Plugnotes X Microsoft Forms & Google Forms

Plugnotes vs. Microsoft Forms & Google Forms: What are the differences, similarities, pricing, strengths, and weaknesses of each tool?

Are you searching for the ideal software solution? The key to making the best selection is by carefully considering and comparing various options. In today's dynamic digital world, the software market offers many options, each promising to address unique needs and streamline operations.

In this comparison, we will explore the features, usability, pricing, and suitability of three companies: Plugnotes, Microsoft Forms, and Google Forms. We hope it can be clarified for you!

1. MICROSOFT FORMS, GOOGLE FORMS & PLUGNOTES
Below you will find a brief description of the companies:

Google Forms is a part of Google's suite of productivity tools within Google Workspace (formerly G Suite). It allows users to create various types of forms and surveys easily.

Microsoft Forms is part of the Microsoft 365 suite of productivity tools, formerly known as Office 365. It provides similar functionality to Google Forms but is integrated with Microsoft's ecosystem.

Plugnotes is an end-to-end solution a robust platform (mobile and web) to build custom forms to optimize operation management, offline data capture, field collaboration, and automate workflow.

In Summary, Microsoft Forms and Google Forms are primarily designed to conduct surveys and gather feedback from a large number of participants. On the other hand, Plugnotes is an innovative platform that offers a comprehensive suite of tools for digitizing a wide range of operations and workflows, enabling businesses to streamline their processes and enhance productivity.


2. FEATURES
Both companies offer several advantages that make them a popular choice for organizing and managing information across teams and projects. Check below a few:

• Intuitive design tools: utilize a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface to add various question types, text fields, and multiple-choice options, making form creation straightforward and versatile;
• Customization options: enhance the visual appeal of forms using customizable themes and templates, allowing for personalization that reflects the brand or purpose of the form;
• Real-time collaboration: enables multiple users to collaborate on a single form simultaneously, with capabilities to view and analyze responses in real-time, facilitating teamwork and immediate data access;
• Universal accessibility: ensure forms are easily accessible via shared links and compatible across all major browsers, maximizing reach and user engagement;
• Analytics and reporting: leverage basic tools for analyzing form responses and identifying trends, aiding in data-driven decision-making and insights;
• Theme personalization: customize the look and feel of forms with a variety of themes and templates, offering further personalization to match specific needs or preferences.
  
  

Plugnotes

• Versatile form building: create powerful forms using a drag-and-drop interface with over 30 field types including geolocation, tables, lookup fields, external database links, automatic indexing, pre-filled fields, and upcoming barcode support;
• Dynamic forms with database logic: enhance form functionality with database logic and cascade options, allowing forms to interlink and pull data dynamically from external or internal databases;
• Data auto-fill: utilize database logic to automatically populate forms with relevant data, such as product details or customer information, from an external or internal database;
• Data approval workflow: implement approval processes to review and validate data before it enters a workflow, ensuring accuracy and compliance;
• Rich media attachments: attach a variety of media types to forms, including annotated photos, scanned documents, and audio notes, enriching the data collection process;
• Flexible data sharing: share data instructions and collect data through various methods including direct links, QR codes, or directly through the app, catering to diverse operational needs;
• Mobile offline functionality: use the app effectively in both online and offline modes, ensuring continuous operation regardless of internet connectivity;
• Data consultation and editing: access and modify entries through detailed tables or individual reports, providing flexibility in data management;
• Automated document generation: define templates for automated document creation and export options to PDF, Word, email, and Excel, streamlining documentation processes.
  
  

In summary, Google Forms and Microsoft Forms stand out for their simplicity and capacity to build nice-looking survey forms.  On the other hand, if you have more complex operational requirements, Plugnotes is an excellent choice as it provides advanced features and tools that cater specifically to such needs.


3. INTEGRATIONS

To integrate and automate the process, we need to connect forms to external datasets such as ERP systems, accounting tools, Excel, and other… It saves costs by saving time and optimizing information that you already have.

• Google Workspace integration: integrates with Google Sheets, Google Drive, and Google Calendar for comprehensive data management and scheduling;
• Automated data capture: stores automatically responses in a Google Sheets spreadsheet, facilitating real-time data collection and analysis;
• Web and classroom sharing: embedded in Google Sites or shared through Google Classroom, enhancing educational and collaborative experiences;
• Extensive third-party integrations: connects with a wide array of third-party services via Zapier, including CRM systems, email marketing platforms, and project management tools, broadening its applicability across different business functions;
• Microsoft Office integration: works closely with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft OneDrive, ensuring seamless data synchronization and storage;
• Collaboration in Microsoft Teams: integrates directly into Microsoft Teams channels, allowing for easy sharing and collaboration within team environments.
  
  

• Single sign-on (SSO) support: facilitates secure and convenient user access management through SSO connections;
  
• FTP connections: utilizes middleware like Filezilla for FTP connections, enabling integration with Excel (CSV) databases for seamless data exchange;

• Custom API integrations: offers the ability to build custom API integrations with various systems including Odoo, Business Central, SAP, Bouwsoft, Azure, or any other system upon request, enhancing connectivity and interoperability. To learn more about Plugnotes and other ERP Systems please check this page: https://help.plugnotes.com/en/plugnotes-erp;
• Automation and alerts: enables the activation of automation, triggers, and alerts related to forms, such as automating tasks in other apps, sending emails, or updating fields and databases;
• Zapier integration: connects with Zapier to access over 4,000 online integrations, including major platforms like Microsoft 365, Google, Billit, Odoo, and Salesforce, significantly expanding its functional reach. 

In summary, both Microsoft and Google provide commendable built-in integrations within their tool suite. However, if you are looking for advanced and versatile capabilities to connect with any other tool, Plugnotes is the ideal choice. With Plugnotes, you can seamlessly integrate and collaborate with tools outside of the Microsoft or Google suite, making it an excellent option for those who work with a range of different software applications.

4. PRICES
It is essential for potential users to carefully evaluate the features, support, and pricing structure to determine the best fit for their needs and budget.

• The two companies offer various option plans that range from 6 USD to 20 USD. The final price depends on the location, number of users, and any additional services or features added.
  
  

Plugnotes

• Paid Version: as from 5.000 euros, annual payment.
  • 20 forms (70 euros/month / additional form above 100 forms);
  • 10 users (70 euros/month / additional user above 50 forms);
  • Unlimited free contributors; 
  • Access to all features, formats, and automation modules;
  • Monthly on-site training available with Plugnotes experts;
  • Online help center with videos;
  • E-mail and phone support with max 48h answer time;
  • Belgian team and support are available in Dutch and French.
    
    

In summary, while having an initial budget is important, collaborating with large teams or external parties can become a complicated process if you need to purchase licenses for every contributor involved. Fortunately, with Plugnotes, you can simplify this process and avoid such complications, as no license is required for every contributor. This can significantly enhance the collaboration experience, allowing you to focus on achieving your goals without worrying about additional expenses.

5. CONCLUSION

In summary, Google Forms and Microsoft Forms are best suited for educational and basic business data collection. These platforms are commonly used to create surveys, simple forms, quizzes, and registrations in a user-friendly environment that integrates seamlessly with their respective ecosystems. On the other hand, Plugnotes is an excellent choice for businesses requiring a more comprehensive solution to manage specific operational processes. It offers greater flexibility, customization, and integration with a wide range of business tools. Therefore, Plugnotes is a good investment for companies and professionals working in fields, industries, and production functions and doesn't need special licenses to start use.