Process discovery tools can give enterprise leaders end-to-end visibility into key workflows and processes. But, with so many solutions to choose from it can be confusing to know where to begin.
We've compiled this list of process intelligence tools to help you pick the right solution for you!
What is process discovery software?
Process discovery is a series of methods and tools used to define, visualize, and analyze business processes. It provides a measurable understanding of how people carry out daily operations and processes in the workplace.
You can think of process discovery as the exploration of the as is of an organization's existing processes while process redesign is the exploration of the to be state of improved processes.
Discovering processes is one of the most critical steps in understanding how the organization works and, frankly speaking, is a prerequisite for any successful business process transformation.
What are process discovery tools?
Process discovery tools use a combination of different techniques, including process mining algorithms and task capture technology, to automatically map business processes. They use different methods to monitor and capture user interactions within different information systems and applications, recording the digital traces of work.
In the past, discovery happened through workshops, questionaires and as part of process analysis projects, but in recent years it has been vastly improved and automated through advanced technology.
Process discovery uses various computational and statistical methods to get valuable, applicable information from the data it gathered into actionable process analysis. You can think of it as the application of data mining methodologies to business process management.
Process discovery vs process mining
Process discovery and process mining are related terms that often get confused. Process mining is the technique to gather data related to a business process to uncover important trends and insights, while process discovery is the application of process analysis to discover the current real state of processes within an organization.
Process mining often involves mining event logs in enterprise data systems to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement. The goal is to improve the process by making necessary changes and optimizations. Process discovery can be done manually or through dedicated process discovery tools. Many process mining tools offer process discovery functionality, but process discovery can also be done through general business process management tools that allow you to map business processes.
Process discovery vs task mining
Process discovery is also closely aligned with task mining - and is a core component of many task mining tools. While process discovery can be a key feature within task mining, not all task mining solutions include process discovery, nor do every process discovery solutions involve task mining.
The reason why task mining is a great first step in to process discovery is that many businesses leaders simply don't know the scope of all business applications and systems used within their organization. Task mining software can log and identify which tools are being used and the time spent on different applications. This can initiate process discovery as well as support in conformance checking, although some companies may have separate solutions to fulfil this need.
Benefits of process discovery software
Compared to manual or consultant-lead process discovery, process discovery software provides a number of advantages.
- Automated discovery. You can quickly and accurately map the "as-is" state of your processes based on data.
- Faster analysis. When survey or interview based process discovery can take months, software can offer real-time value in seconds.
- Repeatable and scalable. Automated process discovery can be maintained or scaled much more efficiently with software.
- Single source of truth. While surveys can contain subjective views or humar error, discovery software gives an objective truth based on data.
- Accessable for users. You don't need to be a process analyst to get access and benefit from self-service analysis or dashboards provided by process discovery tools.
- Easy configurability. Process discovery tools can be configured to accurately represent the needs of key industries or business functions based on templates and best practices.
How to pick a process discovery tool?
There are over 35 different process intelligence software solutions in the market offering different levels of process discovery. No matter what your specific needs, it’s good to keep in mind some key areas to consider:
- Ease of use - process discovery tools doesn’t need to be difficult to use. Seek screenshots or a product demonstration to see if it looks easy to use or navigate.
- Configurability - some process discovery solutions only cater for specific use-cases or require significant effort to configure or integrate with different source systems.
- End-to-end visibility (E2E) - as more work is digitalized, you need full E2E visibility of the full process journey across different tools and systems.
- Analytics and reporting - if you’re looking for enterprise grade process discovery you’re likely to need advanced and trustworthy analytics and reporting capabilities.
- Level of support - whether you are a first time process analyst or an experienced process architect you’ll likely have different needs for support and on-boarding.
- Total cost of ownership - process mining solutions come in a variety of costs and service levels. It’s smart to consider the total cost of ownership including the implementation cost as well as the cost of running on-going process analytics.
List of Process Discovery Tools
1. Workfellow
Workfellow is both a process and task mining solution, offering complimentary process discovery functionality for a cloud-first world through a method called Work API. For more information download Work API whitepaper.
