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The Top Process Management Software That Will Make Your Operations Great 

Recurring work is an absolute pain. With all your responsibility, the last thing you want to do is spend your valuable time doing work that doesn’t need to be done. The answer? Process management software. 

But that isn’t the real issue, is it? You understand that process management software can help you increase productivity while saving you time and money. 

The problem is that there are tons of software options on the market. You’re likely overwhelmed with the endless products presented to you in a single Google search.  

This list will give you all the information you need to ensure you make the best purchase decision. 

The Best Process Management Software

Business process management software tools are essential for businesses to streamline their operations and improve their efficiency. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right tool for your organization.

To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the 25 best process management software tools.

Process Street

Image showing Process Street as process management software

Process Street is a leading process management software that helps businesses streamline workflows, standardize procedures, and enhance efficiency. With its intuitive, user-friendly design, teams can easily create, manage, and automate business processes for improved performance.

Key Features:

  • Checklist Templates: Process Street provides a wide range of customizable checklist templates for various business processes, such as employee onboarding, customer support, project management, and more.
  • Workflow Automation: Users can automate recurring tasks and custom workflows by setting up conditional logic, due dates, and task assignments. This helps in reducing manual effort and ensuring consistency in process execution.
  • Collaboration Tools: The software offers collaboration features that allow team members to work together on checklists, share feedback, and communicate within the platform. This promotes teamwork and facilitates efficient task management.
  • Integration Capabilities: Process Street integrates with popular third-party tools such as Zapier, Slack, Salesforce, and more, enabling seamless data exchange and workflow synchronization across different platforms.
  • Reporting and Analytics: Users can track the performance of their processes through detailed reports and analytics provided by Process Street. This helps in identifying bottlenecks, analyzing productivity trends, and making data-driven decisions for process optimization.
  • Security and Compliance: The platform prioritizes security and compliance by offering features like role-based access control, data encryption, audit logs, and compliance certifications (e.g., SOC 2 Type II).
  • Mobile Accessibility: Process Street is accessible on mobile devices, allowing users to manage their workflows on the go. This flexibility enables remote teams to stay productive and connected regardless of their location.

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface makes it easy to create and manage processes.
  • Extensive library of pre-built templates saves time in process setup.
  • Powerful automation features reduce manual work and increase efficiency.
  • Robust collaboration tools promote teamwork and communication.
  • Integration with third-party apps enhances workflow connectivity.

Cons:

  • Learning curve for mastering automation features might be steep for beginners.
  • Limited offline functionality may pose challenges for business users in certain situations.

Smartsheet

Image showing Smartsheet as process management software

Smartsheet is designed to facilitate collaboration, automate workflows, and manage projects effectively. While it’s not a dedicated BPM tool, its flexibility and customizable features make it suitable for managing various business processes. It allows users to create, update, and track tasks, projects, and processes in a visually intuitive spreadsheet-like interface.

Key Features:

  • Spreadsheet-Like Interface: Smartsheet offers a familiar spreadsheet-style layout, making it easy for users to get started without a steep learning curve.
  • Task Management: Users can create tasks, assign them to team members, set due dates, and track progress in real-time.
  • Workflow Automation: Smartsheet provides automation capabilities through features like alerts, reminders, and conditional formatting, streamlining repetitive tasks and processes.
  • Collaboration Tools: Teams can collaborate in real-time, share files, leave comments, and request updates within the platform, fostering better communication and teamwork.
  • Gantt Charts: The platform includes Gantt chart functionality, allowing users to visualize project timelines, dependencies, and critical paths.

Pros:

  • Smartsheet’s intuitive interface makes it accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise.
  • Its flexibility allows users to adapt the tool to their specific needs, whether managing simple tasks or complex projects.
  • Real-time collaboration features promote teamwork and transparency within organizations, improving productivity and efficiency.

Cons:

  • While Smartsheet offers basic BPM capabilities, it may lack advanced features required for complex process management scenarios.
  • Pricing plans can be relatively high for some users, especially those requiring advanced features or enterprise-level support.

Asana

Image showing Asana as process management software

Asana is a popular cloud-based collaboration and project management platform designed to help teams organize, track, and manage their work. While it’s not specifically marketed as BPM software, its flexibility allows users to create and streamline various business processes within the platform.

Key Features:

  • Timeline View: The platform offers a timeline view, allowing users to visualize project schedules, dependencies, and milestones, helping teams stay on track and meet deadlines.
  • Integration: Asana integrates with a wide range of third-party applications and tools such as Slack, Google Drive, Microsoft Teams, and more, enhancing its functionality and interoperability.
  • Reporting and Analytics: Users can generate reports and analytics to track progress, identify bottlenecks, and measure performance metrics, enabling data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
  • Task Dependencies: Asana allows users to set task dependencies and relationships, ensuring that tasks are completed in the correct sequence and reducing delays in project execution.
  • Automation: With Asana’s automation features, users can automate repetitive tasks, set up rules and triggers, and streamline workflow processes, saving time and improving efficiency.

Pros:

  • Asana offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy for teams to adopt and use the platform without extensive training.
  • The platform’s flexibility allows users to adapt it to various business processes and workflows, accommodating different project management methodologies and work styles.
  • Real-time collaboration features promote teamwork and communication, enabling teams to work together more effectively regardless of their location or time zone.

Cons:

  • While Asana offers basic BPM capabilities, it may lack some advanced features required for complex process management scenarios.
  • Despite its user-friendly interface, new users may find Asana’s extensive features and customization options overwhelming at first, requiring some time to fully grasp its capabilities.

Wrike

Image showing Wrike as process management software

Wrike is a cloud-based work management platform designed to help teams streamline processes, improve collaboration, and achieve their project goals. While it’s not specifically marketed as BPM software, its robust features and customizable workflows make it suitable for managing various business processes and workflows efficiently.

Key Features:

  • Task Management: Wrike allows users to create tasks, assign them to team members, set due dates, and track progress in real-time, ensuring accountability and transparency throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Customizable Workflows: Users can create custom project templates, workflows, and task dependencies to suit their specific business processes, streamlining execution and improving efficiency.
  • Gantt Charts: The platform offers Gantt chart functionality, allowing users to visualize project timelines, dependencies, and milestones, facilitating better planning and resource allocation.
  • Collaboration Tools: Wrike provides various collaboration features such as real-time comments, file sharing, @mentions, and activity streams, promoting communication and teamwork within teams and across departments.
  • Time Tracking: Users can track time spent on tasks and projects directly within the platform, helping teams monitor productivity, identify bottlenecks, and optimize resource allocation.

Pros:

  • Real-time collaboration features promote communication, transparency, and teamwork, enabling teams to collaborate effectively regardless of their location or time zone.
  • Wrike is scalable and suitable for teams of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises, making it a versatile solution for organizations at different stages of growth.
  • Wrike’s extensive integration ecosystem enhances its functionality and allows users to connect with other tools and services they already use, improving productivity and workflow efficiency.

