Core Elements of BPMN Diagrams

Question 1

Start Event (thin circle)

Answer 1

Where the process begins

Question 2

End Event (thick circle)

Answer 2

Where the Process Ends

Question 3

Intermediate Event (Double Circle)

Answer 3

Occurs between start and end. Can represent messages, timers, etc.

Question 4

Activities (Tasks)

Answer 4

These represent a specific unit of work (symbolized by rounded rectangles)

Name tasks with Verb+Noun Format

Question 5

XOR Gateway

Answer 5

One path our (decision point)

Question 6

Parallel Gateway (AND)

Answer 6

All Paths executed at once

Question 7

Inclusive Gateway (OR)

Answer 7

One or more Paths

Question 8

Sequence Flow

Answer 8

Solid Line with a Arrowhead
Shows the order of activities

Question 9

Message Flow

Answer 9

Dashed Line with open arrowhead

Used for communication between different pools

Question 10

Asscociation

Answer 10

Dotted Line

Links artifacts such as DATA OBJECTS to TASKS.EVENTS

Question 11

Pools

Answer 11

Represent participants (e.g., Customer, Company)

Question 12

Lanes

Answer 12

Subdivisions within a pool

Question 13

Black Box Pool

Answer 13

Represents an External Participant (CUSTOMER) with no visible internal process

Question 14

Common Rules and Best Practices

Answer 14

Only one start event per process
Avoid unnecessary gateways (especially parallel ones)
KEEP flows left to right
Message flows must connect between pools
Use Intermediate Events only for events that occur mid process
Avoid mixing sequence flows and message flows improperly
Maintain a Clean Flow