Workflow Automation & Data Visualization for Citrix Podio™
4.7/5 (51 reviews)Pros
After a minor learning curve, GloboFlow becomes as intuitive to use as Podio. Between workflows that involve Podio, Zaper, GlobiFlow and ItDuzzIt, GlobiFlow is by far the most reliable and offers the best UX. (Zapier is pretty nice, but it lacks GlobiFlow's "Refresh from Podio" option, which is handy when you're changing app structure to fit the requirements of your flows.)
The GlobiFlow support team is also fantastic. They're very quick to respond and, when they do, they provide helpful info, often with screenshots of configurations that would otherwise by tough to explain with words. Virtually every time I've contacted them, it was either something I was doing wrong or something I didn't know how to do. I haven't' yet stumbled on an actual bug.
I once reported what I thought was something that was hindering usability. I got en emaIl back within a few hours from the lead developer, saying he agreed and he had fixed it. And this was on a Sunday!
The "Calc" type of filter and action uses PHP notation to get things done. This might scare off some at first, but it's actually a wonderful thing. You can pull cope snippets from the Web and do lots of things that would otherwise be impossible using the GUI. It's also handy for forcing order-of-precedence for test conditions, which is something not possible with just AND/OR joning of conditions. Finally, this is your best friend if you want to use variables in your flows.
As I mentioned, Podio would be on no use to use without GlobiFlow. Anyone who plans to use Podio for anything other than the absolute basics, should get to know GlobiFlow. (ANd if you're using the free edition of Podio and you think you'll love the "advanced" workflow editor you get when you start paying, don't get your hopes up. GlobiFlow is by far better than the "advanced" Podio editor.)
Cons
GlobiFlow has a lot of documentation, but it's structured more in example form than in reference form. I would prefer a searchable reference that was structured more like conventional technical documentation. (That said, it's far more useful than the discussion thread sort of documentation Podio offers.)
You can't copy and paste action blocks between flows. In some cases, this wouldn't make sense because of field differences, but it could often be helpful. Likewise, when you change a trigger type for a copied flow, the field value assignments are removed. I would prefer they stay as is, so long as a field of the same name can be found. (This is the case if you copy apps and copy workflows.) But I guess these are all based on IDs rather than names, so that's likely not so easy.
GlobiFlow offers a "drop though" sort of metaphor, meaning that execution starts at the top of your flow and works downward. There is a "Sanity Check" action, which is basically an "if" conditional to execute a block of steps. But there is no way to branch based something like a Switch statement. That would be handy.
Overall, the strengths of GlobiFlow (including the people at the company) far outweigh any weaknesses.
Pros
Globiflow takes the foundation of Podio and adds a multitude of options to otherwise restrictive system. Easy low code input allows users to formulate calculations with some ease. Workflows to create new items or update items not in the same app becomes simplified and possible. The help tools are crucial to users that may not be incredibly well versed in code so that most technically savvy persons in our company can follow along and contribute to how these new implementations will need to work
Cons
There are still a lot of issues with the software even with this enhancement. It would be great if they would allow the users to see the charts and graphs that will be made as they manipulate the data sets that they want rather than having to go back into podio and create test data in order to see what the system is reading in your workflows. The issue with having to delay or wait to trigger another workflow is tedious and does not always work. With Podio and Citrix having maintenance issues it can become cumbersome to double check and verify that the workflows are actually working as they are supposed to. Especially since the more complex ones do not happen in real time.
Globiflow is the engine that makes Podio run. Podio by itself is a useful and easy to use platform for creating just about anything. Globiflow is the workflow backend that allows power users to automate their workflow to an almost unlimited extent.
I can't recommend it enough to get the most out of the Podio platform
Pros
-unlimited flexibility to automate anything
-great customer service and a very active user forum
-seamless integration with Podio
-great value for the price
Cons
Although there is a lot of documentation on how to build what they call "workflows" - there is a learning curve for those of us without technical programming backgrounds.
Pros
Globiflow can change the way you manage your time and your business. Automating simple tasks such as emails and reminders is almost comically easy using GlobiFlow. An example: We use Globiflow to review driving certifications (we have over 200 drivers on staff). If a driver has a cert expiring, we send them reminder emails multiple months in advance. They then can submit their new cert through a webform, and Globiflow updates all of their information. This used to be done manually. Overall, Globiflow has saved us 100s of hours through workflows such as this.
Cons
Actual Globiflow-provided customer support is limited (although the user-run forum is plenty helpful with many active members). Knowledge of PHP is necessary for more advanced flows. PHP itself is a bit of a silly coding language, though nowhere near as terrible as folks say it is.
Pros
Time/date based triggers have enabled us to automatically send email renewal requests to vendors when documents are expiring. We are an SQF, organic, gluten-free, vegan, Non-GMO, and kosher food processor. We literally manage thousands of pages of documents every to comply with all of our various certifications. Prior to Globiflow, we were doing this manually using excel which was the mess you would expect. Globiflow has enabled us to scale our business much more efficiently.
