18 Best Process Analysis Tools & Techniques in 2024

Process analysis is the first step to process visualization, improvement and management, which is why process analysis has been gaining popularity, as Figure 1 shows. 

Despite the increasing interest, only 15% of processes are analyzed and managed properly as BPM statistics show. One reason behind such a low rate is the lack of expertise and toolset. 

Therefore, this article will explain the top 18 process analysis tools under three categories:

• Software  
• Techniques 
• Diagrams & charts.

What is process analysis?

Business process analysis evaluates the processes to identify the nature and the root cause of the inefficiencies. Process analysis can:

• Improve processes
• Automate redundant tasks and activities
• Ensure standardization and compliance. 

Process analysis can be achieved through various diagrams, charts and software. These tools are explained below based on the category. 

Process analysis software

Process analysis software refers to technologies that can be applied to extract, discover and model process data for analysis purposes.

Process Intelligence

Process intelligence platforms can collect and analyze process data to deliver process performance insights. 

1. Process mining

Process mining is an analytical discipline and technology to collect, analyze and model process data recorded in IT systems.

Learn more on process mining use cases, case studies, and benefits.

2. Task mining

Task mining or  task intelligence is the technology to capture user interactions on desktops, such as task executions on spreadsheets. 

Explore task mining benefits and 3 differences between task mining and process mining. 

3. Process modeling software

Process modeling software models processes and executes these models.

Discover what are the differences between process modeling software vs. process mining. 

4. A digital twin of an organization 

A digital twin of an organization (DTO) creates virtual models of the processes, services, or organizational structures to simulate scenarios. 

Check out DTO use cases to find out 9 more DTO applications.

5. Process mapping

Process mapping illustrates process flow using symbols to provide insights into parties involved, interactions and each step taken. 

6. Business process management (BPM) software

Business process management (BPM) software automatically analyzes and manages processes and workflows.

Learn more on BPM by reading:

• Process management benefits 
• Best practices 
• BPM trends
• BPM challenges 

Check out our data-driven list for BPM software.

7. Workflow analysis software

Workflow analysis software can automatically pinpoint inefficiencies and track performance KPIs. The software provides a chart to increase visibility and help locate the issues in the workflow. 

Explore workflow management tools, such as:

• Workflow management software
• Low-code/No-code development platform
• Onboarding software

Process analysis techniques

There are various techniques that can be applied to analyze process data. Some of these include: 

8. Gap analysis

Gap analysis is a high-level technique that allows analysts to identify the difference between the process performance they target and what they achieve. Gap analysis can highlight redundancies, wasteful activities, lack of management and missing steps. 

Gap analysis is a useful technique for process analysts that aim to reorient their process performance and reconnect with their goals.

9. Value-added analysis

This analysis is a broad sorting technique to assess whether each process step meets business or customer needs.  Value-added analysis technique investigates all activities in a process flow and then label and sort steps to: 

• Define business value-added steps 
• Identify real value-added (RVA) steps 
• Discover non-value-added (NVA) steps 

To remove and modify when they do not meet customer or business needs. 

10. Root cause analysis

This technique finds out the core reasons behind the detected problems by estimating probabilities for potential causes. Root cause analysis allows analysts to discover hidden deep issues and develop a remedy accordingly. The technique can investigate: 

• Guides and instructions
• Equipment such as devices and tools
• Methods like requesting an order 
• Employee activities
• Environment as onsite and offsite spaces. 

Some process intelligence tools can automatically employ root cause analysis. Learn more on automated root cause analysis.

11. Observational analysis

This technique shows overlooked steps and absent activities in actual processes. Observational analysis can require: 

• Collecting data from interviews, process maps and other documents to observe passively
• Participate in the process and monitor workflow actively.  

Analysts can benefit from observational analysis to assess process accuracy.

12. Experience examination analysis 

Experience examination requires observing and interviewing longtime employees to capture process knowledge. Experienced employees can help identify: 

• Process inefficiencies and potential reasons behind them
• Well-functioning processes and happy paths 

Analysts can review their process instructions and update their employee onboarding process based on the results. 

13. Predictive analysis 

Predictive analysis, also known as simulation analysis, is a technique to predict the impact of changes on process performance. Predictive analysis can help develop and prioritize process improvement strategies.

For example, analysts can: 

• Identify areas that can benefit from automation the most 
• Decide on change type, like standardization.  

Predictive maintenance, predictive process monitoring and predictive process mining are some software that allows analysts to forecast their processes. 

14. Impact analysis

Impact analysis is a value metric to assess the impact of interactions between processes, systems and applications. 

Digital transformation demands that companies implement new systems and applications. Impact analysis can streamline deploying new tools and systems and decide when to change them by allowing firms to understand their dependencies. 

15. Failure mode effects analysis (FMEA): 

This technique is a step-by-step approach to locating potential design, process, or service failures. Failure mode effects analysis focuses on the consequences of failures to eliminate such errors in the long run. 

Diagrams and charts

Diagrams and charts are broadly employed to visualize or model processes. Some of these visualization techniques can be utilized for process analysis.

16. Flowchart mapping

Process flowcharts map out simple processes as separate process steps in sequential order. The chart illustrates: 

• Inputs and outputs, such as materials, end products and services
• People involved 
• Decision points 
• Time for each step 
• Process performance KPIs. 

17. Spaghetti diagram

The spaghetti diagram represents processes as a continuous flow of lines. Spaghetti diagrams are useful to trace the path of activities, tasks and resources. 

These diagrams can help identify redundancies and opportunities in the given flow. Yet, they can be too complicated and useless for complex processes. 

Discover two ways process mining can overcome complicated spaghetti diagrams:

• Use Multi-level Process Mining to Tackle 3 Arduous Challenges.
• What is Object-Centric Process Mining & 5 Reasons to Apply it?

18. Fishbone diagram

Fishbone diagrams show cause-and-effect relationships of an issue in the given process. They are combined with root cause analysis. Fishbone diagrams consider:

• Equipment, such as software and machinery used 
• Onsite and offsite environment 
• Process documents, policies, rules and procedures
• Employees.

By drilling down these factors, the diagram enables analysts to determine the main reasons behind the problem. For example, Figure 4 below shows potential issues for each aspect. 

Further reading

Learn other process tools and methods used to discover, manage and improve process mining:

• What is Process Technology & 3 Reasons to apply it?
• Process Improvement Technology: 4 Best Tools to know
• Pair Methodology with Technology for Process Improvement

Check out our data-driven comprehensive solutions to compare vendors for:

• Process mining
• Task mining
• DTO
• BPM Software
• Workflow management software
• Low-code/No-code development platform
• Onboarding software

If you have more questions, let us help you:

External Links

• 1. Andert, F., & Krause, S. (2017, June). “Optical aircraft navigation with multi-sensor SLAM and infinite depth features.” In 2017 International Conference on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (ICUAS) (pp. 1030-1036). IEEE. Chicago. Revisited March 3, 2023.
• 2. Suriadi, S., Wynn, M. T., Ouyang, C., ter Hofstede, A. H., & van Dijk, N. J. (2013). Understanding process behaviours in a large insurance company in Australia: A case study.In Advanced Information Systems Engineering: 25th International Conference, CAiSE 2013, Valencia, Spain, June 17-21, 2013. Proceedings 25 (pp. 449-464). Springer Berlin Heidelberg.Revisited March 3, 2023.
• 3. ”How to Use the Fishbone Tool for Root Cause Analysis.” CMS. Revisited March 3, 2023.