There are probably 200+ business process management software tools commercially available that support the BPMN standard.

  • Diagramming tools are oriented toward business users.
  • CASE tools are primarily oriented toward IT users.
  • BPA and BPMS tools are intended to serve both types of users.

Diagramming

Diagramming tools create graphics using a variety of frameworks, methods, and standards. These general-purpose tools include:

Business Process Analysis (BPA)

Business Process Analysis tools are useful for engaging business and IT users to develop a shared understanding of processes. Examples of these more specialized tools include:

Business Process Management Suites (BPMS)

BPMS are used to create (no-code/low-code) process-based applications. These usually have their own modeling functionality or can import models created elsewhere. According to Gartner,

A BPMS supports the entire process improvement life cycle — from process discovery, definition and design to implementation, monitoring and analysis, and through ongoing optimization. Its model-driven approach enables business and IT professionals to work together more collaboratively throughout the life cycle than is possible with other approaches to solution delivery.

Computer-aided Software Engineering (CASE)

CASE software, such as that offered by Enterprise Architecture Solutions, is used to develop information technology (IT) specifications, code, and reverse-engineer code into a process.