Cons:

  • While Wrike’s basic features are easy to grasp, mastering advanced functionalities and customization options may require additional time and training.
  • Pricing plans for Wrike can be relatively high for some users, especially those requiring advanced features or enterprise-level support, potentially making it less accessible to smaller teams or organizations with limited budgets.

ClickUp

Image showing ClickUp as process management software

ClickUp is a cloud-based collaboration and productivity platform designed to help teams organize tasks, projects, and processes effectively. It provides a centralized hub for managing workflows, communication, and documentation, allowing teams to streamline operations and achieve their goals more efficiently.

Key Features:

  • Task Management: ClickUp offers flexible task management capabilities, allowing users to create tasks, assign them to team members, and set due dates, priorities, and dependencies.
  • Customizable Workflows: Users can create custom workflows, statuses, and task lists to match their specific business processes, enabling streamlined execution and collaboration.
  • Time Tracking: ClickUp includes built-in time tracking features, allowing users to log time spent on tasks and projects, track billable hours, and analyze productivity metrics.
  • Collaboration Tools: The platform provides various collaboration features such as comments, mentions, file attachments, and real-time activity feeds, facilitating communication and teamwork within teams and across departments.
  • Automation: ClickUp offers automation capabilities through features like task dependencies, recurring tasks, custom automations, and triggers, enabling users to automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows.

Pros:

  • ClickUp offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy for teams to adopt and use the platform without extensive training.
  • The platform’s flexibility allows users to customize workflows, task lists, and statuses to match their specific business requirements and project management methodologies.
  • Real-time collaboration features promote communication, transparency, and teamwork, enabling teams to collaborate effectively regardless of their location or time zone.

Cons:

  • While ClickUp’s basic features are easy to grasp, mastering advanced functionalities and customization options may require additional time and training.
  • As a cloud-based platform, ClickUp requires a stable internet connection for full functionality, which may be a limitation in certain environments or for remote teams with limited access to the internet.

Creatio

Image showing Creatio as process management software

Creatio, formerly known as bpm’online, is a comprehensive business process management (BPM) software designed to streamline and automate various business processes across different departments and industries. It offers a unified platform for managing customer relationships, sales, marketing, and service processes, empowering organizations to optimize their operations and enhance customer experiences.

Key Features:

  • Process Management: Creatio provides robust process management capabilities, allowing users to design, model, automate, and optimize business processes using a visual process designer and low-code/no-code tools.
  • CRM Functionality: The platform includes customer relationship management (CRM) features such as lead management, opportunity management, contact management, and pipeline visualization to help businesses effectively manage their customer interactions and sales processes.
  • Sales Automation: Creatio offers sales automation tools to streamline sales processes, automate routine tasks, track sales activities, manage contracts, and analyze sales performance, enabling sales teams to work more efficiently and effectively.
  • Marketing Automation: The platform includes marketing automation features such as campaign management, email marketing, lead nurturing, and analytics to help marketers create personalized campaigns, generate leads, and track marketing ROI.
  • Service Management: Creatio provides service management capabilities to manage customer service requests, automate service workflows, track service performance, and resolve issues efficiently, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Pros:

  • Creatio offers a comprehensive suite of CRM, sales, marketing, and service management tools in a single platform, providing organizations with a unified solution for managing their business processes.
  • The visual process designer allows users to design and model complex business processes using a drag-and-drop interface, making it easy to create and modify workflows without coding.
  • Creatio offers extensive customization capabilities, allowing users to tailor the platform to their specific business requirements, processes, and branding, ensuring flexibility and scalability.

Cons:

  • The platform may be overly complex for small teams or businesses with limited resources, as they may not require the full suite of features and functionalities offered by Creatio.
  • As a cloud-based platform, Creatio requires a stable internet connection for full functionality, which may be a limitation in certain environments or for users with unreliable internet access.

Zoho

Image showing Zoho as process management software

Zoho offers a suite of business applications, including Zoho Creator, Zoho CRM, and Zoho Projects, which can be leveraged for process management purposes. While Zoho does not have a dedicated BPM software product, its various applications can be customized and integrated to create BPM solutions tailored to specific business needs. Zoho provides tools for automating workflows, managing tasks, tracking projects, and analyzing data, allowing organizations to streamline their processes and improve efficiency.

Key Features:

  • Workflow Automation: Zoho Creator allows users to design and automate workflows using a drag-and-drop interface, enabling them to define process steps, set triggers, and automate routine tasks.
  • Task Management: Zoho Projects offers task management features such as task creation, assignment, prioritization, and tracking, helping teams stay organized and on track with their projects.
  • CRM Integration: Zoho CRM can be integrated with Zoho Creator and Zoho Projects to streamline lead management, sales processes, and customer interactions within the BPM solution.
  • Custom Forms and Reports: Zoho Creator enables users to create custom forms and reports to collect data, track performance metrics, and gain insights into process efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Collaboration Tools: Zoho Projects includes collaboration features such as file sharing, discussions, and team communication tools, fostering collaboration and communication among team members.

Pros:

  • Zoho provides a comprehensive suite of business applications that can be customized and integrated to create BPM solutions tailored to specific business needs.
  • Zoho applications feature intuitive interfaces that are easy to navigate, making them accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise.
  • Zoho Creator offers extensive customization options, allowing users to design workflows, forms, and reports to suit their specific business requirements and processes.

Cons:

  • Zoho does not offer a dedicated BPM software product, so users may find certain advanced BPM features lacking compared to dedicated BPM solutions.
  • Integrating multiple Zoho applications to create a BPM solution may require some technical expertise and effort, especially for users unfamiliar with integration processes.

Appian BPM Suite

Image showing Appian as process management software

Appian BPM Suite is a comprehensive business process management (BPM) software designed to streamline and automate business processes across various departments and industries. It offers a low-code development platform that enables organizations to design, execute, manage, and optimize their business processes efficiently. Appian BPM Suite provides tools for process modeling, workflow automation, case management, collaboration, and analytics, empowering organizations to improve operational efficiency, agility, and customer experiences.

Key Features:

  • Process Modeling: Appian BPM Suite allows users to design and model complex business processes using a visual interface, drag-and-drop tools, and pre-built process templates, enabling rapid process design and deployment.
  • Workflow Automation: The platform enables users to automate workflows, define process rules, set triggers, and implement business logic without the need for extensive coding, streamlining process execution and reducing manual effort.
  • Case Management: Appian BPM Suite offers case management capabilities to manage unstructured processes, ad-hoc tasks, and dynamic cases, allowing users to handle complex business scenarios and exceptions efficiently.
  • Low-Code Development: Appian provides a low-code development platform that enables users to build custom applications, integrations, and business processes using visual development tools and pre-built components, accelerating application delivery and reducing development time.
  • Collaboration Tools: The platform includes collaboration features such as discussions, document sharing, task assignments, and notifications, fostering communication and teamwork among stakeholders involved in the business processes.

