What is our primary use case?
We have implemented it for an existing production application called Click End Connect, which is used for Orange Shops. Click End Connect allows users to view available mobile devices, select the shop that best suits their needs, and collect the chosen device within two hours without having to wait in the shop. The application handles stock verification and ticket collection processes seamlessly.
How has it helped my organization?
We have the Camunda Platform's cockpit, which is a key component of the Camunda Platform. By utilizing the Camunda cockpit, we can define stages and collect valuable data, including key performance indicators (KPIs). This allows us to identify areas of weakness that can be improved upon.
The BPM (Business Process Management) cycle follows a pattern of collecting data, making improvements, executing processes, and then continuously refining them with the input of the entire team. The Camunda cockpit serves as a powerful tool provided within Camunda Platform. It acts as a dashboard, offering all the necessary information and key performance indicators required for effective monitoring and decision-making.
What is most valuable?
The most important thing about Camunda is that it's open source. It's a tool that is tuned to our pro profile concept, which suits our preferences and project needs. It's been really beneficial for us.
The connectors available on Camunda Platform have responded to all our requirements, such as sending emails, and SMS, making web service calls, API integration, and handling show requests.
Additionally, we were able to connect it with the Docker platform, allowing us to use containers that meet our performance needs.
What needs improvement?
There is something that could be improved, particularly the availability of a drag-and-drop front-end tool for the workflow designer. When building interfaces, there are limited tools to work with, especially when dealing with different types of tasks, such as user tasks and system tasks. It would be beneficial to have something like the latest version of Ondula, which offers more flexibility and ease of use.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using Camunda for five years now. We collaborated with a company called Schema in Paris, which provided us with support when needed and integrated closely with us. Camunda was the first product we put into production, and it has been quite successful.
We are currently using the seventh version of Camunda. We haven't upgraded to the eighth version yet. However, we are studying the possibility of migrating to the new version, especially the cloud-based variant with DB platform integration, among other features.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is a stable solution if you have a properly configured server, regardless of the server type you are using (e.g., Apache, Nginx, or others), Camunda remains stable.
As long as you have a good configuration, you shouldn't face any significant problems.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is a scalable solution. We use four containers for our production environment. It is scalable and easy to maintain.
We haven't encountered any problems with scalability during both the testing and deployment phases.
How was the initial setup?
It is not overly complex to set up and implement if you are already a Java developer. For Java developers, it is quite straightforward and manageable.
However, if you are, for example, a PHP developer or someone working with a different technology stack without Java skills, it may be a bit challenging to get started with Camunda. In such cases, I would recommend seeking assistance or guidance.
Camunda is a highly documented platform. I really appreciate that aspect. When I started working with Camunda, I made sure to read all the documentation for the APIs and other related information. It's a well-documented tool.
What about the implementation team?
The deployment process utilizes DevOps practices. We make use of tools like Docker, which are suitable for various platforms and easy to use.
The deployment usually takes around five minutes. This includes steps such as packaging, configuring the environment, installing the application, and allowing the server to start. The entire procedure is completed within five minutes.
Moreover, it can be managed by a single engineer or developer who has experience with CI/CD, DevOps platforms, Docker, and related technologies.
Although not a junior developer, one knowledgeable person can handle the deployment process. In our case, we had one individual who handled the deployment for us, and for subsequent applications, each of us was responsible for maintaining our own application.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
There were some features that were only available in the paid version, not in the community version we used. For instance, we implemented an interface ourselves to view the history of our process instances because the historical data functionality was not accessible.
It is available, but it is part of the enterprise edition, which requires a paid license. We didn't have the option to purchase licenses as we migrated to open-source tools.
So we had to customize our interfaces and tools using the Camunda API to replace the functionality found in the enterprise edition. That's how we managed it.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We have compared Camunda with the Bonita platform, and Camunda came out as the preferred choice in terms of features and functionality.
What other advice do I have?
I recommend developing their expertise and skills with BPM. They should have a deep understanding of architecture. Starting with good releases is important because it allows users to become familiar with powerful tools and solutions.
If you encounter a real problem, it is crucial to have a well-configured environment, whether it's a web server or any other production platform. Implementing BPM with good practices and optimization is key.
Overall, Camunda can be a powerful tool to work with when used in an optimized and well-implemented manner.
Overall, I would rate Camunda Platform an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Integrator