This chapter provides practical examples of BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) diagrams, illustrating how to apply BPMN concepts in real-world scenarios. By analyzing specific business processes, you will gain insights into how to effectively model workflows using BPMN. Each example will include a description of the process, the BPMN diagram, and an explanation of the elements used.

5.1 Example 1: Order Processing Workflow

Process Description

The order processing workflow outlines the steps involved in receiving, processing, and fulfilling customer orders. It includes activities such as order receipt, inventory checks, payment processing, and order shipment.

BPMN Diagram

Order Processing Workflow

Elements Explained

• Start Event: Represents the initiation of the order processing when a customer places an order.
• Tasks:
  • Receive Order: Captures the action of receiving an order from the customer.
  • Check Inventory: Validates whether the ordered items are in stock.
  • Process Payment: Handles payment transactions.
  • Ship Order: Represents the final step of shipping the order to the customer.
• Gateways:
  • Exclusive Gateway: Used to determine if items are in stock. If not, it leads to a task for notifying the customer about unavailability.
• End Event: Marks the completion of the order processing workflow.

5.2 Example 2: Leave Application Process

Process Description

The leave application process illustrates how employees submit leave requests and how managers approve or deny these requests. This process ensures proper documentation and tracking of employee leave.

BPMN Diagram

Leave Application Process

Elements Explained

• Start Event: Initiated when an employee submits a leave application.
• Tasks:
  • Submit Leave Application: The action taken by the employee to request leave.
  • Review Application: The manager reviews the submitted application.
• Gateways:
  • Exclusive Gateway: Determines whether to approve or deny the leave request.
    • If approved, it leads to a task for notifying the employee.
    • If denied, it leads to a task for providing feedback to the employee.
• End Event: Indicates that the leave application process is complete once feedback is provided.

5.3 Example 3: Customer Support Process

Process Description

The customer support process details how customer inquiries and issues are managed by support staff. It includes steps for receiving inquiries, troubleshooting issues, and closing tickets.

BPMN Diagram

Customer Support Process

Elements Explained

• Start Event: Triggered when a customer contacts support with an inquiry.
• Tasks:
  • Receive Inquiry: Captures initial contact from the customer.
  • Troubleshoot Issue: Involves diagnosing and resolving customer issues.
  • Close Ticket: Finalizes the support interaction after resolution.
• Gateways:
  • Parallel Gateway: Used to indicate that multiple support staff can troubleshoot issues simultaneously if needed.
• End Event: Marks the conclusion of the customer support process once the ticket is closed.

Conclusion

This chapter has provided practical examples of BPMN diagrams applied to common business processes such as order processing, leave applications, and customer support. By understanding these examples, you can better appreciate how to utilize BPMN effectively in your own organization. Each diagram demonstrates how to incorporate various BPMN elements—such as events, tasks, gateways, and flows—into cohesive models that enhance clarity and communication within business processes. As you practice creating your own BPMN diagrams, refer back to these examples for guidance on structure and notation.

References