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10 Best Business Process Modeling Software Shortlist

Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.

Mapping out processes is tough when everything is either in people’s heads or scattered across tools. You waste time chasing clarity, and your team risks repeating work or missing steps entirely.

That’s where business process modeling software can be a big help. It helps you visualize how your workflows actually operate so you can spot what’s working, what’s not, and where to make changes.

In this article, I’ll share the best business process modeling tools I’ve tested. I’ll cover what each one does well, what to watch out for, and how they might fit your project needs.

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Best Business Process Modeling Software Summary

This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top business process modeling software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.

Best Business Process Modeling Software Reviews

Below are my detailed summaries of the best business process modeling software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.

Best for intuitive interface

  • Free plan available
  • From $20/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.6/5

Pipefy is a workflow management tool designed for teams looking to automate and optimize their processes. It serves a diverse range of industries, helping users manage, automate, and improve workflows with ease.

Why I picked Pipefy: Pipefy's intuitive interface makes it accessible for teams without extensive technical skills. The drag-and-drop feature allows you to build processes quickly and efficiently. Its customizable templates save time by providing ready-to-use workflows. Additionally, the platform's automation capabilities help your team reduce manual tasks and focus on more strategic activities.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Features include a built-in SLA tracking feature that lets you define and monitor deadlines. It also supports conditional logic in forms and workflows, enabling more responsive process flows. Additionally, Pipefy offers request tracking portals, so stakeholders outside your team can submit and monitor process requests without needing full access to the platform.

Integrations include Slack, Google Drive, Trello, Asana, Salesforce, Intercom, Dropbox, Jira, GitHub, and Zendesk.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Real-time analytics
  • Strong automation capabilities
  • Quick setup with templates

Cons:

  • Can be slow with large data
  • Basic customization options

Best for low-code workflows

  • 30-day free trial
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.3/5

ProcessMaker is a low-code business process management software designed for organizations that need to automate workflows quickly and efficiently. It caters to both small and large enterprises, with a focus on reducing the complexity of process automation.

Why I picked ProcessMaker: ProcessMaker's low-code environment makes it accessible for teams without extensive technical expertise. The drag-and-drop process designer lets you create workflows easily, saving time and resources. Your team can also track progress effortlessly with built-in task management features. Additionally, the platform’s form builder allows for customized data capture that aligns with specific business needs.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Features include a decision engine that lets you define and manage complex business rules without writing code. It also supports multi-language deployments, making it suitable for global teams working across different regions. For added security and control, the platform offers on-premise deployment options alongside cloud hosting.

Integrations include Salesforce, Google Drive, Box, OneDrive, SAP S/4HANA, Formstack, Blue Prism, Jotform, UIPath, and Typeform.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Accessible to non-technical users
  • Built-in task management
  • Customizable form builder

Cons:

  • Basic reporting capabilities
  • Can be slow with complex processes

Best for process automation

  • Free trial available
  • Pricing upon request

Bizagi is a business process management platform aimed at helping organizations automate and optimize their workflows. It is designed for enterprises that need to improve efficiency and manage complex processes effectively.

Why I picked Bizagi: Bizagi excels in process automation with its intuitive interface and powerful modeling capabilities. The tool offers a drag-and-drop process modeler that makes it easy for your team to design workflows without needing deep technical skills. Its process automation engine ensures that your workflows run smoothly and efficiently. Additionally, Bizagi's real-time analytics provide valuable insights into process performance that can help you make informed decisions.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Features include a digital twin feature that lets you create a virtual replica of your processes to test improvements before deploying them. It also supports contextual guidance, offering in-app help and training based on the user’s role and current task. For better governance, Bizagi provides centralized process documentation and audit trails.

