Inefficient processes are everywhere, wasting your employees’ time, impacting companies’ bottom lines, and creating dissatisfied customers. Businesses have learned that finding those inefficiencies and stamping them out is much easier with the use of process design software.
With process design tools, you can create, visualize, and optimize your organization’s processes. As a result, you’ll enhance customer and employee satisfaction and protect budgets. But each tool has its pros and cons, which is why we’ve created this guide to the best process design software in 2024.
10 Best Process Design Software Tools in 2024
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat is Process Design Software?
Process design software helps business users and teams construct a visual paradigm that makes it easier to visualize and understand complex processes.
Besides being able to document processes and create process maps, the software can analyze data to give you meaningful insights on where a process may be inefficient, or where a small change can lead to measurable benefits.
The best process design software will integrate with other tools, such as your project management platform, for additional functionality and process optimization.
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Should You Look for in Process Design Software?
Not all process design software offers equal benefits. Even among the top products on the market, there is a range of features and focuses for various needs. To get the best improvements to business processes from the tool you choose, consider these factors:
- Ease of access: Ensure the solution has a familiar and intuitive interface that everyone can use to document processes and reduce friction in workflows
- Flexibility: Check that it can support various types of modeling of different processes, such as business processes, user onboarding processes, or software processes. It should also be flexible enough to present the info in various formats, such as flowcharts
- Cost-effectiveness: Compare the cost of your options to get the most efficiency and process improvements for your money
- Integration capabilities: Pick software that can integrate with other tools and systems you use to manage processes seamlessly
- Process mining: Look for tools with process-mining capabilities to analyze and identify areas for process enhancement and optimization
- Collaboration features: Make sure teams and departments can communicate and share knowledge effectively, whether that’s through note-sharing, annotations, or a built-in comment feature
- Export and shareability: Ensure you can export process maps to common formats to make sharing information with stakeholders easier
Summarize this article for me pleaseThe 10 Best Process Design Software to Use
To help you find the best process design software for your specific needs, we’ve compiled this list of some of the top options on the market.
1. ClickUp
ClickUp is an all-in-one project management platform with an impressive list of features for improving productivity. The tool allows you to centralize your work across your entire tech stack into one powerful workspace.
For process design, ClickUp Whiteboards and ClickUp Mind Maps provide all the features you need to improve your workflows. Collaborative features ensure the involvement of anyone who needs to be a part of the process.
ClickUp offers a free template library with 1,000+ templates, including tools for business process modeling. For example, the Process Mapping Template provides a blueprint for a better understanding of the relationships between the various steps of your processes.
ClickUp best features
- Provides workflow tools to keep cross-functional teams organized
- Integrates with all of your favorite work apps, allowing for seamless process management
- Helps improve the flow of processes through task dependencies
- Automates repetitive tasks in processes, thus removing manual effort
- Allows for effective communication between team members using collaboration tools
ClickUp limitations
- The mobile app lacks some features present in the desktop version
- Some users find the interface intimidating as they learn to use new features
ClickUp pricing
- Free Forever
- Unlimited: $7/month per user
- Business: $12/month per user
- Enterprise: Contact sales for pricing
- ClickUp AI is available for purchase on all paid plans at the price of $5 per Workspace member and internal guest per month
ClickUp ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (2,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (2,000+ reviews)
2. Lucidchart
Lucidchart is an intelligent diagramming tool that allows teams to effortlessly visualize and communicate complex ideas and processes. Users can document processes and create business process models, making it easy to clarify complex concepts and identify areas for improvement. The software has intelligent features, such as AI Prompt Flow and integration with ChatGPT, to further streamline workflows.
Lucidchart best features
- Facilitates visualization of intricate ideas and processes with smart diagramming tools
- Enables real-time collaboration among teams and individuals
- Integrates with platforms such as Google Workspace and Microsoft, enhancing efficiency and collaboration
- Scales easily so the software remains useful as your business and its needs grow
- Works in a variety of use cases for maximum adaptability to business needs
- It is available in multiple languages to serve customers all around the globe
Lucidchart limitations
- Some users would like to see more offline capabilities
- New users find the interface complex when starting out
- Some reviewers would like more templates to start from
Lucidchart pricing
- Free
- Individual: $11.93/month
- Team: $13.50/month
- Enterprise: Contact sales for pricing
Lucidchart ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.5/5 (4,500+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (1,900+ reviews)
3. Microsoft Visio
This popular tool from Microsoft is a flowchart maker and diagramming software. It can simplify the communication of complex information with the use of data-linked diagrams. Teams can use these diagrams for visual collaboration.
