15 Best Open Source Business Process Management (BPM) Software & Tools in 2024

Digital transformation is not just a buzzword. It is the overarching trend in today’s economy. If you look at recent digital transformation statistics, companies that have undergone digital transformation are poised to contribute half of the global GDP by 2023. This is because when used correctly, SaaS solutions can help businesses improve key performance areas, from productivity to cohesion. One of the most popular software solutions that companies found indispensable in achieving such goals is business process management (BPM) software solutions.

These products provide users with both a bird’s eye view and granular controls to manage all business processes. They often serve as the command center for both daily and strategic operations. The top solutions are also customizable, thus companies can fashion them to fit their needs. However, out-of-the-box customizability can have its limits. Open-source platforms, on the other hand, virtually do not. Hence, companies can truly make these platforms their own.

If you are looking for such products to help your digital transformation program, then you have come to the right place. This article lists the best open source business process management (BPM) software and tools, along with their core offerings, key features, and built-in integrations. Hopefully, with our help, you can cut down on your product search time and move straight to more in-depth product research.

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a catalyst for digital transformation. Before the pandemic hit, a study found that 5% and 3% of enterprises in 2018 and 2019, respectively, remained hesitant about going to the cloud. Since November 2000, there are virtually no enterprises without a cloud strategy. However, even with strong digital transformation trends, companies cannot implement cloud adoption strategies fully. Also, it is almost impossible to fully operate in the cloud. They run into issues, especially in figuring out what to do with their legacy systems and data.

This is why many settle for a hybrid deployment. In 2019, the share of enterprises with a hybrid cloud strategy was only 58%. Since then, after the outbreak, a more significant share of large businesses employed a hybrid deployment. In 2022, the share hovers around 80%.

What makes a hybrid cloud strategy possible is middleware. These platforms come in many types but, basically, they build bridges between legacy and cloud systems. First popularly used in finance, middleware became ubiquitous in other industries such as logistics and healthcare. Today, one common type of middleware is application integration, pooling both data and workflows together from various software tools. One popular deployment is using open source BPM software to create a custom central hub for practically everything. Below are the best open source business process management (BPM) software and tools that can serve this purpose.

15 Top Open Source BPM Software & Tools

1. vtenext

vtenext just might be the best open source BPM software today. The product has a unique offering, combining CRM and BPM features in one powerful software suite. This combination allows users to manage both internal and external processes more efficiently by addressing a key component of business management—communication. Key features include process digitalization, business workflow automation, and customer management. These features are also highly customizable, thanks to its versatile Process Manager that allows users to build custom automated corporate workflows. The platform is even said to be comparable to the top 3 business process management solutions available.

As with most SaaS tools, this BPM system open source platform also comes with analytics tools. Hence, users can bring both BPM and CRM data to bear on each other to inform their daily and strategic decision-making. Of course, as the platform is open source, you can further customize it according to your needs. Other features include module creation, web forms, marketing tools, profiling systems, and even a software development kit. Vtenext also has built-in integrations for Shopify, Salesforce, and HubSpot. Plus, the platform is deployed according to your needs. As such, it is only available via custom subscription plans.

2. Bitrix24

Bitrix24 is considered one of the top open source BPM tools on the market. This is because of its comprehensive feature set that covers a wide variety of business functions. Also, like other top products here, Bitrix24 provides collaboration tools. In this way, companies can leverage teamwork in every process. Key features include an intranet activity stream, daily planner, task management, time management, workflow management, and task reporting. Moreover, it is very easy to use even for novices who are figuring out business process management platforms and what they can do for their company.

The platform also provides other communication tools such as those for CRM and email. Moreover, it has a bulk email functionality for company-wide announcements or for marketing use. Furthermore, Bitrix24 is also known for its user profile builder that helps make roles and the overall company structure clearer. Also, it integrates seamlessly with other solutions, including Zoho, Asana, and Xero. Of course, as it is open source, users can truly make the software their own. There is a free plan available that supports up to 12 users. Paid pricing starts at $39 per month for 24 users.

3. Git

Git is a popular free and open source BPM tool for IT operations. Corporate users include Netflix, Google, Microsoft, LinkedIn, and Twitter. The product is prized for its distributed version control, which is very flexible enough to handle projects of all sizes. Also, the program is light and leaves but a tiny footprint on your systems. It employs cheap local branching and supports multiple workflows.

Other key features include frictionless context switching, feature-based workflow, integration manager workflow, disposable experimentation, and staging areas for reviewing individual commits not affecting others. With these, users will be able to manage IT development processes in a collaborative way without hindering individual creativity and resourcefulness. Moreover, Git is known to integrate seamlessly with other solutions such as Redmine, Github, and Jira.