Cons
Globiflow used to be a stand-alone software program that was a lot less expensive than it is now that Podio requires upgraded licenses to access program.
Pros
Customized notification capabilities
Robust capabilities - I never feel limited!
Automation for like-tasks
Save soooo much time!
I'm able to provide consistency across processes
Automation make it easier for my team to do the heavy lifting as opposed to managing the system / having to remember what to click and when
Cons
With resources like Globiflow, the only limit is the user's imagination. This product works best if you have problems to solve that are specific. Once you dial in on that, the sky is really the limit. I have zero complaints!
I would not be using Podio if not for Globiflow.
The service essentially allows me to "program" Podio to fit my needs and preferred work methods. It offers really amazing possibilities and when you get the hang of it you can actually become a flow-adict always thinking of new ways to customize Podio to support a highly automated and streamlined business.
Everybody can use it even though the more advanced festures can have a steep learning curve. I currently miss out on even greater possibilities because I am a legal proffesional with only limited understanding of the programming language PHP which can be used to further enhance the click-based use of pre-defined flows.
The learning curve is to a great extent mitigated by a truly great user support. The response times are short. You can also request new types of flows to better support your business and you have confidence that these will actually be implemented sometime down the road if they are not quickly rejected. Sometimes the implementation happens within a day!
Pros
Highly customized Podio allows automated and streamlined business
Everybody can pretty quick get a hang of the fundamental features and then gradually build more advanced skills from there
Fun to work with if you are a little nerdy and likes to optimize everything
Amazing user support driven by a very dedicated owner
Cons
Steep learning curve if you want to do utilize more advanced features
Poor tools for managing and deploying a large amount of flows results in too much manual labour and increases the risk of errors in your flows (this is the only reason for not awarding the fifth star).
Just like Podio is easy ...the Globiflow is the right add-on (included in Premium Podio) to trigger what should be done behind the scene...
Pros
The extensive library of building blocks makes it very easy to start with building your own Podio Automation.
Cons
Only when flows getting rather complicated editing in the graphical way seems not so easy but maybe that is the moment to build more separate modules.
Globiflow allows Podio by Citrix to be extended to handle almost every operational business need. We've built CRMs, recurring billing, invoicing, PM, and other internal apps on Podio. We wouldn't have been able to do this without Globiflow.
Pros
Incredible functionality for almost everything you can think of.
Cons
Requires technical expertise and understanding. I wouldn't use this unless you're comfortable with concept coding. That said, I wouldn't have it any other way. This is really a professional application.
Podio is great, but for really automating your processes, Globiflow is a necessity. I use it for daily reports, mail merges, communications with constituents and project tracking.
Pros
Flexible, great user community, grows with you.
Cons
Takes getting used to the way it works but once you learn you can set up sophistication systems.
For one of my customers I use Globiflow to automate repeating operations. This saves them lots of time and possible errors.
I've build over 20 flows to automate all sort of things; autofill times but also sending emails with conformations.
Pros
The support from Globiflow is outstanding. No default answers, but they really looked at your problem an comes with solutions. Sometimes they even add pictures to explain form your own flows.
The interface looks great, and the logs helps you to find errors.
Cons
Long flows with multiple steps are not easy to edit. You can't add between items and need to drag them to their position.
A flow can call itself by mistake if your trigger/filter is not updated in first place. For example: If i use a trigger; field had value 'send email' and I send an email from Globiflow before I change the field to 'Email send' it will retrigger the flow and send an email twice. You can not prevent to trigger only once form one item.
Just as my title states. The customer service is very fast, detailed and personal —they have raised the bar!!!
Outside of the (if not, should be) award winning service you have the actual product itself. The automation this platform brings to Podio is unreal. Our company saves an average of 200+ man hours every month. The features are robust and easy to implement. We joined the Podio App for Globiflow (free) and have seen many missing features get requested and implemented within days/weeks. I love that they are actively looking for feedback from users to make the product better and better.
Pros
Customer Support is the best part by far!
Cons
I have nothing bad to say —whenever we have a question we take it to the User Forum and if we don't get a quick reply we submit a ticket and implement the resolve within hours.
First you fall in love in Podio. Then you realise that you can't quite do everything you wished for until and then you meet Globiflow and fall in love again! It is the perfect match for Podio and fills in all the blanks perfectly. I currently help organisations streamline their communications, facilitate their operations, improve sales and make their marketing efforts more effective by using simple to use technology that doesn't break the bank and does exactly what it is needed to do. I found that the combination of Podio and Globiflow is a match made in heaven and I can confidently claim that any business no matter how big or small can utilise these platforms to save time, money become more organised and certainly more efficient by automating tedious processes.
Pros
It only takes a few minutes to understand how it works but has ample features for you to discover as you become more comfortable and experienced in generating more complex flows. The combinations and the possibilities are endless.
If you have a logical and creative brain, then you can create almost anything you think of.
Cons
With a multitude of flows, triggers and actions all working in the background, the limited flow allowances may run out quickly. This can easily become expensive for the small business sector.
Pros
Automation! Automation! Automation! This tool is a key to efficiency and has helped our business remain that way. Hours of work saved because of the things GlobiFlow has done and can do for us.
