Cassidy vs. Make.com: AI-Embedded Automation vs. API-Driven Workflows

This might be the biggest opportunity in AI right now: take your industry expertise, apply new AI knowledge, and become the AI expert in your industry.

See, a recent McKinsey report stated that AI adoption in the workplace has actually remained stagnant from 2021 to 2023.

I believe that’s because most people have a general understanding of AI, but they have no idea how to use it in their specific industry. There’s a huge opportunity to become the person who shows people how to apply AI to your industry. Focus on teaching use cases actually relevant to their daily work.

The more niche you get, the bigger impact you can have.

How do you become the AI expert in your industry?

First, position yourself as the "AI Person" at your company. Share your learnings and experiments with colleagues and other people in your industry.

There's no shortage of people looking to make their lives easier. Start by helping those around you.

To take it a step further, share your insights online.

You know I love TikTok, but it doesn’t matter which platform you choose. TikTok, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, whatever. The steps are simple.

1. Learn about AI
2. Use it in your industry
3. Share online how you’re doing that.
4. Repeat for months-years

If your content is helpful and you do it for long enough, you’ll start to be seen as the AI expert for your industry. You'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact by applying the power of AI to address specific problems within your field.

Remember: every industry needs an AI expert, you can be it.

Cassidy credits are the fuel that powers everything on our platform — from assistants to workflows.

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Each month, based on your subscription plan, you receive a set number of credits. These credits are deducted as you complete tasks — simpler ones use fewer credits, while more complex workflows require more.

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This streamlined approach allows you to manage your usage effortlessly, giving you access to all our AI models without needing multiple API keys or separate subscriptions. There are over 8 models built-in to choose from, including OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google’s latest models.

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In this article, we’ll break down Cassidy credits in more detail, but if you're looking for a high-level overview of Cassidy's credits and pricing, head over to our pricing page.

What are Cassidy credits and how do they work

Cassidy credits are the backbone of how you access and utilize the AI-powered features on our platform. Instead of juggling multiple API subscriptions or worrying about separate charges for each tool, Cassidy credits simplify your experience by acting as a "universal currency." so to speak.

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Each feature, from running workflows to chatting with assistants, pulls from your monthly pool of credits, making it easy to track and manage your usage.

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When you sign up for Cassidy, your plan comes with a set number of credits each month. These credits are deducted as you run tasks on the platform. The more complex the task—like detailed workflows or analyzing large datasets—the more credits it consumes. Simpler tasks, like basic queries or short assistant interactions, use fewer credits.

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Here’s how it works:

• Choose between 8+ models: Depending on the automation, your team might prefer different models for different use cases. For instance, GPT-4o is better at data analysis, while Claude 3.5 Sonnet is better at content writing. As newer and better models get released, we’ll add them directly into Cassidy.
• Task-Based Consumption: Every task you run deducts credits from your monthly allocation, whether it’s small day-to-day tasks or large workflows.
• No API Key Hassle: Usually, accessing AI models across different platforms requires multiple API subscriptions. Cassidy credits simplify that—you pay for one subscription, and your credits cover all features in one place.
• Real-Time Monitoring: Track how many credits you’ve used and how many are left. For teams, credits are shared across your organization.
• Scalable Usage: Whether your needs grow or shrink, Cassidy credits adapt to your usage, ensuring you only use what’s necessary.

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It should also be noted that Cassidy credits do not roll over every month.

What happens if I accidentally go over my Cassidy credits?

We understand that credit usage can vary. If you find yourself running low or going over on credits, reach out to our team. We’ll work with you to find a solution, whether it's a one-time boost or a plan adjustment to better suit your needs — the key thing to note is that we want to work with you.

Couple of quick FAQs about Cassidy credits

Is there a cost per credit?
Rather than charging per individual credit, our pricing model factors in seats, features, support, and other benefits. This helps us provide more value through flexible plans that adapt to your needs.

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Are there any free actions within Cassidy?
Yes, many actions within Cassidy are free and don’t consume credits. These include tasks that don’t require AI, like scraping a webpage or searching the internet. However, integrations with platforms like HubSpot or Salesforce require a subscription tier but won’t consume additional credits once enabled.

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How can I quickly check my remaining Cassidy credits?
You can easily monitor your Cassidy credits by navigating to the 'Credits & Storage' tab in the Organization Settings. This will give you an up-to-date view of your remaining credits and storage usage, helping you plan accordingly.

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Customized plan tailored for your needs

At the moment, our Starter Plan offers 10k credits per month, with access to all of Cassidy’s core features, including unlimited assistants, workflows, and integrations with tools like Slack, Notion, and Sharepoint. This plan is perfect for individuals and teams starting out with AI-powered workflows.

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However, for businesses with more specific needs — whether it's handling larger data volumes, scaling across departments, or needing advanced customization — our Custom Plan may be the right fit.

