BUSINESS PROCESS MAPPING TOOLS: Uses, Free Tools & Guide

The business process mapping tools visualize business processes so that every organizational stakeholder understands and adheres to correct operations. Charts, flowcharts, and symbols are used in business process mapping to answer critical questions.

Business process mapping is a visual representation of a business process’s phases that show how it is completed from beginning to end. This type of mapping provides a simple image of the processes required to bring a product, service, or another process from beginning to end and the sequence of stages that must occur.

A flow chart is frequently used to represent the steps and their order. Such graphs often progress from left to right or from top to bottom. Flow charts often employ well-known symbols to define key elements of the process, such as start, stop input, and data.

These illustrations enable everyone in a company to understand how to complete a business process. They also assist external stakeholders, such as regulators, in comprehending how an organization’s business processes function. As a result, business process mapping promotes adherence to established procedures and standards.

Business process mapping is a subset of workflow management, which includes business process modeling. It depicts a process in greater detail and integrates additional organizational information.

Business Process Mapping Tools

When attempting to change business process management, all team members must be on the same page. To reproduce the procedure correctly, they must all have the same perspective. Business processing relies heavily on repetition. It means that teams can properly coordinate and that efficiency is achieved.

It is feasible to gain better visualization with the correct business process mapping tool. Visualizing processes allow everyone to comprehend and act from the same point of view. Flowcharts that depict the relationship between tasks and inputs that contribute to creating a product or service are used in business process management. Greater transparency is achieved by detailing each step along the way.

Best Business Process Mapping Tools In 2023

Here is a list of various business process mapping tools;

#1. BPMApp

This simple business process mapping system allows users to create visualizations by dragging and dropping nodes. For increased efficiency, automation software helps provide seamless workflows with jobs that can be better monitored and controlled. A user-friendly and configurable dashboard allows access to filtered job views.

It supports user-friendly workflows that make it easy to create, change, and track customized workflows for various business processes. Task transparency is enabled via job management tools, while automated workflows provide precise insights into business performance. Use BPMApp’s extensive report tools to track progress and determine productivity status.

#2. Nintex

Another low-code process platform with intuitive workflow and clever process automation. This popular business process mapping tool offers software solutions for workflow automation, digital forms, and robotic process automation. It is a scalable product that may be applied to any industry or department.

It allows for extensive customization and improves the ability to discover bottlenecks. Users can quickly construct simple or complicated designs to automate any business activity. Because of their simple yet straightforward tools, features like the Nintex Promapp enable improved visibility and control over processes. Using automatic changelogs and stakeholder email notification solutions can help you increase participation and collaboration.

#3. Pega

Users of the Pega platform can easily design processes in a low-code app environment that can be scaled up or down using sophisticated management capabilities. Because of AI support and automation, these models are extremely valuable in strategy creation and decision-making.

Its array of visual tools for modeling business processes exemplifies how organizations can benefit from collaboration with developers and IT. It also provides Robotic Process Automation (RPA), which facilitates the integration of legacy systems and improves response times for improved customer interaction.

#4. BonitaSoft

Their BPM platform promotes consistency and seamless workflows by providing tools that allow users to create graphical representations of business processes and convert them into process-based applications. It also includes drag-and-drop tools for introducing human and automated tasks, defining sub-processes, and creating decision rules.

Users can create models more precisely because of its Business Process and Modeling and Notation Standard 2.0. A clearer framework can also be created to improve team communication. The programs given respond swiftly to real-time changes. This is also handy for identifying mistakes before saving models.

#5. K2

The K2 platform is extremely adaptable. It enables users to create and execute a wide range of apps. Forms, reports, workflows, and data are all included. It provides scalable process automation across several departments for complicated and basic tasks. It is a no-code software that integrates numerous apps and mobile solutions.

Also, it is a useful business process mapping tool that connects people and information. The visual tools are simple and include reusable components for quicker delivery. Create powerful processes that include rules, policies, and escalations. A customized dashboard facilitates and prioritizes navigation. It is worth noting that this platform may soon be integrated into Nintex.

#6. TIBCO

The BPM Enterprise, based on the TIBCO Intelligence platform, provides an effective means of coordinating and monitoring business performance and creating insights that can lead to process optimization. Their business process mapping tool makes process configuration and visibility simple. Users can analyze business intelligence tools and track process performance against SLAs.

Excellent for providing transparency into all corporate operations, personnel, and infrastructure. Decisions are made faster and better with significant information about tasks being completed and the impact of various actions. Data and operational optimization are the foundations of business transformation. This software developer provides tools for digitization, standardization, and optimization. Utilize the predictive operations dashboard, which enables intelligent work and resource allocation.

#7. GitMind

This is one of the best and most affordable process mapping tools available. It comes highly recommended. It includes a process map and a selection of templates to assist you in creating diagrams. This is one of the best free process custom maps, with basic features that provide you access to various forms. You can also alter the font, color of the shapes, and other components of your schematic or process map. At times, you may want to share your work with others. You can accomplish this by using a simple sharing link.

