When developing a new process, whether using CMW Lab software or some other third-party software for business process management, mapping the steps is a key part of determining the best approach. This is why so many businesses use business process modeling software as a means to expedite and make this process as simple as possible. Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) provides a standardized graphical notation for modeling business processes, making them easily understandable to all stakeholders. This comprehensive guide will break down the BPMN elements, providing a clear understanding of BPMN symbols and how to use them to create powerful business process diagrams. Whether you’re new to business process management (BPM) or a seasoned professional, this article will serve as your BPMN guide.
Why Use BPMN for Process Modeling?
Before delving into the BPMN basics, let’s explore why this notation is so valuable. BPMN offers:
- Standardization: A consistent set of business process notation symbols ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.
- Communication: Facilitates communication between business users and IT professionals.
- Analysis: Enables business analysis and process improvement efforts.
- Automation: Supports business process automation (BPA) initiatives.
- Model Interchange: Allows for easy sharing of process models between different tools.
The Core Categories of BPMN Elements
BPMN diagrams are built from four primary BPMN components, often referred to as BPMN objects:
Elements and Symbols
In BPMN, there are four main elements used to create process maps and these are flow objects, connecting objects, swimlanes, and artifacts.
Flow Objects
Flow objects will include events, activities, and gateways. An event is something that begins a process, for example, a timer or an error message. They will be shown using circles on the map and may have other symbols within the circle to show the different functions of a given event.
Activities will refer to a specific task that is a step in the process. It will be denoted by a rounded-corner rectangle. There may be further symbols used, such as double or dotted lines that will denote a subprocess.
A gateway is a point in the business process where adjustments to the rest of the process can be made depending on what has occurred up to this point. Gateways will be denoted in diamonds. There will be further symbols within the diamond that give more information about the decision point, such as an exclusive or parallel even based decision point.
Connecting Objects
Arrows will denote the order that the steps that will need to be performed. A dashed line depicts “pool flows” which are discussed below. Dotted lines are used to associate an artifact with flow objects.
Swimlanes
The “pool” features “lanes” that depict major stakeholders in a business process. From these lanes will flow roles or activities for relevant parties.
Artifacts
Artifacts are any added information that provides necessary detail about a step or part in a process. There are three main types of artifacts: data object, group, and annotation.
A data object indicates that a certain bit of data is necessary for a step in the business process. A group shows common sense groupings, but this will not change the flow or direction of the steps that need to be followed. The annotation will give more detailed information about a part of the diagram if it is complex.
Let’s explore each of these categories in more detail:
Flow Objects: The Heart of Your Business Process
Flow Objects are the active elements within a business process diagram symbols. They represent what happens in the process. There are three main types:
Events (Start, Intermediate, End)
- Start Event: Indicates the beginning of a process. Different types of BPMN events exist, including:
- Start Event (None): A simple start event.
- Start Event (Message): Triggered by an incoming message.
- Start Event (Timer): Triggered by a specific time or schedule.
- Intermediate Event: Represents something that happens during the process. Examples include:
- Intermediate Event (Timer): Represents a delay or waiting period.
- Intermediate Event (Message): Indicates the receipt or sending of a message.
- End Event: Marks the conclusion of a process. Common types include:
- End Event (None): A simple end event.
- End Event (Message): Indicates that a message is sent at the end of the process.
Activities (Tasks, Sub-Processes)
- Task: Represents a single unit of work performed by a participant. Different types of BPMN symbols or a task are available:
- User Task: A task performed by a human.
- Service Task: An automated task performed by a system.
- Script Task: A task executed by a script.
- Sub-Process: Represents a complex activity that can be further broken down into a more detailed process.
- Embedded Sub-Process: A sub-process contained within the parent process.
- Call Activity: A reusable sub-process that is defined separately.
Gateways
- Gateways control the flow of the process, determining the path that the process will take based on certain conditions. Some common BPMN gateway symbols include:
- Exclusive Gateway (Data-Based): A decision point where only one path is taken based on data conditions.
