Do you want to know the right business process mapping tools for your business? Or how to choose one? You’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about these tools and how they can help your business.
Business process mapping is a visual representation of all of the steps in a given process. It’s most often used in project management and quality assurance. This blog post will take a deep dive into 10 of the best tools out there – from Microsoft Visio to Jira – and will show you what makes them so great.
Section 1: What Is Business Process Mapping?
Business process mapping tools are a way of visually connecting business processes to their inputs, actions, and resulting outputs. Business process mapping tools can be used in different ways: it can be simple and pen-and-paper, or involve software. By breaking down a complex set of tasks into their individual components and then reassembling them into a single flowchart.
You can see how one task flows into the next. You can also see opportunities for improvement by identifying bottlenecks in the system so that time is not wasted on unproductive steps.
Business process mapping is most commonly used in two ways: for analysis purposes, or to design processes. The primary purpose of analyzing business processes is for improved efficiency. But analysis alone does not automatically lead to improvements in operation. By designing better processes, however, you can improve productivity and reduce waste. Read More.
Section 2: The 10 Best Business Process Mapping Tools (and what makes them great)
A business process is any activity or a group of activities aimed at achieving an organizational goal.
Business process mapping tools (BPM) are defined as improving a business’s growth from one end to the other by analyzing it, working models for different possible scenarios, carrying out improvements, monitoring the improved process, and consistently optimizing it. In a nutshell, BPM is how your business manages and improves the business process.
A business project management can be classified into several aspects: design, execution, modeling, monitoring, optimization, re-engineering, etc. For example, a procurement firm can have a business process like purchasing, invoice, reconciliation, account receivable, etc. In contrast, an advertisement agency would have processes like cost estimating, cost approval, cost reviewing.
Brands use business process mapping tools to automate tasks during a business process. Business process mapping tools improve the order, perception, and functionality of the total workflow that makes up a business process. However, BPM is not a one-time task, and it is a consistent activity that needs an ongoing process. Unlike a project, which is a one-off task.
Introducing business process mapping tools into your business will eradicate chaos within the workflows that make up a business process. A BPM tool allows for complete visibility into your business processes, allowing for special attention to errors. This will allow your business to work more efficiently and save resources. If you would like to improve your operational efficiencies, you need to use the best BPM tool. Read More.
The following are the top ten BMP tools for your business.
2021’s Top 10 Best Business Process Mapping Tools
1. BPMApp
Leading the way is the BPMApp, a software developed by 500apps. The app helps manage and streamline the workflow process. It is the software you need to streamline the process and keep track of all the tasks involved in business processes to keep your business running perfectly.
With BPMApp, you can create and manage custom workflows using nodes, create forms to capture data, manage your contacts, and control your form responses. Over 30,000 active users rely on BPMApp, and the software is available worldwide thanks to its strategically placed 6 data centers. Moreover, the app is always online, and the customer support is top-notch.
BPMApp does not offer a free plan, but a free trial is available. BPMApp offers a per-user plan priced at $14.99.
2. Kissflow
Kissflow is software designed for minimal disruption to work. It is designed for the modern workplace. Kissflow provides convenience, efficiency, and optimal management of all your work. The software covers workflow management, case management, project management, and collaboration. With Kissflow, you can create your perfect workplace.
Over 10000 customers trust Kissflow with great feedback. The software offers products like a digital workplace, workflow management, case management, procurement cloud, project management, and low code.
Kissflow business process mapping tools offer users three plans: basic, advanced, and full. What makes it special is that each plan offers a free trial. This way, you get to enjoy the highest privileges of the software before deciding if it is really what you want. Read More.
3. Bizagi
Bizagi is an industry-leading low-code business process mapping tool. It models and automates a platform that connects people, applications, robots, and information on a single platform. Bizagi enables true collaboration between businesses and IT, empowering people to drive digital transformation.
Bizagi helps companies across all industries operate more efficiently and improve relationships between employees and customers. Top companies around the world use Bizagi. Bizagi offers a performance-based pricing model, so you only pay for what you use.
You can securely run high-performance enterprise applications, build contextual experiences, use graphical monitoring tools, and deploy an automation platform for every process and device.
Bizagi includes three products: Bizagi Studio, Bizagi Engine, and Bizagi BPMN, covering a wide range of capabilities for small and large enterprises. Bizagi also offers a 30-day free trial so you can be sure before you pay.
