5 BPMN examples in 3 easy steps – Editable BPMN – Here’s how to draw business process models

One of the tasks of a business analyst (BA) is to map out the current state and future states of the organization or processes. To clearly illustrate these states, BAs frequently use business process models. These process models utilize specific shapes that convey meaning in terms of processes and tasks.

What is BPMN (business process modelling notations) for business analysts?

Business process modelling notations (BPMN) are a suit of symbols and shapes used to represent business processes. Visually representing a business process offers business analysts the ability to communicate clearly with business as well as technical stakeholders.

Following a uniform Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) provides organizations with the capability of understanding their business procedures graphically and will give them the ability to communicate these procedures in a standardized way; a way that all stakeholders can understand.

In this article, we’ll learn to draw business process models using a process mapping / modelling tool. Note that there are several visual modelling tools available and most are well suited for the job including MS Visio.

Business Process Modelling Notation – BPMN Examples

Business analyst make frequent use of BPMN diagrams to ensure that the diverse teams they work with are on the same page. These diagrams are usually incorporated into the business requirements document (BRD), functional requirements document, and / or specifications.

Types of BPMN events

The three types of events in BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) are:

1. Start Events: Start events represent the beginning of a process or a subprocess. They indicate where a process flow starts and can have different triggers, such as receiving a message, a timer reaching a specific point, or the occurrence of a specific condition. Start events are depicted with a single thin border.
2. Intermediate Events: Intermediate events occur within a process flow, between the start and end events. They represent points where something happens or is expected to happen during the execution of the process. Intermediate events can be triggered by various events, such as the completion of a task, receiving a message, a timer, or the occurrence of an exception. Intermediate events are depicted with a double border.
3. End Events: End events mark the completion of a process or a subprocess. They represent the point where the process flow terminates, either successfully or due to an exception or error. End events are depicted with a single thick border and may have different outcomes based on the flow preceding them.

These three types of events—start events, intermediate events, and end events—help define the flow and structure of a BPMN diagram by indicating where a process begins, where it ends, and the events that occur in between.

BPMN Walkthrough

Let’s work to develop a business process model for the following example scenario:

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Types of BPMN Diagrams

These three types of BPMN diagrams serve different purposes and provide varying levels of detail, allowing for comprehensive modeling and documentation of business processes at different levels of abstraction and complexity. The three types of BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) diagrams are:

Process Diagrams

Process diagrams are the most commonly used type of BPMN diagram. They represent the flow of activities, events, and decisions within a single process. Process diagrams use various symbols to illustrate the sequence of tasks, gateways for decision points, start and end events, and the flow of data or messages between process elements.

Example: Purchase Order Process

This process diagram represents the flow of activities, events, and decisions involved in a purchase order process. It includes symbols such as start event, activities, exclusive gateway for approval decision, and end events. The diagram illustrates the sequence of tasks, the decision point for approving or rejecting the purchase order, and the overall flow of the process.

Collaboration Diagrams

Collaboration diagrams, also known as choreography diagrams, focus on illustrating interactions and collaborations between multiple participants or business entities. They show the exchange of messages, events, and tasks between different process participants, representing the coordination and synchronization of activities across organizational boundaries.

Example: Order Fulfillment Collaboration

This collaboration diagram showcases the interactions between different participants in an order fulfillment process, such as a customer and a warehouse. It visualizes the exchange of messages, events, and tasks between the participants. The diagram demonstrates the coordination and synchronization of activities between the customer and the warehouse, representing the flow of information and tasks across organizational boundaries.

Choreography Diagrams

Choreography diagrams provide a higher-level view of interactions between multiple participants in a process. They emphasize the sequence and coordination of activities among different participants rather than the internal details of each participant’s process. Choreography diagrams typically show the flow of messages and tasks exchanged between participants, along with any associated conditions or constraints.

Example: Customer Support Interaction

This choreography diagram illustrates the interaction and coordination between a customer and a support agent in a customer support process. It highlights the sequence and coordination of activities between the participants. The diagram shows the flow of messages and tasks exchanged between the customer and the support agent, capturing the responsibilities and interactions between them.

5 BPMN examples

Purchase Order Process BPMN Workflow

This scenario represents the process of handling purchase orders within a business. It starts with the reception of a purchase order, followed by activities such as validating the order, checking inventory availability, and approving the purchase order. The approval decision is made using an exclusive gateway. Finally, the process ends with the purchase order either being approved or rejected.

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Customer Onboarding Process BPMN Workflow

This scenario outlines the steps involved in onboarding a new customer. It begins with the customer registration and includes activities such as verifying customer information, creating a customer account, conducting a background check, and issuing a welcome package. The background check and account creation activities run in parallel using a parallel gateway. The process concludes when the customer onboarding is complete.

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Expense Reimbursement Process BPMN Workflow

This scenario focuses on the reimbursement of employee expenses. It starts with the submission of an expense report, followed by activities like verifying the report, approving it, and processing the reimbursement. An exclusive gateway is used to determine whether the expense report is approved or rejected. The process ends when the reimbursement is processed.

Product Development Process BPMN Workflow

This scenario outlines the process of developing a new product. It begins with a new product idea and involves activities such as conceptualizing the product, conducting market research, developing a prototype, testing the prototype, and refining the product based on feedback. The process ends when the product is deemed ready for launch.

Customer Support Process BPMN Workflow

This scenario represents the steps involved in handling customer support tickets. It starts with the creation of a support ticket and includes activities such as assigning the ticket to an agent, investigating the reported issue, troubleshooting the problem, and potentially escalating it if needed. The investigation and troubleshooting activities run in parallel using a parallel gateway. The process concludes when the ticket is resolved.

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Frequently asked questions about business process modelling notations