Inclusive Gateway
An Inclusive Gateway activates one or more outgoing paths based on conditions. When merging, it synchronizes only the paths that were actually taken, not all possible incoming paths. For example, after a customer selects notification preferences, the gateway activates email, SMS, and/or push notification paths — any combination is valid, and the merge waits only for the activated channels.
What is an Inclusive Gateway?
An Inclusive Gateway (OR Gateway) provides conditional parallelism. When splitting, it evaluates conditions and activates all paths where conditions are true. When joining, it waits only for the paths that were activated.
Visual Representation
An Inclusive Gateway displays as a diamond shape containing a circle (O). The circle represents OR logic-one or more paths based on conditions.
Key Characteristics
- Conditional splitting: Evaluates conditions, activates all true paths
- One or more paths: At least one path must be taken; multiple can be
- Smart joining: Synchronizes only activated incoming paths
- Default path: Can specify a default if no conditions are true
Common mistake
Forgetting that the merging inclusive gateway must wait for all activated branches. If one branch has a loop or dead end, the merge waits forever.
How it connects
Common Use Cases
Optional Notifications
Based on preferences, send email and/or SMS and/or push notification-any combination the user selected.
Conditional Reviews
Route to legal review if contract value is high AND/OR security review if data is sensitive.
Multi-Channel Processing
Process orders through warehouse and/or dropship and/or digital delivery based on item types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related BPMN Elements
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