As work gets more complex, innovation in the software development industry continues to improve based on demand. Depending on the business’s specific needs, a company uses different tools to automate its processes.
Automation helps to reduce the chances of errors and makes a business more productive.
Today, we have job scheduling software programs that can create seamless and complex workflows across multiple systems and applications for optimal business performance.
However, there are several such software in the market, each performing different functions. This post will explore some of the best job scheduling tools available today and their features to help you determine the best tool for your business.
What Is a Job Scheduling Software and Why Is It Necessary?
A job scheduling software is a computer program that helps businesses automate and optimize their workflows. By automating tasks and creating efficient workflows, job scheduling software can save businesses time and money.
Many different types of job scheduling software are available, each with its unique set of features. Some job scheduling software programs are designed for specific industries, while others are more general purpose.
Job scheduling programs are essential to businesses in that they:
- Reduce running costs
- Increase productivity
- Ensure transparency
- Allows for efficient monitoring and collaboration
- Save productive time spent on manually assigning and scheduling tasks
However, it is important to note that as advantageous as job scheduling software is to a business’ bottom line, not every business will require a job scheduling program.
Review of the Best Job Scheduling Softwares
Job scheduling software have different features that make them better suited for specific tasks over others. Some tools are industry specific, and some are generic in use.
We will look at some of the best tools available today for small and large businesses across different industries.
Reviews Of The Best Job Scheduling Software
Redwood
Best SaaS Workload Automation
Redwood’s job scheduling tool, RunMyJob tops the list of the top job scheduling tools available today. RunMyJob is a workload automation and job scheduling software designed to help enterprises create processes easily. The tool requires minimal human intervention while it views processes, monitors them, and provides alerts. Redwood works well with enterprises in high-tech environments.
Features
Built-in SLA monitoring – Built-in SLA monitoring features to guarantee critical business deadlines.
Unified Workflows – Ability to automate processes over on-premise, cloud, and hybrid environments.
No Code – Does not require programming knowledge to set up and start running.
Alerts and Notifications – Automatically trigger reminders for employees to keep track of deadlines.
Pros
- Endless options for customization to fit your specific business needs.
- SAAS – It is the best workload automation and job scheduling software designed for and delivered via software-as-a-service.
- Ability to connect disparate systems, both SAP and non-SAP
- Resilient and flexible
Cons
- Limited out-of-box dashboard functions and SLA modules
- Not optimized for use on a mobile phone as the interface is difficult to use, not visually appealing, and unresponsive.
Pricing
- Free Trial
- Pricing Available on request
Active Batch Workload Automation
Most Flexible Workload Automation Software
Active Batch is a cloud-based job scheduler that can work across different systems to run a combination of premises and cloud server actions through a series of connected processes.
The tool seamlessly automates event scheduling, task sharing, and other business processes.
Features
Low Code – With Active Batch, you can build workflows under a single interface for your IT experts.
Customizable – You can customize your user interface to fit your business brand.
Automatic Programming – Active Batch allows users to create and add advanced mechanized workflows.
Pros
- It is cloud-based
- Easy to create workflows from scratch
- Support automation over both on-premise and cloud environments
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Requires a technical professional to optimize the tool
- Scheduling and job dependency issues
Pricing
- Free Demo available
- Customized pricing based on the use case
HelpSystems JAMS
(Best for Scaling Businesses)
JAMS is a workload automation tool that gives users centralized control and security over their platforms by integrating them to create a unified workflow across multiple platforms.
Features
Excellent customer support – JAMS gives its users a hands-on, unrivaled customer support experience.
Code Driven – JAMS is an automation tool for skilled developers and programmers as it is highly code-driven.
Integration – Creates custom integrations with other business technologies, scripts, and systems.
Pros
- Great Interface
- Scalability
- Great technical support
- Automatically gives insights
- Integrates well with several tools
Cons
- Too many bugs
- Too many updates are required, and they sometimes fail
- Needs frequent restart
Pricing
- Free Trial
- Per Feature Pricing available
IBM Workload Automation
(Most stable job scheduler platform)
IBM Workload Automation, formerly IBM Tivoli Workload Schedule, is an automation platform built to feature in hybrid environments. It is a tool that leverages technology to create seamless workflows based on specific users’ needs.
Features
Hybrid Workload Automation – IBM Workload Automation works in hybrid environments using one point of control
Plug-Ins – The tool can work with many different app plug-ins to automate business processes
Built for growth – The tool has huge potential for scaling businesses. It can manage millions of daily jobs.
ZOWE – Zowe™ CLI workload automation add-on
Pros
- Stable and can run millions of jobs daily
- User friendly
- User-requested updates
- Simple to install
- Good user interface
Cons
- Bugs
- It does not provide interlinking with other third-party software
- Inadequate tutorial on the use of the program
Pricing
- Free Trial
- Price available on request
Stone Branch Enterprise Job Scheduling Software
(Best Hybrid IT Automation Software)
StoneBranch Enterprise Job Scheduling Software is a SaaS-based or on-premises solution that initiates tasks and business processes on schedule. The tool is designed to work seamlessly across all mainframe, on-prem, and hybrid IT environments. The tool provides central control with a web controller that offers both advanced control and visibility.
Features
Compliance – The tool can easily pivot tasks based on new business and market requirements
Resilient – The tool’s design/architecture can work well with minimal guidance and is more fault-tolerant
Reporting, Analytics, Encryption – Provides fast data delivery, reports, and encrypted security features.
