Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) is a graph-oriented notation standard favored by business analysts and designers to model the flow of activities for analysis, documentation, and execution. According to the standard, BPMN creates a standardized bridge for the gap between business process design and process implementation. Also, BPMN aims to ensure that BPEL can be visualized with a business-oriented notation.

The BPMN 2.0 standard is governed by the Object Management Group (OMG).

Usage Rules for Shapes and Symbols

BPMN uses shapes, symbols, and connectors to represent constructs. The shapes, symbols, and connectors have standard usage rules and standardized operational semantics. BPMN also includes extensive annotation and documentation capabilities.

The main shapes are:

For a complete description of BPMN elements, see BPMN-to-BPEL Implementation of Tasks and Events and BPMN-to-BPEL Implementation of Gateways and Control Flow.