BPMN

What is BPMN?

BPMN can be used at different depths. A descriptive subset — start and end events, tasks, gateways, lanes — is enough to communicate a process. The full notation adds message flows, timers, compensation and other detail needed when a workflow engine runs the model.

Its advantage is that a model means the same thing to everyone who knows the notation. Its cost is a learning curve that can put off the people who do the work.

Not to be confused with business process management (BPM), the discipline of managing processes; BPMN is only the notation. It also differs from the related standard notation for decision tables.

Why it matters for SMEs

For example: a small distributor maps its processes with boxes, lanes and decision diamonds that happen to follow BPMN's basic symbols. Only when it automates one process in a workflow tool does it need the full notation — and the simple maps convert easily.

For SMEs, the rule of thumb is to use the simplest notation the team can read, and more of BPMN only where a map feeds a system.

BPMN in the MentX approach

MentX captures how your company really works: the knowledge of your key people and the processes they run. We offer both a hands-on service approach — mapping your processes and capturing the knowledge behind them, from meetings, workshops and a guided intake — and our own personality-aware knowledge base, with full source attribution, in your own Knowledge Space. We build on the tools you already use and add best-practice solutions where they fit.

We map with the simplest notation your team can read, and use BPMN where a process map will feed a system. See process map vs SOP.