Digital Process Automation Blog

The 10 Top Bonitasoft Alternatives in 2026: Compared & Reviewed

Written by Paul Stone, Product Evangelist | 2/9/26 9:12 AM

Bonitasoft is commonly adopted for BPM initiatives that rely on Java-based development and custom scripting. But, this technical foundation often places ongoing ownership with developers, creating friction when business teams need to adjust workflows, manage exceptions, or scale automation beyond initial use cases. 

Bonitasoft’s homepage

Moreover, its 4.5 out of 5 G2 rating is drawn from only three reviews, and a hard 4.4 rating on Capterra with only 18 reviews—all submitted by small business users several years ago. 

Such a limited review base makes it difficult for buyers to assess Bonitasoft alternatives. The absence of input from large teams, regulated environments, or enterprise deployments further weakens evaluation confidence. In this article, we evaluate 10 leading Bonitasoft competitors to help decision-makers make a more informed choice.

Essentially, this guide explores:

  • Key features, strengths, and limitations of leading Bonitasoft alternatives
  • Best-fit use cases by business requirement
  • Why FlowForma suits teams needing fast builds, Microsoft 365 alignment, and governance-first pricing for regulated environments

Key Takeaways

  • Bonitasoft’s limited and dated user reviews make long-term, enterprise evaluation difficult.
  • Many teams seek alternatives due to technical dependency, slower time to value, and limited intelligent capabilities.
  • Bonitasoft competitors vary widely, from developer-led BPM tools to business-friendly, governed automation platforms.
  • FlowForma stands out for business-led automation, native Microsoft 365 integration, and compliance-ready scalability.

Why Look For Bonitasoft Alternatives in 2026?

Bonitasoft is best known for its open-source Bonita BPM foundation and strong workflow orchestration capabilities. Its users praise its coherent, scalable core and connector support for standard processes. However, what works well for technical teams can introduce constraints for business-led automation initiatives. 

Users often quote limitations in the process modeller, form handling, data capture, and complex documentation. They also note a steep learning curve, with sluggish performance and significant time to master the platform usage—often relying on experts for advice (as highlighted by the below review). 

Capterra review highlighting Bonitasoft’s steep learning curve 

The key trade-offs are broken down below.

1. Strong BPM, limited business-user autonomy

Bonitasoft supports BPMN-based business process design and execution, but building and extending workflows often requires Java, scripting, or technical configuration. 

This limits how independently business users can design, update, or manage processes without developer support.

2. Custom UI flexibility, fewer ready-made experiences

The platform allows teams to build custom business applications, but it does not offer a broad range of pre-built apps, forms, or user-friendly templates. 

As a result, teams spend more time designing interfaces rather than accelerating automation across repetitive tasks.

G2 review noting Bonitasoft’s user interface 

3. Integration support, heavier development effort

Bonitasoft offers APIs and connectors to support integration, yet many workflows require custom development and ongoing maintenance. For businesses seeking faster automation with minimal coding, this reduces efficiency and slows time to value.

4. Process monitoring, basic analytics depth

While the tool includes dashboards and reporting for tracking workflows, advanced analytics, real-time visibility, and decision intelligence capabilities remain limited compared to newer automation platforms designed for operational clarity.

5. Open-source option, enterprise features gated

The Community Edition provides a solid foundation for process automation, but clustering, advanced security, and cloud-scale features sit behind paid tiers. Teams expanding automation across departments often need to upgrade sooner than expected.

6. Automation focus, limited intelligent capabilities

Bonitasoft handles structured workflows and tasks effectively but lacks native AI-driven decisioning, intelligent forms, or adaptive case management. Adding these capabilities requires external services and additional architecture.

For many organizations, the goal is not building highly customized BPM applications, but digitizing operational processes quickly, consistently, and with control across teams.

The Top Bonitasoft Competitors in 2026 (Quick Overview)

The best Bonitasoft alternatives vary in how they approach process automation, governance, and usability. 

