The 12 best bpm automation tools for 2025

Business processes are the silent architects of a company’s growth. When designed well, they create a foundation for scale; when neglected, they become a complex web of manual tasks that stifle momentum. The right bpm automation tools untangle this complexity, transforming static flowcharts into intelligent workflows. Finding the best platform, however, requires looking beyond traditional builders. According to Gartner (2022), over 75% of enterprises will adopt some form of intelligent automation by 2026, a major shift from under 40% in 2022. Understanding modern process and automation strategies is the first step toward choosing a tool that fits your team's needs.

Many teams feel trapped by legacy BPM systems that are rigid, expensive, and require specialized developers for minor adjustments. This guide promises a clear path to finding a more agile process automation builder, one that can reduce manual process handling by up to 40%. The solution often lies in a counterintuitive shift: moving from complex drag-and-drop canvases to conversational, AI-native interfaces. Unlike generic AI automation posts, this guide will show you real CodeWords workflows — not just theory.

TL;DR: The best bpm automation tools

• A 2022 Gartner report projects over 75% of enterprises will adopt intelligent automation by 2026, up from less than 40%.
• The key differentiator is shifting from visual, drag-and-drop builders to AI-native, conversational interfaces for faster deployment.
• Modern tools can reduce manual process handling by up to 40% by enabling non-technical users to build automations directly.

What are the leading bpm automation tools?

1. CodeWords

CodeWords changes how business process automation is approached, moving from complex visual builders to a conversational, chat-native interface. Its core innovation is an AI assistant, Cody, which interprets plain English prompts to generate, test, and deploy complete workflows. This makes it an exceptional choice among bpm automation tools for non-technical teams that need to connect systems without a steep learning curve. The platform transforms an idea into a functional automation in seconds, bridging the gap between intent and execution.

Unlike tools that require users to manually connect nodes and configure API calls, CodeWords handles the technical work behind the scenes. Users describe the desired outcome, like "Summarize new Trustpilot reviews and post the insights to a specific Slack channel," and the system builds the logic. With over 2,700 integrations spanning from Salesforce to Notion, the platform offers vast connectivity to unify an organization's tech stack.

Here's the deal: speed and accessibility are critical. The one-prompt building model reduces development time, with users reporting the ability to build their first automation in under ten minutes. The community gallery provides templates for common use cases like lead enrichment and website monitoring, which can be remixed for custom needs. This chat-first approach combined with underlying code gives it the flexibility to satisfy both business users and power users.

Pricing

CodeWords operates on a usage-based model. New users receive $5 in free credits. From there, plans include a Free tier, a Pro plan at $20/month, and a Max plan at $100/month, each providing a monthly credit allowance that rolls over.

• Pros: Chat-to-automation experience eliminates complex editors; 2,700+ integrations; automatic testing and debugging.
• Cons: Usage-based pricing can be unpredictable for high-volume needs; detailed enterprise compliance information requires verification.

Website: https://codewords.ai

2. Camunda

Camunda is a developer-centric process orchestration platform designed for complex, long-running business processes. It stands out by adhering to open standards like Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN). This standards-based approach makes it one of the more flexible bpm automation tools for technical teams, reducing vendor lock-in. It empowers developers to design, automate, and monitor end-to-end processes with precision, offering both a cloud-based SaaS solution and a self-managed option.

This tool is ideal for organizations where engineering teams lead automation initiatives. By visualizing complex logic with BPMN, teams can more easily streamline business processes involving multiple microservices and human tasks. Camunda’s Zeebe workflow engine is built for high-throughput, fault-tolerant orchestration.

Pricing

Camunda provides a free tier for its SaaS and self-managed versions. The SaaS plan includes a 30-day trial of the Professional tier. For production use cases requiring features like SSO and advanced backups, paid plans are necessary. Enterprise pricing is quote-based.

• Pros: Commitment to open standards (BPMN/DMN); clear development path from local machine to production; active developer community.
• Cons: The most powerful production features are gated behind an enterprise license; detailed enterprise pricing requires a direct sales inquiry.

3. Appian

Appian is a low-code platform that unifies process mining, workflow, robotic process automation (RPA), and AI. It provides a suite of tools designed to build enterprise-grade applications and automate complex business processes with minimal coding. This approach empowers business users and IT to collaborate on creating sophisticated solutions quickly. Its data fabric capabilities allow organizations to connect disparate data sources without moving the data itself.

This platform is ideal for large enterprises that require robust governance, security, and scalability for applications like case management and customer onboarding. Appian’s visual design tools enable rapid development of user interfaces and process models, while its built-in AI services enhance decision-making.

