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    K2 features you may have missed

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An overview of modern K2 capabilities

Nintex

An overview of modern K2 capabilities

Your K2 workflows are running reliably in the background, handling critical business processes day after day. That reliability is by design – we built K2 to be rock-solid, which is why organizations continue to depend on it for mission-critical operations. But while your automations have been quietly doing their job, we’ve been revolutionizing what’s possible with process automation. 

We’ve modernized K2 across all components – not because earlier versions were inadequate, but because business demands have evolved dramatically. The processes that once required complex workarounds are now straightforward implementations, and integration challenges that demanded custom development are now point-and-click solutions. The modern K2 platform handles automation scenarios that would have been prohibitively expensive or technically complex before, while maintaining the same reliability and upgrade protection you’ve always counted on. 

If anything in the following capabilities addresses a current challenge or enables something you’ve always wanted to automate, we’d love to show you a demo and discuss how these advancements might fit your specific needs and timeline. 

Design & build

Screenshot of user interface: Nintex Designer-Workflow.

Workflow

K2’s completely rebuilt Workflow Designer expands what’s possible with modern process automation while maintaining the power you expect. The new architecture handles exponentially more complex scenarios – parallel sub-workflows, inline functions, dynamic routing with reusable SmartFields, and real-time error recovery – all through an intuitive visual interface. The enhanced SmartObjects framework now supports dynamic integration patterns and modern APIs, while responsive SmartForms deliver mobile-ready experiences with enterprise styling. Most importantly, everything upgrades seamlessly, protecting your existing investment while unlocking capabilities that weren’t previously feasible. 

 

Completely rebuilt designer with modern architecture that handles exponentially more complex scenarios through parallel sub-workflows, inline functions, dynamic routing, and real-time error recovery. Focus was on expanding what can be automated while maintaining visual, intuitive design. 

Workflow Designer *

Modern, Silverlight-free design experience with infinite canvas that mirrors how business actually works. Auto-save functionality keeps your work protected while you focus on building solutions.

Multiple Start Event Types

Launch workflows through conditional start events, SharePoint integration, manual triggers, API calls, or custom forms. SmartAssist prevents deployment errors by validating start configurations.

Workflow Troubleshooting

Built-in validation and lifecycle management alerts you to configuration issues and dependency changes before they impact running processes. Pre-deployment screening catches design flaws early.

Rules Designer

Visual interface for building complex logic statements with nested expressions and logical rules. Eliminates the need for technical coding while maintaining sophisticated routing capabilities.

Reusable SmartFields

Create expressions and variables once, then use them across multiple workflows for consistent dynamic routing logic and reduced maintenance overhead.

Version Control

Complete workflow versioning with the ability to view, revert, and edit previous versions before deploying. Clone workflows using Save As to accelerate development from proven templates.

Full Cut/Copy/Paste + Undo/Redo

Standard editing functions that speed workflow construction and provide safety net for design changes throughout your browser session.

Sub-workflows

Handle complex scenarios like order processing where multiple parallel workflows must complete before the parent process continues. Supports both wait-for-completion and fire-and-forget patterns.

Inline Functions

Abstract business logic into reusable functions instead of managing complexity through multiple workflow paths. Streamlines maintenance and improves process clarity.

Action Result Field

Capture and use workflow decisions taken by task recipients for audit trails, confirmation emails, and downstream routing logic.

Task Due Dates & Notifications

Set urgency-based task prioritization with customizable notifications including priority flags, CC/BCC functionality, and working hours awareness.

SmartActions

Enable task completion via simple email responses with synonym support (“approve,” “approved,” “aprove” all work) for streamlined user interaction.

Workflow Throttling

Prevent infinite loops and resource exhaustion through administrator-controlled throttling policies that protect system performance.

Server Work Hours

Configure escalations, reminders, and deadlines to respect business hours, eliminating weekend interruptions while maintaining SLA compliance.

