increases efficiency and eliminates errors during documentation and invoicing processes."

"Customers of AutoMate will realize their ROI within 90 to 120 days from their go-live date."

"We have found the pricing to be very reasonable."

"Since using Fortra's Automate, I save roughly five to seven hours a week on routine tasks, and I have seen fewer errors from manual processing."

"I actually quite liked the no-coding functionality."

More Fortra's Automate pros

Cons

"Its licensing can become too expensive for a small startup company."

"My experience has been that if the person who codes the bot is not very well-trained, then they might create unstable bots. So, it's not the platform. It is just how somebody has coded the bots which can bring lot of instability to them. I recommend that when you are using a coder that the person well-trained and have a good amount of experience already working on bots. They shouldn't be newbie or beginner who comes in to code because that will impact the quality of the code itself."

"When we are moving from one version to another version, it's very difficult because most of the features stop working. They should first test everything and then release the new version. For example, there's a system variable known as the Excel Cell Row.... When going from version 11.1 to 11.3, this variable was suddenly not supported, and most of our bots were dependent on that. Everything went down..."

"There is an issue with security where users can see the values in the credential vault."

"Commands in Excel, Outlook, and Word automation are very limited and hence facing difficulties automating complex requirements for the above applications with V11 version."

"I suggest that they add some features in dashboard, where you can say, "These type of features are things that people like more." You want to add those to your project and showcase them to the client so they will be happier. Because you know what features people like if you give a suggestion, that is good for everyone."

"Configuring A2019 and using it is getting a little difficult because of frequent errors of compatibility. It is not so user friendly like the enterprise desktop version."

"Anything that can be done to simplify the solution. I would love to see it where anybody who can run Excel will be able to create bots. Right now, I am watching everyone around me struggle with the tool."

More Automation Anywhere cons

"There are not any areas that need improvement off the top of my head."

"In my opinion, Appian RPA can be improved."

"There are many competitive products in the market right now, for example, UiPath and Automation Anywhere. These competitive products are now coming up with features which Appian RPA currently does not have."

"The licensing cost is high, as per my perspective, in the automation with Fortra's Automate."

"One thing I dislike about Fortra's Automate is that it does not perform well with OCR software, which is optical character recognition."

"There are many things that need to be improved. The security needs to be improved."

"The workflow for variables could be better. The input and output of task-level variables could be made a little clearer in terms of passing those around from one task to another upon success, etc. Things like that could be a little easier potentially."

"They do not encrypt passwords, so this is an issue with HIPAA compliance."

"We really need a free development environment for customers. Building and testing automation on production isn't ideal."

"Sometimes when we communicate with the ERP system and there is an issue, we are not always aware of the specifics of Automate and the source of the problem."

"I would like to see some better web automation, a wizard like the one in the product WinAutomation would be very nice."

More Fortra's Automate cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"When you compare the cost of Automation Anywhere with UiPath and Blue Prism, those others are much less. Licensing-wise, UiPath wins the deal."

"Costs savings have been seen by employing bots for multiple shifts instead of people."

"Cost-wise, it is fine. A lot of medium businesses prefer Automation Anywhere. The development cost is also lower."

"Licensing for Automation Anywhere (AA) is paid on a yearly basis. Out of all the RPA tools, it has the most value for money, e.g. what you pay is what you get."

"Automation Anywhere's pricing falls within the mid-range, but the long-term benefits outweigh the initial investment."

"Regarding the price, licensing, and maintenance, Automation Anywhere provides its customers with its best and affordable value."

"I am not sure about the costs, but two Bot Runners and four Bot Creators may cost approximately 1CR."

"The cost can be reduced a little for users."

More Automation Anywhere pricing and cost advice

Information not available

"The cost is a bit high for a small business like ours, but we manage with Fortra's Automate."

"Compared to other products, the pricing model for this solution is much more convenient, flexible, and adaptable to the Portuguese reality."

"Once you buy the software, you just pay for the support for backend help."

"I believe the price falls within a reasonable range, which significantly influenced our decision regarding the product. This aspect is crucial for any technological solution, especially in our country where enterprises might be hesitant to invest heavily in something untested or uncertain about its practicality and potential returns."

"While solutions like UiPath and Blue Prism cost around $11,000-$12,000 for each license, this product costs around $7,000 and you can keep it forever."

"The pricing is quite reasonable. We can run the process with one bot. The limitation is at the server level because they have some resources, and sometimes that is enough. It isn't too expensive, so you can get a good return off of one, and you can also have a pack of five bots that is quite competitive."

