7+ Best Process Mapping Software And Tools In 2023

Hi there,

I’m rolling up my sleeves, ready to take you on a thrilling journey through the world of process mapping software.

Buckle up because we’re about to explore the 7 best process mapping tools that will revolutionize your business process game.

If you thought process mapping was as exciting as watching paint dry, let’s just say you’re in for a wild ride.

Curious?

Stick with me, and we’ll make your mapping journey smoother than my last online dating experience (and that’s saying something!).

Let’s dive in!

What are the best business process mapping software and tools?

Business processes can be intricate, like that one drawer we all have at home filled with everything.

But, once I found the proper process mapping tool, organizing and mapping business processes became a breeze.

I’ve peeked under the hood of many process mapping tools, and trust me, they’re not all created equal.

Which ones rise to the top? Let’s get straight to it.

1. LucidChart

Overview

First on my list is LucidChart. It is an excellent software for visualizing complex workflows.

Its interface makes diagramming a breeze. With its real-time collaboration, you can ensure your team is on the same page, wherever they might be.

Plus, embedding or sharing your diagrams is straightforward, with integrations into Google and Microsoft platforms.

You’d want to use LucidChart if you seek clarity through visualization.

Key Benefits

• Transform complex processes into clear, easy-to-read visualizations.
• Enjoy real-time collaboration with team members.
• Embed and share your diagrams with Microsoft Office and Google’s G Suite integrations.
• Jumpstart your diagramming with 100+ customizable process map templates.
• Work from anywhere, anytime, with Lucidchart’s mobile app for iOS and Android.
• Switch from diagramming to presentation mode for interactive and professional showcases.
• Display current and future states of processes using distinct layers.
• Import information from your spreadsheet seamlessly.

Pricing

LucidChart’s paid plan starts at $7.95/mo for individuals and $9.00/user/mo for teams.

Contact the sales team for enterprise pricing.

Pros & Cons

2. Draw.io

Overview

Draw.io is a versatile diagramming tool focusing on privacy and adaptability. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface streamlines the design process, making collaboration in real-time effortless.

It fits any workflow with seamless integration options, from Jira and Google Drive to offline storage.

It is a reliable choice for all your diagramming needs!

Key Benefits

• Protect your data with Draw.io’s privacy-centric design.
• Enjoy flexible storage options, from Google Drive and OneDrive to offline solutions.
• Incorporate diagrams Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and Atlassian.
• Collaborate in real-time on diagrams with teammates.
• Craft and refine diagrams quickly with an intuitive, user-friendly interface.
• Express diverse ideas through various diagrams, from flowcharts to UML.
• Choose between the offline desktop version or the online tool.
• Extend functionalities and compatibility with third-party integrations.

Pricing

Draw.io is primarily free, especially the web-based version.

However, if you want integrations with platforms like Confluence and JIRA, you must pay a monthly/annual fee starting at $5.

It’s worth noting that Draw.io’s commitment to being a free tool is commendable, especially given its robust feature set.

Pros & Cons

3. Miro

Overview

Miro stands out as a premier process mapping platform, tailor-made for teams looking to optimize and visualize their workflows.

Miro empowers you to create detailed flowcharts and process maps with intelligent diagramming tools, shape, and collaboration features.

Integrating seamlessly with popular tools, Miro elevates process mapping. It’s a top choice for teams seeking clarity and alignment in their operations.

Key Benefits

• Speed up feedback cycles with interactive presentation mode.
• Craft flowcharts and journey maps with intelligent formatting and an extensive shapes library.
• Automate mindmaps, diagrams, and summaries with Miro AI, streamlining the ideation process.
• Efficiently track tasks with a dynamic kanban, enriched by integrated Jira cards.
• Connect with over 130+ apps for a unified workflow, promoting team alignment.
• Protect your intellectual property with granular permissions and controls.
• Import seamlessly from draw.io, Microsoft Visio, lucidChart.
• Use Talktrack to record videos and share document improvements.

Pricing

Start with their free plan for basic functionalities.

Gain access to advanced features with the Starter plan at $8-$10/mo/member or Business plan at $16-$20/mo/member.

