Free tools for business process mapping

Regardless of sector, all businesses have processes. In fact, everything you do that produces something is a process. Most likely, that’s something you’ve already realised. But what you may not yet know is how best to map those processes.

Business process mapping can help companies exceed both client and internal expectations. But how?

Business process mapping (BPM) helps:

• Create a clear document of your existing processes - Mapping your existing processes gives you a baseline for how things should be performed.
• Empower knowledge sharing - Having documents of your processes makes them easier to share between different departments and with new starters.
• Ensure compliance - By clearly mapping your processes, you can see them in detail and be certain that each step is compliant.
• Highlight opportunities for improvement - By seeing your processes as they exist currently, you can more easily understand points of friction and other areas that can be developed or automated.

Here are some free tools that you can use to start mapping your processes and exceeding expectations:

Bizgazi’s

Bizgazi’s focus is on helping organisations with their digital transformation journey. It’s best for businesses that are looking at ways they can improve and automate their processes. Although the overall platform has a performance-based fee, the Modeller part is free and can be a great place to start on the journey.

heflo

Heflo is a free business process modelling software that has a clean, simple user-interface. It also has helpful learning tools that can ensure you are creating processes that really work for your company.

lucidchart

Lucidchart prices on a tiered system, but they do offer a free version. That version doesn’t offer data and automation options, admin tools, and has only basic collaboration and integration options. However, if you are working as an individual, the free option can still help you map your processes clearly.

aris express

ARIS Express is a more limited version of the larger ARIS software, but it is a great tool for anyone just getting started with mapping their business processes. It has an easy-to-use interface and offers free training to help you on your BPM journey.

jbpm

jBPM is an open-source business application software, which makes it free to use and create integrations for. However, this does also mean that you may need to work with an IT team to implement it properly.

joget

Joget is also open-source, but it isn’t as free as jBPM. It does have a free tier with limited options but starts at £2 per user if you decide you want more functionality. What it does have going for it over many other open-source options is a no-code/low-code platform that you can easily use no matter how tech-savvy you are.

Read more: A guide to building business resilience

Putting the time and effort into mapping your business processes can accelerate your growth and provide an even better experience for your clients. It’s worth taking the time to explore these solutions to understand which software works best for you. These are also just a few of the options available, so be sure to explore all of the choices available to you.