SaaS Test Bench

Welcome to the test bench

Every tool faces unique challenges. It's how they handle those challenges that distinguish them from the crowd.

Read about our A.C.E.D. testing model below, and how we probe each tool on our site to see if they make the cut.

Is the tool accessible to people from multiple backgrounds?

Each of us is unique, and the way we interact with tech is distinct. We evaluate each tool's ability to adapt to multiple people across backgrounds, locations, and skill levels.

For example, Bob is a retired veteran ready to start his own online business. He's not too tech-savvy and wants to use a simple task management tool to track his customer orders.

Shannon is a tech-savvy project manager who also wants to start her own online business. She is well-versed in advanced project management solutions and has set up advanced automation workflows in the past.

These two individuals are striving to meet the same goal, require similar solutions, but have stark differences in their background and technical capabilities that will determine which tool will be most effective for their needs. A simple task management tool like Microsoft Planner or Trello may work for Bob, but Shannon may require more extensive features found in tools like Asana or Smartsheet.

Is the tool affordable and worth the cost?

And now for the million dollar question: Is the tool worth your hard-earned money? This question is especially important compared to competitors in the same space. While many apps offer similar features and interfaces, not all pricing structures are created equal. From monthly and annual subscriptions, to education and non-profit discounts, we cross-analyze tools in the same category to find out whether the service is overpriced, or if it's really worth the cost.

Are there multiple ways to visualize work?

We explore different ways to do the same thing (because one size never fits all). Visualizations are important because they are the method by which we interact with software. This is often referred to as the tool's user interface (UI for short), which consists of the design and information taxonomy established by the tool's engineers and designers.

For a productivity app, one person may appreciate using a Kanban board to manage their tasks, while another prefers a Gantt chart. For a Fintech app, one person manages their budget in a list view, while another prefers a summary dashboard.

Is the tool compatible with the most common devices and platforms?

It's 2023, so we expect tools to meet the demands of users by deploying apps across the most common platforms like Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. The more ways you can access the information on your apps, the better.

Can the tool seamlessly integrate with other tools?

Did you know that the average person uses roughly 9 apps daily, and 30 apps every month? What if you wanted to connect one of your favorite apps to another, or two?

We test each tool's ability to seamlessly integrate with other apps, like connecting your Google Calendar to Todoist, to easily manage your schedule and task list in one place, or connecting Spotify to your Waze app to control your music right in your GPS app while driving.

Are the core and advanced features scalable?

We ensure that tools have features that can scale with the evolving needs and wants of users. People shouldn't "settle for less" when it comes to choosing the right software. Therefore, it's important that a user can use core features to achieve their goals now, but also have access to advanced features that can adapt to new requirements in the future.

What other features does the tool include that help make it a one stop shop for users?

Some tools are a jack of all trades, but a master of none. We look for tools that fulfill their core promise, while extending into other areas that can support your needs in one place to consolidate the amount of tools you rely on to achieve the same result.

Can it accommodate various use cases?

We analyze each tool's ability to accommodate a wide range of use cases across various industries, like marketing campaigns, company-wide projects, or personal productivity.

Use cases are the most important consideration when exploring a new tool. Everyone uses technology according to their own needs and wants. You want to ensure the tool you're interested in can address yours now, and in the future, when your needs and desires change.

Can the tool serve as a single source of truth?

Our favorite four words when describing a tool are: Single source of truth. This concept transcends software, and can be applied to any topic or industry. A single source of truth can take the form of an important document, website, or group of people. In the case of software, it means becoming the go-to solution for accomplishing a task, project, or goal.

Suppose you're in a team meeting, and your colleague suggests a process improvement that can immediately solve a problem in your department. Your colleague hastily crafts a new standard operating procedure (SOP) and uploads it to your team's Slack channel, instead of the team intranet site where all process documentation is housed. Teammates who aren't part of the Slack channel cannot find the SOP and continue to operate using the old process, causing bottlenecks in team productivity.

On another note, suppose you and your spouse share a mobile for budgeting and expense tracking. Your boss just approved a 4% raise, which will add two hundred dollars to your bi-weekly paycheck. You and your spouse discuss the change verbally, without ever updating your income in your budgeting app. When payday arrives, you scramble to allocate funds to each bill, because you each forgot to update your app.

Whether your single source of truth is an intranet site or a budgeting app, the impact of deviating from it can place obstacles in your path down the road.

Does the tool deliver reliable cloud hosting?

Let's face it, the cloud is here to stay, rendering on-premise solutions a thing of the past. All the tools on our site are cloud hosted and must maintain an uptime rate of at least 98% to be considered. You'll find a button labeled "Check uptime status" on each tool's Infoboard, allowing you to view the tool's history of incidents, how quickly they are resolved, and where information regarding server maintenance is shared to users.

Does the tool offer multiple options for implementation and support?

What good is a tool without resources to help you get started and make the most of its features? We hate seeing users grow frustrated by a lack of support when they need it most, especially when starting with a new tool. So we ensure each tool on our site has the following options for implementation and support:

A comprehensive knowledge base
A blog with tips, tricks, and best practices
An email newsletter to keep users informed
Instruction guides or video tutorials to address gaps in knowledge and skills
Email support with a turnaround time of at least 24 hours (we'll allow up to 48 hours for smaller businesses)
Chat and phone support (preferred, but not required)

On the bench

Passed

In progress

Not recommended