ServiceNow vs Coupa

The enterprise's Swiss Army knife for workflows, if you don't mind the price tag and complexity meets the corporate credit card for your entire company, but with more paperwork and less fun. Here's our take.

ServiceNow

Nice Pick

The enterprise's Swiss Army knife for workflows, if you don't mind the price tag and complexity.

Pros

• Comprehensive out-of-the-box modules for ITSM, ITOM, and business automation
• Strong integration capabilities with third-party tools and legacy systems
• Low-code development environment for custom applications
• Robust reporting and analytics for operational insights

Cons

• High licensing and implementation costs can be prohibitive for small businesses
• Steep learning curve and reliance on specialized consultants for setup

Coupa

The corporate credit card for your entire company, but with more paperwork and less fun.

Pros

• Unified platform for procurement, invoicing, and expenses reduces manual work
• Strong analytics and reporting to track spending and identify savings
• Integrates well with ERP systems like SAP and Oracle
• Cloud-based setup means no on-premise headaches

Cons

• Can be expensive and complex for smaller businesses
• User interface feels clunky and outdated compared to modern SaaS tools
• Implementation and customization often require costly consultants

The Verdict

Use ServiceNow if: You want comprehensive out-of-the-box modules for itsm, itom, and business automation and can live with high licensing and implementation costs can be prohibitive for small businesses.

Use Coupa if: You prioritize unified platform for procurement, invoicing, and expenses reduces manual work over what ServiceNow offers.

The Bottom Line

ServiceNow wins

The enterprise's Swiss Army knife for workflows, if you don't mind the price tag and complexity.