Business Process Modeling Notation

Intro

Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) is a standard for visually modelling processes. In EA, BPMN improves communication and enables consistent execution designs.

Key points:

• Provides symbols for events, activities, gateways, and flows
• Supports collaboration, orchestration, and choreography views
• Common use cases: documenting as‑is, designing to‑be, automation handoff
• Pitfall: over‑complicated diagrams that hinder understanding

Examples:

• BPMN diagram of order‑to‑cash
• Sub‑process with exception handling
• Collaboration diagram across departments

In practice:

Use BPMN within Business Process Management standards.

Related terms: Process; Artifact (in BPMN 2.0); Association (in BPMN 2.0)

FAQs:

Q: When is BPMN most useful?
A: When you need a clear, standard way to document and communicate processes.

Q: How to keep diagrams readable?
A: Limit elements per view, use sub‑processes, and consistent naming.

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