Workfellow works with enterprise companies across different industries but is especially focused on knowledge-intensive digital work, such as financial operations, insurance and banking. For more information, read case-study how one medium-sized business process outsourcing (BPO) firm uncovered over € 2 million ($2.17 million) in process waste.
Key features of Workfellow
- Effortless implementation: Typically customers are able to get end-to-end visibility on key processes within 30 days of plug-and-play implementation.
- 360 degree discovery: Through Work API Workfellow is able to track tasks and process flows across different business apps, allowing for end-to-end analysis of workflows.
- Automated insights: Workfellow includes ready-made dashboards and provides automated monitoring and insights within its analytics.
- Privacy first: Workfellow is a GDPR-free solution that does not process personally identifiable data.
Who is it for?
Workfellow is a good option for any organization that doesn’t have extensive data science and process mining resources in-house looking for an effortless and fast way to gain process intelligence without data mining hassle.
2. UiPath
UiPath is a major process automation and orchestration platform. It provides a suite of tools to help automate processes, including an easy-to-use visual workflow designer, a powerful robotic automation platform, and an AI-powered document understanding component.
UiPath is a pioneer in robotic process automation used by over 10,000 customers ranging from independent developers to large enterprise businesses such as Verizon, Coca-Cola and Takeda Pharmaceuticals. UiPath’s process mining solution has been developed based on the acquisition of ProcessGold in 2019.
Key features of UiPath
- Automation suite: All-in-one platform for automation including RPA, low-code app development and integrations.
- Accessible and scalable: UiPath is relatively quick to start to use, starting from free-to-try UiPath Cloud Platform.
- Trainings: Broad set of training materials for intelligent automation, including the UiPath Academy and certifications
Who is it for?
UiPath is well suited for an enterprise with a strong focus on RPA looking to advance their intelligent automation through a single-suite platform.
3. Celonis
Celonis is a process mining and intelligent automation suite that allows companies to improve their business processes through a platform called the “Execution Management System” (EMS). It gives users visibility and insights into the performance of their processes through extracting and analyzing event logs from different data sources, for example, ERP or CMS systems. Celonis EMS also allows users to discover bottlenecks, discover inefficiencies, and optimize processes.
Celonis is one of the first commercially available process mining solutions and is today a recognized market leader in the category. Since 2011 the company has grown rapidly and now has a market valuation over $13 billion. Celonis has over 1000 customers, mostly in North America and Europe.
Key features of Celonis
- Enterprise focus: Celonis provides a deep level of service, security and process data management for the needs of large enterprise organizations.
- Event log extraction: Celonis have a large customer base and broad experience in extracting event logs from different source systems, especially popular ERPs such as SAP and Oracle.
- Partner network: Celonis has over 170 partner agencies that provide implementation consulting services.
Who is it for?
Celonis can be a good fit for a large enterprise with in-house data science resources with most of their workflows and processes within a single ERP system, such as SAP or Oracle.
4. Fujitsu
The Fujitsu Automated Process Discovery (APD) service helps organizations visualize their existing business processes using an evidence-based approach with analytical and actionable insight to maximize the value of process improvement initiatives. Unlike traditional business process discovery efforts, where models are created after a multitude of interviews with task or process owners, the APD service relies on facts and evidence within company application log files to trace the process and render the flow “as it really happens”.
Key features of Fujitsu APD
- Out of the box metrics: ability to measure compliance, inefficiency cost and process optimization opportunities.
- Consulting focus: as part of the Fujitsu APD service experience clients get advisory on areas of improvement and implications.
- Aligned with BPM: aligned with standards-based process modelling techniques.
Who is it for?
Global 1000 companies that have working relationship with Fujitsu or are looking for a integrated consulting + software experience to process discovery.
5. Nintex
Nintex is a leader in end-to-end process intelligence and workflow automation with over 10,000 customers. Nintex expanded their process discovery and mining functionality in 2022 through the acquisiton of Kryon.
Kryon's Process Discovery solutions were considered best-of-breed solutions at the time of the acquisition, especially with unique computer vision features for event capture on user interfaces. In addition, Kryon offered robotic process automation (RPA) functionality under Kryon RPA.
Key features of Nintex Process Discovery
- End-to-end visibility. The process discovery element is based on computer vision task capture from users computers and workstations.
