Control-M vs. Lightning Tools Actions

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Control-M
Score 9.3 out of 10
N/A
Control-M from BMC is a platform for integrating, automating, and orchestrating application and data workflows in production across complex hybrid technology ecosystems. It provides deep operational capabilities, delivering speed, scale, security, and governance.
$29,000
per year
Lightning Tools Actions
Score 10.0 out of 10
Mid-Size Companies (51-1,000 employees)
Lightning Tools Actions is a complement to Lightning Forms, but can also be used independently of Lightning Forms. Rather than opening individual items to update fields such as Approval Status, Resetting field values such as holiday entitlement, or sending emails to notify creators of items that a request has been approved, Lightning Tools Actions provides the ability to create new command bar buttons with actions that can be performed against multiple selected items.
$1,200
per year per installation
Pricing
Control-MLightning Tools Actions
Editions & Modules
On-Premise
Contact Sales
SaaS
Starting at $29,000
per year
List Actions
From $1200
per year per installation
List Actions Enterprise Edition
POA
per year per installation
List Actions Plus (with Document Generator)
From $1800
per year per installation
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Control-MLightning Tools Actions
Free Trial
YesYes
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeOptionalNo setup fee
Additional DetailsPrices stated are minimum per installation for "stock" products. $1.20 per user on top of annual fee. Enterprise editions can be amended to suit business needs if deemed necessary, additional costs incurred and TBD. All packages include free technical support. Free upgrades available to latest versions of tool as they are released. (online version)Prices stated are minimum per installation for "stock" products. Not available for SharePoint OnPremises (2007 - 2019)
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Control-MLightning Tools Actions
Considered Both Products
Control-M
Chose Control-M
Because of some of the best features the Control-M provides which includes but not limited to- Automation workload processing, manager file transfer, data pipelines, integrations, hybrid and multi cloud workflow.
Chose Control-M
AutoSys Workload Automation, HCL Workload Automation and Apache Airflow
Chose Control-M
Control-M allows you to run several types of batch jobs. For this case, SAP jobs which are not available to JAMS.
Chose Control-M
Broadcom Automic Automation and IBM Workload Automation
Chose Control-M
We would still use Control-M as overall orchestrator to manage the workflows created in these other products. We do not consider them as a replacement for Control-M.
Chose Control-M
Both cover the functionalities that we require. We are with CtrlM because it is a solution that other business units of the organization have.
Chose Control-M
Control-M is more robust and easier to use
Chose Control-M
Control-M is very easy to use and it is easy to visually see how tasks are performing. Having the logs in one place when a task fails makes troubleshooting easier.
Chose Control-M
Control-M has proven to be much more reliable and not prone to crashes like UC4 had. It’s also more versatile since we can build almost anything we may need with the application integrator.
Chose Control-M
We have been using Control-M for almost 20 years and our teams are already trained to use it. Other tools are not as robust and resilient as Control-M. Control-M's graphical interface is very easy to use.
Chose Control-M
Control-M has a lot more features within it. Also, the structure is more visual than active batch and it's easier to navigate around
Chose Control-M
Control-M by far is the leader in this industry. The ease of use of the product and the ability to get others up to speed on using the product because of this is great.
Chose Control-M
Control-M is better then AutoSys in all aspects, from managing the solution to using it to basic and advanced functionality.
Chose Control-M
We still use Power Automate but for different scenarios where job dependency is not required.
Lightning Tools Actions
Features
Control-MLightning Tools Actions
Workload Automation
Comparison of Workload Automation features of Product A and Product B
Control-M
8.7
Ratings
5% above category average
Lightning Tools Actions
10.0
Ratings
19% above category average
Multi-platform scheduling9.40 Ratings00 Ratings
Central monitoring9.20 Ratings00 Ratings
Logging8.30 Ratings00 Ratings
Alerts and notifications8.50 Ratings10.00 Ratings
Analysis and visualization8.30 Ratings00 Ratings
Application integration8.40 Ratings00 Ratings
Best Alternatives
Control-MLightning Tools Actions
Small Businesses

