Having the right task scheduling tool can make all the difference when trying to automate your business. Both Act! and Zoho have functionality designed to automate follow-up tasks. Act! has the Act Scheduler and Zoho has many automation tools, the most recent one being Zoho Cadence.
Act Activity Series: Act!’s Only True Automation Feature
The “Activity Series” feature in Act! was added to Act! 6 or roughly in 1999. It allows you to create a series of automated Activities (Calls, Meetings or To-Dos) and assign them to a specific user.
Over the years Act! has attempted to add other automations. Sometime around 2011 (Act! version 2012) the Smart Task feature was added; unfortunately, the Smart Task feature never worked correctly and was removed in Act! v2022. Act! added Zapier integrations but unfortunately you are restricted to a limit number of functions. Act! also has automations in their Act! Marketing Automation product but those automations are dependent on email campaigns.
The Activity Series remains the only viable automation product that Act! has unless you want to purchase a third party addon. The issue with third party addons (aside from their cost) is that if something doesn’t work properly you might get lost in a maze of finger pointing.
Unfortunately for many long-time Activity Series users, the Activity Series does not work in either the Act! Web version or in a remote synching database.
Zoho Cadence: The Creative Collaborator
Zoho Cadence is your go-to tool if you’re looking for a balance between creativity and structure. It works well in team environments where collaboration is key as opposed to the Act! Activity Series that allows tasks to a single user.
- Team-Centric Scheduling: Zoho Cadence is designed with team synergy in mind. Shared calendars, task ownership, and collaborative tools ensure everyone stays on the same page.
- Smart AI Recommendations: This tool leverages AI to suggest optimal task timings and workflows based on past data. It’s like having a personal assistant who actually knows your preferences.
- Comprehensive Reporting: Want insights into how your team is performing? Zoho Cadence provides detailed analytics and reporting to help you identify bottlenecks and optimize processes.
- Zoho Ecosystem Integration: As part of the Zoho family, Cadence integrates seamlessly with other Zoho apps like Zoho CRM, Projects, and Desk, creating a unified experience.
Which Automation is Right for You?
If your main focus is managing recurring tasks to specific users and you are on the desktop version of Act! Premium , Act Scheduler is will work well for you.
On the other hand, if you prioritize team collaboration and data-driven insights, Zoho Cadence is the way to go. It’s ideal for teams working within the Zoho ecosystem or those who thrive on detailed analytics and AI-assisted recommendations.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between Act Scheduler and Zoho Cadence boils down to your unique workflow needs. Do you just want your users to have a Task List, or are you looking for collaboration across your entire company or a specific team of users?
Need help deciding on Act or Zoho? We’re here to help! Give Karen a call at 561-470-5450 X1.