"From a distributor's perspective, one of the biggest selling points of Automate is its price point."

"I like the way this solution is priced because you can buy a license, or you can buy the software outright."

More Fortra's Automate pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Outsourcing Company

15%

Financial Services Firm

12%

Comms Service Provider

10%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Construction Company

18%

Financial Services Firm

16%

Comms Service Provider

11%

Insurance Company

Financial Services Firm

11%

Manufacturing Company

Outsourcing Company

Computer Software Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	161
Midsize Enterprise	82
Large Enterprise	558

No data available

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	33
Midsize Enterprise	14
Large Enterprise	11

Questions from the Community

How good is Automation Anywhere for RPA processes?

It depends on your use case. Is it simply to automate a couple of processes? Is it to augment a human team? AA is ver...

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How good is Automation Anywhere for RPA processes?

From my experience using AA tool, it depends on the applications that you want to automate, because there some applic...

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How good is Automation Anywhere for RPA processes?

It is a highly preferred RPA tool. You can check my Automation Anywhere Review to know more.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Appian RPA?

I didn't handle payments or costs. We recommended infrastructure stacks to our clients, who implemented them, and we ...

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What needs improvement with Appian RPA?

In my opinion, Appian RPA can be improved. We are planning to conduct a proof of concept on volume because we are sti...

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What is your primary use case for Appian RPA?

We have been working with Appian RPA along with the entire workflow case management suite. Recently, Appian released ...

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What is your primary use case for HelpSystems AutoMate?

I mainly use Fortra's Automate to automate routine IT tasks and schedule workflows, which reduces manual work. I auto...

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Fortra Automate?

The setup cost is free, but I believe it is a little expensive.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Fortra Automate?

Fortra's Automate could be improved as the reporting could be more flexible, and some advanced workflows could be eas...

See all answers

Comparisons

UiPath Platform vs Automation Anywhere

Compared 11% of the time

Blue Prism vs Automation Anywhere

Compared 6% of the time

Microsoft Power Automate vs Automation Anywhere

Compared 5% of the time

AutomationEdge vs Automation Anywhere

Compared 3% of the time

HyperScience vs Automation Anywhere

Compared 2% of the time

More Automation Anywhere Competitors

UiPath Platform vs Appian RPA

Compared 9% of the time

Temporal vs Appian RPA

Compared 8% of the time

Control-M vs Appian RPA

Compared 8% of the time

Blue Prism vs Appian RPA

Compared 6% of the time

HyperScience vs Appian RPA

Compared 4% of the time

More Appian RPA Competitors

UiPath Platform vs Fortra's Automate

Compared 11% of the time

Microsoft Power Automate vs Fortra's Automate

Compared 8% of the time

Nintex RPA vs Fortra's Automate

Compared 4% of the time

OpenText Operations Orchestration vs Fortra's Automate

Compared 3% of the time

Redwood Software - Finance Automation Edition vs Fortra's Automate

Compared 2% of the time

More Fortra's Automate Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Automation Anywhere

September 2026

Download Automation Anywhere product report

Buyer's Guide

Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

August 2026

Download Appian RPA product report

Buyer's Guide

Fortra's Automate

September 2026

Download Fortra's Automate product report

Also Known As

Automation Anywhere, Testing Anywhere, Automation Anywhere Enterprise, Agentic Process Automation System (Now Certified for WorkSpaces)

Jidoka RPA

HelpSystems Automate, Automate

Interactive Demo

Automation Anywhere

Demo not available

Appian

Demo not available

Fortra

Overview

Automation Anywhere offers ease of use, robust system connectivity, and GenAI-driven document automation through a cloud-native platform, significantly enhancing productivity across multiple industries with advanced AI features.

Delivering a comprehensive suite of tools designed for easy integration and rapid deployment, Automation Anywhere drives efficiency by reducing costs and automating repetitive tasks. Its cloud-native platform supports broad industry adoption, including advanced AI features like process automation and Co-Pilot, streamlining complex workflows with minimal technical skills required. Users benefit from robust integration capabilities, which facilitate seamless interaction with multiple systems. However, there is room for improvement in areas such as user-friendliness for beginners, stability, flexible licensing, and enhanced OCR functionality. Organizations in sectors such as banking, finance, manufacturing, and healthcare gain from the improved operational efficiency and ROI Automation Anywhere offers.

What are the important features of Automation Anywhere?

Ease of Use: Simplifies automation tasks with a user-centric interface.
Robust Connectivity: Provides seamless integration with multiple systems.
GenAI-Driven Document Automation: Leverages AI to automate document management.
Process Automation & Co-Pilot: Enhances workflow automation with advanced AI.
Cloud-Native Platform: Enables rapid deployment and integration.