Integrations include Salesforce, SAP, Microsoft Azure, UiPath, Box, Zendesk, Dropbox, AWS, Microsoft Excel, and DocuSign.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports BPMN standards
  • Strong automation engine
  • Intuitive process modeler

Cons:

  • Limited customization options
  • Requires technical expertise

Best for open-source flexibility

  • Free plan available
  • Pricing upon request

Activiti is an open-source business process management (BPM) engine designed for developers and businesses seeking flexibility and control. It automates workflows and processes, offering tools for modeling, execution, and monitoring.

Why I picked Activiti: Activiti provides Java developers with extensive customization options, making it ideal for those who need open-source adaptability. The BPMN engine supports complex automation processes, which is crucial for tailored business needs. Its cloud-native architecture facilitates seamless integration in distributed systems. Activiti Cloud, the latest version, also includes runtime, audit, and query services, enhancing operational efficiency.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Features include a user-friendly process modeler that supports BPMN 2.0, which enables you to design intricate workflows with ease. The engine's lightweight design ensures fast deployment and execution of processes. Activiti also offers a comprehensive API, giving your team flexibility in integration and customization.

Integrations include popular tools like Spring Boot, Apache Camel, Elasticsearch, RabbitMQ, Kafka, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and Redis.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Cloud-native architecture
  • Lightweight and scalable
  • Supports BPMN 2.0 standards

Cons:

  • Community support only
  • Sparse documentation

Best for process improvement

  • Free trial available
  • Pricing upon request

Prime BPM is a business process management (BPM) tool designed for organizations aiming to improve and optimize their processes. It serves businesses of all sizes, focusing on enhancing efficiency through detailed process mapping and analysis.

Why I picked Prime BPM: Prime BPM excels in process improvement with its comprehensive process analysis features. The tool offers intuitive mapping capabilities that help you visualize and understand your processes better. Its process library allows your team to store and access process details easily. Furthermore, the platform’s analytics features provide insights into process performance, making it easier for you to identify areas for improvement.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Features include a built-in compliance management module that helps you align processes with industry standards and regulatory requirements. It also offers role-based access control, so different team members can view or edit processes based on their responsibilities. A simulation feature lets you model process changes and see potential outcomes before implementing them.

Integrations include Microsoft SharePoint.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Easy process library access
  • Detailed analytics dashboard
  • Strong process mapping features

Cons:

  • Complex for small teams
  • Limited customization options

Best for scalable processes

  • 30-day free trial
  • Free to use

Flowable is a BPM platform designed for organizations that need scalable and flexible process automation. It caters to businesses of all sizes, with a focus on case management and managing complex workflows.

Why I picked Flowable: Flowable offers a unique blend of BPM and case management that makes it especially suitable for scalable processes. Its microservices architecture allows you to deploy processes efficiently across different environments. The tool also supports BPMN, CMMN, and DMN standards, providing flexibility in designing processes. Additionally, its real-time analytics can help your team monitor and optimize workflows continuously.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Features include a user-friendly modeler that supports BPMN, CMMN, and DMN standards, allowing you to design versatile processes. The tool's case management feature enables your team to handle dynamic and unpredictable workflows. It also offers real-time analytics, giving you insights into process performance and areas for improvement.

Integrations include popular tools like Salesforce, Apache Camel, Kafka, OpenAI, JMS, Claude, RabbitMQ, Microsoft Active Directory, Sharepoint, and AWS SNS.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Efficient process deployment
  • Flexible case management
  • Scalable microservices architecture

Cons:

  • Configuration can be challenging
  • Limited documentation

Best for simple workflow automation

  • 14-day free trial
  • Pricing upon request

Process.st is a straightforward workflow automation tool designed for teams looking to streamline their repetitive tasks. It suits businesses aiming to enhance operational efficiency through process management and task tracking.

Why I picked Process.st: Process.st offers simplicity in workflow automation, making it ideal for teams that need to manage recurring checklists and processes. The intuitive interface allows you to create and share workflows with ease, reducing the need for extensive training. Its conditional logic feature also ensures that your team can handle complex workflows without hassle. The tool's ability to automate routine tasks makes it a go-to for simplifying operations.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Features include a drag-and-drop workflow builder, which lets you create processes quickly. The checklist feature ensures that your team maintains consistency in task execution. Additionally, the platform offers real-time collaboration, so your team can work together efficiently, no matter where they are.

