Back to Glossary
Message Flow

Message Flow

Message Flow

Intro

In BPMN, a Message Flow shows the flow of messages between two participants. It depicts inter-organizational or inter-system communications separate from control flow.

Key points:

  • Represents external interactions across pools.
  • Keeps process logic distinct from cross-boundary messaging.
  • Common use cases across EA/BPM/Data/App/Tech include partner notifications, system integrations, and event-driven updates.
  • Pitfall: using message flows within a single pool instead of sequence flows.

Examples:

  • Customer sends an order request to a retailer.
  • ERP posts shipment details to a carrier.
  • Bank returns payment authorization to an e-commerce site.

In practice:

Use dashed lines to model message flows between pools, and define message content to support routing and compliance needs.

Related terms: Message; Pool; Sequence Flow

FAQs:

Q: Can message flows connect elements inside the same pool?
A: No; use sequence flows within a pool.

Q: Do message flows carry data?
A: Yes; they convey the content of the communication.

‍