Summary:
- Selecting the perfect enterprise form builder can revolutionize your data collection process.
- Top considerations include security, scalability, integrations, features, and ease of use.
- This blog explores 5 popular builders: JotForm, Formstack, Microsoft Forms, Zoho Forms, and MakeForms.
Gone are the days of overflowing filing cabinets and endless paper forms. In today’s digital world, enterprises are now using online forms to make data collection faster, easier, and more accurate.
These enterprise-grade solutions go far beyond the simple form builders you might find for personal use. Enterprise form builders are built for big businesses, with top-notch security, the ability to handle tons of data, and prioritize compliance. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right tool can feel overwhelming.
This blog will explore the top 5 enterprise form builders and guide you through key considerations for selecting the perfect fit for your organization.
Choosing the Right Enterprise Form Builder
Choosing the right enterprise form builder is like finding the perfect lock and key for your office – it unlocks a world of benefits and keeps disruptions at bay. Here’s what to consider when searching:
- Security and Compliance:
- Does the platform follow strict data privacy rules (like HIPAA, PIPEDA, and GDPR) to ensure data privacy and security?
- Scalability and User Management:
- Can the tool handle a surge of data and users as your company expands? Does it let you control who has access to forms?
- Integrations:
- Can it seamlessly connect with your existing business systems (CRM, ERP) to avoid information silos and streamline workflows?
- Advanced Features:
- Look for features like conditional logic (forms that adapt based on answers) and workflow automation (say goodbye to repetitive tasks!). Powerful data analysis tools can also provide valuable insights.
- User-friendliness and Ease of Deployment:
- Can even non-techy people build and deploy forms? Intuitive interfaces and drag-and-drop builders are key for getting everyone on board.
Top 5 Enterprise Form Builder Tools
Now, let’s dive into specific tools that cater to the needs of enterprises:
1. JotForm
JotForm: A Powerful and Flexible Form Builder
JotForm is a popular choice for businesses of all sizes because it’s easy to use and has a lot to offer. You can create forms that fit your needs exactly, with features like conditional logic and payment integrations. You can also customize the forms to match your company’s branding.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind:
- JotForm is easy to use, but some of the fancy features might take a bit longer to learn if you’re not super tech-savvy.
- The free plan is great for trying things out, but it doesn’t allow for a ton of forms, submissions, or storage space. So, if you need to collect a lot of data, you’ll eventually need to upgrade.
- JotForm integrates with many other programs you use, but for some very complex enterprise systems, integrating them with JotForm might require additional configuration or development work.
Who Should Use JotForm?
JotForm is a great choice for any business that needs a versatile and powerful form builder that can grow with them.
Pricing: JotForm offers a free plan and paid plans starting at $39 per month.
2. Formstack
Formstack is all about keeping your data safe and secure, making it a great fit for businesses in healthcare and finance that need to follow strict regulations. It has strong security features and even lets people sign documents electronically, making them legally binding. Plus, Formstack can automate repetitive tasks.
Things to Consider:
- It can be pricier than some other options, especially for basic plans.
- Some users have mentioned occasional bugs that needed customer support to fix.
- The mobile app might not let you do everything you can with the computer version.
Who Should Use Formstack?
Formstack is good for businesses in regulated industries like healthcare and finance that need security, compliance features, and workflow automation.
Pricing: The plans can be a bit more expensive compared to other options, starting at $50 per month.
3. Microsoft Forms
If your business already uses Microsoft 365, then Microsoft Forms might be a great fit for you. It’s free with your subscription and works seamlessly with other Microsoft products like Excel and Teams. Plus, it’s super easy to use – you can drag and drop elements to build forms quickly. Teams can also work together on forms and analyze the results right in Excel.
Keep in Mind:
- Microsoft Forms is easy to use for simple surveys, but it might not be powerful enough for complex ones with special features or connections to other programs.
- While you can see some results from your forms, Microsoft Forms offers limited in-depth reporting or detailed data visualization tools compared to other options.
- It integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft Office 365 products like Excel and Teams. However, connecting it to programs outside of Microsoft Office 365 might be limited.
Who Should Use Microsoft Forms?
Microsoft Forms is ideal for existing Microsoft 365 users who need a basic and free way to create forms for internal use within their organization.
4. Zoho Forms
Zoho Forms is a good pick for businesses already using Zoho because it works perfectly with other Zoho apps. This makes working on forms together pretty easy! You can give different team members access levels and keep track of changes easily. Zoho Forms can even build forms that change based on what people answer, making things more personal. They also work well on phones and tablets.
Things to Know:
- It has less customization for forms means you can’t make them look exactly how you want. This might be an issue if your forms need to have a specific design or match your brand perfectly.
- Works best with other Zoho products. However, connecting it to other programs might be trickier. If you don’t use other Zoho products, this might not be the best fit.
- If you’re new to Zoho, some features, especially the advanced ones, might take a bit of time to learn how to use.
Who Should Use Zoho Forms?
Zoho Forms is perfect for businesses using Zoho who want a way to work on forms together and keep everything in one place.
Pricing: It starts at $10 a month, with a free plan available for basic needs.
5. MakeForms
MakeForms is an ultra-secure form builder, built for teams to work together on, with a very easy to use UI, making it a strong choice for businesses in healthcare and finance that handle sensitive data. It uses top-notch security measures to protect your data, both when it’s stored and when it’s being sent over the internet.
MakeForms also meets HIPAA compliance standards, so you can be sure health information is protected. Plus, you can customize the look and feel of your forms to match your brand, creating a very seamless professional experience.
And the best part? Anyone can build forms with MakeForms, no tech skills required – it uses a simple drag-and-drop builder.
Things to Consider:
- MakeForms has strong security features, it’s always a good idea to do some research to see what current users say and to check with the company directly to confirm any specific details.
Who Should Use MakeForms?
MakeForms is perfect for businesses that need top-notch security for sensitive data collection, especially those in healthcare that need to comply with HIPAA regulations.
It’s also a great choice if you need a user-friendly form builder for anyone on your team to use. Pricing is custom based on your needs, so contact MakeForms for a quote.
Additional Considerations When Choosing a Form Builder
Beyond the tools explored above, consider these additional factors:
- Free Trials: Most enterprise form builders let you test them out for free with a trial period. This is a great way to see if it works well for you before you commit.
- Customer Support: Reliable customer support is key! You want to know someone is there to help if you run into any problems.
- Available Resources: Look for a platform with plenty of resources like tutorials, guides, and even online workshops to help you and your team get the most out of the form builder.
Ditch the paper forms!
Enterprise form builders can help your business run smoother by streamlining how you collect data. They can improve accuracy, save time, and even help you make better decisions.
Here’s the key: Find the builder that fits your needs. Think about what kind of security you need, how much data you’ll be handling, and what features are most important. Most builders offer free trials, so you can try before you buy. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – the right builder will have great customer support and resources to help you get started.
In the end, the perfect form builder should work seamlessly with your existing systems and empower your team. With the right data, you can make smarter choices and take your business to the next level.
FAQs
Enterprise form builders offer advanced features for complex data collection, improved security for sensitive information, and integrations with existing business systems to streamline workflows.
Security, scalability (handling large data volumes), integrations with your existing software, advanced features (conditional logic, automation), and ease of use for both creators and respondents are all crucial considerations.
Free trials are a great way to test different platforms. Reliable customer support and access to helpful resources like tutorials and guides are also important factors to consider.