That's not the full story. You might think a powerful platform requires a dedicated development team. However, Appian's low-code environment is specifically designed to enable faster delivery by business-aligned teams, a tactic that helped one financial services firm reduce application development time by 75% in one year.

Pricing

Appian provides a free Community Edition. For commercial use, pricing is available in Standard, Advanced, and Premium tiers, typically priced per user per application per month. This model allows for predictable costs, but the total cost can grow as more users and applications are added.

• Pros: Detailed, transparent plan comparison; robust security and compliance certifications; free Community Edition for evaluation.
• Cons: The per-user, per-app pricing model can become expensive at scale; achieving full value often requires a dedicated implementation team.

4. Pega

Pega offers an enterprise-grade platform that unifies AI-powered decisioning with workflow automation, BPM, and RPA. It is engineered for large-scale operations, particularly in regulated industries like finance and healthcare. Pega stands out by providing a low-code, model-driven environment where business logic and process flows are visually designed. This approach aims to bridge the gap between business stakeholders and IT, enabling faster deployment of applications that handle intricate customer journeys.

This tool is ideal for organizations requiring deep case management capabilities, where processes are not strictly linear and involve complex decision-making. Pega’s architecture is built to manage long-running cases that may span weeks or months. Its mature ecosystem makes it a strong contender among the best workflow automation software options for enterprises looking to consolidate customer service and operational automation on one platform.

Pricing

Pega’s pricing is not publicly listed and follows a quote-based model tailored to enterprise needs. Access typically begins with a direct sales engagement to scope the organization's requirements.

• Pros: Powerful case management for complex and regulated scenarios; comprehensive suite for CRM and operational excellence.
• Cons: The learning curve can be steep; the lack of transparent pricing can be a barrier for teams wanting to quickly evaluate the platform.

5. IBM Business Automation Workflow

IBM Business Automation Workflow is an enterprise-grade platform that unifies BPM and case management. It is designed to orchestrate complex work by providing visibility across both structured, repeatable processes and unstructured, case-based work. As a core component of the IBM Cloud Pak for Business Automation, it provides a foundation for large-scale digital transformation, offering deployment flexibility for on-premise or cloud environments.

This tool is best suited for large enterprises that need to manage a mix of predictable workflows and dynamic, knowledge-worker-driven cases, such as loan origination. Its integration with other IBM products like Process Mining allows organizations to discover inefficiencies and apply AI-driven automation. For a deeper dive, you can explore various business process automation examples to see these concepts in practice.

Pricing

IBM Business Automation Workflow is available via the IBM Cloud Pak for Business Automation, which has a usage-based pricing model. A 30-day trial is available. Full pricing details require engaging with IBM's sales team.

• Pros: Delivers enterprise-grade scalability and robust security; tight integration with the broader IBM automation and AI ecosystem.
• Cons: Extensive capabilities can be too complex for smaller teams; pricing across the Cloud Pak can be difficult to predict.

6. Bizagi

Bizagi offers a low-code process automation platform built on a flexible, consumption-based model. It stands out by providing unlimited users and applications under a single subscription, shifting the focus from per-seat licensing to the value derived from automated processes. This approach is anchored by its powerful and free-to-use Bizagi Modeler, a desktop application that allows teams to map and document business processes using the BPMN standard.

This model makes Bizagi a compelling choice for organizations looking to democratize process automation without facing prohibitive upfront costs. By allowing anyone to model processes for free and then scaling investment as those models are automated, it lowers the barrier to entry. The platform’s strength lies in its ability to manage complex, long-running processes that connect people, legacy systems, and modern applications.

Pricing

The Bizagi Modeler is completely free. For automation, the platform uses a consumption-based model where you purchase "packs" of process actions. This allows organizations to start small and scale their investment as platform adoption grows. Specific pricing requires direct contact with their sales team.

• Pros: The free Modeler and consumption-based pricing create a very low-risk entry point; strong heritage in BPMN ensures industry-standard modeling.
• Cons: The consumption model can be difficult to forecast; the desktop Modeler does not have a native macOS version.

7. Bonitasoft (Bonita)

Bonitasoft offers an open-source digital process automation platform called Bonita, designed for extensive customization. It provides a powerful low-code environment that separates visual programming from coding capabilities, allowing business and technical teams to collaborate. The platform is built around a free, open-source core, the Bonita Community Edition, which enables developers to build and run unlimited processes. For enterprise needs, commercial editions add features for high availability and security.

This tool is well-suited for organizations that want to start with a robust, free platform for proofs of concept before committing to an enterprise license. Its strength lies in its customization capabilities, particularly with the Bonita UI Designer for creating responsive user interfaces for business applications. The Bonita Marketplace further extends its functionality by offering a wide array of connectors and extensions.