Enhancing its functionality is integration with Microsoft 365, making it an ideal choice for companies that have already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. It has enterprise-grade security and privacy to protect your data. Accessibility features mean that diagrams are available to all users.
Microsoft Visio best features
- Simplifies process documentation through the use of templates and simple drawing tools
- Integrates with other Microsoft 365 applications for improved efficiency and functionality
- Enables multiple users to collaborate on a single diagram simultaneously
- Integrates diagrams and charts with real-time data, providing dynamic and updated visualizations
- Ensures inclusivity for people with disabilities by means of accessibility features
- Provides a range of templates to facilitate quick and efficient diagram creation
Microsoft Visio limitations
- Smaller businesses or individuals may find the price high
- The initial learning curve is steep and can slow adoption
- Some users want improved collaboration features
Microsoft Visio pricing
- Plan 1: $5/month per user
- Plan 2: $15/month per user
Microsoft Visio ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.2/5 (653 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (3,000+ reviews)
4. Process Street
This checklist and workflow software is a straightforward platform to create, manage, and optimize business processes and document standard operating procedures. Process Street is popular due to its AI-powered precision for process management.
The software is easy to use, with a no-code process platform that gives users access to Process AI, even with limited technical knowledge. Integration with popular tools improves workflow management.
Process Street best features
- Provides templates for common tasks and processes to improve efficiency
- Enables you to automate tasks and establish triggers to initiate actions or follow-ups to streamline process management
- Allows for easy collaboration and assignment of tasks among team members to ensure everyone remains organized and productive
- Integrates with over 2,000 apps via Zapier, providing easy access to third-party tools and services
- Uses conditional logic rules to create dynamic checklists that adapt to varying needs and processes
- Generates reports to analyze team productivity and process efficiency
Process Street limitations
- Some users find limited add-on features during template-editing
- Users want more suggestions about the available templates
- Reporting features are lacking for some reviewers’ needs
Process Street pricing
- Free Forever
- Pro: $30/month
- Enterprise: Contact sales for pricing
Process Street ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.6/5 (300+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (600+ reviews)
5. Bizagi
This process design software focuses on intuitive and collaborative business process modeling notation. It lets organizations document business processes quickly and store them in a central cloud repository.
Analyzing these process models enables a deeper understanding of each process step and helps to identify areas for improvement. As well as powerful process automation and process simulation tools, the software offers the ability to create low-code apps for increased utility.
Bizagi best features
- Enables users to create and visualize business process models with ease and precision
- Allows for the exporting of diagrams to common formats and platforms, including PDF and Microsoft SharePoint
- Enable imports from platforms such as Microsoft Visio and IBM Blueworks
- Performs robust process simulation for analyzing and optimizing business processes
- Facilitates collaboration on process models and easy sharing of results with key stakeholders
- Enables the creation of apps with low-code tools that bring flexibility to less tech-savvy users
Bizagi limitations
- Some users find the forms and templates lack functionality
- Some reviewers have problems migrating from one version to the next
- Performance can slow when dealing with complex processes
Bizagi pricing
- Contact sales for pricing
Bizagi ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.1/5 (49 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (100+ reviews)
6. Pipefy
This no-code business process automation software provides a cost-effective way to improve an organization’s business processes. The no-code approach makes setting up automated processes a breeze.
Pipefy offers over 300 native connectors to integrate with the tools your company uses most frequently. The software uses AI to optimize workflows and help keep teams agile and adaptable.
Pipefy best features
- Uses AI to optimize workflows and enhance efficiency
- Implements integrations without intricate coding for easy access and usability
- Implements process solutions up to three times faster than common competitors
- Defines starting points, phases, and integrations for efficient process design and management
- Integrates with hundreds of on-premise or cloud apps in common tech stacks
- Enables real-time centralized data visibility, dissolving data silos and unifying data sources
Pipefy limitations
- The learning curve can be steep for new users, even with the provided tutorials
- Some users want more customization options
- The search function sometimes returns unexpected results
Pipefy pricing
- Free Forever
- Business: $25/month per user
- Enterprise: Contact sales for pricing
Pipefy ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.6/5 (200+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (300+ reviews)
7. ARIS
This comprehensive business process management suite facilitates business transformation through process design and process-managing features that improve efficiencies. With the ability to document, optimize, and control end-to-end processes, you gain more visibility over every step of your workflows.
