BPMN 2.0 notation is the most widely used process modeling language worldwide. It is considered the best alternative for representing company activity flows.
But what does this actually mean? It means analyzing and describing processes to make them understandable, optimized, and manageable.
For this, the tasks flow diagram is composed of universal symbols following international standards.
When it comes to process management, this diagram plays a fundamental role in understanding and improving activity flow. This type of notation is key for process automation, enabling modeling to communicate with the BPM context.
BPMN 2.0 notation is immensely important and valuable for companies in order to illustrate a process clearly and simply.
What is BPMN 2.0?
Known as Business Process Modeling Notation, BPMN 2.0 is a standardized graphical language for representing the flow of activities to be executed.
Based on symbols, this visual representation is rich in complex details that favor end-to-end process modeling.
By offering a standard notation, the tool can represent complex process semantics for technical users while remaining understandable to other collaborators.
Initially, BPMN 2.0 was stipulated to improve communication between sectors and people. Now, as it evolves and advances, it allows processes to be illustrated, deeply understood, and improved.
It is intended to be used by those who design, manage, and execute processes. While also translating diagrams into automation software.
The BPMN 2.0 version is an evolution of the methodology and encompasses a set of richer and more detailed symbols and notations.
BPMN 2.0 Characteristics
The main characteristics of BPMN 2.0 are language standardization, use of symbols, and different elements that facilitate process visualization and understanding.
By representing everything visually, it gives stakeholders a complete understanding of the activity flow to be followed.
Clarity in the sequence of activities favors process implementation, modifications, and updates. Additionally, when modeling occurs through a platform, there is collaboration among professionals, resulting in high-quality descriptions.
These diagrams can be used to generate executable code for a business process management system. This, in turn, enables process automation.
BPMN 2.0 is maintained by the Object Management Group, an international organization that produces and maintains specifications for a technological standard.
What should BPMN 2.0 be used for?
Using a BPMN 2.0 notation serves a variety of purposes, including:
- Documenting existing business processes;
- Designing new processes;
- Analyzing and improving processes;
- Enabling and facilitating execution and automation;
- Enhancing integration between professionals involved in the process;
- Intuitive notation understandable to employees who can model processes without being BPM experts;
- Reducing communication noise between elaboration, implementation, execution, and management of processes;
- Supporting business process management;
- Employee training and empowerment;
- Integrating different software systems involved in the process.
As a practical example, BPMN 2.0 can be used to model the production process of a product, loan approval, purchase requests, customer service, document issuance, and other processes existing in companies of various sectors, sizes, and fields of activity.
What comprises BPMN 2.0 and how to use it
Basically, the BPMN 2.0 language marks each action of a process with a symbol. The elements that compose this kind of diagram include:
Flow objects
These objects are subdivided into three parts: activities, events, and gateways.
Activities correspond to the work that is executed, what needs to be done, and are symbolized by squares.
Events, represented by circles, are occurrences, something that happens and can represent external events that influence activities. Gateways, symbolized by diamonds, are points that determine the path the activity flow will follow.
Connection objects
These elements are used to link the sequence of workflow. Represented by a solid line with an arrow, the sequence flow shows the order in which activities are executed.
Message flow is represented by a dashed line, an open circle, and an open arrow at the end, indicating messages flowing between two or more activities.
A dashed line symbolizes association, connecting artifacts to flow objects.
Swimlanes
To understand swimlanes, think of swimming competition lanes. The pools are processes and their participants. And the lanes are the roles, areas, and responsibilities inherent in these activities.
Artifacts
Artifacts bring greater detail to workflow and have specific representations.
The association connector connects the artifact to a specific point in the process and is represented by a dashed line.
Data objects are information that can be consulted to perform certain activities, symbolized by a page with the upper right corner folded. If it is to identify data entry, it will be connected with an empty arrow pointed to the folded end. In the case of output, the arrow is filled and pointed to the fold. For collection, there are three filled rectangles at the bottom of the page.
The use of artifacts completes the flows, making them more comprehensive without affecting development. It also standardizes task execution and serves as a reminder in certain cases.
Using all the resources of BPMN 2.0 makes the process more complete and structured, especially regarding connector resources and associations.
Modeling processes with Fusion Platform
As mentioned, BPMN 2.0 notation favors process modeling and automation.
Neomind’s Fusion Platform is a process, indicator, and document management platform. And, its entire process structure may be performed using BPMN 2.0 notation.
By streamlining information in a single system, this ensures a holistic view of your organization, assisting you in identifying areas that need to be optimized.
The solution allows users to be created with permission to access and even edit the process activity flow and related documents.
Being mobile-friendly, it allows information to be accessed anytime, anywhere.
With Fusion Platform, repetitive tasks with a high error rate are automated. In other words, employees focus on more strategic and innovative activities.
Performance measurement and performance are facilitated by real-time data visualization, making the decision-making process more effective.
In addition to BPMN 2.0 notation, the Fusion Platform has a user-friendly interface, ease of use, and customization to meet your demands.
One of the great advantages is that you can try Fusion Platform directly in your processes.
Take advantage of the solution to understand the benefits of automation using a Platform for Process, Document, and Indicator Management where it is possible to model activities with BPMN 2.0.