---
title: Business process modeling
description: Business processes are a structured sequence of tasks that are grouped, helping to accomplish specific business outcomes. A business process modeling diagram or a BPMN \(Business Process Model and Notation\) diagram is a visual representation of a business process.
locale: en-US
canonical_url: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/australia/application-portfolio-management/business-process-modeling.html
release: australia
topic_type: concept
last_updated: "2026-03-12"
reading_time_minutes: 1
breadcrumb: [Exploring Enterprise Modeling and Visualization in the EA Workspace, Exploring Enterprise Architecture Workspace, Enterprise Architecture Workspace, Enterprise Architecture]
---

# Business process modeling

Business processes are a structured sequence of tasks that are grouped, helping to accomplish specific business outcomes. A business process modeling diagram or a BPMN \(Business Process Model and Notation\) diagram is a visual representation of a business process.

The business process modeling diagram shows how a business process operates. It helps to have a common understanding of the processes, and identify areas for optimization.

Elements that are included in a business process modeling diagram: A business process modeling diagram includes the following elements:

-   Pools: Different participants or departments involved in the process.
-   Lanes: Subdivisions within pools that show the specific roles or responsibilities of each participant.
-   Events: Indicate points in the process where something happens. Events are categorized by position — start, intermediate, end, and boundary — and by the type of trigger, such as message, timer, signal, or error. Common symbols used are circles.
-   Activities: Tasks or actions within the process. Activity types include tasks \(such as user tasks, service tasks, and script tasks\), sub-processes, and call activities. Common symbols used are rectangles.
-   Gateways: Decision points and branching paths. Common symbols used are diamonds.

\[Omitted image "eaw-bpmn-diagram.png"\] Alt text: BPMN diagram on the Enterprise Modeling and Visualization page.

**Parent Topic:**[Exploring Enterprise Modeling and Visualization in the EA Workspace](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ServiceNow/ServiceNowDocs/australia/markdown/australia/application-portfolio-management/eaw-modeling.md)

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