Creating flow diagrams is a key step in designing and optimizing business processes. One of the popular tools for this purpose is Bizagi, a platform designed to model, automate, and analyze business processes. In this guide, we will discuss the practical steps to create flow diagrams using Bizagi, as well as its benefits and tips for optimizing your business process designs.

A Brief Overview of Bizagi

Bizagi is a company and software platform focused on Business Process Management (BPM). BPM is a methodology organizations use to design, implement, manage, and continuously improve their business processes for greater efficiency and effectiveness. Bizagi provides BPM solutions that help organizations design, document, and automate their business processes. 

History of Bizagi

Founded in 1989 in England by Gustavo Gómez and other co-founders. Bizagi initially focused on consulting and  software development. By 2002, the company shifted its focus to developing BPM software solutions.

In 2007, Bizagi introduced the Bizagi BPM Suite, which quickly became a leading BPM solution. The Suite empowered organizations to efficiently design, automate, and manage their business processes. With an intuitive user interface, Bizagi enables non-technical professionals to design and manage processes without needing deep technical expertise. 

As Bizagi evolved, it gained industry recognition and trust from numerous sectors, including finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. Today, Bizagi remains a leader in the BPM industry, continuing to innovate and provide solutions that drive operational efficiency and business ability. 

This company is always developing products and their services to fulfill needs that are developed in the management business process world. Bizagi is still one of the leaders in the BPM industry, providing solutions that can help organizations enhance efficiency, flexibility, and innovation in their business operations.

Benefits of Creating Flow Diagrams with Bizagi

• Business Process Visualization: Bizagi allows you to create clear and easily understandable flow diagrams, facilitating better communication and understanding across teams.
• Process Optimization: By analyzing flow diagrams, you can identify and eliminate bottlenecks or inefficiencies within your business process.
• Increased Productivity: Designing efficient business processes can lead to improved productivity and overall organization performance.

Pros of Bizagi: 

The main pros of Bizagi are its user-friendly intuitive interface and their ability to provide end-to-end solutions for managing business processes. Bizagi also integrates with other systems, has robust performance analysis, and has collaboration features. 

Cons of Bizagi:

Some organizations may find Bizagi’s implementation complex, especially for simple tasks. Implementing Bizagi can require significant time and resources, which may pose challenges for smaller organizations with limited budgets and timelines.

Is There a Fee for Using Bizagi?

Bizagi offers several software versions, including Bizagi Modeler (free version) and Bizagi Studio (paid version). Pricing for Bizagi Studio depends on your organization’s needs, such as the number of licenses and additional features required. Bizagi uses a subscription based licensing model, with fees payable on a monthly or yearly basis.

For specific pricing information, visit Bizag’s pricing page at https://www.bizagi.com/en/platform/pricing.

How to install Bizagi

First, visit www.bizagi.com and download either Bizagi Modeler (for process design) or Bizagi Studio (for process automation). Second, run the installation file and follow the onscreen instructions to install Bozagi on your computer. Last, choose the installation options that best suit your needs and complete the setup process. 

Steps to Create a Flow Diagram with Bizagi

After the installation process is successful, open the Bizagi application. You will be asked to create an account or log in if you already have a Bizagi account. After logging in, you can start using Bizagi to design and manage your business process. https://youtu.be/O4YxaaR-ibc

1. Create a New Project

After opening Bizagi, create a new project by providing a name and selecting the appropriate project type, such as “Business Process Diagram Flow.”

2. Add Activities and Events

Start by adding activities (which represent steps in the process) and events (which indicate the start or end of the process). Common flow diagram components include:

• Event: Mark the beginning (green) and end (red) of a process.
• Activity: Primary component from each work path and shows steps in the process
• Sequence of current: Arrows that show the flow from one step to the next.
• Gateway: Decision points that require a choice (e.g., “Yes/No”).

3. Connect the Activity with Arrows

Use arrows to connect activities in the correct sequence, showing the progression from one activity to the next activity. 

Now that you are familiar with the basic symbols, you can integrate them into a workflow diagram workflow, also known as a process map. 

STEP 1: Create Your Compile

Once you have selected the process you want to diagram, open Bizagi Modeler, where a new Compile (the square shaped element containing all the process steps) will appear by default. You can set the Pool name as your process name by double-clicking on it.

Pool Default is created as soon as Bizagi is opened.

Compile with Process Name

STEP 2: Create the Way and Steps in Compile

Identify the actors (represented in the diagram as the “way”) and the phases (defined in the diagram as “milestones”) within your process. The goal is to establish the full structure of your process structure before adding additional elements to the diagram. This makes the workflow clearer and prevents confusion. 

Common structure for a Process Diagram. The way and milestones are clearly defined.

STEP 3: Specify the Start and End Points

After establishing the basic structure in the compile, start specifying each process step. It is highly recommended to create your diagram from top to bottom and from left to right for better readability and understanding. Ensure that the start point is in the top-left corner and the endpoint is in the bottom-right corner. 

The Start and End Events are included in the diagram 

STEP 4: Define Steps in Your Process

Now, it’s time to specify the various activities related to your process. It is important to set a consistent naming convention to ensure the diagram is clear for everyone in the organization. We recommend naming activities starting with a verb, such as “accept request.” Gateways should always be phrased as questions, and each flow following a gateway should include text explaining the path options.

Complete Process Diagram

4. Add Condition and Decision (Optional)

Add business regulation and conditions in the process to automate taking decisions. If needed, you are able to add conditions and decisions to diagram flow to handle branching and finishing logic basic in your business process.

5. Simulation Test

Use Bizagi’s simulation features to test your process in different scenarios.

6. Implement Automation

After being satisfied with the design, implement automation to improve efficiency and consistency.

7. Analysis and Evaluation Diagram

After completing the flow diagram, analyze it to ensure the process is efficient. Use Bizagi’s analysis tools to continuously monitor performance. 

Conclusion

Designing flow diagrams with Bizagi is an important step in optimizing your business process. By following the practical steps outlined above and utilizing Bizagi’s powerful features, you can create efficient flow diagrams that improve productivity and streamline operations across your organization.