Integrations include popular tools like Zapier, Slack, Salesforce, Google Sheets, DocuSign, Trello, HubSpot, Airtable, Jira, and GitHub.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports conditional logic
  • Intuitive interface design
  • Great for recurring tasks

Cons:

  • Few advanced features
  • Limited customization options

Best for developers

  • Free plan available
  • From $110/month (billed annually)

Camunda is a business process management platform designed for developers who need a flexible and scalable solution. It is widely used for automating complex workflows and processes across various industries.

Why I picked Camunda: Camunda provides a developer-friendly environment with extensive support for BPMN, CMMN, and DMN standards. Its open-source nature allows your team to customize and extend the platform to meet unique business needs. The tool's lightweight architecture also ensures efficient deployment and execution of processes. Additionally, its real-time monitoring and optimization features help you keep processes running smoothly.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Features include a powerful process engine that supports BPMN, CMMN, and DMN standards, allowing you to model complex workflows. The tool's cockpit provides real-time monitoring and management of processes, ensuring you have full visibility. It also offers a scalable architecture, making it suitable for large deployments.

Integrations include popular tools like Spring Boot, Apache Kafka, Elasticsearch, RabbitMQ, AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, and MySQL.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Lightweight and scalable architecture
  • Supports multiple modeling standards
  • Developer-friendly environment

Cons:

  • Complex configuration
  • Limited documentation

Best for customizable processes

  • Free trial available
  • Pricing upon request

Bonitasoft is a BPM tool aimed at organizations that require highly customizable process automation. It caters to businesses looking to design, execute, and monitor complex workflows with flexibility.

Why I picked Bonitasoft: Bonitasoft offers customization options that allow you to tailor processes to fit specific business needs. The drag-and-drop interface simplifies the creation of personalized workflows. Furthermore, its open-source nature gives your team the freedom to modify and extend functionalities as required. Additionally, the platform supports a variety of process modeling standards that provide adaptability to different business scenarios.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Features include a UI designer that lets you create custom user interfaces for each step in your workflow. It also offers a built-in connector framework that allows your team to develop reusable integrations with external systems. For process governance, the platform supports versioning and deployment management to track changes and control releases efficiently.

Integrations include Salesforce, SAP, Google Calendar, Microsoft Office, Microsoft SQL, UIPath, Kafka, Oracle, Teradata, and RESTful APIs.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports multiple modeling standards
  • Open-source platform
  • Highly customizable workflows

Cons:

  • Can be resource-intensive
  • Requires technical expertise

Best for Java developers

  • Free plan available
  • jBPM is open-source

jBPM is a flexible business process management suite tailored for developers, particularly those familiar with Java. It supports business process automation and workflow management to enhance operational efficiency for businesses.

Why I picked jBPM: jBPM’s deep integration capabilities and customizable process definitions offer a unique advantage for Java developers. The tool's ability to manage complex processes with dynamic rules also makes it ideal for sophisticated business needs. Its modular architecture allows you to deploy components independently, adding to its flexibility. Furthermore, the built-in process engine and rule management features cater specifically to those looking for a developer-friendly environment.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Features include a visual process designer that lets you map out workflows clearly. The tool also supports adaptive case management, which allows your team to handle complex scenarios flexibly. Additionally, jBPM offers a powerful rule engine that enables dynamic decision-making within processes.