4. Processmaker
Processmaker is a BPM tool that supports the automation of intensive, complex, and enterprise-wide business processes using its new low-code iBPMS. Using Processmaker accelerates the digital transformation of your business in a matter of days. With Processmaker, you automate processes across multiple departments and systems, eliminating manual tasks, bottlenecks, and data silos. You’ll also improve the visibility and tracking of processes across the organization.
Processmaker uses a simple decision point with little code. Just drag and drop tasks, add your forms, users, and other user-friendly features. By automating workflows, you can deploy solutions in weeks instead of months. This helps you maintain the highest level of operations and customer quality.
Processmaker offers four pricing plans to cover all businesses: App, Standard, Enterprise, and Custom. You can also request a demo before choosing one of the plans.
5. Creatio
Creatio is an award-winning BPM tool for marketing, sales, and service to manage business processes on a single low-code platform across the entire customer journey. With Creatio, you can automate tasks, implement rules, and comply with third-party regulations. Creatio improves marketing by orchestrating your customer journeys and accelerating the lead-to-revenue process. For sales, Creatio accelerates the entire sales process, from lead to follow-up sales.
You improve your service through Creatio by streamlining customer touchpoints and accelerating service delivery. The company is recognized by industry analysts as a key linchpin in the marketplace. Its software accelerates sales, marketing, service, and operations in all areas of the business. Creatio has a global presence and operates in 110 countries.
Creatio BPM software has three tools, Studio, Studio Enterprise, and Studio Free. Studio Free has a limited feature set but is still suitable for small businesses. You can try Studio for free for a period of 14 days.
6. Bonitasoft
Enjoy full support for all your digital operations and modernization IT with Bonita BMP software. Bonita is an open-source and extensible automation platform. Using Bonita increases visibility and awareness to improve your business processes. Bonita is easy to use as you can create a responsive user interface using Bonita UI Designer. Use Bonita to monitor and control your business processes and applications.
Bonitasoft’s BPM software organizes workflows, automates business processes by involving people from different departments, and analyzes their performance over time. BPM software ensures consistency and continuity in service, resulting in a superior customer experience.
Bonitasoft has over 150,000 members and customers from over 75 countries worldwide. Annual Bonita subscriptions are determined by on-premise, private or public cloud, or Bonita Cloud. For Private Cloud, the subscription price is $80,000 and over $140,000 for Bonita Cloud.
7. ProWorkflow
ProWorkflow is a much-loved BPM tool. The software is designed for managers and staff to plan, track and collaborate to improve project delivery. Mind you, ProWorkflow is now in its 8th iteration, a product of constant research and development. The software possesses a collaborative feature that allows several members to work simultaneously. The app also allows a team to chat, send messages, share files, and more.
Allow the ProWorkflow IBM software to take control so that you can spend less time mentally managing your business process. The features offered by the software include task management, timesheet entry and reporting, contacts management, workflow management, easy-to-use templates, and many others. You can use some other add-ons and also integrate your workplace with your chosen tools. Read More.
ProWorkflow has two pricing plans; the professional and the advanced. You can also decide if you’ll initiate the monthly or annual payment scheme.
8. iGrafx
IGrafx is a BPM software that is very easy to use. It can easily connect and synchronize information between customer experiences and business processes. IGrafx analyzes your business processes to help your brand identify and implement business process best practices. With iGrafx, you have the ability to identify and implement the most desirable business processes.
The iGrafx BPM tool provides intuitive use of graphics with comprehensive support for all aspects of business design. It provides organizations with an end-to-end solution infrastructure for on-premises cloud deployment, risk, and formal compliance in a manageable manner.
Features of the iGrafx BPM tool include access controls, calendar management, collaboration tools, compliance tracking, dashboard, design analysis, business process control, and more.
IGrafx has a reasonable pricing plan. The software also offers a free trial, but no free version. Read More.
9. Comindware
Comindware is a low-code business process mapping software that will change the way you manage your business. It offers key features for task, data, and document management. Comindware is designed for unstructured and rapidly changing business processes.
Comindware’s BPM tool has been on the market since 2010 and has received over 98% positive feedback from Gartner Peer Insights. The software has also received over 10 US and international patents.
Special features of the Comindware BPM tool include automatic project planning, progress tracking, resource management, flexible combination of projects, project management portfolio, and streamlined team collaboration. Comindware also offers options for deployment both on-premise and in the cloud. Most importantly, you can work with your Comindware BPM tool on your desktop, iOS, and Android devices. Read More.
Comindware offers a per-feature pricing model, has a free trial, but no free version.
