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Business Process Diagram

The Business Process diagram is part of the Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) and is the main diagram type for defining business processes. The diagram can include Start, Intermediate and End Events, Business Processes, Activities, Gateways, Pools and Lanes, and more. The elements can be given a name and detailed descriptions can be added to the notes. By connecting the flow objects with connectors, a sequence of activities, gateways and events can describe the business process.

Business Analysis tool, BPMN Business Process in Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect

A process hierarchy can be constructed by nesting Business Processes and Activities in the Browser window and using the child diagram functionality to enable drill down from the value chain level down to the lowest level processes.

Getting to know the Business Process Diagram

Where to find the Business Process Diagram

Ribbon: Design > Diagram > Add Diagram > BPMN x.y > Business Process

Browser window Toolbar : New Diagram icon > BPMN x.y > Business Process

Browser window context menu | Add Diagram... > BPMN x.y > Business Process

Usage of the Business Process Diagram

Business Process diagrams can be used to model the Business Processes in an entire organization or part of an organization. Business Processes can be created to represent the current or future state of the organization at any level of detail from the value chain down to a process performer level. A process hierarchy would typically be defined that would set the standards for the number of levels, naming, organization of the processes and more.

Options for the Business Process Diagram

Business Process diagrams can be drawn at different levels of formality, from a Basic Flow Chart style of diagram used to represent a simple Business Process to a sophisticated diagram making use of many of the markers for Events and Activities to describe complex business processes. There is a toolbox that contains a range of elements, relationships and Patterns for creating the models.

BPMN 2.0 Business Process toolbox in Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect.

The Business Process diagram can also be used to generate Business Process Execution Language (BPEL), which is an XML language that can be ingested by a number of tools.

The Business Process diagram (like any diagram) can be viewed as an Element List, which makes working with element properties easier.

Diagram Filters can also be used when presenting the diagrams to draw attention to parts of the diagrams.

Learn more about the Business Process Diagram

Business Process Diagram