Pros & Cons

4. SmartDraw

Overview

SmartDraw allows users to create diagrams, charts, and visuals for business or personal use. Its primary strength lies in its vast template library and ease of use, even for those without any graphic design background.

SmartDraw offers an extensive range of over 70 diagram types, ensuring you have the right tool for every task. Its intelligent formatting feature ensures your diagrams always look polished and professional.

Plus, integrating with platforms like Google Workspace or Microsoft Office is a breeze.

If you’re transitioning from Visio, SmartDraw ensures it’s smooth sailing. It’s more than just a diagramming tool; it’s a collaboration enhancer.

Key Benefits

• Over 70 quick-start customizable templates
• Integrate with Google Workspace™, Microsoft Office®, and Atlassian products.
• Migrate easily, using import and export capabilities.
• Harness engineering power with CAD-like drawing features.
• Collaborate efficiently, sharing ideas and feedback within your team on shared visuals.
• SmartDraw’s intelligent formatting ensures professional-quality diagrams.
• Expansive content offering, with 1000+ templates and symbols for diverse diagram types.
• Cater to organizational needs with enterprise-ready features like Single Sign On (SSO).
• Tap into SmartDraw’s capabilities, creating custom extensions with the VisualScript SDK.

Pricing

SmartDraw offers an economical solution for enterprise licenses, positioning itself as more affordable than tools like Visio, Lucidchart, and Miro.

Site licenses are competitively priced.

For example, an annual license for a 300-user company is $2,985, which translates to $9.95 per user.

For a cutting-edge, budget-friendly alternative, SmartDraw stands out.

Pros & Cons

5. Visio

Overview

Microsoft Visio is your premier diagramming tool from Microsoft. It is designed to transform your data visualization experience.

Visio is the go-to for professionals who value clarity and precision. It helps with process mapping, from crafting intricate flowcharts to detailed organizational charts.

It has various ready-to-use templates and a vast collection of customizable shapes. These make creating engaging visuals both straightforward and enjoyable.

Whether on the web or desktop, its seamless integration with Microsoft 365 allows you to draft and share diagrams anytime, anywhere, with anyone.

Key Benefits

• Craft clean diagrams with extensive premade templates, starter diagrams, and 250,000+ shapes.
• Seamless collaboration with Microsoft Team by co-authoring diagrams in real-time.
• Dynamic data visualization ensures your graphics adapt to new information.
• Enjoy the flexibility of both web and desktop applications.
• Tight integration with Microsoft 365 facilitates real-time collaboration.
• Data Visualizer effortlessly translates Excel data into detailed flowcharts.
• Presentation Mode makes sharing insights with teams efficient and impactful.
• Secure cloud storage on OneDrive for safe diagrams storage and accessibility.

Pricing

Microsoft Visio provides two core subscription options for users:

• Visio Plan 1 is priced at $5.00 per user/month. It’s ideal for those who need a combination of web and desktop accessibility for their diagramming tasks.
• Visio Plan 2 is available at $15.00 per user/month. It offers a more comprehensive toolset, if you want enhanced functionalities on the Microsoft Visio desktop app.

Aside from the subscription model, both plans have a one-time buy option.

Pros & Cons

6. Gliffy

Overview

Gliffy is a top-tier diagramming software deeply integrated into the Atlassian ecosystem. It boasts over 18 million users and offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface.

Gliffy is the only interactive diagram maker for Confluence, enabling you to navigate through layers.

With its latest real-time collaboration feature in Confluence Cloud, you and your team can work on diagrams. Its integrations with Confluence and Jira ensure efficient workflow visualization.

It’s an excellent process mapping tool for businesses, software engineers, IT, and Product teams.

Key Benefits

• Real-time collaboration within Confluence Cloud enhances your teamwork.
• Deep integrations with Atlassian tools enhance your workflow in familiar environments.
• Unique interactive diagram capabilities in Confluence to toggle through layers and details.
• Gliffy’s drag-and-drop interface is tailored to make diagramming intuitive for you.
• Stay always up-to-date with linked diagrams that auto-update across platforms.
• High security with Cloud Fortified certification, ensuring your diagrams are safe.
• Embed always-updated Gliffy diagrams in familiar tools like Slack and Trello.
• Comprehensive business process modes for improved communication and efficiency.