10. Kintone
Kintone is an all-in-one business process mapping tool. Use Kintone to migrate your spreadsheet database and enjoy an uninterrupted view of your data. The platform gives you the flexibility of a workspace where teams collaborate to create, share, and automate custom workflows. To achieve data-driven results, use Kintone.
With Kintone business process mapping tools, you can build applications for specific purposes without an IT department. Kintone improves your collaboration with internal colleagues, external partners, and customers.
The software displays graphs and charts for real-time data with innovative automated features. Most importantly, you can receive notifications about approval requests on your mobile devices. Read More.
Kintone does not have a free plan, but it does offer a free trial before you subscribe to a plan. Plans include an educational and government subscription, a nonprofit subscription, a professional subscription, and an enterprise plan.
Section 4: Microsoft Visio
What is Microsoft Visio used for?
Microsoft Visio lets you create simple or complicated diagrams. It provides a wide range of built-in shapes, objects, and templates for you to work with. Also, Microsoft Visio is a famous Business Process Mapping Tool. You can also create your own shapes and import them if you are willing to put in that extra work. The driving idea behind Visio is to make diagramming as easy as possible for the user. I think Visio is on the right track there.
On the Visio 2013 welcome screen, you’ll find a dozen different templates to help you get started. In each template, the corresponding menu and objects are already open and ready to go. In addition, you can find Visio templates in specific categories within the application or on Visio’s online download page.
Summing Up:
All in all, Visio is just a diagramming tool, and it’s not free either. At $280 for the Standard Edition and $530.00 for the Professional Edition, it can quickly tear a deep hole in your pocket. So if you are not a hardcore chart maker, it may not be worth the investment. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tool to create a flowchart or simple chart every now and then, I recommend our guide to create flowcharts in Microsoft Word or the free web app Lovely Charts. Read More.
Section 5: Jira
How does Jira work?
Jira Software is part of a family of products that helps teams of all types manage their work. Originally, Jira was designed as a bug and issue tracking system. But today, Jira has evolved into a powerful work management tool for all sorts of use cases. From requirements and test case management to agile software development.
In this guide, you’ll learn which features and functions of Jira can help your team with your specific needs. Learn how to get your project started right with pre-configured templates in Jira.
Section 6: Why Use A Business Process Mapping Tool?
The benefits of Business Process Mapping
- Facilitates a common understanding of business processes – If you want to increase your team’s understanding of a topic, try using visual aids. It will be quicker and easier than going through long-winded technical documents. Which is particularly important when there are a lot of people in the room.
- Standardize processes – Once you’ve mapped out your process and reorganized it into standard steps, achieving standardization will be easier. This will make it easier for everyone to know what their role is and how they can contribute to the overall process.
- Improvement of processes – It’s not easy to change the way you do things, but sometimes it’s necessary. With an overhead view of your process, you can better understand the impact of these changes on other aspects of your process and achieve business agility.
- Accountability is established by identifying process leaders and users – Clear responsibilities and ownership can be found by reviewing each task for its process leaders. These details help to identify the root of the problem and create accountability.
- Eliminates waste – Good visualization of processes achieved through the use of a business process mapping tool aids in understanding areas where there may be gaps and resource wastage. This provides an opportunity to correct these problems, ensuring that resources are better allocated and making contributions where the best impact can be achieved. Read More.
- Promotes transparency and compliance – Stay on the right track with clear company policies and compliance standards. You’ll find that there’s more motivation to do things right. Because you’ll know exactly what’s expected of you.
- Ensure better quality management – Get the help you need to meet compliance standards with clearer understanding and documentation in work processes. This will promote proper controls and ensure that you’re in line with government and industry regulations.
- Onboard and train employees – The best way to master a task is to document it down to the minute details. It will help you train new employees faster and will enable you to automate those tasks.
- Enhance communication – We’ve done the hard work for you. If you document processes in detail, it will make them easier to master. It can also help employees find their footing faster and enable them to achieve consistent performance that makes automation possible.
Section 7: Conclusion
“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning. “– Benjamin Franklin.
BPMApp and many others a user-friendly software that simplifies your workflow and business process to make it a well-oiled machine. Business process mapping tools are the software you need to optimize your process and keep a pulse of all tasks going into business processes. Some business process mapping tools do not offer a free plan but offer a free trial period for 14 days. And if you’re not satisfied with the experience, they offer refunds. Read More.
The use of Business Process Mapping Tools enables organizations to align business duties with customer needs. The use of BPM tools can enhance efficiency and productivity. It reduces costs and minimizes errors and risks.
