What is BPM software? 

Business process management (BPM) software focuses on managing and improving a company's workflows. BPM mechanisms help organizations improve business processes by visualizing, analyzing, and redefining them over time. Many of these software systems provide the tools for performing process design, process automation, or performance assessment.

A well-practiced BPM system improves productivity and compliance with laws and promotes creativity. Businesses benefit from increased levels of agility and responsiveness to market shifts, which makes BPM software an important tool in the hands of businesses with growth-oriented strategies.  

Overview of the top 10 BPM software solutions in 2024 

Rapidly evolving business organizations grapple with various ways to improve operations. Business process management (BPM) software restructures activities, increases effectiveness, and promotes cooperation within and among different groups. 

As we move toward the new year, it is worthwhile to explore the top 10 BPM software solutions that cater to various industries.

Qntrl 

This is a recommended software for BPM processes, mainly due to its high regard for streamlined use. Anyone can create and apply a brief workflow with fewer clicks than in sales constructs. This platform empowers organizations to devise means and guidelines that assist them in automating their workload.

Specifically, one of the most notable features of Qntrl is its ability to integrate with other tools already in use. This ensures ample process adaptation to meet business requirements, raising efficiency and cooperation within siloed teams.

Nintex 

Nintex has earned respect for its strong automation tools that allow organizations to maximize workflow efficiency. Primarily, Nintex’s visual workflow designer aims to provide ease of use in creating and managing workflows.

It allows for features like notifications, task assignments, and real-time analytics, enabling organizations to improve performance tracking greatly. Nintex also provides integration with multiple other solutions, allowing organizations to operate more efficiently without changing already established workflows.

ProcessMaker 

This software helps organizations design and automate workflows across their businesses. The highlight of ProcessMaker is its user-friendly interface and drag-and-drop capability, which simplifies the process of creating complex workflows. 

Additionally, it offers extensive features such as reporting and data analytics tools. ProcessMaker also allows users to collaborate on workflows, which makes it ideal for organizations that require joint effort from different teams.

Appian 

This BPM software offers both no-code and low-code functionality that allows organizations to create customized apps that suit their needs. Appian’s user-friendly interface and visual tools allow users to develop business processes with minimal technical knowledge.

The software allows users to integrate data sources, manage projects, and collaborate effectively. Additionally, it offers comprehensive analytics and reporting features to provide valuable insights into business processes.

Bizagi 

Bizagi is notable for its strong emphasis on digital transformation and is often considered an ideal choice for organizations looking to modernize their business processes. The software provides a drag-and-drop interface that simplifies workflow design and offers various integration options with other systems.

Additionally, Bizagi offers robust automation capabilities so organizations can create efficient workflows while reducing operational costs. The software also comes with comprehensive reporting and analytics features for organizations to monitor and improve their processes continually.

Zoho Creator 

This BPM software allows organizations to create custom applications and workflows without the need for extensive coding knowledge. Zoho Creator features a user-friendly interface and provides a variety of prebuilt templates that help streamline the workflow design process. Additionally, it offers robust integration options with other Zoho applications and third-party tools. Organizations using Zoho Creator can leverage its analytics capabilities to gain insights into performance and identify areas for improvement.

Kissflow 

Kissflow focuses on user-friendly features that allow teams to create and automate workflows without extensive technical expertise. The software provides a visual process builder that simplifies workflow creation and includes features for collaboration and task management. Kissflow offers integration with various external applications and provides analytics tools to help organizations assess workflow performance. This makes it an excellent choice for organizations seeking to enhance efficiency and improve teamwork.

Monday.com 

While primarily known as a project management tool, Monday.com offers BPM capabilities that help organizations create custom workflows tailored to their specific needs. The software provides a visual interface that allows users to design workflows easily. Additionally, it offers various integration options and automations to streamline operations. Monday.com’s collaboration features make it easy for teams to work together on projects, ultimately enhancing productivity, too.

TIBCO BusinessWorks 

This BPM software is known for its strong integration capabilities, allowing organizations to connect various systems and applications seamlessly. TIBCO BusinessWorks lets users design, automate, and monitor business processes in real time.

The software offers an intuitive interface and provides advanced analytics tools that help organizations gain insights into performance. This makes it an excellent choice for organizations with complex integration needs.

Oracle BPM Suite 

This comprehensive BPM software offers a wide range of features for modeling, automating, and optimizing business processes. Oracle BPM Suite provides powerful tools for designing workflows and managing business rules.

The software also offers real-time analytics and monitoring capabilities for organizations to gain insights into their processes and make informed decisions. With its extensive features and integration options, Oracle BPM Suite is well-suited for large organizations with complex workflows.

Benefits of BPM software   

BPM software allows organizations to operate in a completely different dimension as it provides several advantages that are worth utilizing. Here are some of these benefits.

Improved efficiency 

As with most types of software, the introduction of BPM software will lead to more efficient operations by complementing human activities with machines. This is done by reducing physical processes that are prone to human error and increasing easier workflows. Process standardization ensures a better and more accurate task completion.

In addition, since time is saved on low-value-added tasks, teams can devote this time to added-value tasks, resulting in better turnaround times and improved services. With developed BPM software, organizations seek to derive value by continuously monitoring and improving their business processes.

Increased productivity 

BPM software improves work measurement of a particular team, which helps productivity expand in the majority of teams. The reason for this is that emerging markets and technologies are not merely being used for members’ routine operations but rather shifting the focus to emerging markets and technological strategies.