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With a Custom Plan, you’ll enjoy:

• Custom credits per month: Tailored to match the complexity of your workflows and team size.
• Unlimited assistants and workflows: Automate without restrictions, so your team can scale tasks effortlessly.
• Advanced integrations: Connect Cassidy to internal systems or specialized tools, going beyond standard integrations.
• White-glove setup and onboarding: Get personalized support for a smooth implementation process and hands-on assistance.
• Single Sign-On (SSO) capability: Secure and simplify user access with SSO integration.
• Dedicated AI expert: Work with a dedicated expert to help optimize workflows and maximize efficiency.
• Custom AI training: Receive tailored training to ensure your team makes the most of Cassidy’s features.
• Custom integrations and live syncing: Keep workflows in sync with your essential tools and systems.
• AI ROI reports: Track the benefits and ROI of your AI workflows to see tangible results.

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A Custom Plan is ideal for organizations with more complex needs, offering flexibility and dedicated support as you grow. If this sounds like a good fit for your team, feel free to reach out to explore the best plan for your goals and maximize the value Cassidy can bring.

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How we help save money compared to traditional API subscriptions

With Cassidy, you’re not just getting access to powerful AI tools—you’re also saving money by avoiding the need for separate API subscriptions and costly maintenance. Instead of managing multiple providers, Cassidy brings everything together, bundling a wide range of features into one platform for greater value.

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We take care of the technical complexities—managing services, maintaining integrations, and handling updates—so you can focus on growing your business without worrying about hidden development or maintenance costs. By offering essential AI features and providers in one place, Cassidy helps you streamline your workflow and ensures you get the best performance without the hassle of multiple subscriptions or additional fees.

How many credits are used for typical workflows

If you are using the free trial or starter plan, you will have a limited amount of credits. Understanding how many credits different tasks consume can help you make the most of your Cassidy credits. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect for common activities:

• Chats with Assistants: These usually consume between 1 and 30 credits, depending on the complexity of the conversation and the level of detail required.
• Workflows: The credit usage for workflows can vary widely, from 1 to 100 credits, based on the scope and depth of the task. Simple workflows will cost less, while complex workflows involving multiple steps and large datasets will consume more credits.

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These estimates provide a general idea, but the actual credit consumption will vary based on the specifics of your tasks.

What factors influence the amount of credits used?

Several factors determine how many credits a task will consume. Here are some key considerations:

• AI Model: More advanced models require more credits. For basic tasks, simpler models can conserve credits, whereas complex analysis or generation tasks may need a more robust model.
• Token Size: Tasks that involve large inputs or outputs (like longer documents or extended conversations) will require more tokens, which in turn increases the credit consumption. For example, if you’re summarizing a lengthy document, expect to use more credits.
• Knowledge Base Access: Interacting with the knowledge base—whether retrieving information or analyzing existing content—tends to consume more credits. This is because accessing, processing, and analyzing data from the knowledge base can be resource-intensive, especially with large or complex entries.
• Bulk Runs: When you run workflows in bulk, such as processing multiple datasets simultaneously, credit consumption rises significantly. Breaking up tasks or running them in smaller batches can help manage your usage more efficiently.

By considering these factors, you can better estimate credit usage for your tasks and optimize your workflows to make the most of your Cassidy credits.

Tips for maximizing value of your Cassidy credits

While Cassidy credits give you access to powerful AI tools, optimizing how you use them ensures that you get the most value without burning through your monthly allowance. Here are some practical tips to help you stretch your credits further and make the most of Cassidy’s capabilities.

1. ‍Use Smaller AI Models for Simple Tasks
   Not all tasks need the most advanced AI model. For straightforward actions like summarizing text, correcting grammar, or drafting emails, smaller models can get the job done. By using these lighter models, you conserve your credits for more complex workflows.‍
2. Test Workflows with Limited Data First
   When building or testing new workflows, start small. Instead of running the full dataset or more intricate processes right away, try a few steps at a time to make sure everything works as expected. This way, you avoid consuming extra credits on trial runs and can save resources for the final, optimized version.‍
3. Keep Chat Conversations Focused
   When interacting with AI assistants, longer chats consume more credits as the AI retains context from previous messages. Starting a new chat after completing a task will typically use fewer credits. For routine tasks, such as drafting or refining content, non-Q&A assistants can help conserve credits while still delivering quality results.‍
4. Monitor Your Usage Regularly
   Cassidy makes it easy to keep an eye on your credit usage through the dashboard. By regularly checking your credit consumption, you can adjust your workflows and plan for more intensive tasks without depleting your credits prematurely. If your needs grow, consider upgrading to a custom plan for more flexibility.‍
5. Be Strategic with Bulk Runs
   Running workflows in bulk, like processing multiple datasets or documents at once, can significantly increase credit usage. Whenever possible, run workflows in smaller batches or break up larger tasks to avoid overloading your credits.

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By following these tips, you'll ensure that your Cassidy credits go a long way, helping you unlock the platform's full potential while staying within your monthly limits. If you ever find yourself needing more credits, we’re here to help with flexible plans designed to scale with your needs.

Build AI automations that work for you and your company

With Cassidy, you’ve got everything you need to build AI automations that streamline workflows and boost productivity. Our platform adapts to your unique needs, whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise. Sign up for a free trial today!