For instance, tools such as FlowForma, Nintex, and Appian combine enterprise-grade workflow automation with strong governance and scalability. Others, including ProcessMaker, Camunda, and Pega Platform, cater to more specific requirements, from BPMN-led process design and developer-driven orchestration to CRM-centric automation and decision-heavy workflows. 

This range allows organizations to compare platforms based on process complexity, team composition, and long-term automation goals. Here is a quick overview of leading Bonitasoft alternatives. 

 

 

The top Bonitasoft alternatives in 2026

The 10 Best Bonitasoft Competitors in 2026 (Detailed Overview)

Let’s now dive into the detailed analysis of each of our compiled Bonitasoft competitors.

1. FlowForma

 

FlowForma Product Video

FlowForma is an AI-driven business process automation platform native to Microsoft 365 and SharePoint, designed to help organizations automate complex workflows without placing the burden entirely on developers. 

While Bonitasoft often requires technical configuration to extend workflows, FlowForma allows business users to design, run, and optimize processes independently, with IT maintaining governance, security, and system control in the background. This operating model supports faster automation adoption while ensuring compliance requirements are consistently met.

By combining forms, workflows, document generation, analytics, and AI within a single platform, FlowForma reduces the need for custom development and fragmented tools that often slow down BPM initiatives.

Key features of FlowForma

  • No-code process automation for business-led teams: FlowForma enables business users to build and manage end-to-end workflows without coding, while IT retains governance over data, security, and enterprise standards. This removes a common Bonitasoft constraint, where Java or scripting skills are often required for meaningful changes.
  • AI-driven workflow creation and optimization: Capabilities such as FlowForma Copilot and Discovery Agent convert plain-language inputs and existing documentation into executable workflows. This reduces manual modelling effort and shortens process build cycles.
  • Integrated forms and document generation: Teams can design intelligent forms and automatically generate documents such as approvals, contracts, and reports. Data is captured once and reused across workflows, reducing errors and rework.
  • Built-in compliance and audit controls: Every workflow action is logged, timestamped, and versioned, creating an audit-ready trail by default. These controls are aligned with GDPR, ISO, HIPAA, and DORA requirements.
  • Native Microsoft 365 integration: FlowForma runs directly within SharePoint and integrates with Teams and Outlook. This avoids the integration complexity and maintenance overhead often associated with standalone BPM platforms.
  • Mobile-ready automation: The mobile app allows users to complete tasks, submit forms, and approve workflows from anywhere, supporting distributed teams and operational continuity.

Pros and cons of FlowForma

Pros

Cons

No-code automation reduces dependency on developers

Best suited for Microsoft 365 environments

Built-in governance and compliance controls

 

AI-assisted workflow creation shortens build time

 

Transparent, process-based pricing

 

10x faster deployment than developer-heavy BPM tools

 

Pros and cons of FlowForma

📌Case study in highlight: Aon’s digital transformation

FlowStudy summary of Aon

A leading global insurance organization, Aon, adopted FlowForma to replace fragmented Excel-based and paper-driven processes with standardized digital workflows. Operating within Microsoft 365, Aon needed a single platform that could centralize data, approvals, and documentation while maintaining strict compliance standards.

Customer testimonial for FlowForma by Aon Insurance Company

With FlowForma, teams accelerated approvals, improved process consistency, and reduced manual effort across departments. Governance remained intact, supporting Aon’s broader IT-led digital transformation strategy.

FlowForma’s pricing

FlowForma uses a process-based pricing model rather than per-user licensing. This approach allows organizations to scale automation without unexpected cost increases as usage grows.

Each tier (as highlighted below) includes core workflow, forms, document generation, governance, and integration capabilities, with AI features available as add-ons based on maturity. 