4. Alfresco

Alfresco, the enterprise content management system provider, offers an enterprise-grade business process management software open source solution called Alfresco Process Services. Despite being often going under the radar, the product is surprisingly top-notch. It provides users with traditional BPM capabilities and tools such as a step editor, form editor, and rules editor. With these, companies can model, deploy, and revise key business processes easily. Moreover, it is known for its data integration capabilities.

Being open source, users can make the product their own. But, of course, like other top BPM software open source platforms, it also comes with useful built-in modules for task and case management. Other features include records management, document management, process management, and information governance. The platform has native integrations with a wide variety of programs, making it a good BPM middleware candidate. It has integrations with Salesforce, MS Office, and AutoCAD. Lastly, as it is deployed according to your requirements, it is only available via quote-based plans.

5. ProcessMaker

ProcessMaker is a form-based business process management open source solution. The product is known for the ease of use and customizability of its approval-centric workflow. It has an intuitive interface with drag-and-drop controls. As such, business analysts can easily model, deploy, and update business process designs. Also, this is all in BPMN 2.0, the industry-standard notation. Other key features include an output document builder, KPI dashboards, case inbox, and user management.

With these, the product has become a go-to solution for various businesses of different sizes. Moreover, businesses can truly make ProcessMaker their own as it is open source. They can add various modules and integrate the program with other tools in use. Plus, you can access all of its features using its mobile application for both iOS and Android devices. Lastly, as the product is rolled out according to your needs, it is only available via quote-based plans.

6. OpenStudio

OpenStudio is a powerful free web-based workflow management solution for BPM. The platform offers customizable workflow design tools and also includes some built-in specialized applications. These include apps for payroll, HR, team management, and ticketing. Also, OpenStudio is very easy to use. Its usability, together with its comprehensive feature set, makes it the BPM software of choice for a wide variety of businesses of all sizes. It is also popular among freelancers and consultants.

Key features include document management with permissions and authorization controls. Other built-in applications include those for managing blogs and events. It also includes templates for data management, payment management, and payroll management apps, social connect, and trouble ticketing. Like other top solutions, OpenStudio is very flexible. It is used for marketing surveys as well. The open source solution also offers open API. With this, users won’t only be able to customize the software but also effectively connect it with other third-party applications.

7. Cflow

Cflow is a cloud-based BPM known for its robust workflow automation solution. And, like other top apps, its workflow-building tool is easy to use and highly customizable. Moreover, it is also quite advanced, supporting sophisticated rules. Furthermore, the product sports collaboration tools. Hence, businesses can leverage teamwork between their analysts and other workers.

Key features include a visual workflow builder, customized forms, custom inbox, auto approvals, multiple process linking, document management, and esignatures. The platform also sports intelligence tools such as analytics and reporting so users can make data-driven decisions as they go. Cflow also connects with other solutions, including Zapier, Slack, and QuickBooks, among others. Being an open source platform, users can further customize it to their liking using code. A free version of the program is available, supporting three users and one process—perfect for smaller operations. Paid pricing starts at $7 per user per month.

8. Joget Workflow

Joget Workflow is an open source app building solution popularly used for business process management. The application provides users with easy-to-use tools to build enterprise-grade web apps for both cloud and mobile. With these, users can design business workflows and create automated processes. Joget Workflow also makes it very intuitive. It uses wizard-style navigation and dialogs to create custom templates.

Key features include data records management support, tabular data list, standard processes, ready-made apps, mobile-optimized apps, and visually configurable rules and actions. Moreover, the platform integrates seamlessly with other tools such as JavaScript and JSON. Joget Workflow also has a mobile application for both iOS and Android devices. Also, the platform is affordably prized, starting at $2 per user per month.

9. Activiti

Activiti is an open source business automation software solution for cost-effective highly scalable distributed infrastructures. It is prized for being a lightweight yet powerful BPMN engine for real-world automation needs. The product is essentially the free version of Alfresco Process Services. But don’t let this fool you. Activiti offers a robust middleware solution that can integrate seamlessly with your current software architecture.

The application provides cloud-native building blocks, complete with connectors and applications aggregators. Moreover, it has an active community of users that can provide support. It also offers extensible query and audit services. As an open source platform, Activiti can be highly customized. The cloud-based software offers a runtime bundle for processes and decisions that can complement your cloud software infrastructure.

10. Bonita

Bonita is an extensible open source platform for business process automation. This BPM software tool is easy to use. Plus, its new version is now fitted with process analytics visualization libraries for more intuitive monitoring. The Bonita Portal provides users with deep visibility into all tasks, processes, and API calls. With this, users can track and control business processes, data, and applications under one roof using real-time and historical insights.