No answers on this topic

No answers on this topic

Medium-sized Companies
Apache Airflow
Apache Airflow
Score 8.6 out of 10
Apache Airflow
Apache Airflow
Score 8.6 out of 10
Enterprises
Redwood RunMyJobs
Redwood RunMyJobs
Score 9.6 out of 10
Redwood RunMyJobs
Redwood RunMyJobs
Score 9.6 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Control-MLightning Tools Actions
Likelihood to Recommend
9.3
(0 ratings)
10.0
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
9.6
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Usability
9.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Availability
8.9
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Performance
8.8
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
9.2
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
In-Person Training
9.6
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Online Training
9.2
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
9.5
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Configurability
9.4
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Ease of integration
8.6
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Product Scalability
9.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
9.4
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
9.4
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
Control-MLightning Tools Actions
Likelihood to Recommend
Scenarios where it's well suited are where you're running jobs across platforms. We have processes on our mainframe that have to complete our daily batch processing and the controlling handles the scheduling of the daily batch processing. Then once that's done, it moves into executing stuff on servers like SQL loads and transferring files to load into SQL and then also running reporting on the SQL servers when the data's been loaded and is available. It makes for a really smooth transition of the overnight processing the bank has to go through. That's our main function that we use it for currently. It handles it very well.
Read full review
We use SharePoint to manage over 100 legal litigation cases. We also use SharePoint for all of our internal billing and time keeping. There is great need for different SharePoint sites to be able to have access to other lists and data sources. List Actions provides an easy-to-use interface that we use to implement file copies between sites, workflow tracking of medical records through our medical collections department, send out medical record requests using the enhanced SendMail options. We have automated many tasks that used to take up considerable time and were error-prone. Having the logic of a workflow with all the steps carried out with a click of a button is great. Plus it is very fast.
Read full review
Pros
  • Workload change manager is one of our favorite features of this product. It enforces standards, which is a huge benefit. Users don't just make crazy changes that cause issues with other jobs. It does great promotions from one environment to another, transforming all the data to match the next environment.
Read full review
  • Allow for workflow actions to be executed at the view level.
  • Has a full range of available tools. It's not just email for an approval.
  • Super easy to use and configure.
Read full review
Cons
  • Certificate on all levels: Each agent uses different keystrokes for different functions, such as AI, web service calls, and MFT.
  • It's really hard to manage these keystrokes.
  • Trust stores, in case control-m, act as servers; it should be simple to implement certificates from a corporate CA.
  • Some functions must be performed in the fat client, while others can only be performed through the web interface. This should be streamlined as soon as possible.
Read full review
No answers on this topic
Likelihood to Renew
Control-M integrates with DevOps toolchains to automate the deployment of applications and updates. It supports Jobs-as-Code, allowing developers to define workflows programmatically, which accelerates development cycles and improves deployment consistency1.These use cases highlight how Control-M can streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and support critical business functions across various domains.
Read full review
No answers on this topic
Usability
Since it is GUI-based, it is not hard to use, although all new programs have a learning curve. The color scheme is easy to use to find the status of different Batch jobs. The check-in and check-out feature of job definitions is easy to use and avoids problems with users trying to use the same resource at the same time.
Read full review
No answers on this topic
Reliability and Availability
Secondary Instances: Control-M supports the installation of a secondary instance of the entire Control-M environment, Control-M/EM, or Control-M/Server.Automatic & Manual Failover: In case of a failure on the primary host, Control-M can automatically failover to the secondary host if using Oracle or MSSQL databases. Manual failover is also an option, enabling a controlled switch during planned maintenance.Fallback: After resolving the issue on the primary host, you can easily fall back to it, or even designate the secondary host as the new primary. Database Replication: For high availability, Control-M leverages database replication from the primary site to a disaster recovery site. While replication is essential, its implementation and maintenance are the user's responsibility.