Pricing

Gliffy’s Online Diagramming App features the Professional Plan- 1 to 9 users at $8/user/mo and 10 to 50 users at $6/user/mo.

Gliffy also has specialized plans for both Jira and Confluence. These kick off at $10 monthly for up to 10 users. For larger teams, up to 100 members, the rate is $3.80 per user, billed annually.

Contact sales team for custom pricing on enterprise plans for both pricing categories.

Students get discounts.

Pros & Cons

7. Figjam

Overview

FigJam is Figma’s innovative online whiteboard. It fosters collaboration and streamlines the visualization of complex processes.

It is a dynamic space for teams to co-create, prototype, and map out user journeys. This makes brainstorming and strategic planning more inclusive and efficient.

FigJam offers a versatile toolkit for designers and non-designers. This means you can use simple drag-and-drop shapes or draw complex diagrams.

Its close ties with Figma make it easy for teams to connect, brainstorm, and bring their ideas to life.

Key Benefits

• Create interactive prototypes to get faster feedback and iterate swiftly.
• With Dev Mode, developers find it easier to translate designs into code.
• Use shared libraries to ensure design consistency and save time with reusable components.
• Online whiteboarding turns complex problems into easily understandable diagrams.
• Integrations with Asana, Jira, and GitHub connect planning with execution.
• Real-time voting and feedback tools speed up team decision-making.
• Hundreds of templates offer a quick start to diverse projects, from brainstorming to diagramming.
• Rich communication tools, like audio calls and comments, enhance team interactions.

Pricing

Figjam’s Starter plan is absolutely free.

The FigJam Professional plan costs $3/mo/editor billed annually and 5/mo/editor billed monthly.

The FigJam Organization and Enterprise plans both cost $5/mo/editor and are billed only annually.

Pros & Cons

8. ClickUp

Overview

ClickUp is primarily a project management and productivity platform. You can manage tasks, docs, goals, and chat effortlessly within one workspace.

But, of course, ClickUp makes the list of our top process mapping software because of its adeptness at process mapping.

Its standout features include visual whiteboards for brainstorming and customizable dashboards for real-time progress tracking. Here, you can simplify projects by converting them into bite-sized subtasks and viewing them from angles.

As ClickUp has expanded its features, it has positioned itself as a potential one-stop solution. It eliminates the need for multiple tools. This makes it a plausible option for you who want to streamline your tools.

Key Benefits

• Turn brainstorming sessions into actionable items with ClickUp’s visual whiteboards
• Customizable dashboards for real-time overview of project progress
• Comprehensive process mapping tools simplify complex projects
• Real-time chat functionality consolidates team communication
• ClickUp’s document management system lets you create, edit, and link docs to tasks
• Automate repetitive tasks for efficient use of team resources.
• 24/7 real-time support means anytime assistance, ensuring uninterrupted workflow.
• ClickUp integrates with over 1000 apps, optimizing and centralizing your workflow.

Pricing

Use ClickUp’s Free Forever Plan for personal projects.

The Unlimited Plan costs $7/member/mo works for smaller teams looking to unlock more tools.

The Business Plan works for mid-sized teams and costs $12/member/mo.

Lastly, the Enterprise Plan fits larger teams. Contact the sales team for the price.

Pros & Cons

What is process mapping?

I remember setting up my digital consultancy. The excitement was real, but so was the chaos. I’d often think, “How can I make my client onboarding seamless?”

That’s when I stumbled upon process mapping. So, what is it? Process mapping is a visual representation that breaks down and communicates how a particular process works.

That’s process mapping for you – a tool that visually lays out every twist and turn of a procedure, ensuring everyone can quickly grasp it.

For a clearer picture- If I want to create a process map for my client onboarding, here’s what it may look like:

This is only a basic process map, but it helps me put a structure to how I operate my business. So, next time I want to onboard a client, it will help me know the order of things.

Also, let’s say I take an assistant. They can use these steps to ensure every client gets consistent, top-notch service.

Trust me when I say this: Process maps are more than just fancy flowcharts; they’re the linchpin to operational efficiency.

