It is used to show sequence flow or pure flow of work from one stage or process to another. This element is denoted by a straight line that ends with an arrow. In other words, it is used as a 'tying' element. They comprise of starting, intermediate, and end, as shown in the picture below.Īssociations are specifically used to link a text or event to a getaway or business and are usually denoted by dotted lines. This element features three different sub-elements that provide detailed use for each element. It comprises different types, as shown below, and used as a decision point to alter paths based on diverse situations and events.Īn event is referred to as the happening of something. Getaways are also known as conditional elements and are denoted by diamond symbols. The sub-processes, multiple instances, compensation, and loops, can be added to make them more detailed. So, let's now look at what each element and symbol look like and what it represents.Īctivities are elements or symbols used to represent the tasks to be completed by a process. Connecting Objects: Association, Sequence Flow, and Message Flow.Artifacts: Annotation, Data Object, and Group.Flow Objects: Activities, Gateways, and Events.The main elements and symbols of BPMN are as follows: Collaboration processes are contained within a Pool and the different participant business interactions are shown as Lanes within the Pool.īusiness Process Model and Notation Symbols and Elements This type of BPMN shows the interactions between two or more business activities. Collaboration Business Processes / Global Business Process Abstract processes are contained within a Pool to show the Message Flow between the abstract process activities and other activities.ģ. The abstract process only includes the activities that are applied for communicating outside the private business process. This type of BPMN is between a private process and another participant or process. Abstract Business Processes / Public Business Processes Message Flow can cross the Pool boundary to show the interactions that exist between separate private business processes.Ģ.

If swim lanes are used in this kind of BPMN, then the Sequence Flow of the Process will be contained within a single Pool and cannot cross the boundaries of the Pool. This type of BPMN doesn't cross pools or organizational boundaries. It is also called workflow or BPM processes. This type of BPMN is internal to a specific organization. Private Business Processes / Internal Business Processes There are three basic types of uses of BPMN:ġ. BPMN can cover this wide range of usage to allow the diverse audience of the Diagram to be able to easily understand the process. BPMN is used in business groups with a wide variety of targeted audiences.

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