Xero has announced the retirement of its WorkflowMax software, which has left users seeking alternative solutions for project and workflow management needs. Here we look at the reasons behind the retirement, explore some potential alternatives and highlight the benefits of considering custom workflow management systems tailored to your unique business requirements.
What is WorkflowMax?
WorkflowMax, a cloud-based project management tool acquired by Xero in 2012, has been widely used by over 10,000 businesses globally. It offered features such as lead management, invoicing, and time tracking, during a time when cloud project management tools were not yet the norm. However, Xero later introduced its own Practice Manager solution, which led to the eventual decision to retire WorkflowMax.
The retirement announcement and its implications
Xero announced that WorkflowMax will no longer be available from 26 June 2024 and that no new trials or integrations would be available from 22 March 2023. This decision was made after considering the significant investment required to meet the evolving expectations of customers, however, this has caught many businesses off-guard, as they have built their systems around it and integrated it with other tools. These businesses must now find suitable alternatives to maintain their workflow management processes.
Alternatives to WorkflowMax
Tech-led business advisory firm, Bluerock, has acquired the WorkflowMax brand and has begun development of a new job management solution with similar functionality. This is scheduled to be available in early 2024 and they are offering discounts for existing WorkflowMax customers who register their interest early.
To register an interest and receive updates on the progress of the software, which will be known as ‘WorkflowMax by BlueRock’ follow this link https://www.workflowmax2.com/
A number of alternative cloud workflow management software options have also emerged. Some of these cater to specific industries, while others offer more comprehensive solutions for businesses with varying workflow requirements. Here are a few alternatives to consider:
1. Simpro
Simpro is a job management software, used and loved by a growing number of our service, project and maintenance clients who want to improve the visibility and control of their business through live tracking of jobs, projects, employees, stock and assets. It excels in keeping employees in the field connected with office staff allowing flexible job scheduling and real-time monitoring of costs and profitability.
We can arrange a free initial consultation with Simpro to show you the software and how it could work for you.
2. ProjectWorks
ProjectWorks is a project management software solution catering to industries such as software services, management consulting, engineering, architecture, cyber-security, digital agencies, and other specialised consultancies.
MinuteDock is a time tracking and billing platform designed for office-based professional teams who want to track specific details about their work and bill based on time-based charges. It is ideal for accountants, bookkeepers, lawyers, project managers, virtual assistants, and other similar businesses. https://minutedock.com/
4. Xero Projects
For a low-cost, simple alternative, Xero projects is an add-on module to an existing Xero subscription. Its basic functionality is suitable for those businesses that just want to be able to track job or project profitably by assigning expenses and time costs to individual projects. Please contact us if you would like to add Projects to your Xero subscription.
If your business is affected by the retirement of WorkflowMax, it's crucial to start considering your options now. For advice on alternative job management software, or a wider review of your software and processes more generally, please contact Richard Woolgar on 0808 144 5575 or email help@armstrongwatson.co.uk