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Great technical support
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Not cloud-based
- Can’t handle negative written codes
- Complex infrastructure
Pricing
- Free Demo Available
- Quotation available on request
Tidal Workload Automation
(Best for Small Businesses)
Tidal is a workload automation and job scheduling platform that runs on-prem and in the cloud regardless of where it is hosted. Tidal is a scalable, secure, and resilient automation tool for enterprises that executes complex workflows across systems, applications and IT environments. The tool is highly compliant with laws and regulations in spite of its diverse offering of products and services.
Features
Simple Interface – A simple, easy-to-use interface that makes it quick and easy to create workflows
Works on-premises and in the cloud – The ability to run workflows in the cloud or on-premises, depending on your needs
Integrations – A wide range of integrations that make it easy to connect Tidal to the tools you already use
Team Management Feature – A team management feature that makes it easy to keep track of who is working on what and when tasks are due
Trigger Reports – Tidal can initiate recovery action when a job fails, notifying the owner or central console and creating a report.
Pros
- Tidal is a user-friendly automation software that is easy to learn and use.
- Tidal helps businesses automate their workflows, saving time and money.
- Tidal’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes it easy for businesses of all sizes to get started quickly.
- Tidal integrates with leading business applications, making it easy to connect with the tools you already use.
Cons
- It is a new software and has not been tested for long
- There have been complaints about the customer service
- The interface is not very user friendly
- It is a bit more expensive than some other options
- It does not have as many features as some other software programs
Pricing
Tidal offers different models. They are:
- Job-based
The number of unique job definitions determines pricing in this model. You can deploy an unlimited number of agents and adapters to integrate into the tool under this pricing system. It also comes with a license for Tidal Master(s).
- Component-based
The pricing is determined by the components deployed, i.e., Tidal Master, Agents, and adapters.
- Enterprise License Agreement
This is a time-based agreement with Tidal for a license for Tidal Master and unlimited agents, adapters, and jobs. The agreement typically lasts three years, after which you either enter a new licensing agreement or are issued a life-long license for products you installed during the period of the agreement with no additional fees.
- Hybrid ELA
This flexible pricing model is best suited for when certain components are required in large quantities, and others are not.
Buyer’s Guide For Best Job Scheduling Software
There are many factors to consider when looking for the best job scheduling software. Here is a breakdown of the most important ones:
Ease of use
The software should be easy to learn and use. It should be intuitive so that you can get up and running quickly. Job scheduling softwares are generally complex systems, not everyone can get a handle of them. Nonetheless, a job scheduling tool should not be unnecessarily complex to set up and run.
Flexibility
Every business has its unique needs, it is usually better to consider the tool that can be customized to fit your busines. The software should be flexible enough to meet your specific needs. It should allow you to adjust things to your workflows and processes. ActiveBatch is one of the most flexible tools out there.
Features
The software should include all the features you need to manage your jobs effectively. It should have everything from job scheduling to reporting tools. While every tool should have its own unique feature, a job scheduling software should generally have the following features: drag and drop schedule editing; easy integration with other tools; and visual scheduling.
Compatibility
The software should be compatible with your systems and devices. It should work with the platforms and operating systems you are using. You should generally look out for a tool that is not just desktop compatible but also compatible with mobile for employees to easily access.
Price
The software should fit into your budget. It should not be too expensive or too cheap. You want something that offers good value for your money. Most job scheduling software offer a free trial or demo to allow you to test out the features of the tool you would be using. Redwood RunMyJobs is a good value for your money.
FAQs
There is no best software for job scheduling. Every business is different and will require different software to meet its specific needs. However, some popular job scheduling software programs include RunMyJobs, ActiveBatch, and JAMS.
Job scheduling software helps organizations optimize their resources and work schedules. It allows employees to view their work schedule online, submit time-off requests, and receive updates on their job status.
No, job scheduling software does not require high-tech skills in employees. While certain programs may require technical knowledge, most job scheduling software can be operated with basic computer skills. Employees can generally be trained on how to use it in a short amount of time.
Yes, job scheduling software is customizable for most businesses. Many job scheduling software programs offer a wide range of features that can be tailored to meet an organization’s specific needs.
A job scheduling software can help employees view their work schedule online, submit time-off requests, and receive updates on their job status. Additionally, it can help managers allocate resources and track employee productivity.
Using job scheduling software can help improve productivity by automating certain tasks, such as sending reminder emails to employees or providing an overview of employee availability.
Additionally, job scheduling software can optimize workflows to ensure tasks are promptly completed.
While job scheduling software is not essential for all businesses, it can be more beneficial for businesses with many employees or specific time-based needs.
For example, companies with multiple departments needing to collaborate on projects or businesses requiring shift work might find job scheduling software especially useful.
Yes, many job scheduling software programs offer mobile apps that allow employees to view their schedules and enter time-off requests from their phones or tablets.
Some job scheduling software programs can also send push notifications to employees’ devices, reminding them of upcoming shifts or deadlines.
Final Thoughts
Job scheduling software can be an extremely helpful tool for businesses of all sizes. It can automate tasks, optimize workflows, and improve productivity.
Additionally, many job scheduling software programs are customizable to meet the specific needs of a business and offer mobile apps that allow employees to access their schedules from anywhere. Job scheduling software is also often affordable and easy to use.
If your business is looking for a way to improve efficiency, consider using job scheduling software. Our top recommended tool is Redwood RunMyJobs. IBM Workload Automation is a very stable tool and is hitch-free. Tidal Workload Automation, and JAMS are very suitable for small businesses, especially small businesses looking to scale.