Integrations include popular tools like Maven, CDI, RuntimeManager, Spring, Ejb, and OSGi.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Java-based customization
  • Strong rule management
  • Supports complex workflows

Cons:

  • Complex configuration setup
  • Sparse community support

Other Business Process Modeling Software

Here are some additional business process modeling software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:

  1. Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect

    For enterprise architecture

  2. Kissflow

    For user-friendly design

  3. Lucidchart

    For visual process mapping

  4. Appian

    For low-code development

  5. Nintex

    For document automation

  6. Oracle BPM Suite

    For enterprise-grade solutions

  7. Zoho Creator

    For custom app building

  8. Celonis

    For process mining

  9. Microsoft Visio

    For flowchart creation

  10. SAP Signavio

    For business transformation

Business Process Modeling Software Selection Criteria

When selecting the best business process modeling software to include on this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like integration capabilities and ease of use. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair: 

Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion on this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:

  • Process modeling
  • Workflow automation
  • Process simulation
  • Collaboration tools
  • Performance monitoring

Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:

  • AI-driven process optimization
  • Customizable dashboards
  • Advanced analytics
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Mobile access

Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:

  • Intuitive interface design
  • Ease of navigation
  • Customization options
  • Learning curves
  • User feedback and ratings

Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:

  • Availability of training videos
  • Interactive product tours
  • Pre-built templates
  • Webinars and workshops
  • Support for data migration

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:

  • Availability of live chat
  • Response time to queries
  • Quality of documentation
  • Access to community forums
  • 24/7 support availability

Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:

  • Pricing compared to features offered
  • Availability of free trials
  • Flexible pricing plans
  • Discounts for annual subscriptions
  • Customer feedback on pricing

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • Overall satisfaction rating
  • Commonly mentioned pros and cons
  • Frequency of updates and improvements
  • User recommendations
  • Feedback on support and service

How to Choose Business Process Modeling Software

It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider
ScalabilityEnsure the software can grow with your business. Look for solutions that can handle increased data and user loads without a hitch.
IntegrationsCheck if the software integrates with your existing tools like CRM systems or communication platforms. This ensures a smoother workflow for your team.
CustomizabilityChoose software that allows you to tailor workflows and dashboards to meet your specific needs. Customization can improve efficiency and user satisfaction.
Ease of UseOpt for a user-friendly interface that reduces the learning curve. This enables your team to get up and running quickly without extensive training.
BudgetConsider the total cost of ownership, including subscription fees, implementation costs, and any hidden fees. Ensure the software’s pricing fits within your financial plan.
Security SafeguardsVerify that the software provides robust data protection features like encryption and compliance with industry standards to keep your information secure.
SupportLook for vendors offering strong customer support, including live chat, phone support, and comprehensive documentation. This can be crucial during software implementation.
PerformanceEvaluate the software's reliability and speed. Your team shouldn't face downtimes or delays that could disrupt your business processes.

In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different business process modeling software vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:

  • AI-Driven Insights: AI is being used to analyze processes and suggest improvements. This trend helps businesses identify inefficiencies and optimize workflows. Vendors are integrating AI to provide actionable insights.
  • No-Code Development: More tools are offering no-code platforms that allow users to build workflows without programming knowledge. This empowers non-technical teams to create and modify processes, increasing accessibility and flexibility.
  • Digital Twin Technology: Some vendors are adopting digital twin technology to simulate and visualize processes in a virtual environment. This allows for testing and optimization before implementation, which reduces errors and improves outcomes.
  • Enhanced Collaboration Features: Tools are increasingly focusing on collaboration, with features like shared workspaces and real-time editing. This trend supports remote teams and ensures everyone stays aligned.
  • Process Mining Capabilities: Process mining tools are becoming more integrated, offering detailed analysis of how processes are executed. This helps businesses uncover hidden patterns and inefficiencies, driving better decision-making.

What Is Business Process Modeling Software?

Business process modeling software is a tool that helps organizations visualize, analyze, and improve their workflows and processes. These tools are commonly used by business analysts, process managers, and IT professionals to enhance efficiency and productivity. 

Features like process mapping, automation, and real-time analytics support businesses in identifying inefficiencies and optimizing workflows. Overall, these tools provide significant value by enabling organizations to streamline business operations and drive better outcomes.