Types of process maps

Navigating the world of process mapping, you’ll find several types, each catering to specific needs and scenarios.

Let me break it down for you:

• Basic Map/Flowchart: Think of this as your starter kit. It’s perfect for fresh projects when conveying an idea or pinpointing issues. For instance, it can be helpful when you’re sharing core ideas for a new marketing strategy with your team.
• Value Stream Maps: Value stream mapping focuses on delivering value to customers. It meticulously outlines how raw materials transform into end products. If you’re manufacturing a new product line, it can help draft resource flows and set budget expectations.
• Swimlane (Cross-functional Map): Picture this as a theatre stage where every role has its spotlight. It identifies who does what, making it ideal for training and employee assessments. For instance, use this to delineate responsibilities.
• High-level Process Map (Top-down or Value Chain Map): It’s like getting a bird’s eye view. Only the main processes are highlighted. It’s great for presenting an overview to people who don’t need to know the details.
• Detailed Map: Detailed process maps are where things get granular. Every step, every decision point, is laid bare. Use this for a deep dive into processes, for instance, when training a new team.
• SIPOC (Suppliers, Inputs, Processes, Outputs, and Customers): Before diving into a detailed map, sketch this out. The five-column structure offers clarity on processes and their respective inputs and outputs. You could use this to align expectations and approaches when launching new vendor partnerships.

Why use process mapping tools for your projects?

Process map software isn’t just a fancy tool; it’s essential for any business aiming for excellence.

For starters, it provides a foundation for significant business process improvement. By allowing you to create detailed process maps and business process models, you can quickly identify bottlenecks that hinder performance.

And once you’ve pinpointed these pain points? The software helps you streamline processes, ensuring optimal business efficiency.

This benefits the overarching process workflow and is a godsend for project managers overseeing intricate tasks.

In short, to elevate your operations and ensure you’re working at peak potential, investing in process map software is a no-brainer.

Buyers guide: How we conducted our research

Selecting the best process mapping software isn’t a walk in the park, and I understand how crucial this decision is for you. So, let me share how I went about my research to guide your choice:

1. Initial Screening: I started by curating a list of the market’s most talked-about and emerging process mapping software.
2. Pricing: I delved into each product’s cost, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck.
3. Features: I researched the features, seeking out those standout offerings that could make a difference for you.
4. User Experience: I gauged how user-friendly and intuitive each software is through demo versions and trial periods, so you don’t have to.
5. Negatives: I was on the lookout for what might be missing or could be better, giving you a complete picture.
6. Support or Refund: I explored the after-purchase experience. Is their support team responsive? Do they offer a solid refund policy? I wanted to ensure you’re supported every step of the way.
7. Customer Reviews: I sifted through user reviews online to capture the good, the bad, and the in-between, ensuring you get a holistic view.
8. Integration and Compatibility: I ensured the software plays nicely with other popular tools you might be using, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

I’ve crafted a list of the best by focusing on these aspects. Whatever you pick, rest assured you’re making an informed choice geared toward streamlining your processes.

Wrapping up

So, there you have it!

I’ve gone through the many choices, and now I have handed you a distilled list for 2023.

Why? Because I want you to avoid the pitfalls and jump straight into success.

Remember when you got a new gadget, and it felt just right?

That’s the feeling I want for you with your process mapping software.

So, which one tickled your fancy?

Dive in, and let’s map out your success together!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any free process mapping software options available?

Absolutely! Several process mapping tools like ClickUp, Microsoft Visio, and Miro offer free versions or trials. While they may have only some of the features of paid versions, they’re great for beginners or smaller teams.

What is the best process mapping software?

The “best” software often depends on your needs. However, based on features, usability, and user reviews, some top contenders include Lucidchart, Visio, and ClickUp.

What is the difference between a process map and a process flowchart?

A process map provides a detailed overview of workflow and roles, often with decision points and outcomes. A process flowchart is a more straightforward visualization showing the sequential steps in a process, typically using arrows and symbols.

Can process mapping software be integrated with other business management tools?

Definitely! Many process mapping tools come with integrations or offer APIs. This allows them to seamlessly connect with CRM systems, project management tools, and other business applications, ensuring a cohesive workflow and data synchronization.