- Automation capabilities. The Kryon suite offers complimentary process discovery and RPA functionality to identify and execute automation projects.
- Long-established suite: Nintex has the stability and stature of a long-established automation suite tracing back to the early days of enterprise automation in 2006.
Who is it for?
Nintex has a broad customer base in services, manufacturing and retail industries and can be a good option for any business considering an automation focused, established vendor.
6. IBM
If you’re a believer in “you won’t get fired for buying IBM,” you’ll be glad to know the Big Blue offers its own process discovery and intelligence solution. Added to IBM’s portfolio in 2021 through an acquisition of MyInvenio, IBM Process Mining discovers, monitors and optimizes business processes by extracting system data from enterprise systems.
Key features of IBM Process Mining
- Easy to use. IBM Process Mining has advanced process enhancement features which discovers business rules based on event log data and adds them to a standard BPMN model.
- Visualizations. IBM Process Mining offers a variety of visualization options relevant to process discovery, including process graphs, process variants and conformance analysis.
- Process simulation. IBM Process Mining has process simulation features enabling to-be processes and what-if scenarios.
Who is it for?
IBM Process Mining is a good option for companies looking to build on IBM's data and consulting expertise, especially with the interest to align business process management and design models with standard practices, such as BPMN models.
7. SAP Signavio
For organizations with an SAP ERP landscape Signavio is a process discovery and mining solution to consider. In the past you may have been more familiar with SAP’s Intelligent Business Process Management Solution or the integration of Celonis Process Mining within the SAP solution. SAP acquired Signavio in 2021 and has worked on integrating Signavio as a prime process intelligent offering.
Key features of SAP Signavio
- Integration to SAP. Signavio has deepened integrations to the SAP data ecosystem and partner network.
- Process management. in addition to process mining Signavio offers broader process design and management capabilities'
- Collaboration Hub. Signavio includes unique functionality to share process models, which is especially helpful to create the should-be state of processes.
Who is it for?
SAP Signavio’s Process Transformation suite can be used for a variety of purposes, including process insights, process automation, process management and process modelling. It's especially valuable for enterprise looking to implement a broad business process management (BPM) approach on the SAP data stack.
8. Avo Discover
Avo Discover is a niche process discovery solution that enables businesses to transform end-to-end processes into documentation and automation opportunities. The company is based in Cincinatti and is especially growing in the APAC and Middle East region.
Key features of Avo Discover
- Process recording and discovery. Avo Discover includes activity tracking functionality that allows you to discover processes related to a key activity.
- Process documentation. You can combine individual tasks in to end-to-end enterprise processes.
- Integration to automation. Avo Discover is integrated to Avo Automation suite, including automation testing functionality.
Who is it for?
Avo Discover is especially relevant for automation specialists looking for a solution for automated software testing and test automation.
9. Microsoft Minit
Microsoft is an enterprise software provider that needs no introduction. What’s less well known is that Microsoft has an increasing solution offering in enterprise automation through it’s Power Platform.
In 2022 Microsoft acquired Minit, a best-of-breed process mining solution based in Bratislava, Slovakia. As of 2023 Microsoft has signaled plans to integrate Minit into it’s service offering.
Key Features of Minit
- Out of the box templates: Minit has capabilities to offer faster-than-average process mining implementation through ready-made integration and visualization templates.
- User friendly solution: According to customer feedback Minit is a relatively easy to implement solution without the typical need for data science and data mining expertise.
- Integration to Microsoft ecosystem: the opportunity ahead is for Minit process mining capabilities to be deeply integrated into Microsoft’s other intelligent automation capabilities.
Who is it for?
If you are a true believer in the Microsoft ecosystem and are looking to build your process intelligence stack on Microsoft’s track record in integrating best-of-breed solutions, Microsoft Minit may be for you.
10. Appian
Appian is an established enterprise software vendor founded in 1999. Its business process management suite traces back to 2004. Appian is known for being an end-to-end workflow management solution with service-focused enterprise organizations, including BFSI and government agencies.
Appian’s process mining solution was developed through the acquisition of Berlin-based Lana Labs in 2021. The software utilized Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies to analyze data from various sources such as ERP systems and log files, to provide a visual representation of the process flow.