Features of Business Process Modeling Software

When selecting business process modeling software, keep an eye out for the following key features:

  • Process mapping: Visualizes workflows to help teams understand and improve their processes.
  • Automation: Reduces manual tasks to increase efficiency and allow teams to focus on strategic work.
  • Real-time analytics: Provides insights into process performance to enable more data-driven decisions.
  • Collaboration tools: Facilitates teamwork and communication to ensure everyone is aligned and informed.
  • No-code development: Allows non-technical users to create and modify workflows easily.
  • AI-driven insights: Analyzes processes to suggest improvements and optimize workflows.
  • Digital twin technology: Simulates processes in a virtual environment to reduce errors before implementation.
  • Customizable dashboards: Offers tailored views of workflows and data to meet specific user needs.
  • Process mining: Uncovers hidden patterns and inefficiencies to drive better decision-making.
  • Scalability: Ensures the software can grow with your business, handling increased data and user loads.

Benefits of Business Process Modeling Software

Implementing business process modeling software can provide several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Improved efficiency: Automation features reduce manual tasks, allowing your team to focus on more strategic activities.
  • Enhanced collaboration: Collaboration tools ensure your team stays aligned, improving communication and teamwork.
  • Informed decision-making: Real-time analytics provide insights into process performance, helping you make data-driven decisions.
  • Flexibility and adaptability: Customizable dashboards and no-code development let you tailor workflows to your specific needs.
  • Error reduction: Digital twin technology allows you to simulate processes in a virtual environment, minimizing errors before implementation.
  • Cost savings: By identifying inefficiencies and optimizing workflows, you can reduce operational costs.
  • Scalability: The ability to grow with your business ensures that the software remains effective as your team and processes expand.

Costs and Pricing of Business Process Modeling Software

Selecting business process modeling software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in business process modeling software solutions:

Plan Comparison Table for Business Process Modeling Software

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free Plan$0/user/monthBasic process mapping, limited automation, and community support.
Personal Plan$5-$25/user/monthProcess mapping, basic automation, analytics, and limited integrations.
Business Plan$30-$60/user/monthAdvanced automation, real-time collaboration, customizable dashboards, and enhanced support.
Enterprise Plan$70-$150/user/monthFull customization, priority support, enterprise-grade security, and comprehensive integrations.

Business Process Modeling Software FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about business process modeling software:

What are common business process modeling challenges?

One significant challenge is the complexity of processes within an organization. A minor change in one process can have a ripple effect on others, making it difficult to track and manage changes. Your team needs to ensure all processes are well-documented and adaptable to minimize disruptions.

What is the most appropriate method for business process modeling?

Most experts agree that BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) is the best method for business process modeling. It is process-oriented, making it ideal for representing business processes clearly. BPMN also helps your team visualize workflows in a standardized format, which can help improve understanding and communication.

Which tool is primarily used for business process modeling in business analysis?

UML (Unified Modeling Language) diagrams are popular tools used in business analysis for modeling processes. They provide a standardized way to analyze, design, and implement software applications. Your team can use UML diagrams to create detailed models that enhance process clarity and communication.

How can process modeling software improve workflow efficiency?

Process modeling software helps identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in your workflows. By visualizing and analyzing processes, your team can implement changes that improve efficiency. Features like automation and real-time analytics support continuous optimization and better decision-making.

How does process mining complement business process modeling?

Process mining analyzes existing processes to uncover patterns and inefficiencies. It complements business process modeling by providing data-driven insights that guide improvements. Your team can also use process mining to validate models and ensure they reflect actual workflows accurately.

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Hermann Fink
By Hermann Fink

Hermann Fink is a technology enthusiast and the co-founder of Rünna Advertising, a multinational digital agency that has been active for over a decade and served clients like Ford, AstraZeneca, Disney, and Didi. In addition to being a business owner, Hermann gathered corporate experience in project management during his time at Hewlett Packard in the mid-2010s.