The selection of the right tool for automating processes in the enterprise is a dangerous and not trivial matter. There are many chances of finding that the initial optimism, when deploying a BPMS tool as a result of a 'low price' or a ‘convincing demo’ performed by the BPMS vendor, turns into disappointment and even desperation.

This happens when you realize, after a waste of many months and material investment, that the essential goal of having the expected enterprise processes running as desired is not working at all or it does it with unacceptable operating and performance problems. There are many examples showing the same story.

But this risk can be avoided from the very beginning
when you make the BPMS tool (and Vendor) selection. Here is how:

First, you will want to check vendor’s impeccable trajectory. You may obtain this information looking at the vendor’s customer base published in its web site and by asking directly to relevant customers if you wish.

Then, you should attend a product demonstration (demo) to grasp some features and get a first impression of the product capabilities, but you must be aware that demos are a short-cut in many ways and therefore are not accurate exhibits of the product performance when used in real life.

 

Therefore, an actual Real-Life Test should be performed. Here are some recommendations: