How to build your business process management software
If you’re like most business owners, you probably wear a lot of hats. You’re responsible for sales, marketing, customer service, operations, and sometimes accounting. Juggling all those responsibilities can be daunting, especially if you don’t have the right tools. One key area where many businesses struggle is process management. But what if I told you there was a way to streamline your processes without spending a fortune on software? This article will show you how to build your business process management software.
Understand the basics of business process management (BPM)
Before discussing how to build your software, it’s essential to understand the basics of business process management (BPM). BPM is a methodology that helps businesses optimize their processes. It involves mapping out each step in a process and then identifying ways to improve it. It can involve automating steps, eliminating manual tasks, or making other improvements.
There are many different software solutions available that can help with BPM. But those solutions can be expensive and often require training and setup time. You can build your BPM software using open-source tools if looking for a more cost-effective solution.
Pick the right tools for your needs
The first step in building your BPM software is to choose the right tools for your needs. Several alternatives are available, but the two most popular are Camunda and jBPM.
Camunda is a Java-based workflow engine that can be used to automate business processes. Its features include support for complex workflows, integration with existing systems, and an easy-to-use interface.
jBPM is another Java-based workflow engine that’s similar to Camunda. It also has a lot of functions and is simple to use. The main difference between jBPM and Camunda is that jBPM includes a graphical designer tool that makes it easy to create and edit process diagrams. Both Camunda and jBPM are open-source and available for free. You can get them via their websites or the Central Repository.
Install the tools
Once you’ve chosen the tools you want to use, the next step is to install them. If you’re using Camunda, you can follow the installation instructions on the Camunda website. If you’re using jBPM, you can follow the installation instructions on the jBPM website.
Camunda and jBPM are available as standalone applications and as plugins for the Eclipse IDE. I recommend using the Eclipse plugin if you’re new to BPM, as it will make it easier to start.
Create a process diagram
The following step is to draw a process diagram. It will help you map out each step in your process and identify ways to improve it. Using Camunda, you can use the bpmn.io modeling tool to create your process diagram. If you’re using jBPM, you can use the jBPM Process Designer tool to create your process diagram. Once you’ve created your process diagram, it’s time to start building your BPM software.
Build the software
The first step in building your BPM software is to create a Java project. You can do this using any IDE or text editor. I recommend using Eclipse or IntelliJ IDEA.
Once you’ve created your Java project, you’ll need to add the Camunda or jBPM dependencies. These dependencies will give you access to the Camunda or jBPM API. You can find these dependencies on their respective websites.
Once you’ve added the dependencies, you can start coding your BPM software. I recommend starting with a simple workflow that consists of a few steps. You can find examples of simple workflow on the Camunda and jBPM websites. As you build your software, you’ll need to keep your process diagram up-to-date. It will help you identify any improvements you can make to your process.
Deploy the software
Once you’ve built your BPM software, you’ll need to deploy it. The simplest method is to use a Camunda or jBPM Docker image. You can find these images on their respective websites.
You can also deploy your BPM software on a standalone server. To do this, you’ll need to download the Camunda or jBPM distribution and unzip it into a directory on your server. You’ll also need to install Java EE application servers, such as WildFly or Tomcat.
Once your BPM software is deployed, you’ll need to start it up. The most convenient method is to use the Camunda or jBPM Start scripts. These scripts are available on their respective websites.
Test the software
Once you’ve deployed your BPM software, you’ll need to test it to ensure it’s working correctly. The simplest method is to utilize the Camunda or jBPM Test Center. These tools are available on their respective websites. Using Camunda, you can also use the BPMN-io Test Lab tool to test your process diagrams.
In Conclusion
We’ve looked at how to build your business process management software. We’ve seen that the two most popular tools are Camunda and jBPM. We’ve also seen that both of these tools are open-source and available for free. Finally, we’ve seen how to install, deploy, and test your BPM software. Now that you know how to build your business process management software, you can start automating your business processes today.
