Lombardi Software is looking to help companies reduce complexity and improve communication during BPM mapping with its new Blueprint application -- a Web-hosted modeling tool, now in beta, that allows employees to collaborate on business processes via Web browser. In addition to easing deployment requirements with an on-demand SaaS model, what I find to set this tool apart is its "everyman," text-based approach Lombardi Software is looking to help companies reduce complexity and improve communication during BPM mapping with its new Blueprint application — a Web-hosted modeling tool, now in beta, that allows employees to collaborate on business processes via Web browser.In addition to easing deployment requirements with an on-demand SaaS model, what I find to set this tool apart is its “everyman,” text-based approach to building process frameworks. You simply type your process descriptions into Blueprint’s outline formatter, and Blueprint dynamically generates graphical maps ready to be dressed up with supporting detail (business and process ownership definitions, I/O requirements, and so on).Blueprint’s GUI is easy to use. I could drag process elements to reposition them within the outline, and Ajax underpinnings enabled dynamic type-ahead when entering supporting details. One addition I’d like to see: dropdown selection lists that enforce the use of standard terminology. Better to lead managers to accurate keywords than risk their creating their own. Blueprint is not due until May 1, so the beta still has some rough edges (which is to be expected), and many features are still in the works. Support for complex processes (such as parallel branching) is limited, support for BPMN (although slated) has not yet arrived, and the general lack of advanced modeling features (like simulation) mean Blueprint is currently best suited to generic, high-level mapping and first-sweep data collection. But that’s a start. Also on my wish list are administrative features for defining permissions and rolls, necessary to adequately govern access to process elements. Blueprint’s use of Wiki is buzzy, but I wouldn’t want to risk opening my projects in that manner without more controls. Auditing features — not yet available — will be helpful for revision tracking, but auditing is not a substitute for taking some basic precautions.Among the beta hitches: I was unable to export my diagrams. Lombardi indicates export will be enabled in the final release, and that diagrams will be exportable in BPDM — a yet unratified standard looking to usurp XPDL. However, in the early going, you won’t be able to import maps from existing tools and you will only be able to sync with Lombardi TeamWorks. A TeamWorks release supporting BPDM is slated to coincide with the release of Blueprint. A nice feature was the ability to generate a presentation-ready PowerPoint deck of my project with a single click. Further, I could define concrete goals (if not yet actually associate them to specific processes) as well as identify pain points in need of attention. The final version promises to include an analysis engine to improve awareness of workflow problems, as well as a chat facility.There’s a long road ahead for making BPM accessible to the masses. It is good to see vendors like Lombardi taking the first steps toward easing that journey. I’ll be watching eagerly to report back on how Lombardi Blueprint develops. Lombardi Blueprint Availability: Now in beta; GA due May 1, 2007 Price: $500 per month per 10 users Verdict: Blueprint is one of the easiest to use higher-level process mapping tools I have seen, and its SaaS availability streamlines rollout. The early beta does not support complex mapping scenarios, but it’s not entirely indicative of the full feature set to be released in the final product. Lombardi will continue to add capabilities for the May release. Technology Industry