Plan

Automation Scope

Included Capabilities

Add-Ons

Essentials

Up to 3 processes

Forms, workflow, document generation, mobile app, SharePoint integration, governance, onboarding + adoption support

FlowForma AI, FlowForma Insights

Professional

Up to 30 processes

All Essentials features + external users, advanced integrations, onboarding + adoption support

FlowForma AI, FlowForma Insights

Enterprise

Organization-wide automation

All Professional features + enterprise governance, FlowForma Insights included, expanded integrations

FlowForma AI

An overview of FlowForma’s pricing plans

This pricing structure offers clearer cost predictability than platforms where essential enterprise features are gated or added incrementally. For a detailed breakdown of each plan, check out the pricing page here.

2. Nintex

Nintex homepage

Nintex is a low-code process automation platform best known for workflow and form automation within Microsoft-centric environments. It suits teams looking to digitize approvals, forms, and document-heavy processes without building complex applications.

Key features of Nintex

  • SharePoint-native workflows
  • Drag-and-drop process logic
  • Document approvals tracking
  • Prebuilt process templates

Pros and cons of Nintex

Pros

Cons

Strong Microsoft integration

Limited advanced orchestration

Easy for business users

Scaling increases licensing costs

Fast setup for approvals

Less suited for complex logic

Pros and cons of Nintex

 

Suggested reading: Top Nintex alternatives compared 

3. Appian

Appian homepage

Appian is an enterprise-grade low-code platform designed for complex, mission-critical processes. It combines workflow, case management, and data modelling, making it suitable for large organizations with structured governance needs.

Key features of Appian

  • Unified process data model
  • Case-centric process handling
  • Low-code interface design
  • Enterprise deployment controls

Pros and cons of Appian

Pros

Cons

Handles complex processes well

Steep learning curve

Strong governance capabilities

High implementation effort

Scales across large enterprises

Premium pricing structure

Pros and cons of Appian

 

Also check: Top Appian alternatives compared

4. ProcessMaker

ProcessMaker homepage

ProcessMaker focuses on BPM and workflow automation for structured business processes, particularly in HR, finance, and procurement. It balances low-code design with developer extensibility.

Key features of ProcessMaker

  • BPMN-based process modelling
  • Approval-driven workflows
  • Scriptable business rules
  • API-based system integration

Pros and cons of ProcessMaker

Pros

Cons

Clear BPMN alignment

UI less intuitive

Good mid-market fit

Limited AI capabilities

Flexible deployment options

Customization needs developers

Pros and cons of ProcessMaker

5. Camunda

Camunda homepage

Camunda is a developer-focused process orchestration platform built around BPMN and DMN standards. It is often used for microservices orchestration and backend process automation rather than business-led workflow design.

Key features of Camunda

  • BPMN workflow engine
  • DMN decision modelling
  • Event-driven process execution
  • Microservices orchestration

Pros and cons of Camunda

Pros

Cons

Strong technical flexibility

Not business-user-friendly

Open standards support

Requires engineering resources

Ideal for complex orchestration

Minimal out-of-box UI

Caption: Pros and cons of Camunda

6. Bizagi

Bizagi homepage

Bizagi is a BPM platform aimed at process modeling, automation, and optimization. It is commonly used for process standardization initiatives and structured workflow execution.

Key features of Bizagi

  • Visual process modeller
  • Form-based task execution
  • Rules-driven process flow
  • Centralized process repository

Pros and cons of Bizagi

Pros

Cons

Strong process modelling tools

UI feels dated

BPM-focused approach

Limited AI capabilities

Clear process documentation

Customisation can be slow

Pros and cons of Bizagi

7. AgilePoint

AgilePoint homepage

AgilePoint is a low-code automation platform tightly integrated with Microsoft technologies. It is often used to modernize SharePoint-based processes and build governed workflows quickly.

Key features of AgilePoint

  • SharePoint process extension
  • No-code workflow designer
  • Role-based task routing
  • Form-driven process input

Pros and cons of AgilePoint

Pros

Cons

Familiar to Microsoft users

Smaller ecosystem

Faster SharePoint modernisation

Limited advanced analytics

Balanced IT governance

Less innovation in AI

Pros and cons of AgilePoint

8. AuraQuantic

AuraQuantic homepage

AuraQuantic is a BPM and low-code platform focused on digitising operational processes with strong compliance and traceability. It is often adopted in regulated and process-heavy industries.

