3-Tier Recommendations

For each identified opportunity, Process Mapper generates recommendations at three implementation tiers.

The Three Tiers

Tier 1: Open Source

The most cost-effective path using freely available tools and frameworks.

• Best for: Teams with technical capability who want to build in-house
• Includes: Recommended open-source tools, architecture patterns, and integration approaches
• Trade-offs: Requires internal development and maintenance effort

Tier 2: Managed SaaS

Commercial solutions that provide the capability as a managed service.

• Best for: Teams that want quick deployment without building from scratch
• Includes: Recommended platforms, expected pricing ranges, and integration considerations
• Trade-offs: Ongoing subscription costs, vendor dependency

Tier 3: Enterprise

Custom-built solutions with full organizational integration.

• Best for: Large-scale deployments where off-the-shelf solutions don't fit
• Includes: Architecture recommendations, build vs. buy analysis, and resource planning
• Trade-offs: Highest investment, longest timeline, most comprehensive outcome

What Each Recommendation Includes

Regardless of tier, each recommendation provides:

• Architecture Overview — how the solution fits into existing infrastructure
• Cost Projection — estimated costs over 12–36 months
• ROI Timeline — expected payback period based on current process costs
• Implementation Steps — high-level roadmap from current state to target state
• Risk Factors — potential challenges and mitigation strategies

Choosing a Tier

The right tier depends on your:

• Budget — available investment for automation
• Timeline — how quickly you need results
• Technical capacity — in-house development resources
• Scale — how many processes or transactions are involved
• Strategic importance — whether this is a competitive differentiator