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What is BPMN 2.0? Notation and elements explained

Last updated: Mayo 2026

BPMN 2.0 (Business Process Model and Notation) is the international standard for modelling business processes through diagrams. Developed by the Object Management Group (OMG), it is ISO/IEC 19510 and represents the natural evolution of classic flowcharts towards a more precise and executable language.

BPMN is not the same as BPM. BPM (Business Process Management) is the management discipline. BPMN is the visual standard used within that discipline to represent processes.

What is BPMN used for?

BPMN allows business processes to be represented with enough detail for:

  • Precise documentation — diagrams are understandable by both business and technical profiles.
  • Cross-team communication — a common language for analysts, developers and business managers.
  • Automation preparation — BPMN diagrams can be executed directly by BPM engines.
  • Consulting projects — a recognised standard in digital transformation and quality management projects.

Key BPMN 2.0 elements

Events

Represent something that happens during the process. Three main types:

  • Start event (thin-border circle) — initiates the process.
  • End event (thick-border circle) — terminates the process.
  • Intermediate event (double circle) — occurs during the process (wait, message, timer).

Activities

  • Task (rounded rectangle) — an indivisible unit of work.
  • Subprocess (rectangle with + symbol) — a process within a process, with its own detailed diagram.

Gateways

  • Exclusive (XOR) — only one path possible. Equivalent to the classic decision diamond.
  • Parallel (AND) — all paths execute simultaneously.
  • Inclusive (OR) — one or more paths based on condition.

Pools and Lanes

A Pool represents an organisation or participant. Lanes divide the Pool by departments, roles or systems. This is the most visual component of BPMN and is what is commonly known as a swimlane diagram.

BPMN 2.0 vs classic flowchart (ISO 5807)

Use BPMN 2.0 when:

  • The process involves multiple departments and you need to represent responsibilities clearly.
  • You will integrate the diagram with a BPM engine or automation tool.
  • The process has many exceptions, intermediate events or messages between systems.
  • You are working with technical consultants or IT teams.

Use classic flowcharts when:

  • You want any employee to be able to read and understand the process easily.
  • You are documenting processes for ISO 9001 or EFQM and the audience is mixed.
  • You are starting to document processes and want quick results.
  • Processes are linear with few exceptions.

Mapaflow supports both classic ISO 5807 notation and BPMN 2.0. Start with classic notation and evolve to BPMN without changing tools. Start for free — no credit card required.

Related resources

Frequently asked questions

What is BPMN in simple terms?+
BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) is the international standard for representing business processes through diagrams. It defines a precise visual notation with specific symbols for events, activities, gateways and flows. It was developed by the Object Management Group (OMG) and is ISO/IEC 19510.
What is the difference between BPMN and a classic flowchart?+
A classic flowchart (ISO 5807) is simpler and more intuitive, ideal for documenting business processes in a way accessible to any employee. BPMN 2.0 is more precise and technical, with specific symbols for intermediate events, task types, pools and lanes. BPMN is used when semantic precision matters — for example, when automating processes or in BPM consulting projects.
Does Mapaflow support BPMN 2.0?+
Yes. Mapaflow includes the essential BPMN 2.0 elements: start/end/intermediate events, task types, exclusive/parallel/inclusive gateways, pools and lanes, and sequence and message connectors. For business process documentation, it covers 95% of BPMN use cases.
Do I need to know BPMN to use Mapaflow?+
No. Mapaflow supports both classic ISO 5807 notation (simpler) and BPMN 2.0. You can start with classic flowcharts and adopt BPMN when you need more precision. Most SMEs document their processes with classic notation and achieve excellent results.
Is BPMN required for ISO 9001?+
No, ISO 9001 does not require BPMN. The standard requires that processes be documented and accessible, but does not specify the notation. Classic flowcharts (ISO 5807) are perfectly valid for ISO 9001 audits and are easier for auditors and non-technical employees to understand.