When contemplating a tool for building automated workflows for supplier inquiry handling, numerous factors come to mind. It's common to assume that as long as the tool fulfills the functional requirements of supplier inquiry handling, that should suffice. However, pricing undoubtedly stands as one of the most critical considerations. Zapier is often a top choice for automation, but does its pricing align with your expectations? Let's compare Zapier and Bika.ai across multiple aspects, such as pricing and functionality, to make a more informed decision. It's worth noting that for the supplier inquiry handling automation scenario, Bika.ai's Regular Invoice Collection for Paid Payments template is highly suitable. Free Trial
Zapier is well-known for facilitating the automation of tasks between various web apps. However, it has its limitations, particularly with its "Tables" feature. In Zapier, Tables and automation functions are separate, which can lead to a cumbersome and disconnected user experience. This setup not only complicates things but also incurs separate costs for each component, potentially escalating the overall expense, especially when compared to more integrated alternatives.
Bika.ai is an exceptional no-code AI automation database that offers an incredibly user-friendly platform. It provides AI-Agent-enhanced CRM, marketing automation systems, project management systems, BI, and ERP, all at an attractive price.
When comparing Zapier and Bika.ai, it becomes evident that Bika.ai holds significant advantages in several key aspects as an AI automation database.
Feature | Zapier | Bika.ai |
---|---|---|
Pricing | Automation starts at $19.99/month + Database starts at $20/month | Starts at $9.99/month per seat |
Automation per Month | Starts at 750 tasks/month | Starts at 30,000 runs/month |
Database Integration | Database separates from automation, additional cost | Integrated visual database with automation |
Maximum Records | 500,000 records for the highest plan | 1,500,000 records for the highest plan |
Tables Offered | Up to 50 tables in the highest plan | Unlimited tables |
Templates | Templates without pre-filled content | Plug-and-play templates with pre-filled content and detailed guides |
Customization | Limited by app connections and plan limits | Extensive customization with API-first design |
Integration | Over 6,000 apps | Over 6,000 apps through integrations with Zapier, Make, Pabbly, and others |
Data Handling | Limited field types and views | 38 field types and 13 node resources |
Proactive Automation | None | Proactive AI that manages and schedules tasks |
The pricing structures of Zapier and Bika.ai vary significantly.
Plan | Features | Price |
---|---|---|
Free plan | 100 tasks per month Zapier automation platform Unlimited Zaps Two-step Zaps AI power-ups | Free |
Team plan | Starts at 750 tasks per month Multi-step Zaps Unlimited Premium apps Webhooks Email support | starting from $19.99 |
Business plan | Starts at 2000 tasks per month Unlimited users Shared workspaces Shared app connections Premier Support SSO add-on (contact us) | starting from $69 |
Enterprise plan | Advanced admin permissions and app controls Annual task limits Observability SAML SSO Designated Technical Support | Contact for pricing |
Plan | Features | Price |
---|---|---|
Basic | 5 Tables 100 fields per table 2,500 records per table 3 views per table | Free |
Premium | 20 Tables 200 fields per table 100,000 records per table 50 views per table | $20 |
Advanced | 50 Tables 200 fields per table 500,000 records per table 50 views per table | $100 |
Plan | Features | Price |
---|---|---|
Free plan | 5GB of storage 10,000 records per database 200 automation runs Missions Reports AI Summary and more Free Send Bulk 100+ SMS / 1000+ Email OpenAPI Access | Free |
Plus plan | 50GB of storage 100,000 records per database 30,000 automation runs Permissions control More database fields automation actions More free SMS Reports Missions AI | $9.99 per user per month |
Pro plan | 200GB of storage 500,000 records per database 60,000 automation runs IM / Email Support Team / Organization Advanced OpenAPI and AI models | $19.99 per user per month |
Team plan | 800GB of storage 1,500,000 records per database 100,000 automation runs Audit Logs Full integrations automations Advanced Permissions | $39.99 per user per month |
Opting for Bika.ai over Zapier offers several compelling advantages for supplier inquiry handling.
The Regular Invoice Collection for Paid Payments template works as follows:
The template encompasses a data table and an automation task.
Install this template into your Bika Space. If handling multiple projects simultaneously, you can install it multiple times, with one template per project.
Invite the finance manager to join the Space. Set the role to "Finance Manager" and generate an invitation link.
Enter the editing interface of the Automatic Invoice Collection
automation task to modify the trigger conditions and execution actions. If not set, it defaults to sending reminders automatically at 10 AM on the 25th of each month.
Set the corresponding payer information in the invoice management for proper invoice collection. Failure to do so may impede the invoice collection function.
The Automatic Invoice Collection
automation task is enabled by default. Check if the reminder notification is sent successfully at 10 AM on the 25th of each month. You can also click "Run Now" to test if you receive the reminder notification.
Payers can submit invoices through the received collection reminders, and the system will automatically add the invoices to the "Invoice Management" data table.
After the payer submits the invoice, the finance manager will receive a reminder and needs to confirm the invoice's correctness.
All submitted invoice information can be viewed in the invoice management, including invoice status, submitter, submission time, etc.
This template is highly suitable for various roles such as finance managers, administrative staff, accountants, team leaders, and HR managers.
Conclusion
Employ this automation template to address specific challenges related to supplier inquiry handling and enhance your workflow efficiency.
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