In the digital age, the ability to quickly develop and deploy applications is crucial for businesses to stay competitive. This necessity has given rise to a plethora of low-code and no-code development platforms, each promising to simplify the application development process while offering robust functionality. Among these, Appian and Appsheet stand out for their unique features, ease of use, and the ability to cater to both simple and complex project requirements.

However, choosing between them can be daunting. This comparison aims to shed light on their strengths and weaknesses, focusing on key areas such as ease of use, scalability, integration capabilities, pricing, and community support.

What is AppSheet?

Google’s AppSheet is a no-code application development platform designed to democratize app development, allowing anyone to create mobile and web applications without writing a single line of code. It leverages an intuitive interface and robust features, enabling users to automate processes, collect data, and deliver engaging user experiences. Acquired by Google, AppSheet emphasizes scalability and flexibility, though it warrants consideration for its learning curve and integration needs with other systems.

What is Appian?

The Appian Low-Code Platform serves enterprises looking to streamline business processes through a low-code automation platform. It boasts a drag-and-drop interface and pre-built components, simplifying the application development process. While Appian offers a comprehensive set of capabilities aimed at driving operational efficiency, new users may find its learning curve somewhat steep, requiring a significant investment of time to achieve proficiency.

Features of Appian vs Appsheet

When comparing AppSheet and Appian, it’s crucial to delve into specific features and how they stack up against each other across various dimensions such as Compliance, Integration, Security, Developer Experience, and Governance. The table below offers a detailed comparison:

Feature Dimension	Google AppSheet	Appian Low-Code Platform
Compliance Framework	Poor	OK
Integration Governance	Poor	OK
Security (e.g., Data Encryption, SSO)	OK-Poor	OK
Governance (e.g., Version Control)	Poor	OK
Scalability (e.g., Auto-Scaling, High Availability)	OK	OK
Integration (e.g., with CRM, ERP)	Poor-OK	OK
Developer Experience (e.g., Visual App Designer, AI Builder)	Poor-OK	OK-Poor
App Deployment (e.g., Cloud Deployment, Hybrid Deployment)	OK-Poor	OK

This comparison indicates that while both platforms provide a range of features catering to different aspects of application development and deployment, Appian generally offers more robust governance, security, and integration capabilities. In contrast, AppSheet is praised for its ease of use and no-code approach, making it more accessible to non-developers.

Pros and cons of appian

Pros of Appian:

• The implementation process for Appian is notably straightforward and user-friendly.
• Appian’s workflow structure and its ability to function as a progressive application are highly appreciated. This feature enables users to develop applications once and deploy them across multiple platforms efficiently.
• The platform excels in security measures, ensuring that user data and applications are well-protected.
• Appian is praised for its user-friendliness and compatibility with various applications such as Excel and Google Sheets, enhancing its utility and accessibility.
• The intuitive UI/UX design of Appian stands out, making it extremely accessible for end-users. The drag-and-drop functionality, alongside seamless cloud integration, are key features that add significant value to the platform.

Cons of Appian:

• There is a call for Appian to adopt a more global operational perspective. The current focus appears to be predominantly on North America, which may not align with the application usage and needs in regions like Africa, where mobile app utilization can differ.
• The SQL database capabilities of Appian require enhancements to meet the demands of users seeking more advanced database functionalities.
• While Appian is valued for its data management features, there’s a recognition that it might lack some basic functions. However, it is suitable for straightforward tasks. For future updates, expanding integration capabilities with more partners, like SAP, through direct plugins or APIs would significantly improve its utility.
• The cost associated with enabling single sign-on (SSO) is considered high, which could be a barrier for some organizations looking to implement this feature for their users.
• Enhancing language support beyond English, improving integration with various databases, and refining the user experience (UX) could further elevate Appian’s standing as a leading low-code development platform.

Pros and cons of appsheet

Pros of AppSheet:

• AppSheet is celebrated for its remarkable flexibility, accommodating a wide array of use cases and business needs.
• Users often highlight the platform’s ease of use as one of its most compelling attributes, allowing for quick adoption and application development.
• Integration with Salesforce enables users to identify trends, informing decisions related to events and marketing campaigns effectively.
• The process workflows in AppSheet receive high praise for their efficiency and intuitiveness.
• AppSheet offers a comprehensive integration experience, ensuring users have a seamless workflow across various applications.
• The tracking feature is highly valued, providing insights into interactions with customers, the effectiveness of promotions, and other vital metrics.
• The platform’s reporting tools are robust, enabling detailed and customized reporting capabilities.
• Users appreciate the reliability of AppSheet, noting an error-free experience during its operation.

Cons of AppSheet:

• Users experienced challenges adapting to interface changes, such as the transition to new design layouts, which impacted their ability to navigate the platform and perform familiar tasks.
• Managing data within AppSheet, particularly cleaning up outdated or irrelevant contacts and records, can be cumbersome, with users desiring an automated solution for data maintenance.
• There’s room for improvement in marketing automation features to enhance the effectiveness of campaigns and customer engagement strategies.
• Transitioning to more advanced components like Lightning Components could be simplified to facilitate user migration and adoption.
• New users might encounter a learning curve, finding it initially difficult to grasp the platform’s logical structure and capabilities.
• The user interface could benefit from being more intuitive and user-friendly to accommodate users with varying levels of technical expertise.
• Enhancements in customer engagement and the approval process for transactional records are areas where the platform could see improvement.
• AppSheet is considered costly by some users, who also note that extensive configuration may be required to tailor the platform to specific business needs.

Pricing Comparison

Pricing is another crucial factor in the decision-making process. AppSheet offers a tiered pricing model starting at $5 per user per month, with several plans catering to different needs, including a freemium version for personal apps and prototypes. Appian, on the other hand, provides a custom quote for its pricing, emphasizing its enterprise focus with a minimum requirement of 100 users for its platform. Both platforms offer free trials and freemium versions, allowing businesses to test their capabilities before committing.

Conclusion

Choosing between AppSheet and Appian depends on your organization’s specific needs, technical expertise, and budget. AppSheet stands out for businesses seeking a user-friendly, no-code platform with flexible pricing. In contrast, Appian is more suited for enterprises requiring a comprehensive low-code solution with strong governance, security, and integration capabilities. Regardless of the choice, both platforms offer substantial value in the realm of rapid application development, empowering businesses to innovate and improve processes efficiently.