- Parallel Gateway: Allows multiple paths to be executed concurrently.
- Inclusive Gateway: Allows one or more paths to be taken based on data conditions.
A helpful way to describe a ”which of the following best describes the purpose of a gateway in a business process modeling notation (BPMN) activity diagram?” It controls the process.
Connecting Objects: Linking the Pieces Together
Connecting Objects define the relationships between BPMN flow objects. There are three primary types:
- Sequence Flow: Shows the order in which activities are performed.
- Message Flow: Shows the exchange of messages between participants.
- Association: Connects artifacts (data objects, groups, text annotations) to flow objects. Use “association bpmn” as the link. In terms of “”bpmn notation guide””, this helps connect events.
Swimlanes: Defining Participants and Responsibilities
Swimlanes visually represent the different participants or organizational roles involved in the process. They help to clarify responsibilities and identify handoffs between different actors.
- Pools: Represent major participants in a process (often different organizations).
- Lanes: Represent individual roles or departments within a pool (Lane Sets).
Data Objects: Managing Information Flow
Data Objects represent the information that is used or produced during the process. Examples include:
- Data Input: Data required for an activity to begin.
- Data Output: Data produced as a result of an activity.
- In the same manner as using the “association bpmn” code, use ”BPMN data object symbol”.
These core concepts use what is known as ”process flow notation”.
Artifacts: Adding Context and Detail
Artifacts provide additional information about the process, without directly affecting the flow. There are 3 important “BPMN artifacts” to remember
- Text Annotation: Adds descriptive text to the diagram.
- Groups: Visually group related activities.
- Data Store: Represents a repository of data (e.g., a database).
Understanding BPMN Diagram Types
While BPMN can be used to model various types of processes, some common BPMN diagram types include:
- Business Process Diagram (BPD): The most common type of BPMN diagram, used to model end-to-end business processes.
- Collaboration Diagram: Shows the interaction between two or more processes or participants.
- Choreography Diagram: Focuses on the sequence of interactions between participants, without showing the internal details of each process.
Levels of Abstraction in BPMN (BPMN Levels)
BPMN models can be created at different levels of detail, depending on the purpose of the diagram:
- Descriptive BPMN: Provides a high-level overview of the process.
- Analytical BPMN: Adds more detail for analysis and improvement purposes.
- Executable BPMN: Includes enough detail to be executed by a Process Engine or Workflow Engine.
BPMN Tools and Resources
Numerous BPMN Tools are available to help you create and manage your process models. Popular options include:
- cmwlab.com
- Camunda
- Activiti
- jBPM
- Signavio
- Bizagi
- Elma
Some of these systems help create a “BPMN model symbols” library.
Key TakeAways
- ”Which of the following best describes the difference between a business process modeling notation (bpmn) gateway and a flowcharting decision diamond?” – Gateways in BPMN are broader in use and definition.
- You need to define your “BPMN definition” very carefully. This will improve the process over all.
- The ”business process modeling notation (BPMN) activity diagrams depict activities as circles”.
Best Practices for Creating Effective BPMN Diagrams
- Start with a clear understanding of the process you want to model.
- Use consistent Calligraphic Conventions and a clear BPMN notation.
- Keep your diagrams simple and easy to understand.
- Use Swimlanes to clearly define roles and responsibilities.
- Validate your diagrams with stakeholders to ensure accuracy.
Conclusion: Embracing the Power of BPMN
By mastering the BPMN elements and following these best practices, you can effectively model your business processes, improve communication, and drive business process automation (BPA). Whether you are using ”business process model and notation software”, or completing a BPMN tutorial for beginners, you are sure to improve the process of your business!
Business process management software can help provide an easy-to-understand means of showing the various steps within a business process. It provides a visual mapping that is far easier to follow than a block of text or a long speech. This mapping uses specific elements and symbols to denote different parts of the process and further information that may be useful to those involved in a given step in the process. Having a key understanding of the basic elements and symbols that are used within one of these diagrams will help make the process far easier and more streamlined for all involved.
