Top 7 Process Mapping Tools to Improve Business Efficiency

What are process mapping tools? 

Process mapping tools are software apps businesses use to visualize or model processes and workflows. Process mapping tools make the flow of work and information visible, and help users understand the relationships between people, processes, and systems.

What kinds of tools are best for process mapping? 

There are a few different types of software that can be used for process mapping. One of the most popular is low-code business process automation (BPA) software. Low-code BPA solutions offer a variety of features that can be used to visualize and organize processes in order to create illustrations or maps. 

Other types of tools that may offer features that can be used to create a process map include workflow management software, process management software, and business process management software. Process maps can also be created without software, by using a drawing app, whiteboard, or pen and paper. People who create process maps this way use flowchart symbols to represent the elements of the process. 

7 best process mapping tools

Pipefy

Pipefy is a low-code business process automation (BPA) tool that supports process mapping with its flow visualization features, like kanban board views. The advantage of low-code BPA is that it enables non-technical users to access many of its features easily and without any coding knowledge. This includes building and modifying processes and workflows using an IT-sanctioned set of tools. 

Pipefy is adaptable to any department and can be used to create and optimize any of the types of business processes. Pipefy combines process visualization capabilities with automation, optimization, and orchestration features that enhance the existing tech stack and improve efficiency. 

Google Docs

Google Docs includes a drawing feature that can be used to map a process. While Google Docs doesn’t provide any process management features, it is a simple way to quickly sketch out a process and map out of the flow of steps using the “insert shapes” feature. 

Lucidchart

Lucidchart is a visual workspace for creating illustrations of processes, roadmaps, and network diagrams. Other features include helping users scale cloud infrastructure, organizing scrum teams, and mapping data flows. 

Microsoft Visio

Microsoft Visio is a visualization tool that can be used to build flowcharts and process maps. It can also be used to create organizational charts, floor plans, and network diagrams. 

Creately

Creately offers users similar capabilities and features to Lucidchart. It is a visual workspace that helps users plan, execute, and capture knowledge. Creately allows users to create visualizations from tables and improves collaboration. Other features include task management and diagramming. 

EdrawMax

EdrawMax is an intelligent diagramming tool that includes a library of diagram types to help users create their visualizations. It is used for strategic planning, visual communication, collaborative learning, and UX/UI designing. 

Cacoo

Cacoo is an online flowchart and diagramming tool that can be used to make flowcharts, wireframes, org charts, mind maps, ER diagrams, network diagrams, and venn diagrams. It is collaborative by design and the diagrams are easily shareable. 

What are the benefits of using process mapping software? 

The primary benefit of process mapping software is making the flow of information and activity visible. This helps teams identify optimization opportunities and zero in on problems such as bottlenecks, silos, and unstable handoffs. Other benefits include:

Reduces risk

Process mapping makes it easier for teams to identify problems with their processes. For example, steps that produce a high rate of errors, bottlenecks, or poor handoffs. Other potential risks include data leaks or silos. Process mapping may also help identify instances of shadow IT. 

Helps strategic planning

As visibility into processes increases, teams are able to make more informed decisions to guide their business strategy. Process mapping provides deeper insight into the way work is organized and helps teams gauge efficiency more accurately. As a result, decisions can be made with more confidence. 

Provides documentation

Processes that are mapped out can also be documented. This is important because it provides a reference point that can be used to facilitate knowledge transfer and continuity, as well as simplify training processes. Documented processes can also be replicated and scaled more easily. 

Better processes start with low-code BPA

Process mapping brings control and visibility to all types of business processes. It’s an important part of a broader process management strategy that helps reduce risk, improves efficiency, and builds alignment between business activity and business goals. 

Pipefy’s low-code BPA supports process management with automation and process visualization features that make it easy to build, optimize, and scale all your processes, no matter how simple or complex.

Written by

Benjamin Babb

Senior Writer at Pipefy, where I focus on helping businesses manage workflows, optimize processes, and deploy automation. I'm also a ghost story aficionado who listens to more Enya than anyone should.