BPM tools can also help everyone on the team work together efficiently, fostering inter-queries among team members instead of solely relying on email. As processes become more effective, employees experience reduced frustration and improved attitudes, which translates into enhanced productivity. This increased productivity calms down demands made by customers, allowing organizations to meet additional demands.

Improved decision-making 

One of the most impressive capabilities of BPM software is the ability to analyze and report available data in real time. Such capabilities provide different decision-makers with relevant information about performance metrics and insights into operational processes. In turn, this helps organizations detect deficiencies, patterns, and opportunities for growth using facts and evidence.

With better judgment, managers can make refined decisions that encompass optimal resource distribution, process re-engineering, and early detection of obstacles that could be time-consuming to rectify. As such, stakeholders can conduct effective business planning and make decisions that align with the organization's objectives, ultimately improving overall business performance.

Improved teamwork 

BPM software enhances teamwork across different teams through a common communication and workflow management system. With each member being directed correctly, all BPM tools encourage project information dissemination as well as people’s involvement in project tasks.

Enhanced teamwork leads to improved task management, reduced levels of miscommunication, and quicker responses to questions. Since BPM tools are integrated into the software, they include task assignments, notifications, shared dashboards, and other tools that enable teams to stay on track with their work and complete things on time.

To this end, there is more collaboration and retention of ideas, greater willingness to cater to the organization’s objectives, and a shared responsibility to meet targets.

Increased competitiveness 

In industries undergoing rapid change, an efficient and flexible strategy is essential to staying ahead and remaining competitive. BPM software enables organizations to quickly adapt to market changes, alterations in client expectations, and transformations in the rules and regulations governing their operations.

Businesses can improve their product and service delivery transactions and processes through process discipline and continuous improvement.

How to choose the right BPM tool for your business 

Selecting the most appropriate BPM software for your organization is crucial, as it enables the organization to derive maximum benefits. Here are several key considerations.

Understand your requirements 

Before the actual search for BPM software options, you have to understand your organization's respective requirements. Pinpoint the specific processes you wish to automate, particularly those filled with pain points.

Clearly defining your status will ease the evaluation process and help determine a BPM tool that fits within both your strategic and operational requirements.

Evaluate your budget 

Similarly, costs are an important factor in selecting the most viable BPM software. Different BPM solutions come with varying costs, so the financial capabilities of your institution must be assessed.

Note that many institutions make the mistake of only considering acquisition costs, which are just one-time expenditures on licensing. Estimate the savings that can be gained through the utilization and productivity of the respective software. Implementation of a BPM tool within the cost estimates that meets your requirements is crucial for successful implementation.

Investigate and analyze 

Once you narrow down potential BPM software options, make an effort to analyze each product’s features and user responses. Search for reviews, case studies, and expert opinions to understand how the software performs in real-world scenarios.

Focus on user reviews, especially from industries like financial institutions, to gather insights. Comparing these BPM solutions will help you identify the best fit for your organization.

Obtain recommendations and feedback 

In addition, seek out recommendations from colleagues, attend BPM events, or consult with experienced users. Their insights can highlight strengths or potential weaknesses, offering valuable guidance as you make your decision.

Look into deployment options 

Deployment options may vary significantly, impacting the usability and functionality of the BPM software. Typically, there are two types of choices for organizations: cloud-based or on-premise. Cloud BPM applications provide mobility, economies of scale, and immediate access to services.

On-premise solutions offer total data management and security compliance. When considering deployment options, it is important to evaluate the operational systems and security aspects of the company. Choosing a deployment model is one of the most crucial ways to ensure the software will meet the objectives and policies of the organization.

Pay attention to customization and integration possibilities 

Every organization has its unique processes and systems; workable BPM software must incorporate all possible modifications and include other relevant tools in the strategy-making process. Therefore, it is essential to seek workflows that offer diverse features that can be tailored to client preferences.

Consider whether the software can integrate with other business systems like CRM, ERP, communication tools, and the like, too. A BPM setup that can integrate with currently active systems will allow the team to avoid switching between different platforms to increase overall productivity.

Do not lose focus on user experience 

User experience is one of the most important aspects of a BPM software application's success. The more complex the platform’s interface is, the harder it will be for team members to accept it and the more training will be required. To achieve better adaptation rates, consider BPM software with drag-and-drop process modeling capabilities, user-oriented horizontal dashboards, and practical user support.

A well-designed BPM system provides users with tools that drive them towards optimal performance to enhance both organizational performance and individual processes.

Prepare for future growth 

As companies grow, there are always new needs to address. It is necessary to consider the potential growth and changes for the selected BPM software. Ensure you select platforms that can accommodate more users, additional functions, and more workflows as your organization expands.

Scalability guarantees that a relevant and useful BPM solution will remain in place for an extended period and guides investments in tools that support long-term objectives. Effective business software must be considered when making investments to optimize the product and deliver better results over time.  

Final thoughts 

After collecting information, comparing options, and prioritizing goals, it’s time to make a decision. Ensure the chosen BPM application aligns with your organization’s requirements, resources, and strategies you intend to pursue. Involve executives and other key stakeholders in the decision-making process and agree on the selected alternative.

The choice you make will facilitate the implementation and use of the software in your organization, allowing you to leverage BPM software to enhance operational efficiency and improve processes.