Windward vs. Formstack: Which Document Automation Provider has it all?

If you're working with a considerable volume of documents regularly, it's helpful to familiarize yourself with the document automation (DocAuto) tools available. While they help to create and manage countless documents in a snap, choosing from a plethora of DocAuto tools and its varying list of vendors might be overwhelming.

However, Windward and Formstack (formerly WebMerge) are two of the most popular document automation solution providers that you might like to consider while making the decision. Right from creating powerful documents to streamlining your document generation process, both of these DocGen solutions make document generation hassle-free and painless.

Here’s an overview of Windward and Formstack along with a brief comparison of their features, functionalities, and pros & cons to help you make the right decision.

Windward vs. Formstack: Which is better?

1. Building Templates

The first step to creating documents with any DocAuto tools is building templates. You can then use these templates in generating documents of similar types or produce a new document with just a minor alteration in the existing template.

With Formstack’s document builder, you need to first enter merge fields to fetch the data you want. Also, it requires you to follow a specific format. However, Formstack also lets you place the data directly on the document using merge fields, but unfortunately, it does not say how you can assign the data to merge fields; thus, making the process quite complicated.

On the contrary, Windward fetches data from the required sources seamlessly. All you need to do is connect it with the specific datasource, be it Salesforce or any business applications you use.

2. Document Delivery

Formstack is power-packed with a pool of document delivery options. That is, you can send your documents directly to the desired recipients right from Formstack. Different options that it offers include CRM, Doc Storage, eSignature, email, and more. You can also create multiple deliveries of a single document with Formstack.

Windward Core and Windward Hub enable users to deliver your document via your application, email it, or even output it directly to the printer.

3. Data Sources

On the one hand, where Windward supports multiple datasources, on the other, Formstack lets you pull data from various sources with its 'Merge' functionality. But again, Formstack has no explicit mention of what merge is and how it functions. Though it seems that Formstack has essential features to make document generation easier, it has not enough documentation for users to leverage the benefits.

4. Custom Online Forms

You can create online forms with Formstack in just a few minutes, without the help of your developers. Yes, Formstack has made this possible. It has an easy website form builder with advanced features that help you create a custom form within a few clicks. Right from collecting payments to gathering data, it automates your routine tasks and lets you focus on other crucial activities.

On the contrary, you don't get any such privileged functionality from Windward, but yes, you can still create forms like other documents with no hassles.

Windward & Formstack At A Glance

Final Thoughts

If you are a newbie to document generation, Formstack is created right for you. Whether you talk about its friendly user interface or explanatory features, it guides you through every step of your document creation. While time zone and document status are its unique functionalities, it masters the art of form building.

When it comes to Windward, it has all the advanced features that one might desire to have in a DocAuto tool, but if your needs are limited, it might turn out to be costly. On the other hand, it is ultimately a "no-code" platform, i.e., whether you are a tech expert or lack technical knowledge, Windward works equally for you—it neither requires you to code nor write any queries. All you have to do is drag and drop data fields, and Windward will generate code on its own.

While both come with its perks and drawbacks, it solely depends on your requirements to pick the best-suited one.

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If you've just discovered us, we're excited. Try Windward with our 30-day free trial and start creating documents in quick time with our low/no code solutions.

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