Pros:

  • Appian’s low-code development platform allows users to build custom applications and business processes quickly and efficiently, reducing development time and accelerating time-to-market.
  • The platform offers robust workflow automation capabilities that enable users to automate repetitive tasks, enforce process rules, and streamline process execution, improving efficiency and reducing errors.
  • Appian BPM Suite is highly scalable and can support large-scale deployments, making it suitable for organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises with complex process requirements.

Cons:

  • Appian BPM Suite is cloud-based, so it requires a stable internet connection for full functionality, which may be a limitation in certain environments or for users with unreliable internet access.
  • While Appian offers extensive customization options, configuring complex workflows, forms, and user interfaces may require additional time and resources, especially for organizations with unique or highly specialized process requirements.

CMW Lab

Image showing CWM Lab as process management software

CMW Lab, like other BPM software, is likely designed to streamline and optimize business processes across various departments within an organization. It provides tools and features to model, automate, execute, and monitor business processes to enhance efficiency, productivity, and agility.

Key Features:

  • Process Modeling: Allows users to visually design and map out their business processes using a drag-and-drop interface or graphical notation such as BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation).
  • Workflow Automation: Enables the automation of repetitive tasks, routing of work items to appropriate users or groups, and enforcing business rules to ensure process consistency and efficiency.
  • Task Management: Provides capabilities for creating, assigning, prioritizing, and tracking tasks within processes, along with features such as notifications and reminders to keep users informed.
  • Integration: Offers integration with other systems and applications within the organization’s ecosystem to enable seamless data exchange and interoperability, enhancing process efficiency and reducing manual data entry.
  • Analytics and Reporting: Includes reporting and analytics tools to monitor process performance, track key performance indicators (KPIs), identify bottlenecks, and make data-driven decisions for process optimization.

Pros:

  • Automation of tasks and streamlined processes lead to improved efficiency and productivity within the organization.
  • Provides insights into process performance and status, allowing for better decision-making and resource allocation.
  • Facilitates collaboration among teams by providing a centralized platform for communication and task management.

Cons:

  • Setting up and configuring the BPM software to align with the organization’s processes may require time and resources.
  • Integrating with existing systems and applications within the organization’s IT landscape might pose challenges and require technical expertise.

IBM Business

Image showing IBM as process management software

IBM Business Process Manager (BPM) offers a unified platform for designing, executing, and managing business processes. It enables organizations to streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and drive digital transformation by automating workflows, enforcing business rules, and providing real-time visibility into process performance.

Key Features:

  • Process Modeling: IBM BPM provides a visual process modeling environment where users can design, simulate, and optimize business processes using standard notation such as BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation).
  • Workflow Automation: The platform allows users to automate manual tasks, route work items to appropriate users or systems, and enforce business rules and policies to ensure process consistency and efficiency.
  • Process Monitoring: IBM BPM offers real-time monitoring and tracking of process instances, allowing users to monitor process performance, identify bottlenecks, and take corrective actions as needed.
  • Integration: It provides robust integration capabilities to connect with other systems, applications, and data sources within the organization’s IT landscape, facilitating seamless data exchange and interoperability.
  • Task Management: IBM BPM enables the creation, assignment, prioritization, and tracking of tasks within processes, along with features such as notifications and escalations to ensure timely task completion.

Pros:

  • IBM BPM provides a comprehensive set of tools and features for modeling, automating, monitoring, and optimizing business processes, making it a one-stop solution for BPM needs.
  •  The platform is highly scalable and can support large-scale deployments, making it suitable for organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises.
  • IBM BPM offers flexibility in process design and customization, allowing organizations to adapt to changing business requirements and industry regulations.

Cons:

  • IBM BPM may have a steep learning curve, especially for users new to BPM concepts or IBM software, requiring training and expertise to fully utilize its capabilities.
  • Deploying and configuring IBM BPM may require significant time and resources, especially for complex enterprise deployments or integration with legacy systems.

Nintex

Image showing Nintex as process management software

Nintex is a leading provider of process management and automation software, specializing in solutions that empower organizations to automate, optimize, and streamline their business processes. Nintex’s platform offers a wide range of tools and features designed to simplify the management of workflows and processes, enhance collaboration, and improve productivity.

Key Features:

  • Workflow Automation: Nintex enables users to automate workflows by visually designing processes, defining triggers and actions, and orchestrating tasks across systems and applications.
  • Process Mapping and Modeling: The platform provides tools for mapping and modeling business processes, allowing users to visualize workflows, identify inefficiencies, and optimize processes for better performance.
  • Forms and Document Generation: Nintex allows users to create custom forms for data collection and document generation, streamlining processes such as approvals, requests, and reviews.
  • Integration: Nintex integrates with a wide range of third-party systems and applications, including CRM, ERP, and document management systems, enabling seamless data exchange and interoperability.
  • Analytics and Reporting: The platform offers advanced analytics and reporting capabilities, allowing users to track process performance, monitor key metrics, and identify areas for improvement.

Pros:

  • Nintex offers a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy for users to design, automate, and manage workflows without extensive technical expertise.
  • The platform is highly customizable, allowing users to tailor workflows, forms, and processes to their specific business requirements and preferences.
  • Nintex integrates seamlessly with a wide range of third-party systems and applications, enabling organizations to leverage their existing technology investments and infrastructure.

Cons:

  • Pricing for Nintex can be relatively high, especially for organizations with large user bases or advanced feature requirements, potentially making it less accessible to smaller businesses or startups with limited budgets.
  • Nintex is a cloud-based platform, so it requires a stable internet connection for full functionality, which may be a limitation in certain environments or for users with unreliable internet access.

Oracle

Image showing Oracle as process management software

Oracle BPM Suite is a comprehensive software suite designed to help organizations streamline and automate their business processes. It offers a unified platform for modeling, executing, and managing business processes, enabling organizations to improve operational efficiency, agility, and customer experiences.

Key Features:

  • Process Modeling: Oracle BPM Suite provides visual modeling tools that allow users to design and model business processes using BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) notation, making it easy to visualize and analyze process flows.
  • Workflow Automation: The platform enables users to automate workflows by defining process rules, triggers, and conditions, automating routine tasks, and orchestrating process executions across systems and applications.
  • Integration: Oracle BPM Suite offers robust integration capabilities to connect with other systems and applications within the organization’s IT landscape, facilitating seamless data exchange and interoperability.
  • Process Monitoring: It provides real-time monitoring and tracking of process instances, allowing users to monitor process performance, identify bottlenecks, and take corrective actions as needed.
  • Task Management: Oracle BPM Suite includes features for task assignment, tracking, and notification, ensuring that work is assigned to the right people and completed on time.

Pros:

  • Oracle BPM Suite offers a comprehensive set of tools and features for modeling, automating, monitoring, and optimizing business processes, making it a one-stop solution for BPM needs.
  • The platform is highly scalable and can support large-scale deployments, making it suitable for organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises.
  • Oracle BPM Suite offers flexibility in process design and customization, allowing organizations to adapt to changing business requirements and industry regulations.