Screenshot of user interface: Designer-Forms

SmartForms

Enhanced for mobile-first experiences with responsive design, server-side performance optimizations, and enterprise styling capabilities. Efforts concentrated on delivering modern user interfaces while maintaining complete backward compatibility. 

Server Side Rules

Optimize performance by processing form logic server-side before sending to browsers. Reduces network calls, eliminates flickering, and improves user experience.

Anonymous Forms

Enable external users to submit forms while maintaining security through controlled error handling that prevents sensitive information exposure.

Responsive Forms with Mobile Support

Adaptive layouts that render properly across devices with table controls using div-based responsive design and mobile-optimized user interactions.

Forms Styling & Style Profile Designer

Centralized brand management through reusable style profiles that ensure consistent appearance across all forms. Material design approach with modern aesthetics and improved readability.

Progress & Chart Controls

Visual feedback components that enhance user experience and provide real-time data visualization within forms.

Modern Rich Text, Hyperlink, and Image Support

Updated controls with XSS protection, better media handling, and SVG-based icons for sharp resolution across all devices.

Export to Excel & Save as PDF

Built-in data export capabilities that leverage enhanced PDF conversion services for flexible reporting and data analysis.

Upgradeability

All form enhancements maintain backward compatibility, protecting existing investments while enabling access to new capabilities.

Integrations and SmartObjects

Expanded to support dynamic integration patterns and modern APIs while maintaining the core “build once, use everywhere” philosophy. Development focused on connecting to any system with less complexity and more reusable components. 

SmartObjects Framework

Reusable business data components that work across workflows, forms, and reports. Build once, use everywhere architecture that eliminates redundant integration development.

SmartBox

Secure on-platform data storage with encryption capabilities, performance indexing, and granular row-level security policies for sensitive information management.

Dynamic Integration Types

Connect to any system using modern standards (OData, REST/OpenAPI) or legacy protocols (Web Services, WCF, .NET Assemblies). JavaScript Service Provider enables HTTP integrations without proprietary coding.

SharePoint Integration

Enhanced SharePoint connectivity with dynamic reusability across sites and lists. Full CRUD+L functionality with permission management and migration tools for framework updates.

Third Party Integrations

Native connections to Nintex RPA, eSign, Exchange, and Salesforce with automatically-generated SmartObjects that simplify implementation.

End user experiences

Screenshot of user interface: Workspace Process Overview Report

End user experiences

User adoption improves when automation feels as intuitive as consumer apps – that’s why we built centralized task management in the enhanced Workspace and native mobile capabilities that work offline. Deployment speed reduces time-to-value and lets business units respond quickly to changing needs, so we created one-click application deployment via Apps and SmartStarters plus guided wizards that generate custom applications in minutes rather than months.

Workspace

Centralized task management with customizable dashboards, personal settings (Out of Office, language preferences), and security-trimmed reporting access.

Apps

Template-driven application deployment through SmartStarters (pre-built apps) and App Wizards (guided customization). Generate fully-functional applications in minutes with 4-step wizards.

Mobile

Native iOS and Android apps with responsive design, offline capabilities, and draft-saving functionality for disconnected work scenarios.

Governance and management

Screenshot of user interface: Management_Data Access Policies.

Governance and management

At Nintex, we recognized two big hurdles we could address around governance and management: helping you tackle risk management challenges and giving you maximum operational control over your automation environment. We built granular authorization frameworks, patented row-level security, and comprehensive audit capabilities that satisfy regulatory requirements, while providing administrators complete control over who can access, modify, and execute automation assets at scale across complex organizational structures. 

Authorization Framework

Granular permissions at category and item levels with consistent security across all platform interfaces. Prevents accidental deletions and provides comprehensive audit trails through Security Audit SmartObjects.

Data Access Policies *

Control SmartObject row access and system integration permissions at the user level for enhanced data security and compliance.

Workflow Governance

Robust error handling with GoTo management and retry capabilities. Workflow policies prevent loops and recursion while cleanup tools manage process instance data retention.

Task Management

Administrative oversight through Management Worklist with task reassignment and redirection capabilities for personnel changes.

