Association
An Association links artifacts (text annotations, groups) to flow objects. It provides additional information about elements without affecting process execution or flow.
What is an Association?
An Association connects artifacts like text annotations to flow objects. It provides documentation and context without affecting process execution-purely for information purposes.
Visual Representation
An Association displays as a dotted line, optionally with an arrow. The dotted style distinguishes it from both sequence flows (solid) and message flows (dashed).
Key Characteristics
- Non-executable: Does not affect process flow or execution
- Documentation link: Connects explanatory artifacts to elements
- Directional option: Can show direction or be bi-directional
- Artifact connection: Typically links text annotations to elements
How it connects
Common Use Cases
Task Annotation
Link a text annotation explaining business rules to a decision gateway.
Compliance Note
Associate regulatory requirement notes with activities that must be compliant.
Group Reference
Connect descriptive text to a group element explaining why activities are grouped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related BPMN Elements
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