BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation)
A standardized graphical notation for modeling business processes, providing a visual language that is understandable by both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
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What is BPMN?
BPMN stands for Business Process Model and Notation, and it has become the go-to international standard for drawing out business processes in diagram form. The Business Process Management Initiative (BPMI) originally developed it, though the Object Management Group (OMG) now handles its upkeep. What makes BPMN particularly useful is that it gives business analysts, process owners, and technical developers a shared visual vocabulary for documenting workflows.
BPMN 2.0, released back in 2011, brought a major upgrade: execution semantics. This meant you could actually translate a BPMN diagram directly into something a computer could run. The notation also earned ISO certification (ISO 19510), which solidified its role as the worldwide standard for process mapping and documenting how businesses actually work.
Key Characteristics of BPMN
- Standardized notation: The symbols are the same everywhere. Once you learn them, you can read a BPMN diagram from any company using any software tool.
- Flow-based representation: Everything moves from left to right (usually), with events, activities, and decisions connected by arrows that show the sequence.
- Swimlane organization: Pools and lanes divide the diagram by who does what, making it easy to spot handoffs between departments or roles. This swimlane diagram structure clarifies responsibilities at a glance.
- Multiple diagram levels: You can zoom out for a high-level overview or drill down into subprocess details without switching frameworks.
Core BPMN Elements
Flow Objects
These are the three building blocks you will see in every BPMN diagram:
- Events: The circles. They mark when something starts (thin circle), happens in the middle (double circle), or ends (thick circle).
- Activities: Rounded rectangles that represent actual work. Tasks, subprocesses, that sort of thing.
- Gateways: The diamonds. They control branching and merging based on conditions or parallel paths.
Connecting Objects
- Sequence flows: Solid arrows showing what comes next
- Message flows: Dashed arrows for communication between different participants
- Associations: Dotted lines that link notes or data objects to the main flow
BPMN vs Flowchart
Both BPMN diagrams and traditional flowcharts help you visualize processes, but they are built for different jobs.
| Aspect | BPMN | Flowchart |
|---|---|---|
| Standardization | ISO-certified global standard | No universal standard |
| Symbol set | 100+ defined BPMN symbols with precise meanings | Basic shapes that can mean different things |
| Execution | Can run directly on process engines | Visual only, no execution capability |
| Complexity | Handles multi-participant, branching processes well | Works best for simple, straight-line processes |
| Collaboration | Native support for cross-organizational flows | Harder to show multi-party interactions |
How Glitter AI Helps with BPMN
Glitter AI picks up where BPMN diagrams leave off. A BPMN diagram tells you what happens and who is responsible, but Glitter shows people exactly how to do each step through video guides and visual work instructions.
The practical approach: use BPMN to map out your business processes at a high level, then create Glitter documentation for each activity in the diagram. This way, your process models become something employees can actually follow day to day, not just a picture on the wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does BPMN stand for?
BPMN stands for Business Process Model and Notation. It is the international standard for drawing business processes as diagrams that both technical and business teams can understand.
What is BPMN 2.0?
BPMN 2.0 is the version released in 2011 that added execution semantics. This means you can take a BPMN 2.0 diagram and actually run it on process automation software, not just look at it.
What are the main BPMN symbols?
The core BPMN symbols are events (circles for start, middle, and end points), activities (rounded rectangles for tasks), gateways (diamonds for decisions), and connectors like sequence flows (arrows) and message flows (dashed arrows).
Who uses BPMN diagrams?
Business analysts, process owners, operations managers, and developers all use BPMN diagrams. It is popular because it gives everyone a common language for discussing how work gets done.
Is BPMN an ISO standard?
Yes. BPMN is ratified as ISO 19510, which makes it an official international standard. The Object Management Group (OMG) maintains it.
What is the difference between BPMN and a flowchart?
BPMN is standardized with over 100 defined symbols and can be executed by software. Flowcharts use basic shapes without a universal standard and are purely visual. BPMN handles complexity better.
What software can I use to create BPMN diagrams?
Options include Camunda, Bizagi, Lucidchart, and Microsoft Visio. There are also free tools like bpmn.io. Most process automation platforms have BPMN editors built in as well.
How do I read a BPMN diagram?
Start on the left at the thin circle (start event) and follow the arrows to the right. Rounded rectangles are tasks, diamonds are decision points, and thick circles mark where the process ends.
What are swimlanes in BPMN?
Swimlanes are horizontal or vertical bands called pools and lanes that group activities by who does them. They make it clear which person, team, or department handles each part of the process.
Can BPMN diagrams be automated?
Yes, BPMN 2.0 diagrams can run on workflow engines like Camunda, Activiti, or jBPM. You design the process visually, and the software executes it as an automated workflow.
Turn any process into a step-by-step guide