Cons:

  • Oracle BPM Suite may have a steep learning curve, especially for users new to BPM concepts or Oracle software, requiring training and expertise to fully utilize its capabilities.
  • Deploying and configuring Oracle BPM Suite may require significant time and resources, especially for complex enterprise deployments or integration with legacy systems.

Software AG

Image showing Software AG as process management software

Software AG offers several solutions for business process management (BPM), including the ARIS platform. ARIS provides tools and capabilities for modeling, analyzing, optimizing, and monitoring business processes across various industries. 

Key Features:

  • Process Modeling: ARIS provides intuitive tools for creating, visualizing, and documenting business processes using standard notation such as BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) or EPC (Event-driven Process Chains).
  • Process Analysis: The platform offers powerful analysis capabilities to assess process performance, identify bottlenecks, simulate process scenarios, and conduct what-if analysis to optimize processes.
  • Process Optimization: ARIS enables organizations to streamline and optimize their business processes by identifying inefficiencies, eliminating redundant steps, and redesigning processes for improved efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Governance and Compliance: The platform supports governance and compliance requirements by providing tools for documenting process policies, standards, and regulations, ensuring adherence to industry standards and regulatory guidelines.
  • Process Monitoring: ARIS offers real-time process monitoring and reporting capabilities to track process performance, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), and identify deviations or exceptions that require attention.

Pros:

  • ARIS offers a comprehensive set of tools and features for modeling, analyzing, optimizing, and managing business processes, making it a one-stop solution for BPM needs.
  • The platform is highly customizable, allowing organizations to adapt to changing business requirements and industry standards.
  • ARIS is scalable and can support organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises with complex process requirements.

Cons:

  • ARIS may have a steep learning curve, especially for users new to BPM concepts or ARIS software, requiring training and expertise to fully utilize its capabilities.
  • Pricing for ARIS can be relatively high, especially for smaller organizations or deployments with advanced features and enterprise-level support.

Emakin

Image showing Emakin as process management software

Emakin is a cloud-based BPM software designed to help organizations automate, optimize, and manage their business processes effectively. It offers a user-friendly interface and a suite of tools to model, execute, monitor, and analyze business processes across various departments and industries. Emakin aims to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and drive digital transformation within organizations.

Key Features:

  • Process Modeling: Emakin allows users to model and design business processes visually using drag-and-drop tools and BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) notation, making it easy to create process diagrams and workflows.
  • Workflow Automation: The platform enables users to automate workflows, define process rules, set triggers, and automate routine tasks, reducing manual effort and ensuring consistent process execution.
  • Task Management: Emakin offers task management features such as task creation, assignment, prioritization, and tracking, helping teams stay organized and on track with their tasks and responsibilities.
  • Collaboration Tools: The platform includes collaboration features such as comments, document sharing, real-time messaging, and team workspaces, fostering collaboration and communication among team members involved in process execution.
  • Integration: Emakin integrates with other systems and applications within the organization’s IT landscape, allowing seamless data exchange and interoperability, and enabling organizations to leverage their existing technology investments.

Pros:

  • Emakin offers a user-friendly interface with intuitive navigation and easy-to-use tools, making it accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise.
  • The platform provides customization options to adapt workflows, forms, and user interfaces to specific business requirements and preferences, ensuring that the BPM solution meets unique needs.
  • Emakin is scalable and can grow with businesses as their needs evolve, making it suitable for organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises.

Cons:

  • Emakin may lack some advanced BPM features and capabilities compared to more established BPM software solutions, which may be a limitation for organizations with complex process requirements.
  • Integrating Emakin with existing systems and applications may require some technical expertise and effort, especially for users unfamiliar with integration processes or enterprise architectures.

ProcessMaker

Image showing ProcessMaker as process management software

ProcessMaker is a powerful open-source business process management (BPM) and workflow automation software that allows organizations to design, automate, and optimize their business processes. It provides a user-friendly interface and a suite of tools to model, execute, monitor, and analyze business processes across various departments and industries. ProcessMaker aims to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and facilitate collaboration within organizations.

Key Features:

  • Process Modeling: ProcessMaker offers intuitive tools for creating and modeling business processes using BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) notation, allowing users to visually design process diagrams and workflows.
  • Workflow Automation: The platform enables users to automate workflows, define process rules, triggers, and conditions, and automate routine tasks to ensure consistent process execution and reduce manual effort.
  • Form Builder: ProcessMaker includes a form builder tool that allows users to create custom forms for data collection, approvals, requests, and reviews, streamlining processes and improving data accuracy.
  • Integration: ProcessMaker integrates with other systems and applications within the organization’s IT ecosystem, enabling seamless data exchange, interoperability, and leveraging existing technology investments.
  • Task Management: The platform provides task management features such as task assignment, tracking, notifications, and escalations, ensuring that work is assigned to the right people and completed on time.

Pros:

  • ProcessMaker is an open-source BPM software, providing users with flexibility, customization options, and access to the source code for customization and integration with other systems.
  • ProcessMaker offers a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy for users to design, automate, and manage workflows without extensive technical expertise.
  • As an open-source solution, ProcessMaker offers affordable pricing plans and flexible subscription options, making it accessible to small and medium-sized businesses with limited budgets.

Cons:

  • Integrating ProcessMaker with existing systems and applications may require some technical expertise and effort, especially for users unfamiliar with integration processes or enterprise architectures.
  • ProcessMaker is a cloud-based platform, so it requires a stable internet connection for full functionality, which may be a limitation in certain environments or for users with unreliable internet access.

Bizagi

Image showing Bizagi as process management software

Bizagi is a leading business process management (BPM) and digital process automation platform that allows organizations to model, automate, monitor, and optimize their business processes. It provides a user-friendly interface and a suite of tools to design, execute, and manage end-to-end processes across various industries and departments. Bizagi aims to improve operational efficiency, enhance collaboration, and drive digital transformation within organizations.

Key Features:

  • Process Modeling: Bizagi offers intuitive tools for creating and modeling business processes using BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) notation, allowing users to visually design process diagrams and workflows.
  • Workflow Automation: The platform enables users to automate workflows, define process rules, triggers, and conditions, and automate routine tasks to ensure consistent process execution and reduce manual effort.
  • Form Builder: Bizagi includes a form builder tool that allows users to create custom forms for data collection, approvals, requests, and reviews, streamlining processes and improving data accuracy.
  • Integration: Bizagi integrates with other systems and applications within the organization’s IT landscape, enabling seamless data exchange, interoperability, and leveraging existing technology investments.
  • Task Management: The platform provides task management features such as task assignment, tracking, notifications, and escalations, ensuring that work is assigned to the right people and completed on time.

Pros:

  • Bizagi offers a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy for users to design, automate, and manage workflows without extensive technical expertise.
  • Bizagi provides robust integration capabilities, allowing seamless integration with other systems and applications within the organization’s IT ecosystem, facilitating data exchange and interoperability.
  • Bizagi offers advanced features such as process simulation, optimization, and predictive analytics, enabling organizations to identify opportunities for improvement and make data-driven decisions.