Like other top BPM tools here, Bonita offers a drag-and-drop visual process design to rapidly deliver automation projects. It is a WYSIWYG solution as well. Hence, you can easily create highly responsive user interfaces over well-designed fundamental business logic. Moreover, the product has REST APIs and connectors that can be used to integrate the platform into any enterprise software stack. As such, the platform is used to orchestrate complex interactions between systems, robots, and humans in a wide variety of ways. Lastly, it has various deployment and support options so it is offered via quote-based plans.

11. Camunda

Camunda is billed as a process orchestration platform for end-to-end automation. This open source BPM tool also provides users with an intuitive drag-and-drop process builder, which makes it flexible for many use cases. Camunda is used by a wide variety of companies of all sizes, ranging from financial services to media and entertainment organizations. Organizational users include AutoDesk, Allianz, Universal, and T-Mobile.

The platform is also powerful enough to support endpoint diversity. This means that automation solutions can be deployed across multiple possible endpoints, from systems and devices to key people. Moreover, it also supports complex logic with branching. It has advanced workflow patterns that allow for collaboration between technical and non-technical people. Moreover, it has dynamic parallel execution, allowing for the coordination of multiple tasks at the same time. Plus, you can set a time-based escalation trigger should key processes be not completed at a set time window. Paid plans start at $49 per month.

12. jBPM

jBPM is a popular open source toolkit for automating business decisions and processes. Aside from being a process builder, it also has the capability to externalize business logic to turn them into reusable business assets. Use cases can span from simple decision tables to complex processes and cases. Key features include business processes, case management, decision management, business rules, and business optimization.

Also, jBPM can be deployed according to your needs and preferences. You can have it as a standalone service or embedded in a custom service. It is framework agnostic and is known to have been successfully used in standalone Java programs, SpringBoot or Thorntail, and traditional JEE applications. It also sports a management console for supporting task form management, task lists, reporting, and process instance management. Lastly, and maybe the greatest thing about it, this powerful platform is completely free.

13. Modelio

Modelio is a digital modeling environment open source BPM solution. It offers low code and no code functionality for designing and automating business processes. Other features include a UML modeler, Java code generator, HTML model publishing, and XMI import/export. The platform is popular among code developers, business architects, software architects, system architects, and analysts. The software also includes an array of flexible modules.

Of course, as an open source solution, you can easily customize them to fit your needs. It also provides you with access to additional modules such as a Java Designer for code generation and reverse functionalities. What’s great is that the product is completely free. Plus, it has an active community for support.

14. Red Hat Process Automation Manager

Red Hat Process Automation Manager is a BPM tool that allows users to develop automated cloud-based applications. It provides users with tools to program for a variety of applications. It also includes support for advanced business rules and process engines. And, like other top solutions, it supports complex event processing and case management as well.

The solution supports BPMN models to design workflows and policies. It also includes tools for Domain Model and Notation (DMN) for domain-specific rule languages. Plus, it is powerful enough to help create modern device-independent user interfaces for applications. The product comes with hardware and premium support. Pricing starts at $9,900 per SKU. This includes up to 2 cores or 4 vCPUs.

15. RunaWFE

RunaWFE offers low code and no code functionality for designing and automating business processes. It comes with a features such as workflow engine, process designer, form builder, and task notification client, among others. These allow users to aggregate data and processes across a distributed network. With this, they can manage tasks or automate them using bots. The product is free and has versions for Mac, Windows, and Linux.

Other features include a UML modeler, Java code generator, HTML model publishing, and XMI import/export. The platform is popular among code developers, business architects, software architects, system architects, and analysts. The software also includes an array of flexible modules. Of course, as an open source solution, you can easily customize them to fit your needs.

How to choose the right BPM software for your business?

Choosing the right BPM software is crucial for streamlining operations and improving efficiency. Here are key factors to consider:

• Assess Your Business Needs: Identify the processes you want to automate or improve. Consider aspects like workflow management, data collection, and reporting. Knowing your requirements will help narrow down options.
• Evaluate Integration Capabilities: Check if the BPM software can integrate with your existing systems, such as CRM, ERP, or other tools. Seamless integration ensures better data flow and minimizes disruptions.
• Consider User-Friendliness: The software should have an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate. This will reduce the learning curve for employees and encourage adoption across your organization.
• Analyze Customization Options: Look for customized software for your business processes. Flexibility allows you to tailor the solution as your business evolves.
• Examine Support and Resources: Ensure the provider offers robust customer support and resources like tutorials, documentation, and community forums. This support is vital for troubleshooting and maximizing the software’s potential.
• Budget and Pricing Model: Evaluate the total cost of ownership, including licensing fees, maintenance costs, and potential hidden expenses. Choose a pricing model that aligns with your budget and expected ROI.