Cassidy and Microsoft 365 Copilot both bring AI assistance to the workplace, but they differ significantly in scope and approach. Cassidy is an AI-native automation platform designed to integrate AI into diverse workflows across an entire business, while Microsoft 365 Copilot functions as an assistant within Microsoft’s suite of apps (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).

While Copilot is useful for enhancing productivity within Microsoft tools, Cassidy goes further by enabling cross-platform workflows, providing AI model flexibility, and offering enterprise-level support. Below is a comparison of how Cassidy and Microsoft Copilot stack up across key areas:

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AI Flexibility: Multiple Models vs. Single Model

Cassidy offers extensive AI flexibility. It supports multiple AI models, including OpenAI’s GPT-4, Google’s Gemini, and Anthropic’s Claude. This allows organizations to choose the best AI for different tasks and future-proof their automation as better models emerge.

Microsoft Copilot, on the other hand, is locked into Microsoft’s chosen OpenAI model. Users have no control over the AI provider and must rely solely on the models Microsoft decides to deploy. This lack of flexibility can limit performance in specific use cases where another model might be a better fit.

Workflows & Automation: Multi-Step vs. In-App Only

Cassidy enables true end-to-end AI-powered workflows across multiple tools and steps. Its no-code workflow builder lets users create AI-driven automations that take action across apps, process data, and even trigger real-time alerts. For example, Cassidy can read an incoming email, analyze its content, update a CRM, and notify the right person in Slack—all in one seamless process.

Microsoft Copilot, however, is limited to acting within individual Microsoft 365 apps. It assists with tasks like writing emails in Outlook or summarizing documents in Word but does not offer full automation across tools. Microsoft’s Copilot Studio allows for some custom Copilot assistants, but these are largely confined to Microsoft’s ecosystem and require developer setup.

Integration Scope: Diverse Tools vs. Microsoft-Only

Cassidy connects with over 100+ third-party applications, including CRMs, ticketing systems, knowledge bases, and communication platforms like Slack and Teams. It integrates deeply with both Microsoft and non-Microsoft tools, ensuring seamless automation across an organization’s full tech stack.

Microsoft Copilot, by contrast, is designed primarily for Microsoft 365 users. It works well within the Microsoft suite but has limited or no native integration with third-party tools like Slack, Google Drive, or external CRMs. This lack of connectivity makes it difficult to implement AI-driven workflows outside of Microsoft’s ecosystem.

Enterprise Scalability: Organization-Wide vs. Individual Use

Cassidy is built for enterprise-wide deployment, allowing teams to create AI assistants and workflows that span across departments. Its centralized Knowledge Base ensures that AI-powered automations pull from company-wide data, maintaining accuracy and consistency. Admins can manage access, enforce security policies, and customize AI responses for different teams.

Microsoft Copilot is primarily a personal assistant within Microsoft apps, meaning it functions on a per-user basis rather than being centrally managed for an organization. Any attempt to extend its capabilities across teams would require significant developer effort and remain constrained within the Microsoft environment.

Onboarding & Implementation: Hands-On vs. Self-Service

Successfully implementing AI tools in an enterprise requires more than just software—it requires expert guidance, training, and ongoing support to ensure adoption and success. Cassidy provides a white-glove onboarding experience, working directly with each organization to build, customize, and integrate AI solutions effectively.

When you adopt Cassidy, you get:

• A Dedicated Account Manager – Your team is assigned a Cassidy AI expert who helps design AI assistants and workflows tailored to your business needs. This ensures your AI solutions align with your processes and deliver real impact from day one.
• Team Training Sessions – Cassidy provides hands-on training to help teams in sales, marketing, support, and operations seamlessly integrate AI into their workflows. This ensures that AI adoption happens smoothly across departments, not just in isolated pockets.
• Weekly Office Hours – Cassidy hosts live Q&A sessions where customers can get expert advice, troubleshoot challenges, and explore new use cases for AI within their business.
• Private Slack Support – A direct line of communication with Cassidy’s team, allowing customers to ask questions, request features, and receive real-time assistance whenever they need it.

This high-touch support model ensures that organizations don’t just buy AI tools—they successfully implement them and maximize their value.

By contrast, Microsoft Copilot follows a self-service onboarding approach. While Microsoft provides documentation, FAQs, and standard admin guides, there is no dedicated onboarding or personalized implementation support. If an organization needs additional guidance, they may have to work with third-party Microsoft partners at an extra cost. This means that adoption relies heavily on internal IT teams to configure Copilot and train users, which can slow down AI implementation—especially for enterprises looking to scale AI across departments.

Final Thoughts: Why Cassidy Stands Out

Microsoft 365 Copilot is a useful personal productivity tool within the Microsoft suite, helping with writing, summarizing, and task management inside apps like Word and Outlook. However, it lacks true AI-powered workflow automation and is restricted to Microsoft’s ecosystem.

Cassidy, on the other hand, enables end-to-end AI automation across your entire tech stack. It integrates with multiple tools, supports multiple AI models, and allows enterprises to build custom workflows that adapt to their specific needs. With hands-on onboarding, admin controls, and broad AI flexibility, Cassidy is the better choice for businesses looking to deploy AI across departments and tools.

Ready to see how Cassidy can automate your workflows? Book a demo today.