Key features of AuraQuantic

  • End-to-end process mapping
  • Role-based workflow execution
  • Audit-ready activity logs
  • Multi-language process support

Pros and cons of AuraQuantic

Pros

Cons

Strong compliance focus

Less intuitive UX

Good process visibility

Smaller global presence

Suitable for regulated teams

Limited third-party integrations

Pros and cons of AuraQuantic

9. Creatio

Creatio’s homepage

Creatio combines process automation with CRM capabilities, making it suitable for customer-facing workflows across sales, marketing, and service teams.

Key features of Creatio

  • CRM-embedded process flows
  • Visual process orchestration
  • Low-code UI configuration
  • Omnichannel interaction support

Pros and cons of Creatio

Pros

Cons

Strong CRM-process alignment

CRM-centric by design

Good customer workflow support

Less suited for back office

Flexible UI customisation

Scaling increases complexity

Pros and cons of Creatio

 

Suggested reading: Top 10 Creatio Alternatives and Competitors

Pega

Pega homepage

Pega is a high-end enterprise platform designed for large-scale process automation, case management, and decisioning. It is commonly used in highly regulated, high-volume environments.

Key features of Pega 

  • Case-driven process management
  • Rules-based decision logic
  • Dynamic SLA enforcement
  • AI-assisted decisioning

Pros and cons of Pega

Pros

Cons

Handles complex enterprise cases

Very high cost

Strong decision automation

Long implementation cycles

Robust compliance controls

 

Pros and cons of Pega

 

Also check: The 10 Best Pega Alternatives

FlowForma or Bonitasoft: The Stronger Process Automation Platform Overall

At a functional level, both FlowForma and Bonitasoft support business process management. However, in practice, the gap becomes clear when processes extend beyond developer-owned environments, such as rolling out approval workflows to compliance teams or task-based processes to frontline staff.

In these scenarios, Bonitasoft typically requires continued developer involvement, while FlowForma maintains reliability with minimal operational risk. 

Here’s a quick walkthrough of how FlowForma vs Bonitasoft perform in terms of several key automation and process management capabilities:

Area

FlowForma

Bonitasoft

Build model - how processes are created and changed

No-code steps and rules engine

BPMN with scripting

Automation depth - how much work runs without manual handling

End-to-end, minimal manual steps

Workflow-driven, manual touchpoints

AI capabilities - support for faster build and context

Native AI suite included

No native AI

Forms and documents - how data capture and outputs are handled

Intelligent forms plus document generation

Custom UI or add-ons

Compliance controls - auditability and governance consistency

Built-in audit trails and role controls

Configuration-dependent

Integration model - effort required to connect systems

Microsoft 365 native plus APIs

APIs and custom connectors

Mobile support - participation outside desktop use

Dedicated mobile app

Varies by build

Side-by-side comparison of FlowForma vs Bonitasoft

Bonitasoft provides flexibility through its open-source BPM foundation, but that flexibility often shifts responsibility onto development teams. As workflows grow more complex, reliability, usability, and maintenance become closely tied to how well each application is built and supported internally.

FlowForma takes a more controlled and consistent approach. Logic, document handling, and mobile-ready forms are part of the core platform rather than add-ons or custom builds. This reduces variability between processes and lowers the risk that automation quality depends on individual implementations. 

For organizations running multiple workflows across teams, FlowForma offers a more dependable model than Bonitasoft, with fewer moving parts and less reliance on bespoke development to maintain day-to-day performance.

Here’s How FlowForma Simplifies and Scales Process Automation

Benefits yielded with FlowForma adoption

FlowForma combines no-code design, AI-driven automation, and rapid deployment to streamline processes across industries.  With quick setup, flexible workflows, built-in AI, and deep Microsoft alignment, it offers a practical, low-effort alternative to Blue Prism for end-to-end process automation.