Cons:

  • While Bizagi offers a user-friendly interface, mastering its advanced features and customization options may require some time and training, especially for new users.
  • Bizagi is a cloud-based platform, so it requires a stable internet connection for full functionality, which may be a limitation in certain environments or for users with unreliable internet access.

Tallyfy

Image showing Tallyfy as process management software

Tallyfy is a cloud-based process management software designed to help businesses streamline their workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and improve efficiency. It offers a user-friendly interface and a suite of tools to map, optimize, and manage business processes across various departments and industries. Tallyfy aims to simplify process management and enable teams to work more effectively together.

Key Features:

  • Process Mapping and Modeling: Tallyfy allows users to map out their business processes visually using simple flowcharts, making it easy to understand and document workflows.
  • Workflow Automation: The platform enables users to automate repetitive tasks and workflows, reducing manual effort and ensuring consistent process execution.
  • Task Management: Tallyfy offers task management features such as task assignment, tracking, and notifications, ensuring that work is completed on time and nothing falls through the cracks.
  • Collaboration Tools: Tallyfy includes collaboration features such as comments, mentions, and file attachments, facilitating communication and collaboration among team members.
  • Integration: Tallyfy integrates with other systems and applications within the organization’s IT ecosystem, enabling seamless data exchange and interoperability.

Pros:

  • Tallyfy offers a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to map, manage, and automate their business processes without extensive training or technical expertise.
  • Tallyfy offers affordable pricing plans and flexible subscription options, making it accessible to small and medium-sized businesses with limited budgets.
  • Tallyfy can be implemented quickly and easily, allowing businesses to start streamlining their processes and improving efficiency without a lengthy setup process.

Cons:

  • Tallyfy may lack some advanced BPM features and capabilities compared to more established BPM software solutions, which may be a limitation for organizations with complex process requirements.
  • While Tallyfy provides basic reporting and analytics tools, it may not offer the depth of analysis and insights provided by more advanced BPM software solutions.

Red Hat Process

Image showing Red Hat as process management software

Red Hat Process Automation Manager is a comprehensive BPM software suite designed to help organizations automate and streamline their business processes. It offers a visual and collaborative environment for designing, deploying, and monitoring business processes, decision services, and case management solutions. Red Hat Process Automation Manager aims to empower organizations to respond to changing business requirements quickly, optimize processes, and improve customer experiences.

Key Features:

  • Process Modeling: Red Hat Process Automation Manager provides a visual process modeling environment where users can design, simulate, and optimize business processes using BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) and other standard notations.
  • Workflow Automation: The platform enables users to automate workflows, define business rules, and orchestrate process executions across systems and applications, reducing manual effort and ensuring process consistency.
  • Decision Management: Red Hat Process Automation Manager includes decision management capabilities for modeling, executing, and managing decision services, allowing organizations to automate and optimize decision-making processes.
  • Case Management: The platform offers case management features for managing unstructured processes and dynamic case work, enabling organizations to handle complex scenarios and adapt to changing requirements.
  • Integration: Red Hat Process Automation Manager provides robust integration capabilities to connect with other systems, applications, and data sources within the organization’s IT landscape, facilitating seamless data exchange and interoperability.

Pros:

  • Red Hat Process Automation Manager offers a comprehensive set of tools and features for modeling, automating, monitoring, and optimizing business processes, making it a one-stop solution for BPM needs.
  • Red Hat Process Automation Manager is highly scalable and can support large-scale deployments, making it suitable for organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises.
  • Red Hat Process Automation Manager is based on open-source technologies, providing users with access to the source code, flexibility for customization, and a vibrant community of users and developers for knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Cons:

  • Red Hat Process Automation Manager may have a steep learning curve, especially for users new to BPM concepts or Red Hat software, requiring training and expertise to fully utilize its capabilities.
  • Deploying and configuring Red Hat Process Automation Manager may require significant time and resources, especially for complex enterprise deployments or integration with legacy systems.

Pipefy

Image showing Pipefy as process management software

Pipefy is a cloud-based business process management (BPM) software designed to streamline and automate workflows across various departments and industries. It offers a user-friendly interface and a suite of tools to design, execute, and manage business processes, enabling organizations to improve efficiency, collaboration, and accountability. Pipefy aims to simplify process management and empower teams to work more effectively together.

Key Features:

  • Process Modeling: Pipefy provides visual process modeling tools that allow users to create and customize workflows using a simple drag-and-drop interface, making it easy to design and modify processes according to business needs.
  • Workflow Automation: The platform enables users to automate repetitive tasks, define process rules, set triggers, and automate process flows, reducing manual effort and ensuring consistent process execution.
  • Task Management: Pipefy offers task management features such as task assignment, tracking, prioritization, and deadlines, ensuring that work is assigned to the right people and completed on time.
  • Form Builder: Pipefy includes a form builder tool that allows users to create custom forms for data collection, approvals, requests, and feedback, streamlining processes and improving data accuracy.
  • Integration: Pipefy integrates with other systems and applications within the organization’s IT ecosystem, allowing seamless data exchange, interoperability, and leveraging existing technology investments.

Pros:

  • Pipefy offers affordable pricing plans and flexible subscription options, making it accessible to small and medium-sized businesses with limited budgets.
  • Pipefy can be implemented quickly and easily, allowing businesses to start streamlining their processes and improving efficiency without a lengthy setup process.
  • Pipefy is scalable and can grow with businesses as their needs evolve, making it suitable for organizations of all sizes.

Cons:

  • Pipefy may lack some advanced BPM features and capabilities compared to more established BPM software solutions, which may be a limitation for organizations with complex process requirements.
  • Pipefy is a cloud-based platform, so it requires a stable internet connection for full functionality, which may be a limitation in certain environments or for users with unreliable internet access.

Kissflow

Image showing Kissflow as process management software

Kissflow is a cloud-based business process management (BPM) software that enables organizations to streamline their workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and improve operational efficiency. It offers a user-friendly interface and a comprehensive suite of tools for designing, executing, and optimizing business processes across various departments and industries. Kissflow aims to empower teams to collaborate effectively, eliminate manual bottlenecks, and drive digital transformation within organizations.

Key Features:

  • Process Modeling: Kissflow provides intuitive process modeling tools that allow users to create, visualize, and customize workflows using a simple drag-and-drop interface, without the need for coding skills.
  • Workflow Automation: The platform enables users to automate workflows, define process rules, set triggers, and automate task assignments, notifications, and approvals, reducing manual effort and ensuring process consistency.
  • Task Management: Kissflow offers robust task management features such as task assignment, tracking, prioritization, and deadlines, ensuring that work is assigned to the right people and completed on time.
  • Form Builder: Kissflow includes a form builder tool that allows users to create custom forms for data collection, approvals, requests, and feedback, streamlining processes and improving data accuracy.
  • Integration: Kissflow integrates with other systems and applications within the organization’s IT ecosystem, allowing seamless data exchange, interoperability, and leveraging existing technology investments.

