| Zapier has a large moat. I would like to think anything you can bring to the table to compete or add value (maybe flow-based logic rules or inclusion of serverless script-level transforms similar to pipedream) could be cherry picked and added onto zapier with little stress. I'll add that it is relatively trivial to wire your own serverless function into zapier to this end. One thing lacking from the article as a niche proper webhook management (ie hookdeck). There are many industry-niche api-interchange products out there... many predating Zapier and remaining the defacto in that industry. Think logistics, ERP and finance systems. As much of a case that can be made for unbundling - I don't think such can be said for zapier and the breadth of moat they've created. Zapier integrations on a given SaaS usually don't hold a candle to native/direct, but they are certainly universal. I'm very curious to hear a concrete example of a segment/industry and how it could be "unbundled", but unfortunately there is none in the article. SOC/PCI compliance? Remember Microsoft Flow (now called Microsoft Power Automate)? Hundreds of connectors and deep integration into azure/microsoft platform... all underwritten and stamped by Microsoft's level of enterprise. Looking at that ARR growth curve, they've certainly demonstrated the value of wide integration over deep/niche integrations. The only argument to be made here for market displacement is that a cheaper alternative would come about offered as a loss leader by big tech, or an open data interchange standard/paradigm could come abound and disrupt the necessity of this. |
Alloy Automation is making a better Zapier for E-commerce: https://runalloy.com/
Anvyl is making a better Zapier for supply chain: https://anvyl.com/
That being said. I think that you're right! Trying to just take workflows (or zaps) from Zapier is not going to be the best move. These companies have focused on their verticals and started building a product where automation is a feature, not a product. Anvyl for example is a pane-of-glass for supply-chains orders/parts/sourcing along with automation to supplement the experience. I believe Alloy is trying to become an E-commerce CRM. Their wedge has been enabling some tricky workflows that aren't well supported in Zapier.