What is a Sequence Flow in BPMN?

A Sequence Flow is a connector that shows the order of activities in a BPMN process. Represented by a solid arrow, it connects events, tasks, and gateways to define which element executes next.

When should I use a Sequence Flow?

Use Sequence Flows to connect all flow objects (events, activities, gateways) within the same pool. Every path through your process should be connected by sequence flows, from Start Event to End Event.

How is the Sequence Flow different from related elements?

Sequence Flows (solid arrows) show execution order within a pool. Message Flows (dashed arrows) show communication between different pools/participants. Data Associations (dotted arrows) show data movement to/from activities. Only use Sequence Flows for process control flow.

connectors

Sequence Flow

A Sequence Flow is an arrow that shows the order in which activities are performed in a process. It connects flow objects (events, activities, gateways) and defines the execution path that tokens follow from start to end. For example, a sequence flow from "Review Application" to an exclusive gateway labeled "Approved?" shows that the review must complete before the decision is made. For example, "Receive Order" → "Check Inventory" → "Ship Package" uses sequence flows to define that inventory must be checked before shipping can begin.

What is a Sequence Flow?

A Sequence Flow is the connector that defines the order of execution in a BPMN process. It shows which activity comes next after another completes. When a token (representing an active process instance) finishes at one element, it travels along the sequence flow to the next element.

Visual Representation

The Sequence Flow is shown as a solid line with a filled arrowhead pointing in the direction of flow. The arrow always points from the source element to the target element, indicating the direction of process execution.

Key Characteristics

Connects flow objects: Links events, activities, and gateways within the same pool
Carries tokens: Process execution travels along sequence flows as tokens
Can have conditions: When leaving gateways, sequence flows may have boolean conditions
Default flows: One outgoing flow from a gateway can be marked as the default path

See it in action

Arrows connect each step in Max's shoe ordering process

Read: The Shoe Shop →

Common mistake

Crossing pool boundaries with sequence flows. Use message flows between pools — sequence flows only work within a pool.

How it connects

Message FlowSequence flows connect elements within a pool; Message flows connect elements between pools XOR GatewayConditional sequence flows leaving gateways carry the expressions that determine the taken path AssociationAssociations link annotations to elements; Sequence flows define execution order Data AssociationData associations show data movement; Sequence flows show control flow (execution order)

Common Use Cases

Basic Activity Ordering

Connect tasks in sequence to show that Task B starts only after Task A completes-the fundamental building block of any process.

Conditional Paths

Label sequence flows leaving a gateway with conditions like "Amount > 1000" to control which path the process takes.

Exception Handling

Route from boundary events to exception handlers-when an error occurs on a task, the sequence flow leads to the recovery path.

Frequently Asked Questions

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