Pricing

The Bonita platform is accessible through its free Community Edition. For production-grade deployments requiring features like high availability and advanced security, Bonitasoft provides quote-based Enterprise plans (Access and Scale).

• Pros: The open-source model provides a zero-cost entry point; deep customization for user interfaces and system connectors.
• Cons: The free Community Edition has limitations on instances per month; enterprise-level features are locked behind a quote-based pricing model.

8. ProcessMaker

ProcessMaker offers a low-code BPM and digital process automation platform that stands out with its case-based pricing model. This approach, which meters usage by the number of process instances rather than by user seats, provides predictable costs and unlimited user access. The platform is engineered for orchestrating complex workflows that require a mix of human tasks, decision logic, and system integration. With an emphasis on AI-assisted development, ProcessMaker positions itself as a modern solution for businesses looking to digitize core operations.

The platform is particularly well-suited for organizations that need to pilot automation projects with a clear cost structure. Its suite of tools, including a visual modeler and screen builder, enables both technical and business users to collaborate on designing automated processes. Higher tiers introduce advanced capabilities like AI-powered process generation and process intelligence.

Pricing

ProcessMaker's pricing is structured across Standard, Professional, and Enterprise tiers. The Standard plan starts at $3,000 per month (billed annually) and includes a set number of cases. Higher tiers offer more cases and advanced features. All pricing is quote-based.

• Pros: Per-case pricing offers predictable costs for deployments with many users; AI and process intelligence capabilities provide powerful tools for optimization.
• Cons: The entry-level price point may be high for small teams; access to advanced AI features requires upgrading to more expensive tiers.

9. Kissflow

Kissflow is a unified low-code and no-code platform designed to empower non-technical business users to build and manage their own workflows. It positions itself as an accessible solution for organizations aiming to achieve rapid digital transformation without extensive IT involvement. The platform focuses on simplifying process automation, case management, and project tracking through an intuitive, visual interface. By providing a single environment for various operational needs, Kissflow helps teams break down silos.

This tool is particularly well-suited for departments like HR and finance that need to automate internal processes such as employee onboarding or invoice approvals. Its user-centric design and available vendor-led onboarding make it one of the faster bpm automation tools to implement for teams without dedicated developers.

But what about enterprise needs?

Pricing

Kissflow's pricing is user-centric. The Basic plan starts at $2,500 per month (billed annually) for 50 users and includes unlimited workflows. The Enterprise plan is quote-based and adds unlimited custom applications, advanced security features, and an AI Copilot.

• Pros: Fast time-to-value for non-technical users; simple packaging and optional vendor-led training are great for teams needing support.
• Cons: The entry-level price can be high for small businesses; advanced analytics and AI are restricted to the more expensive Enterprise plan.

10. Microsoft Power Automate

Microsoft Power Automate is a DPA and RPA platform deeply embedded within the Microsoft ecosystem. It excels at connecting applications, particularly Microsoft 365, Teams, and Dataverse, to create seamless automated workflows. By offering a low-code, drag-and-drop interface, it bridges the gap between simple task automation and complex process management. This makes it a go-to solution for organizations already invested in Microsoft’s software suite.

This tool is ideal for businesses seeking to empower citizen developers to build their own automations. Its wide array of pre-built connectors and templates accelerates development, allowing teams to quickly automate routine tasks like approvals and data synchronization. The inclusion of process and task mining provides insights into existing workflows, helping identify opportunities for optimization.

Pricing

Microsoft offers a free 30-day trial. Pricing is transparent and structured around user and bot licenses. The "Power Automate Premium" plan is a per-user license that includes unlimited cloud flows and attended RPA. For unattended automation, organizations can purchase "Power Automate Process" on a per-bot basis.

• Pros: Seamless integration with the Microsoft ecosystem and a vast library of connectors; clear pricing model and easy-to-start free trial.
• Cons: Advanced features often require purchasing add-ons, which can complicate cost planning; navigating licensing changes can be confusing.

11. SAP Build Process Automation

SAP Build Process Automation is a low-code solution that combines workflow automation, RPA, and embedded AI. It is specifically designed for businesses heavily invested in the SAP ecosystem, offering native integration with applications like S/4HANA. This tool empowers business users and developers to create automations that span across SAP and non-SAP systems. Its value is strongest for organizations seeking to extend the functionality of their existing SAP landscape.