Process mining improves your ability to process data and find improvement opportunities. Integration with various IT systems ensures a streamlined process.
ARIS best features
- Supports business transformation initiatives with comprehensive process documentation, analysis, and optimization
- Provides a 360-degree view of business processes, enabling a better understanding of data and dependencies
- Streamlines operations and reduces manual errors by automating repetitive tasks
- Uses governance, risk, and compliance management features to improve compliance processes
- Integrates with common third-party tools for improved efficiency
ARIS limitations
- Some users think the pricing is too high
- Some reviewers want improved import and export with Visio
- The automated layout feature can sometimes be lacking
ARIS pricing
- Basic: €116/month
- Advanced: €233/month
ARIS ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.3/5 (27 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (15 reviews)
8. FlexSim
This software provides a robust platform for modeling, simulating, analyzing, and visualizing processes in a 3D environment. It aims to turn existing data into accurate predictions for improved understanding of complex processes.
FlexSim goes beyond process design software, providing deep analysis capabilities. The designers have created the tools to work well across a number of different industries, including manufacturing and healthcare.
FlexSim best features
- Enables users to comprehend and enhance any system or process through 3D simulation modeling and analysis
- Facilitates the transformation of existing data into accurate predictions, aiding in process optimization
- Ensures versatility of application across industries, such as manufacturing and healthcare
- Provides a platform that allows for dynamic modeling of operations and understanding of complex systems
- Offers 3D modeling and process flow tools for comprehensive analysis and informed decision-making
FlexSim limitations
- The licensing restrictions can be limiting
- Some tiers have limits on the model sizes you can use
- Reviewers would like to rely less on add-ons for some features
FlexSim pricing
- Contact sales for pricing
FlexSim ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (54 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (100+ reviews)
9. Minitab
Minitab is a suite of statistics tools that provide robust business analytics and machine learning functionality. These tools allow businesses to make data-driven decisions. Within these statistical tools are features for visualizing data, enabling a deeper understanding of collected information. The software provides easy access to analytics through convenient dashboards.
Minitab best features
- Provides deep and meaningful insights using powerful statistical software
- Enables creation and sharing of improvement initiatives through continuous improvement and innovation tools
- Offers data science and machine learning tools for enhanced accuracy
- Allows users to gain insights specifically into business processes via business analytics and intelligence features
- Enables maximized user proficiency and product knowledge through webinars and training sessions
Minitab limitations
- Some users find the 3D plot features need enhancements
- It can be difficult to enter matrices and manage matrix data
- Some of the more powerful tools can be confusing for beginners
Minitab pricing
- Single User: $1,780/year
- Single User + Predictive Analytics Module: $3,040/year
- Single User + other modules: $2,220/year
Minitab ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.6/5 (100+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (300+ reviews)
10. Gliffy
This versatile diagramming tool aims to facilitate visual collaboration among teams. Users can quickly make a start with the drag-and-drop diagramming interface, which allows them to share ideas easily. The tool’s process modeling features are suitable for businesses in various industries, providing flexibility in use cases. Gliffy integrates with Jira and Confluence for improved project management and collaboration.
Gliffy best features
- Offers deep integrations with Atlassian’s tools, making it ideal for companies that invest in that ecosystem
- Adds real-time collaboration in Confluence Cloud so teams can work on diagrams simultaneously
- Allows for easy creation of diagrams and sharing of ideas through a drag-and-drop interface
- Offers reliable, enterprise-grade diagramming functionality that scales with business needs
- Supports various teams and use cases, including diagrams for business, product teams, and IT teams
- Provides an intuitive user interface with plenty of ready-to-use diagram components
Gliffy limitations
- Smaller teams and individual users may find the software a bit pricey
- The software lacks the advanced features of some competitors
- Some reviewers want more customization options
Gliffy pricing
- Professional: $8/month
- Enterprise: Contact sales for pricing
Gliffy ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (200+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.3/5 (70 reviews)
Summarize this article for me pleaseTry Process Mapping in ClickUp
The best process design software for 2024 gives you the tools and insights to optimize your processes, eliminate inefficiencies, and ensure your workflows meet best practices and industry standards. But some people struggle with turning those insights into action.
Get the benefits of process management and more with ClickUp, which integrates process design right into your Workspace. Create a free account today!
Everything you need to stay organized and get work done.
