Business process management (BPM) software defines, automates, and reports on processes that optimize businesses and deliver on company goals. These tools aid in improving workflows and enhancing overall efficacy in day-to-day functions. BPM systems define processes spanning an entire company’s operations and subsequently monitor those processes. These tools can also be used to automate processes. The strength of BPM systems lies in their ability to provide an overview of the entire company, rendering them suitable for use by any department. However, they are commonly favored by operations teams. BPM systems can incorporate case management features, leading to common integrations with CRM software.
While BPM software shares features and functionalities with other solutions, it is crucial to understand the differences between various offerings. Although both BPM systems and workflow management software facilitate the definition and management of sequences of business activities and tasks, the former is distinguished since it provides users the ability to get a broader picture of all the processes in an organization. While workflow management is a component of BPM, it is more about task management and how repeatable, less complex individual processes get accomplished.
Businesses looking to create internal applications to streamline processes and automate tasks can utilize rapid application development (RAD) software like low-code and no-code development platforms. These platforms sometimes have tools that assist in building process automation into applications. Solutions specifically tailored for building applications for a process automation use case are called digital process automation (DPA) software. Finally, businesses simply looking to map and mine their processes through diagramming, process discovery, and more can take advantage of process mining software.
To qualify for inclusion in the Business Process Management (BPM) category, a product must:
- Capture business processes, both software and human, outside of the context of automation
- Use business process model and notation (BPMN)
- Allow the creation of business rule logic
- Provide tools for mapping and monitoring execution performance
- Give users the ability to automate business processes
- Have the ability to create forms and other basic interfaces in a digital format or allow for integrations with other tools for the data