This platform is ideal for companies that need to automate core business functions tightly coupled with their SAP data, such as finance, HR, and supply chain management. By using SAP Build, teams can digitize approvals or manage invoices using pre-built connectors tailored for SAP applications. This makes it one of the more focused bpm automation tools for enterprises looking to maximize their return on investment in SAP software.

Pricing

SAP provides a transparent pricing model based on user licenses and capacity blocks. It offers a free plan for individual developers on the SAP BTP platform. Paid plans include Base and Premium user tiers, with an additional add-on required for unattended automation bots.

• Pros: Deep, seamless integration with the wider SAP ecosystem; transparent and modular pricing helps in planning and scaling.
• Cons: Delivers its best value almost exclusively for organizations on SAP BTP or S/4HANA; API and storage quotas may require purchasing additional add-ons.

12. AWS Marketplace (BPM solutions)

AWS Marketplace is an enterprise procurement hub where organizations can discover, buy, and deploy business process management software directly through their existing AWS account. It streamlines vendor onboarding by offering a curated catalog of BPM platforms with consolidated billing and flexible deployment options. This approach transforms the procurement cycle into a more agile experience, making it a strategic choice for companies in the AWS ecosystem.

This platform is ideal for IT and procurement teams aiming to accelerate software acquisition while maintaining strict governance. By centralizing purchases, organizations can simplify vendor management and gain clear visibility into software spending. The ability to use existing AWS credits for software purchases further enhances its value.

Pricing

Access to browse the AWS Marketplace is public, but a valid AWS account is required for transactions. Pricing for BPM tools varies widely by vendor and is listed on each product's page. Costs are either added to the monthly AWS bill or deducted from an existing AWS Enterprise Discount Program commitment.

• Pros: Accelerates vendor onboarding and procurement; provides excellent cost visibility and spending controls through the AWS account interface.
• Cons: Not all BPM vendors are available on the marketplace; some listings may still require direct contact with the seller for final pricing.

How should you compare bpm automation tools?

How have the rules for process automation changed?

The core skill of a process builder was once visual mapping — meticulously connecting nodes within complex, graphical interfaces. The tools from Appian to Camunda represent the peak of that design philosophy. They offer immense power but often at the cost of accessibility, requiring specialized knowledge to build and maintain workflows. The central metaphor of the process architect, carefully drafting blueprints, defined an era.

But what if the blueprint could draw itself?

This is the new rule. The emergence of AI-native platforms changes the nature of creation. The essential skill is no longer architectural precision but clear, intent-driven communication. Instead of dragging boxes, the modern builder states the desired outcome in natural language. This shift doesn’t just lower the barrier to entry; it dismantles it.

Most believe powerful automation requires complex, specialized bpm automation tools. The opposite is becoming true. AI now serves as an abstraction layer, hiding the intricate logic and letting anyone build directly from intent. This move from visual programming to conversational instruction compresses the cycle from idea to execution from weeks to minutes. According to a 2023 PwC report, 73% of companies are using AI in some capacity, signaling a massive readiness for more intuitive solutions.

Consider this application:

CodeWords Workflow: Weekly Sales Lead NurturingPrompt: Every Friday, find new leads in HubSpot with the status 'New' created this week. For each, use OpenAI to write a personalized intro email based on their company description. Then create a draft in Gmail and assign a follow-up task in Asana for next Tuesday.Output: An automated workflow that runs weekly, drafting personalized outreach emails and scheduling follow-up tasks without manual input.Impact: Reduces manual lead processing time by 5-7 hours per week, allowing sales teams to focus on conversations instead of administrative tasks.

The implication is profound. Process improvement is no longer the exclusive domain of IT departments. When anyone with operational knowledge can translate their expertise directly into a functional, automated workflow, the organization becomes more agile and responsive. The new rule is that the best builders are simply the people who best understand the problem.

Frequently asked questions about bpm automation tools

What is the difference between BPM and RPA?
BPM (Business Process Management) orchestrates complex, multi-step workflows across systems and human tasks to improve an entire process. RPA (Robotic Process Automation) typically automates repetitive, rule-based tasks performed by a human on a user interface.

Can non-technical users really build their own automations?
Yes, modern low-code and no-code platforms are designed for this. AI-native tools like CodeWords take this further, allowing users to build workflows just by describing their goal in plain English, which significantly lowers the technical barrier.

How do I choose the right BPM tool for my company?
Start by identifying your primary use case (e.g., departmental approvals vs. enterprise-wide orchestration), the technical skill of your users, and your budget. For teams needing speed and flexibility without developers, an AI-native platform is often the best fit.

Ready to stop mapping and start building? CodeWords translates your natural language instructions into powerful workflows, connecting your apps and automating your most critical business processes.

Start automating now