Key standout features include: 

1. Smarter automation with AI assistance

FlowForma’s AI Suite homepage

FlowForma’s AI capabilities go beyond simple accelerators, reshaping how organizations create and optimize processes. Here’s an overview of its AI range:

 

FlowForma’s AI innovations

How it works

AI Copilot

Converts plain text, diagrams, or documented steps into ready-to-run workflows, removing manual build time. 

Agentic AI

Performs context-aware actions—validates data, reads documents, updates systems, and adapts as processes progress.

Smart Assistants

Provides real-time guidance to builders and end users, simplifying configuration and reducing technical complexity.

Summarization

Generates quick summaries of active workflows, highlighting blockers, pending actions, and key decisions.

Discovery Agent

Reviews organizational documents to identify new automation opportunities and process improvements.

AI Insights & Analytics

AI evaluates process performance end-to-end, identifies inefficiencies, and recommends optimizations to strengthen automation maturity.

FlowForma's AI suite for effortless process creation

2. No-code, full-control workflow design

Teams can build and adjust workflows without technical expertise, while IT maintains governance and compliance with standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO.

FlowForma is a no-code platform with an easy-to-use interface

3. AI-enhanced data capture and document automation

Flexible digital forms capture the right information at every stage and connect to templates to generate contracts, letters, reports, and approvals automatically. This ensures consistent, audit-ready documentation without manual effort or errors.

Testimonial about FlowForma Forms

4. Integrated automation across your systems

FlowForma integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 apps—SharePoint, Teams, Outlook—and external applications through APIs and connectors, keeping information consistent without extra middleware.

Morley College London – SQL & API Integration with Student Records

“Using FlowForma with SQL and API connections to UNIT‑e allows our student data to flow seamlessly between systems. Processes that used to take days now happen in real-time, and reporting is much more accurate.”

Caption: FlowForma integrations

Alt-text: Screenshot of the FlowForma integrations page

5. Audit-ready workflows with full traceability

All workflow activity is logged with full traceability, and data remains inside each customer’s SharePoint tenancy. The compliance module supports frameworks like GDPR, ISO 27001, and HIPAA, ensuring robust security and control for regulated environments.

How FlowForma is transforming risk assessments

Ready to Move From Bonitasoft to Secure & Compliant Enterprise-Grade Automation? Upgrade to FlowForma!

Streamlined workflows and measurable business results with FlowForma

By bringing together no-code flexibility, AI-assisted automation, embedded governance, and deep Microsoft 365 integration, FlowForma takes a more grounded approach than most Bonitasoft alternatives. It allows organizations to automate complex processes without adding technical burden or introducing cost volatility.

See FlowForma in action! Book a demo to see how easily your teams can shift from manual tasks to fully automated workflows with FlowForma. Or explore how FlowForma fits into your operations with a 7-day free platform trial—no credit card required.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does FlowForma support automation across multiple business units?

FlowForma enables consistent process automation across departments by combining shared governance, reusable components, and centralized oversight, while still allowing each team to adapt workflows to its specific operational needs.

2. Can FlowForma scale as automation adoption increases organization-wide?

Yes. FlowForma uses a process-based pricing and architecture model that supports expansion across teams and use cases without performance degradation or escalating per-user licensing costs.

3. How does FlowForma reduce risk during automation rollouts?

By standardizing forms, logic, documents, and audit controls within a single platform, FlowForma minimizes implementation variability and lowers the risk that automation quality depends on custom development or individual contributors.

4. When does it make sense to move away from Bonitasoft?

Organizations typically consider alternatives when business users require more autonomy, deployments slow due to technical dependencies, or governance, analytics, and intelligence capabilities become critical at scale.

5. What should enterprises prioritize when selecting a Bonitasoft alternative?

Beyond features, enterprises should evaluate governance depth, ease of change management, long-term maintenance effort, compliance readiness, and how reliably the platform supports day-to-day operations at scale.