Pros:

  • The platform provides flexibility in process design and customization, allowing businesses to tailor workflows, forms, and processes to their specific needs and preferences.
  • Kissflow offers affordable pricing plans and flexible subscription options, making it accessible to small and medium-sized businesses with limited budgets.
  • Kissflow can be implemented quickly and easily, allowing businesses to start streamlining their processes and improving efficiency without a lengthy setup process.

Cons:

  • Kissflow may lack some advanced BPM features and capabilities compared to more established BPM software solutions, which may be a limitation for organizations with complex process requirements.
  • While Kissflow provides basic reporting and analytics tools, it may not offer the depth of analysis and insights provided by more advanced BPM software solutions.

MS Power Automate

Image showing MS Power Automate as process management software

Microsoft Power Automate, formerly known as Microsoft Flow, is a cloud-based automation platform that enables organizations to automate workflows and tasks across various Microsoft and third-party applications. While not traditionally considered business process management (BPM) software in the strictest sense, Power Automate offers features that can assist in process automation and management. It allows users to create automated workflows without the need for extensive coding knowledge, improving productivity and efficiency within organizations.

Key Features:

  • Custom Connectors: Users can create custom connectors to integrate Power Automate with their own proprietary or legacy systems, extending its capabilities and functionality.
  • Robotic Process Automation (RPA): Power Automate includes capabilities for robotic process automation, allowing users to automate repetitive manual tasks by recording and replaying mouse clicks and keystrokes.
  • Approval Workflows: Power Automate offers features for creating approval workflows, allowing users to define approval processes, set up approval steps, and track the status of approvals in real-time.
  • Mobile Access: Power Automate provides mobile applications that allow users to create, manage, and monitor workflows on the go, improving productivity and responsiveness.
  • Analytics and Reporting: The platform offers analytics and reporting tools to track workflow performance, monitor key metrics, and identify bottlenecks or areas for improvement.

Pros:

  • Power Automate seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft applications and services, enabling organizations to leverage their existing Microsoft investments.
  • Power Automate offers affordable pricing plans, with options for both individual users and organizations, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes.
  • Power Automate has a large and active user community, with resources such as forums, tutorials, and templates available for assistance and collaboration.

Cons:

  • While integration with Microsoft applications is a strength, organizations heavily invested in non-Microsoft platforms may find Power Automate less suitable for their needs.
  • Power Automate runs in the Microsoft cloud, which may raise concerns about data security and privacy for organizations with strict compliance requirements.

AgilePoint

Image showing AgilePoint as process management software

AgilePoint is a comprehensive business process management (BPM) software solution designed to streamline and automate business processes across organizations. It offers a wide range of tools and features to model, execute, monitor, and optimize business processes, enabling organizations to improve efficiency, agility, and collaboration. AgilePoint aims to empower businesses to drive digital transformation and achieve operational excellence through process automation and management.

Key Features:

  • Process Modeling: AgilePoint provides intuitive process modeling tools that allow users to create, visualize, and customize workflows using drag-and-drop functionality and BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) notation.
  • Workflow Automation: The platform enables users to automate workflows, define process rules, set triggers, and automate task assignments, notifications, approvals, and escalations, reducing manual effort and ensuring process consistency.
  • Integration: AgilePoint integrates with a wide range of systems, applications, and data sources, including cloud-based and on-premises solutions, enabling seamless data exchange, interoperability, and leveraging existing technology investments.
  • Form Builder: AgilePoint offers a form builder tool that allows users to create custom forms for data collection, approvals, requests, and feedback, streamlining processes and improving data accuracy.
  • Business Rules Management: The platform includes capabilities for defining and managing business rules, allowing organizations to automate decision-making processes and enforce business policies and regulations.

Pros:

  • AgilePoint offers a comprehensive set of tools and features for modeling, automating, monitoring, and optimizing business processes, making it a one-stop solution for BPM needs.
  • It offers robust integration capabilities to connect with existing systems, applications, and data sources, enabling organizations to leverage their existing IT investments and infrastructure.
  • AgilePoint allows extensive customization, enabling organizations to adapt workflows, forms, and processes to changing business requirements and industry regulations.

Cons:

  • AgilePoint may have a steep learning curve, especially for users new to BPM concepts or AgilePoint software, requiring training and expertise to fully utilize its capabilities.
  • Deploying and configuring AgilePoint may require significant time and resources, especially for complex enterprise deployments or integration with legacy systems.

Jira

Image showing Jira as process management software

Jira is primarily known as a project management tool, particularly for software development teams using Agile methodologies. While it’s not traditionally considered dedicated business process management (BPM) software, Jira can be adapted and configured to manage workflows and processes effectively. It provides robust features for task management, issue tracking, and collaboration, making it a versatile solution for teams across various industries.

Key Features:

  • Agile Project Management: Jira offers agile project management features such as Scrum and Kanban boards, sprint planning, backlog management, and velocity tracking, allowing teams to plan, track, and deliver projects iteratively.
  • Customizable Workflows: Users can create and customize workflows to match their specific business processes, defining statuses, transitions, and rules to reflect their workflow stages and requirements.
  • Task and Issue Tracking: Jira provides powerful task and issue tracking capabilities, allowing teams to create, assign, prioritize, and track tasks and issues throughout their lifecycle.
  • Collaboration: Jira fosters collaboration among team members through features such as comments, mentions, file attachments, and real-time notifications, facilitating communication and knowledge sharing.
  • Integration: Jira integrates with a wide range of third-party tools and services, including development tools, collaboration platforms, and productivity apps, enabling seamless data exchange and interoperability.

Pros:

  • While Jira is widely used for software development, its flexibility and customization options make it suitable for managing various types of processes and workflows across different departments and industries.
  • Jira’s support for Agile methodologies such as Scrum and Kanban makes it particularly suitable for teams practicing Agile project management.
  • Jira integrates seamlessly with a vast ecosystem of third-party tools and services, allowing organizations to extend its functionality and connect it with other systems within their IT landscape.

Cons:

  • While Jira is user-friendly, non-technical users may find certain advanced features and configurations challenging to understand and implement without technical assistance.
  • While Jira offers a wide range of features out of the box, organizations may need to rely on third-party add-ons or plugins to access certain advanced functionalities, which can add complexity and cost.

Bitrix24

Image showing Bitrix24 as process management software

Bitrix24 is a comprehensive business management software suite that includes features for project management, collaboration, CRM, communication, and more. While not explicitly designed as a dedicated BPM software, Bitrix24 offers tools and features that can assist in process management and automation. It provides a centralized platform for teams to coordinate work, communicate, and manage tasks and projects efficiently.

Key Features:

  • Task and Project Management: Bitrix24 offers task and project management tools such as task lists, Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and project timelines, enabling teams to plan, track, and collaborate on projects effectively.
  • Workflow Automation: The platform includes workflow automation capabilities, allowing users to create automated workflows for common processes, tasks, and approvals, reducing manual effort and increasing efficiency.
  • Document Management: Bitrix24 provides document management features, including document storage, versioning, access control, and collaboration tools such as document commenting and sharing.
  • CRM (Customer Relationship Management): Bitrix24 includes CRM functionality for managing customer interactions, leads, contacts, sales pipelines, and customer support tickets, enabling organizations to track and nurture customer relationships effectively.
  • Communication Tools: The platform offers communication tools such as instant messaging, video conferencing, group chat, and email integration, facilitating real-time collaboration and communication among team members.

Pros:

  • Bitrix24 offers a comprehensive suite of tools and features for various aspects of business management, including project management, CRM, communication, and collaboration, eliminating the need for multiple disparate tools.
  • Bitrix24 offers a free tier with limited features and affordable pricing plans for paid tiers, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
  • Bitrix24 features a user-friendly interface with intuitive navigation and easy-to-use tools, making it accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise.

Cons:

  • While Bitrix24 is user-friendly, configuring and customizing advanced workflows and processes may require some learning and experimentation, especially for users new to the platform or BPM concepts.
  • Bitrix24 is a cloud-based platform, so it requires a stable internet connection for full functionality, which may be a limitation in certain environments or for users with unreliable internet access.

Kintone

Image showing Kintone as process management software

Kintone is a cloud-based business process management (BPM) software platform that enables organizations to streamline their workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and improve collaboration among teams. It offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of customizable features to design, execute, and optimize business processes across departments and industries. Kintone aims to empower businesses to digitize their processes, increase productivity, and drive innovation through process automation and management.

Key Features:

  • Customizable Workflows: Kintone allows users to create and customize workflows to match their specific business processes, defining statuses, transitions, and rules to reflect their workflow stages and requirements.
  • Workflow Automation: The platform provides workflow automation capabilities, allowing users to automate repetitive tasks, define process rules, set triggers, and automate task assignments, notifications, and approvals.
  • Form Builder: Kintone offers a form builder tool that allows users to create custom forms for data collection, approvals, requests, and feedback, streamlining processes and improving data accuracy.
  • Data Management: Kintone includes features for data management, storage, and retrieval, enabling organizations to centralize their data and access it securely from anywhere, anytime.
  • Integration: Kintone integrates with a variety of third-party applications and services, including CRM, ERP, email, and cloud storage solutions, enabling seamless data exchange and interoperability.

Pros:

  • Kintone features a user-friendly interface with intuitive navigation and easy-to-use tools, making it accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise.
  • Kintone allows extensive customization, enabling organizations to tailor workflows, forms, and processes to their specific needs and preferences.
  • Kintone integrates with a wide range of third-party applications and services, enabling organizations to extend its functionality and connect it with other systems within their IT landscape.

Cons:

  • Kintone may lack some advanced BPM features and capabilities found in dedicated BPM software solutions, which may be a limitation for organizations with complex process automation requirements.
  • Kintone may have limited customer support options compared to larger BPM software vendors, although there are resources such as documentation, forums, and user communities available for assistance and collaboration.

What is Process Management Software? 

Process management software is a type of software designed to help organizations plan, monitor, and optimize their business processes. These tools provide a framework for managing workflows, automating tasks, and improving the efficiency of business operations. By mapping out processes, assigning tasks, tracking progress, and analyzing performance, process management software enables companies to achieve greater productivity, compliance, and transparency.

4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Buy

Image showcasing what to consider before investing in process management software

How Do the Expected ROI & Time to ROI Compare with Your Budget?

Obviously, your budget will be one of the first considerations. The longer the setup time, the longer the expected time to ROI. This cost will compound if you need to pay for extra consulting or setup costs.

The price should be the highest value for the cost of initial purchase, maintenance, and any additional needs.

Ideally, a good process management software will allow you to benefit immediately from some kind of ROI, whether that’s by:

  • Reducing human error as a result of simplifying complex processes via documentation & clear instructions
  • Saving money by hiring a non-expert to perform an expert-level task by following a crystal clear, well-documented process
  • Saving time automating recurring manual tasks

How Complex Will Setup & Implementation Be? 

The best process management solutions require basically zero setup, and certainly nothing from your engineering team.

You should be able to sign up, jump in, and start building & documenting your processes in minutes.

Can You Use & Benefit from the Platform Immediately?

Once you’re all set up, consider how long it will take your team to learn how to use the platform before you start to see value.

If the platform is intuitive and easy to use, you should be able to benefit on some level immediately, without enlisting additional expert or consultation services.

Consultation services can be a valuable supplement. Speaking to process design experts about how to improve process efficiency and make the most of the software’s features can be very valuable.

But you shouldn’t have to pay extra overhead to simply start using the platform to manage your processes.

Will the Platform Scale as You Grow Your Team?

When you invest in process management software, you’re investing in the long-term development of your team’s operational efficiency.

Choosing a platform that is capable of supporting your growth is crucial to getting the most value out of process management software.

If you need to train every new hire on how to use a complex, unintuitive software platform, that will inevitably form a bottleneck. 

If the platform is intuitive and easy to use (with well-documented help resources and responsive customer success), you should have everything you need to scale your team

Benefits of Business Process Management Software

Process management software offers numerous benefits for businesses and organizations across various industries. Here are some of the key advantages of using such software:

Improved Efficiency

Process management software helps streamline and automate customizable workflows, reducing manual tasks and the risk of human errors. This leads to faster and more efficient processes.

Enhanced Productivity

By automating repetitive tasks, employees can focus on more strategic and value-added activities, ultimately increasing productivity across the organization.

Standardization

Process management software enables businesses to standardize their processes, ensuring that tasks are performed consistently and in compliance with industry regulations or internal standards.

Visibility and Transparency

These tools provide real-time visibility into the status of processes. Team members and stakeholders can track progress, identify bottlenecks, and make data-driven decisions.

Task Assignment and Accountability

Managers can assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress more effectively, ensuring that team members are accountable for their responsibilities.

Risk Reduction

By identifying and addressing process inefficiencies, software can help mitigate risks and compliance issues. It can also track and log changes to processes, aiding in audit trails.

Cost Savings

Streamlining processes and reducing errors can lead to significant cost savings over time. This includes savings on labor costs, materials, and resources.

Enhanced Collaboration

Many process management tools include collaboration features, enabling teams to work together seamlessly, even when geographically dispersed.

Data Analysis

Process management software often includes reporting and analytics tools that allow organizations to analyze process performance, identify trends, and make data-driven improvements.

Flexibility and Scalability

These tools are often highly customizable and can adapt to changing business needs. They can scale with the organization as it grows.

Compliance and Audit Trails

For industries with strict regulatory requirements, process management software helps maintain compliance and provides detailed audit trails for accountability.

Customer Satisfaction

Streamlined processes often lead to faster response times and improved customer service, resulting in higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Innovation

By freeing up time and resources through automation, process management software allows organizations to focus on innovation and strategic initiatives.