Feature Activation

Centralized configuration for third-party integrations including OAuth setup and SmartWizard deployment for streamlined system connections.

Identity and Authentication

Support for Active Directory and Entra ID with OAuth and Claims-based authentication. Azure Government Cloud Computing (GCC-H) compatibility for regulated environments. SQL User Manager provides forms-based authentication for guest access scenarios.

Platform

Screenshot of user interface: Management REST API.

Platform

Vendor lock-in kills IT flexibility and wastes existing tool investments, so we built extensive OAuth-secured APIs that connect seamlessly with Power BI, Excel, and custom applications. Global operations demand consistent deployments without manual errors – that’s why we created comprehensive package and deployment capabilities with automatic dependency mapping plus native localization support. Complete process visibility ensures continuous improvement, which drove our development of detailed reporting and analytics from high-level metrics down to individual instance tracking.

Package and Deploy (SDLC/ALM) *

Comprehensive deployment solution with automatic dependency mapping, environment value mapping, and detailed logging. Supports both MMC client and PowerShell automation for CI/CD integration.

Localization

Native support for German, French, Spanish, and Arabic interfaces with runtime SmartForm multi-language capabilities and dynamic translation management.

APIs and Extensions

OAuth-secured APIs including SmartObject OData services for Power BI and Excel integration, Workflow REST API for custom applications, and authoring APIs for programmatic asset creation.

Reporting and Analytics

Complete process visibility through Process Overview reports, Activity Duration analysis, User Overview bottleneck identification, and interactive View Flow visualization with click-through reporting capabilities.

Experience it in action

Seeing automation capabilities in a document is one thing – understanding how they apply to your specific environment is another. If any of these capabilities resonated with challenges you’re facing, we’d welcome the opportunity to explore your current situation and discuss what’s possible. Whether you’re dealing with integration complexity, managing intricate approval processes, or simply evaluating your automation roadmap, let’s have a conversation about your goals and timeline. We’re not here to dictate next steps – we’re here to help you understand how these advancements might fit your organization’s unique needs and priorities. 

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Frequently asked questions

  • Q. Will upgrading break my existing workflows and forms?

    A. No. K2 maintains complete backward compatibility and upgrade protection. Your existing automations will continue working while gaining access to new capabilities. 

  • Q. Do I need to rebuild my integrations to take advantage of SmartObjects enhancements?

    A: Not necessarily. Enhanced SmartObjects work with your existing integrations, but you can optionally rebuild them to leverage new dynamic integration patterns and modern APIs.

  • Q: How much technical expertise do I need to use these new features?

    A: The rebuilt Workflow Designer maintains K2’s visual, low-code approach. Business analysts can use most new features without deep technical knowledge, though some advanced capabilities benefit from IT involvement. 

  • Q. What happens to my perpetual license if I upgrade?

    A: Licensing discussions depend on your specific situation and goals. We can explore options that work within your budget and timeline during a consultation. 

  • Q: Can I test these capabilities before committing to an upgrade?

    A: Yes. We can provide demonstrations and discuss proof-of-concept opportunities to help you evaluate how these capabilities address your specific needs. 

  • Q: How long does an upgrade typically take?

     A: Upgrade timelines vary based on your environment complexity and testing requirements. We can provide a realistic timeline assessment based on your specific situation. 

  • Q: Will my team need extensive retraining?

     A: The core K2 concepts remain the same. Most users find the new interfaces intuitive, and we provide training resources to help teams leverage advanced capabilities. 

  • Q: Are these features available in on-premises deployments?

     A: Yes. K2 continues to support on-premises, cloud, and hybrid deployment options with full feature parity across deployment models. 

  • Q: What if I discover issues after upgrading?

     A: K2’s version control and rollback capabilities provide safety nets. We also offer support throughout the upgrade process to address any concerns quickly. 

  • Q: How do I know which capabilities would benefit my organization most?

     A: That’s exactly what we’d like to discuss with you. A consultation helps identify which capabilities align with your current challenges and future automation goals.