Cons
The interface is not the most user friendly. Building "flows" is also very complex and could probably be simplified to make them easier to make.
GlobiFlow allows us to create automated workflows and visualizations for PODIO® that save both time and money. Without GlobiFlow we would not use PODIO. GlobiFlow is PODIO's warp drive. Seriously.
Examples of my favorite workflows:
- Send nudge messages to task owners if task is not complete X days after due date.
- Auto calculate timeline dates based on start date and number of days required for each deliverable.
- Archive app items to a designated archive app
- Distribution of Policies and Procedures to new hires that auto-assigns a task for them to review
and indicate that they have "read and understand" the P&P
Pros
- Amazingly powerful
- Easy to understand interface
- Passionate GlobiFlow Community that loves to share ideas and best practices
- PHENOMENAL - I repeat - PHENOMENAL support.
Cons
- So many capabilities that it can be overwhelming at first
- You will lose sleep thinking of all the cool automated workflows you can create for your customers.
Pros
They give a wonderful User Experience(UX). They also have a wonderful support team, who meets with every query pit forward. They respond to your issues quickly and supplement with extra notes through screenshots etc. They integrate very well with Podio. Though they coast a price, a complete justice to that sum is shown by the application.
Cons
There is a lot to learn and understand if you wish to completely utilize every feature. Thus, it can be time-consuming. This is definitely not an option for beginners. Since there is a lot to do about coding, the chances of errors are high.
Pros
Flexible and offers a superb user experience. The customer service and support team are very responsive. It is integrated with Podio which is used to meet your workflow requirements and customize applications. Feature to link between the various applications. Delegation and assignment of tasks are made simpler. We can collaborate teams located at multiple locations. Web-based forms are utilized for collecting responses, making clients more accountable. Sales pipeline observation helps you in managing the budget
Cons
The absence of advanced workflow automation features. Improvement in search features. You require a little bit of coding background to use the application.
Rating breakdown
Likelihood to recommend
Andreas and his team have created the best add on for Podio on the market.
With this addon you can do automated workflow based on date triggers, create a record triggers, update a record triggers and even embedded links in emails.
From these triggers you can fire off actions like update and item field, add an item to another app, add a comment, add a task, send and email, create a merged PDF with Podio data and include images in the PDFs or emails.
You can create a complete automation workflow with Podio now.
He has also added the ability to create charts and embed them in Podio plus you can backup data to a MY SQL database.
There is also an API ability so you can hook up your other cloud systems easily to your very own api.
Easily worth the price per month...
Pros
Extends workflow in PODIO to a real world automation of all your business processes.
Cons
Limited by the PODIO api limits to some extent.
Rating breakdown
Likelihood to recommend
If your CRM is based on Podio, then you need globiflow to automate. Globiflow will elevate your CRM to another level and create so many openings and combinations on podio that it can help your business flourish. It has helped our company in tremendous way.
GlobiFlow is an absolutely indispensable tool that will make your Podio jump through any hoop you want to make it jump through. Automate pretty much anything you can think of making Podio do automatically. I believe that software automation like this is a huge game changer that more people need to take advantage of. If you are using Podio, you have to look at GlobiFlow. Podio's workflows are a joke compared to what GlobiFlow is capable of.
Pros
See above. This is the missing link that Podio needs to be truly useful.
Cons
Requires a bit of work to set things up how you want them, but once set it, it just runs.
You can start using on the get go without having to worry too much about tutorials. Turns Podio into an even more powerful and robust platform. Some of the actions don't seem as dynamic e.g. Sending message or task must be to a specific person rather than based on a field. Perhaps I need more time experimenting, but other than that, extremely impressed with its power and immediately went with a paid plan.
Pros
If you are a Podio power user, this is a must have! Saves a lot of time with the work flow automation.
Cons
Task and message action not dynamic like the other functions.
I'm amazed at all of the things you can do with this product. Still figuring out some things, since it does so much, but it works great and saves our business many hours per week, and makes our company much more professional and streamlined. The few little glitches I've noticed they have fixed very quickly via support ticket. Highly recommend it if you use Podio.
Pros
Many features that streamline and automate your business. Great support.
Cons
Minor bugs, but they have been quick to address them.
We've been using Podio for a year now, but our productivity really took off when we integrated the Globiflow into our system. Globiflow lets us take the inherent collaboration power of Podio and supercharge it through structured workflows, triggered actions and time-saving automation.
Pros
- Simple UI
- Incredibly powerful automations
- Lovely visualisation options
Cons
- some features really do need a better understanding of code than my own ability!
When we started to use Podio, we considered adding GlobiFlow but figured we'd probably be able to do everything we wanted with Podio's built-in worklflow editor. This couldn't have been further from reality. In fact, we don't even bother with Podio's built-in workflow engine because it's just easier to do it all in GlobiFlow.
We have 72 active flows at the moment, and we add news one all the time, as we discover new things we can do. The simple fact is: If it were not for GlobiFlow, Podio wouldn't even be an option for us.