Remote Work Enablement

Many process management tools are cloud-based, making it easier for remote teams to collaborate and access work processes from anywhere.

Reduction in Paperwork

Going digital with process management reduces the need for physical paperwork, contributing to a more eco-friendly and sustainable approach.

Continuous Improvement

Process management software encourages a culture of continuous improvement by providing data and insights that can be used to refine and optimize processes over time.

What Should You Look for in a Business Process Management Tool?

Image showing what you should look for in a process management software vendor

A Thriving & Diverse Customer Base

A process management software vendor should serve a diverse customer base. This means catering to companies of many sizes, industries, departments, and use cases. You can be assured that the solution they are offering is truly robust and representative of the cutting edge of process management software

Pro-Tip: Research customer reviews on software you’re interested in using third-party SaaS review sites like GetApp or Capterra to get a better understanding of the vendor and if they’d be a good fit for your company.

A Strong Base of Supporting Staff

Process management software should be supported vendor-side by dedicated departments like:

  • Customer Success: To get the most value out of your platform
  • Customer Education: To learn about new features and best practices
  • EPD (Engineering, Product, Design): To continuously develop and improve the software

Understanding that entire teams exist to support various aspects of your chosen process management software means you can be safe in the knowledge that you will reap the benefits for years to come.

Process Consulting Services 

Consulting should not be necessary, but it can be a very powerful platform to take your process management software to the next level.

Consultation services provided by process design experts can help you build and document your processes to save you even more time and money.

Often basic training and guidance will be provided alongside the initial purchase in the form of support by the customer success team. This will help you get the most out of your process management software.

Security Accreditation by Recognized Authorities

Your data is precious. That’s why you owe it to your team and your customers to ensure that your process management platform has security accreditation by a recognized authority (e.g. SOC 2 Type II accreditation). 

These kinds of accreditations are industry-standard audits performed to make sure your vendor is securely managing your data. That’s because they are typically granted by a 3rd party firm that has reviewed and examined your vendor’s objectives and activities to make sure that everything is operating with your best interests in mind.

Long-Established Pioneer in the Space with Top-Tier Investors

Consider when the company entered the space. Perhaps they are new or relatively inexperienced. This could mean:

  • Their product is underdeveloped with fewer features and functionalities
  • The platform has not been stress-tested so may be more unstable (bugs, issues, etc.)
  • They may not have the experience necessary to support your specific use case
  • They may not have a large enough team to offer you the attention you deserve to fully take advantage of their platform.

Older, more established companies with top investor backing will typically have:

  • Lots of experience with a variety of use cases and verticals
  • Well-developed internal knowledge
  • Tried and tested methods for working with new clients to ensure you get the most out of their offering
  • Will typically be backed by a wealth of customer testimonials and case studies.
  • Have a clear, transparent roadmap to future updates & new features
  • Be well-funded by leading investors who are recognized for their success in identifying promising companies

Business Process Management Software Considerations

Image showing must-have features in process management software

Here’s the range of features you should consider when picking a BPM suite:

No-Code Functionality

You want a no-code editor to ensure your UX is intuitive and easy to use. 

Documentation Features 

You want to be able to capture, organize, and share your team knowledge

Interactive Workflow Construction 

You want process management software that will empower you to create automated, fully-featured workflows with ease. 

Real-Time Workflow Run Updates 

You want process management software that enables true continuous improvement in your team. This way, you can make updates to new and existing workflows to ensure consistency. 

Detailed Analytics and Reporting 

You want to have a transparent overview of all your processes. Everything you need to know is only a few clicks away. You then know who is doing what work, what processes are currently active, and when work was completed. This is a must-have feature for any BPM suite. 

Approval Functionality 

You want a BPM suite with approval features where work can be sent automatically to responsible stakeholders. You can easily have work approved, which ensures no bottlenecks occur. 

Scheduled Workflows

You want to better your automation capabilities by scheduling your workflows. This can save you time as a new workflow can be created when certain parameters are set. 

Integrations 

You want to pick process management software that offers integration capabilities with other work applications. Data entry can be reduced and your workspace can become more centralized and “speak to one another.”

Flexibility 

You want the ability to easily streamline complex workflows when using your BPM suite. Effective “if this then that” technology can be used to break down your complex processes into simple ones that respond in real time to different conditions.  

Best Practices for Using Process Management Software

Here are some best practices for using process management software to maximize efficiency and streamline your business processes:

Clearly Define Your Business Processes

Before using process management software, document and map out your business processes in detail. This includes identifying the steps involved, the stakeholders responsible, and the desired outcomes. Having a clear understanding of your workflows will ensure the software setup is accurate and aligns with your goals.

Start Simple, Then Scale

When first implementing process management software, begin with basic, high-frequency processes. This prevents overwhelming your team and allows for smoother onboarding. Once the initial processes are running smoothly, you can gradually scale by introducing more complex workflows and advanced automation.

Leverage Templates and Pre-Built Workflows

Many process management tools come with pre-built templates for common business processes. These templates provide a foundation for your workflows and can be customized to fit your specific needs. Utilizing templates saves time and ensures that you’re working with proven processes.

Automate Repetitive Tasks

One of the main benefits of process management software is workflow automation. Automate repetitive tasks like task assignments, notifications, and approvals to free up time for more strategic work. Automation also ensures consistency and accuracy in task execution.

Assign Clear Roles and Responsibilities

To avoid confusion and delays, assign each task to the appropriate team members with well-defined roles and responsibilities. The software’s role-based access control features can help in assigning tasks and limiting access to sensitive data, ensuring accountability at every step.

Regularly Monitor and Analyze Performance

Use the built-in analytics and reporting tools to track process performance. Monitoring key metrics like task completion times and identifying bottlenecks allows you to adjust workflows and optimize efficiency. Data-driven insights are crucial for ongoing process improvement.

Encourage Collaboration

Leverage the collaboration tools within the software to promote teamwork and communication. Features like task commenting, file sharing, and real-time updates help team members collaborate effectively, ensuring that everyone is aligned and working toward the same goals.

Taking Your Business Process Management to the Next Level

Process management software has emerged as a powerful ally for businesses and organizations seeking to thrive in today’s fast-paced and competitive landscape. This technology offers a multitude of benefits, ranging from increased efficiency and productivity to enhanced transparency, cost savings, and improved customer satisfaction.

By automating and streamlining workflows, process management software liberates teams from time-consuming, manual tasks, allowing them to focus on strategic endeavors and innovation. It facilitates standardization, accountability, and compliance, reducing risks and ensuring that operations run smoothly.

Furthermore, the ability to gain real-time visibility into processes, coupled with robust reporting and analytics capabilities, empowers organizations to make data-driven decisions and continuously optimize their operations. It fosters collaboration among teams, including remote workers, enabling seamless coordination and communication.

As the business landscape continues to evolve, embracing process management software becomes not just a competitive advantage but a necessity. Its flexibility and scalability ensure it can adapt to the changing needs of an organization, whether it’s a small startup or a large enterprise.

Take control of your workflows today