Trigger

Intro

A trigger detects an occurrence and initiates processing, such as starting a business process. In BPMN, triggers are tied to Start and Intermediate Events.

Key points:

• Common trigger types include message, timer, conditional, signal, link, and multiple.
• Improves responsiveness and automation.
• Common use cases across EA/BPM/Data/App/Tech include scheduled jobs, inbound messages, and event signals.
• Pitfall: ambiguous triggers that cause inconsistent behavior.

Examples:

• Timer triggers a nightly reconciliation.
• Message triggers order processing on receipt.
• Signal triggers parallel updates across systems.

In practice:

Select explicit trigger types and document payloads, schedules, and conditions.

Related terms: Event; Start Event; BPMN

FAQs:

Q: Can a process have multiple triggers?
A: Yes; model separate start events as needed.

Q: Do triggers carry data?
A: Message and signal triggers can include payloads.

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