---
sourceDocument: Australia Enterprise Architecture
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/application-portfolio-management

 Release :

    - australia

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Australia Enterprise Architecture

ft:clusterId :

    - appportman

bundleId :

    - appportman

workflow :

    - Technology


---

# Business process modeling

# Business process modeling {#ariaid-title1}

* Release version: Australia
* 
* Updated March 12, 2026
* 
* ![](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 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.
{#business-process-modeling__ul_djc_gqz_bfc}
**Related tasks**   

* [Create a diagram for a business process map](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/9js7ju4OGAwMs6UAIYOjiA "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/ztw6W7oM1Et7ayWPZyimBQ "Modify an existing business process map by adding new events, activities, or gateways.")