They’re typically horizontal, rectangular boxes that separate different stages of the process. Swimlanes are a key part of a BPMN diagram’s structure. It makes the diagram easier to follow and understand. It can describe certain parts of the process, provide additional context, or explain the flow of objects in more detail. Text annotation - A text annotation refers to any text that provides extra information about objects in the diagram. They help teams better organize and arrange their diagrams. In the diagram, these are rounded corner rectangles with dashed lines. Group - As the name suggests, a group icon categorizes items based on their significance in the process. Icons for these elements vary depending on the type of data. It also refers to how data is stored in the process (known as data storage). Here are some of the different elements you might come across in a BPMN artifact:ĭata object - A data object outlines how data enters, leaves, and moves through the process (called data input, output, and collection). They allow you to describe elements of the process and help to categorize and organize tasks. ArtifactsĪrtifacts provide supporting information about your business processes. Dotted lines often represent these associations. It crosses the boundary between the two processes, and the message flow line brings this to light.Īssociation - Association connections show the relationship between text, data, artifacts, and flow objects. For example, “customer places an order” could be an event in the ordering process, but it also could be the start of the shipping and delivery process. They outline which events or activities cross organizational boundaries. Message flow - Message flow lines are dashed with an open circle at the start and an open arrowhead at the end. These lines also identify dependencies in your workflow, highlighting which tasks must happen for the process to move forward. Sequence flow - Solid lines and arrowheads depict the order (or sequence flow) of activities. Here are some of the different connecting objects: These are the connection lines and arrows that symbolize how objects relate to each other and how the process flows from one activity to the next. They represent the parts of the process that require action - for example, “package the product” or “track the shipment.” Activities can also include tasks and a variety of sub-processes. For example, the “payment received” event could be represented by a pile of coins or a dollar bill.Īctivities - Activities appear in a BPMN diagram as a rounded rectangle. There are sometimes icons within the circle that further explain what the event means. For example, “order confirmation” or “payment received” could represent part of the shipping and delivery process. They include the following:Įvents - An event represents something that happens in the process. Flow objectsīPMN flow symbols are the elements that connect and form the process flow. Let’s take a look at each of these in more detail. This included a richer set of symbols and notations for creating business process diagrams.īPMN symbols fall under four main areas: flow objects, connecting objects, artifacts, and swimlanes. Then, in 2011, OMG released the BPMN 2.0 specification, which offered a more detailed standard for business process design. Together, they released a specification document that outlined the BPMN notation and semantics, including the best practices for creating a BPMN diagram. A year later, BPMI merged with the Object Management Group (OMG), a computer industry standards consortium. Making a BPMN diagram can help you gain a clear understanding of your business processes to help improve communication and collaboration across your team.Ī BPMN diagram is a type of flowchart that uses standardized icons to represent the different elements and flow of a business process.īPMN was originally developed in 2004 by the Business Process Management Initiative (BPMI). A BPMN diagram is a visual representation of this process. Project managers and business analysts use it to visualize how a process works, what’s included in that process, and what the outcome should be. Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) is a method for outlining a business process.
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