Fraunhofer Analysis: What Can Businesses Learn from Independent Research?

Until recently, non-commercial based software evaluation reports have been somewhat thin on the ground. So when it comes to spotting a gap in the market, research can certainly teach Business a thing or two. Gustavo Gomez, Bizagi CEO, explains.

Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering (IESE) is Europe’s biggest and most respected organization for applied research. World-renowned as experts in software & systems engineering, ‘Fraunhofer’ employs over 22,000 staff and operates 66 institutes and independent research units.

So, Gustavo – Bizagi are making a big noise about their inclusion in the Fraunhofer analysis of BPM Suites. So for those who don’t know, what is Fraunhofer and what exactly does it do?

Why did Fraunhofer choose to carry out this research into BPM Suites?

BPM Suites have come on in leaps and bounds in recent years. As such, increasing numbers of business users are looking to BPM but need more information to make the best technology investments.

So there was a gap in the market?

Absolutely. The researchers are quite correct in their assertion that there is a clear need for more qualitative evidence when it comes to software assessments.

How is the Fraunhofer approach different to other studies?

What makes Fraunhofer so special is its breadth. It doesn’t just ask vendors to tick off functionality from the check list (effectively giving buyers a shopping list) but invites vendors to put their platforms under the scrutiny of qualitative metrics and tests on the fly – integration, ease of use, and so on.

Does this kind of research devalue other studies out there?

No, not at all. There is definitely a place for both. As a starting point, all buyers need to know whether the potential product fulfils basic needs. But this approach offers the extra depth that helps people know whether the product will perform in their business – or not.

The research into BPM Suites is certainly comprehensive. What did the assessment process involve?

Well, we had to walk Bizagi through 115 test steps and then apply process changes and tooling in real life scenarios. It was pretty intense, but then, that’s what we’re used to at Bizagi!

Did you have any time to prepare?

Not really. We certainly couldn’t take a canned demo to Fraunhofer and expect to succeed. We had to think on the spot and it was certainly a real test of Bizagi’s capabilities.

But you came out on top! You must be delighted.

We are. To have received an overall ranking of 70.3% is pretty amazing but it’s the underlying results that tell the story. Other vendors actually excluded us from their studies because of our apparent ‘weak’ reporting (among other reasons) – yet Fraunhofer rated Bizagi a well-above-average score of 66%. Evidence if needed that one study does not reveal the complete picture.

What are your words of advice to potential BPM buyers?

Of course I’d recommend that they read Bizagi’s write-up in the Fraunhofer report. And if you can, read how the other vendors fared too. And then, once you’ve made your shortlist, double check that the vendor makes good on their promises by delivering your proof of concept.

Then, and only then, will you get the clear vision which platform is right for you.

Download the report Fraunhofer analysis of BPM Suites or download the report in German.