Normal Flow

Intro

Normal Flow is the process path that starts at a Start Event and continues through activities until an End Event. In BPMN and EA, it represents the intended, non-exception path of execution.

Key points:

• Clarifies the primary sequence of work.
• Simplifies communication by separating exceptions.
• Common use cases across EA/BPM/Data/App/Tech include baseline workflow design, SLA measurement, and automation logic.
• Pitfall: mixing exception or error paths into the normal flow, reducing readability.

Examples:

• Order received → validate → fulfill → ship → close.
• Employee onboarding from offer acceptance to day-one setup.
• Routine invoice processing without disputes.

In practice:

Model the normal flow first, then add alternate and exception paths to keep diagrams clear.

Related terms: Process; Exception Flow; BPMN

FAQs:

Q: Does normal flow include parallel paths?
A: Yes, if they are part of the standard behavior.

Q: Where do errors belong?
A: In explicit exception or compensation paths, not the normal flow.

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