What is the best open source business process management (BPM) software & tool?

Open source BPM platforms are not created equal. However, all of them are quite powerful as they are highly flexible, customizable, and scalable to your needs. So, it is really a tight race when comes to answering the question of what platform is the best. A rather easier question to answer, however, is “what platform fits your needs and skills best?” And it is important to find a balance between the two.

For IT firms, this isn’t much of a problem as they have the technical skills and know-how to operate virtually any BPM tool—code or low code. Generally, however, designing BPM workflows need not be too complicated. As such, for general users, the best tools are low-code to no-code solutions. With these, they can meet important BPM needs while circumventing the tech skills barrier.

Today, vtenext is arguably the best low-code open source business process management software solution available. It provides users with an intuitive BPMN interface integrated with CRM features. By combining the two, users will not only be able to design and manage workflows on the platform but also use it to collaborate and communicate. This is for both internal and external processes, ranging from simple task automation to providing stellar customer support. Hence, if you are looking for the best open source business process management (BPM) software and tools to try first, vtenext is a good candidate.

Key Insights

• Digital Transformation Significance: Digital transformation is crucial for modern businesses, contributing significantly to the global GDP. SaaS solutions, especially BPM software, are pivotal in improving productivity and cohesion within organizations.
• Hybrid Cloud Adoption: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated hybrid cloud adoption, with 80% of enterprises employing a hybrid strategy by 2022. Middleware plays a vital role in integrating legacy and cloud systems.
• Open Source Flexibility: Open source BPM software provides unparalleled customizability, allowing businesses to tailor the software to their specific needs without the limitations of out-of-the-box solutions.
• Comprehensive Solutions: Top open source BPM tools like vtenext and Bitrix24 offer extensive features, including workflow automation, CRM integration, and data management, making them suitable for diverse business processes.
• Community and Support: Many open source BPM platforms have active user communities that provide support and contribute to ongoing development, enhancing the software’s capabilities and reliability.

FAQ

1. What is Business Process Management (BPM) software? BPM software is a tool that helps businesses manage and optimize their processes. It provides both a high-level overview and granular control over various operations, enabling efficient workflow automation, task management, and process optimization.
2. Why should businesses consider open source BPM software? Open source BPM software offers extensive customization options, allowing businesses to tailor the software to their specific needs. It is also cost-effective and supported by active user communities that contribute to continuous improvement and innovation.
3. How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted digital transformation? The pandemic accelerated digital transformation as businesses had to adapt to remote work and increased digital interactions. This led to a significant rise in hybrid cloud strategies and the adoption of digital tools to maintain productivity and cohesion.
4. What are the benefits of a hybrid cloud strategy? A hybrid cloud strategy allows businesses to integrate legacy systems with modern cloud solutions, providing flexibility, scalability, and enhanced data management. It enables seamless workflow integration across different platforms and environments.
5. Which open source BPM software is best for my business? The best open source BPM software depends on your business needs and technical capabilities. For a comprehensive, user-friendly solution with CRM integration, vtenext is highly recommended. For a broader feature set and collaboration tools, Bitrix24 is a strong contender.
6. What features should I look for in BPM software? Key features to look for in BPM software include workflow automation, task management, CRM integration, data management, customizability, and robust analytics tools. The software should also support easy integration with other business tools and systems.
7. Can open source BPM software integrate with other tools? Yes, open source BPM software often comes with integration capabilities, allowing it to connect seamlessly with other tools such as CRM systems, project management software, and data analytics platforms. This integration is essential for creating a cohesive digital ecosystem.
8. How does middleware facilitate hybrid cloud strategies? Middleware acts as a bridge between legacy systems and modern cloud applications, enabling data and process integration. It supports seamless communication and workflow management across different environments, making hybrid cloud strategies feasible and effective.
9. What support is available for open source BPM software? Open source BPM software typically has active user communities that provide support through forums, documentation, and collaborative development. Additionally, many open source projects offer professional support services for businesses that require dedicated assistance.
10. Is BPM software suitable for small businesses? Yes, BPM software is suitable for businesses of all sizes. Many open source BPM tools offer scalable solutions that can be customized to fit the needs of small businesses, providing them with the tools to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

By Nestor Gilbert

Nestor Gilbert is a senior B2B and SaaS analyst and a core contributor at FinancesOnline for over 5 years. With his experience in software development and extensive knowledge of SaaS management, he writes mostly about emerging B2B technologies and their impact on the current business landscape. However, he also provides in-depth reviews on a wide range of software solutions to help businesses find suitable options for them. Through his work, he aims to help companies develop a more tech-forward approach to their operations and overcome their SaaS-related challenges.