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sourceDocument: Zurich Enterprise Architecture (formerly Application Portfolio Management)
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/zurich/application-portfolio-management

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ft:locale :

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ft:publication_title :

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---

# Business process modeling

# Business process modeling {#ariaid-title1}

* Release version: Zurich
* 
* Updated July 31, 2025
* 
* ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read

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 provides a clear and understandable depiction of how a business process operates. It helps to have a common understanding of the processes, identify areas for process optimization or streamlining
the processes.  
Elements that are included in a business process modeling diagram:

* 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 the start, intermediate, and end points of a process. Common symbols used are circles.
* Activities: Tasks or actions within the process. Common symbols used are rectangles.
* Gateways: Decision points and branching paths. Common symbols used are diamonds.
{#business-process-modeling__ul_djc_gqz_bfc}
**Related tasks**   

* [Create a diagram for a business process map](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/KL41m0LyR9kEef35nyyr0A "Create business process diagrams and model the future state of the business processes using the Enterprise Modeling and Visualization.")
* [Update a business process map](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/RZpgUU2s~MSdC~Jm5zarhQ "Modify an existing business process map by adding new events, activities, or gateways.")