Key features of Lana Labs / Appian Process Mining
- End-to-end BPM: Through the integrated BPM and process mining solution Appian can provide the tools to analyze and manage business process improvement.
- Focus on services: Appian specializes in service based enterprise, such as banking, financial services and government institutions.
- BPMN integration: ability to align process design with business process modelling standards.
11. Fluxicon Disco
Disco is a process mining solution offered by Fluxicon, a company with a background in academic research into process and data mining. Fluxicon first started to explore process mining technology in the late 1990s and are one of the first process mining solutions available on the market.
12. Mehrwerk ProcessMining (MPM)
Mehrwerk is a process mining solution built on the Qlik Sense business intelligence platform. It offers comprehensive pocess mining capabilities combines self-service functionality process visualizations.
13. QPR
QPR Software is one of the first vendors to offer process mining functionality. The QPR ProcessAnalyzer offers broad analytical functionality, customizable dashboards and enhanced BPMN modeling.
14. BusinessOptix
BusinessOptix is a US-based Process Transformation suite offering end-to-end process transformation tools including process mining functionality. BusinessOptix process mining is offered as part of a cloud-based platform for transforming business processes in areas such as customer experience (CX).
15. Apromore
Apromore is a process mining solution with deep links to the academic sector founded by university professors. Apromore offers a free version of it's software for education and research purposes.
16. DCR Process Mining
DCR Solutions is also another emerging process mining vendor with strong links to the academic world. Based out of Denmark, DCR offers a suite of solutions for business process management, including process mining and process discovery modules.
18. BusinessOptix
BusinessOptix is a US-based Process Transformation suite offering end-to-end process transformation tools including process mining functionality. BusinessOptix process mining is offered as part of a cloud-based platform for transforming business processes in areas such as customer experience (CX).
19. iGrafx
The iGrafx Business Process Optimization platform helps to identify and analyze processes, model processes, and ultimately automate them. iGrafx offers process intelligence solutions through the acquisition of Logpickr - a process mining vendor based in France.
20. Inverbis
Inverbis is a process mining and value stream mining company based in Spain. InVerbis is developed as part of an incubation and technology transfer from CiTIUS, the Research Center on Intelligent Technologies at the University of Santiago.
More comparisons
Process discovery Q&A
Process discovery tools empower enterprise leaders and operational excellence professionals to make data-driven decisions and enhance their process management capabilities. By automating the process discovery and analysis tasks, these tools save time and resources that can be redirected to other high-value activities.
Traditional process mapping methods, such as manual flowcharts and swimlane diagrams, rely on human input and are prone to errors and subjectivity. Process discovery tools, on the other hand, automatically generate process models based on actual data, ensuring accuracy and objectivity. Additionally, these tools provide advanced analysis and visualization capabilities, making it easier to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions.
Implementing process discovery tools in an organization typically involves the following steps aligned with process analysis cycles:
- Set goals. Define the scope and objectives of the project, including the processes to be analyzed and the desired outcomes.
- Select tool. Choose a process discovery tool that meets your organization's requirements and objectives.
- Decide data sources. Identify and prepare the necessary data for analysis, ensuring it is accurate and complete.
- Configure tool. Configure the process discovery tool, inputting the collected data and setting up any required integrations.
- Visualize and analyze. Generate process models and perform analysis to identify areas for improvement.
- Take action. Develop an action plan to address the identified inefficiencies and optimize processes.
- Review and repeat. Monitor the results and make any necessary adjustments to the process models and optimization strategies.
The implementation timeline varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the organization's processes, the quality of the data, and the chosen tool. However, organizations can typically start seeing results within a few weeks to a few months. See case-study how one medium-sized business process outsourcing (BPO) firm uncovered over € 2 million ($2.17 million) in process waste within 30 days with Workfellow.
Some challenges and limitations of process discovery tools may include:
- Data quality: Process discovery tools rely on accurate and complete data to generate process models. Inaccurate or incomplete data can lead to misleading results.
- Complexity: Some tools may have a steep learning curve or be difficult to configure and use, especially for non-technical users.
- Integration: Integrating process discovery tools with existing systems and platforms may require additional effort and resources.
- Resistance to change: Some employees may be resistant to adopting new tools and changing established processes, which can hinder the successful implementation of process discovery tools.