Read full review
No answers on this topic
Performance
good page load times, efficient report completion, and minimal impact on integrated systems. Specifically, the well-designed GUI contributes to a positive user experience, and the platform's ability to automate various stages of the workflow, including Big Data processes, is highlighted as a key strength. Fast Page Loads: Control-M is reported to have a responsive user interface with fast page load times, allowing users to quickly navigate and manage their workflows
Read full review
No answers on this topic
Support Rating
He contactado varias veces con el soporte de BMC y ha sido bastante bueno, siempre han sabido darme una solución a lo que he pedido. Esta vez quiero hacer alguna nueva pregunta, pero no se si se me podrá contestar, ya que es algo que tal vez fuera de otro rango y no pertenezca a ellos.
Read full review
No answers on this topic
In-Person Training
Very knowledgeable instructors provide a hands-on, collaborative learning experience and can interact directly with instructors to develop our Control-M skills. This format allows for immediate feedback, in-depth discussions, and tailored guidance, leading to a deeper understanding of Control-M concepts and practical application. Face-to-face interaction fosters higher engagement and a more dynamic learning environment.
Read full review
No answers on this topic
Online Training
Simple and easy to use web based, well paced. Available any time. All online courses are simple and easy to access and use. Very practical everyday use scenarios and solutions. Incorporates software simulations, learning games, and built-in assessments to enhance comprehension and engagement. Online subscriptions are regularly updated with the latest product information, ensuring users have access to the most current knowledge.
Read full review
No answers on this topic
Implementation Rating
As HA we have depend on the external DB, why don't we have HA feasibility with embedded DB. As with external DB, there are performance issues and fine tuning the DB. As if its embedded DB, Control-M it self take care of the functionality.
Read full review
No answers on this topic
Alternatives Considered
I met him as a Control-M consultant, performing migrations from CA to BMC. I knew the product and interface were not as friendly or intuitive as Control-M's and could not integrate new technologies and external applications. One of CA's excellent capabilities was the ability to incorporate executions with Java Scripting to obtain variable values ​​or to order processes natively in the application using its utilities.
Read full review
Read full review
Scalability
awesome product.Control-M delivers advanced operational capabilities easily consumed by Dev, Ops, data teams, and lines of business.Control-M Workflow InsightsApplication and data workflow observability: Increased confidence that SLAs are being met for Control-M users and IT leadersComprehensive control and management capabilities: Enhanced dashboards and reporting with constant telemetry and intelligent analysis on executing workflowsSelf-service visibility: In-depth reporting to help teams work autonomously
Read full review
No answers on this topic
Return on Investment
  • Control-M has improved service delivery times, reliability and quality of batch processing.
  • It has simplified the management of the operation and the use of the alert system has made it possible to act in a coordinated and efficient manner to solve problems.
  • The implementation of policies has made it possible to make greater use of Control-M and thus reduce development costs that are generated unnecessarily when the potential of the system is not considered.
Read full review
  • I have looked at every competitor out there and this tool plus the Forms designer is very affordable. It has become an integral part of our business.
Read full review
ScreenShots

Lightning Tools Actions Screenshots

Screenshot of SHAREPOINT LIST ACTION BUTTONS
Action buttons can be added to SharePoint lists, like this Expense Approval button. The button performs multiple actions on the SharePoint list items such as modifying the Approved field to Yes, Sending an email notification to the Expense Claimant, and Reloading the page. The Line Manager can select multiple items and approve them all in one click, rather than visit each item individually.Screenshot of ADDING SHAREPOINT LIST ACTION BUTTONS
SharePoint List Action buttons can be created quickly, with no coding experience required, and List Owners or Designers can create the buttons and actions within the context of the list itself.  Action buttons can also be configured to display only to the user with the rights to perform the action.Screenshot of BUILDING A SERIES OF LIST ACTIONS
Actions that can be configured include Updating field values with simple or complex expressions, sending emails, adding list items, creating list items or folders, running custom script, and calling other workflows.