Flow

Intro

In BPMN, flow is the directional connection between elements in processes, collaborations, or choreographies. It matters because precise flow modeling drives correct execution and integration.

Key points:

• Sequence flow connects flow objects and shows step order.
• Message flow shows messages between collaboration participants.
• Common use cases: task sequencing (BPM), service messaging (Apps/Tech), choreography definition.
• Pitfall: mixing sequence and message flow semantics.

Examples:

• Sequence flow from “Validate” to “Approve.”
• Message flow between customer and fulfillment participants.
• Choreography mapping for cross‑organization interactions.

In practice:

Use sequence flow for in‑process steps and message flow for cross‑participant communication; document conditions clearly.

Related terms: sequence-flow; message-flow; flow-object

FAQs:

Q: Can flows cross pool boundaries?
A: Only message flows; sequence flows stay within a pool.

Q: How do I show conditional flow?
A: Add conditions to sequence flows and manage with gateways.

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