Zoom adds workflow automation to save time on routine tasks

Zoom has added a workflow automation tool to its collaboration app designed to save users time spent on repetitive tasks, the company announced this week. 

Available in Zoom’s Workplace app, the Workflow Automation feature (currently in beta) lets users set up automations using a drag-and-drop, no-code interface. 

Having made its name selling videoconferencing software, Zoom has expanded its functionality in recent years to cater to a wider range of collaboration scenarios. This includes chat, whiteboard, note taking, and room-booking tools that make up its Workplace product. The workflow automation tool brings Zoom’s app further into line with rival collaboration software vendors, including Slack (Workflow Builder) and Microsoft (Teams/Power Automate). 

The initial focus is on the creation of workflows in Zoom’s text chat tool, though automations across the Workplace app will be enabled later, the company said.

A simple example might be a team leader scheduling a recurring project status check-in in Zoom chat. Here, a team leader can create workflow can be set up to automatically post a pre-written message at a certain time each day to request an update from team members. Automations could also be used to introduce new team members to a channel, or simplify processes around time-off requests, Zoom said.

“We built Workflow Automation to be easy for teams of all sizes and abilities to use,” Wei Li, head of Zoom Team Chat at Zoom, said in a blog post Wednesday. “We’re launching Workflow Automation with Team Chat first because it’s an opportunity to strengthen collaboration with team members and get work done asynchronously. Workflow Automation helps teams by taking the guesswork out of setting up workflows and helps cut down on tedious and repetitive tasks.” 

Users can create their own workflow automations or select from pre-built templates. It’s also possible to connect with third-party apps such as Google Drive, Microsoft Outlook, or Atlassian Jira. 

The workflow automation features are available at no cost to paid Zoom customers during the beta trial. Some limitations will be introduced at general availability launch, with charges for usage outside of allotted “premium” workflow runs.