What benefits should be evaluated in reviews?

Time Savings: Automation drastically reduces manual processing time.
Cost Efficiency: Decreases overall operational costs by automating tasks.
Productivity Enhancement: Streamlines workflows with AI-driven tools.
Improved Integration: Enhances ability to work with multiple systems.
Scalability: Supports growth with a flexible cloud-native architecture.

In the insurance industry, Automation Anywhere is utilized for automating processes such as enrollment management and compliance checks. Its applications extend to supply chain management, financial transactions, and business performance monitoring across sectors like banking, finance, manufacturing, and healthcare, helping organizations to automate routine tasks, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.

Automation Anywhere

Appian RPA is an advanced robotic process automation platform designed to streamline business processes by integrating and automating tasks across applications and systems. This tool enhances efficiency and operational accuracy for businesses leveraging its capabilities.

Appian RPA seamlessly integrates into existing infrastructures to automate repetitive tasks, boosting productivity. Its ability to orchestrate workflows and provide analytics sets it apart, allowing businesses to make informed decisions quickly. With a focus on scalability, Appian RPA supports digital transformation by connecting disparate systems and fostering innovation through automation.

What are the essential features?

Easy Integration: Connects with existing systems without complex configurations.
Dynamic Workflow Control: Allows users to manage and automate complex processes.
Comprehensive Analytics: Offers insights through detailed process analytics.
Scalability: Grows with the business and accommodates varying workloads.

What benefits or ROI should you look for in reviews?

Increased Efficiency: Reduces manual efforts and errors.
Cost Savings: Lowers operational costs through process automation.
Enhanced Productivity: Frees up human resources for higher-value tasks.

Appian RPA finds applications across industries like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. In finance, it automates data entry and reconciliation processes. Healthcare providers utilize it for patient management and billing, reducing operational bottlenecks. Manufacturing benefits from inventory and supply chain automation, enhancing end-to-end processes.

Appian

Fortra's Automate offers a user-friendly platform for task automation, featuring a drag-and-drop interface that aids in scheduling, file management, and integrating with services like Azure and AWS.

Fortra's Automate provides substantial ease in automating complex tasks through its intuitive design. It offers seamless integration capabilities, especially with Azure and AWS, and comes equipped with strong error handling. Cost-effective and requiring minimal coding, it supports a broad range of industries by effectively automating tasks such as HR operations, invoice management, and data processing across servers.

What features stand out in Fortra's Automate?

Drag-and-Drop Interface: Simplifies task setup and automation without deep coding expertise.
Scheduling and File Management: Ensures efficient, automated handling of tasks and file transfers.
Integration Capabilities: Works with platforms like Azure and AWS for enhanced performance.
Error Handling: Offers solid solutions to manage and resolve task execution errors.
Minimal Coding: Facilitates automation with limited coding requirements, broadening accessibility.

What benefits should users consider in reviews?

Cost-Effectiveness: Provides affordable licensing options for diverse businesses.
Operational Efficiency: Enhances productivity by automating repetitive tasks, reducing manual errors.
Versatility: Adapts well across sectors like banking, healthcare, and transportation.
Robust Support: Offers extensive assistance with automation features.
IT Compatibility: Easily integrates into existing IT infrastructures.

In industries such as healthcare and transportation, Fortra's Automate facilitates the automation of client management, HR operations, and data processing, boosting efficiency. Banks utilize it for managing extensive invoice workflows, while distribution sectors rely on its capabilities for insurance checks and system support. Its applicability across servers makes it a valuable tool for any sector seeking to reduce manual workload and improve task accuracy.

Fortra

Sample Customers

Google, Linkedin, Cisco, Juniper Networks, DellEMC, Comcast, Mastercard, Quest Diagnostics

empark, talan, liverpool, ayesa, aeromexico, teknei

Aldergrove Financial Group, Preferred Health Professionals, Mindbeam Technologies, First Credit Union in British Columbia, Vestcom International, Prime Liberty Benefits, University of Tampa, CNLBancshares, World Precision Instruments, BJ's Restaurants, Globe Pequot Press, Accudata Technologies, Norton Healthcare, Pacific Toxicology Laboratories

Buyer's Guide

Appian RPA vs. Fortra's Automate

September 2026

Free Report: Appian RPA vs. Fortra's Automate

Find out what your peers are saying about Appian RPA vs. Fortra's Automate and other solutions. Updated: September 2026.

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