#8. Creately

It is yet another process mapping software suite you should consider using. This is a cooperative diagram builder for generating ideas, creating a business process model, and designing systems and flows. You have several prepared templates to choose from. Marketing, education, engineering, and other sectors have templates. Aside from that, there are extensive shape libraries available to help you create professional process maps and creative diagrams.

#9. MindMeister

MindMeister is a free process mapping technology that allows users to create maps with an infinite number of people and interact with them in real time. Although you can only create three concepts, you can test out many of MindMeister’s features and receive email assistance from the Meister team. Users who plan to do a lot of concept mapping may want to consider one of the premium membership options.

#10. Diagrams.net:

Another process mapping tool on our list is Diagrams.net. You may have seen this software before under a different name, Draw.io. This software is available both online and on a computer. During the testing, we discovered that the online version is more reliable because it is free and contains all of the capabilities of the desktop version. Although the application does not support communication and collaboration, it can create process maps that can then be distributed to peers. The tool is easy to use because it is a simple editor.

#11. Visual Paradigm

This tool includes a comprehensive set of modeling shapes for business process diagrams. Its drag-and-drop interface allows you to create diagrams quickly and easily. The fact that you can play your business workflow as animation is what makes this free process mapping software tool a top choice. This improves the comprehension of a presentation and creates an impression on the audience.

Free Business Process Mapping Tools

Process mapping is a critical component of increasing organizational efficiency. Because these organizations will see the flaws in their process, performing this process will provide many opportunities for improvement. It also serves as a platform for teams to organize and discuss their work processes. Finally, it will aid in eliminating redundant processes, saving consumers’ and employees’ time. On that note, process mapping is done with process maps, hence the name. With that said, here are some process mapping tools to consider.

The top 10 free business process mapping tools include;

GitMind
Creately
Diagrams.net
LucidCharts
Visual-Paradigm
Gliffy
Cacoo
Visme
Canva
Google Drawings

Free Process Mapping Tools Microsoft

Process maps depict workflow inputs, outputs, and action steps graphically. Process mapping tools are used by efficient businesses to represent processes graphically. Visualizing process maps enables readers to understand workflow and identify issues quickly. Visio is a process flow design application allowing users to create process maps easily.

Microsoft Visio is diagramming software from Microsoft. Examples are flowcharts, org charts, construction plans, floor plans, sequence diagrams, process flow diagrams, process modeling, swimlane diagrams, 3D maps, and many others. It’s a Microsoft product sold as an add-on to Microsoft Office.

Workflow Mapping Software

Workflow mapping is a technique for illustrating an entire process by using various symbols to document process steps and actions. It is critical for businesses because visually charting the course of a process allows you to break down complex processes into simple pictorial diagrams.

Workflow process mapping also allows you to discover and avoid detours. When you map out the process, you can see if you think path B is more efficient than path A for completing a task. Aside from these applications, workflow process mapping can train new employees on existing processes, identify best practices, simulate processes, improve operations, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Process Mapping Tools Excel

Excel is probably something you’ve heard of. After all, it is one of the most popular spreadsheet tools included with the Microsoft Office suite. What you probably didn’t realize is that Excel includes several tools for creating process maps.

The software costs around $150, but you probably already have it if you’ve purchased any Microsoft products.

Pros:

You will not be charged for Excel if you own any Microsoft products.
The tool makes it very simple to create basic process flowcharts.
Your employees are already familiar with the tool. You won’t need to gain their approval to use it.

Cons:

Regarding processing maps, the software is somewhat limited.

What are the Best Tools for Process Mapping?

Some of the best mapping tools are;

Microsoft Visio.
Google Drawings.
Visme.
Canva.

How do I create a process map in Excel?

This is how to make a Process Map in Excel.

STEP 1: Select Insert > Smart Art > Process > Basic Chevron Process from the drop-down menu.
STEP 2: Navigate through the processes by clicking on a shape.
STEP 3: Select SmartArt Tools > Design > Add Shape after clicking on a shape to begin a new process.
STEP 4: To reverse the process, click on a shape and select SmartArt Tools > Design > Right to Left.
STEP 5: To move, select SmartArt Tools > Design > Move Up or Move Down after clicking on a shape.
STEP 6: To change the color of the process, select SmartArt Tools > Design > Change Colors after clicking on a shape.
STEP 7: Change your process style in the SmartArt Tools > Design > SmartArt Styles drop-down menu.

Conclusion

Processes are central to how every business operates, and the better you understand what they are, how they work, and what impact they have, the better you will manage your business. This is where Business Process Mapping enters the picture. Visualizing the processes allows you to gain a better understanding of how your company operates, as well as its strengths and weaknesses. This, in turn, allows you to run your business more efficiently.

References

Pipefy
Lucidchart
Indeed