BPMN Error Event

in BPMN on Bpmn, Bpmn 2.0, Error event
BPMN Error Event

The BPMN Error Event article provides a detailed explanation of the error event element, including the BPMN notation, an example diagram and guidelines.

The BPMN Error Event article focus on the definition and usage of the error event element as documented in the BPMN 2.0 specification. The example process diagram illustrates the correct use of the error event annotation. The BPMN Guidelines section contains a detailed set of rules that apply to the error event and explains how the element may or may not be used within the different BPMN diagrams.

What is an Error Event?

“An Error represents the content of an Error Event or the Fault of a failed Operation.” ~ BPMN Specification

BPMN Notation

The BPMN specification defines the Error Event element using the following description and notation:

Catching EventsThrowing Events
Start EventIntermediate EventEnd Event
StandardEvent Sub-Process
Interrupting		Event Sub-Process
Non-Interrupting		CatchingBoundary
Interrupting		Boundary Non-
Interrupting		ThrowingStandard
Error Event

BPMN Notation: Error Event

BPMN Event Types

The following table contains a list of the different Error Event types, their descriptions and the BPMN notations:

ElementDescriptionNotation
Error Event Sub-Process Event (Interrupting)Whenever the Event occurs, the associated process is terminated. A downstream token is then generated, which activates the next element of the event-sub-process connected to the Event.
Error Boundary Event (Interrupting)Whenever the Event occurs, the associated Activity is terminated. A downstream token is then generated, which activates the next element of the process connected to the Event.
Error End EventWhenever this event is reached, the event will raise an error and the process will end.

BPMN Event Types: Error Events

BPMN Diagram

The following is an example of a BPMN Error Event within a diagram:

BPMN Error Event Example of BPMN Error Event

BPMN Standards & Guidelines

The difference between standard and guideline is that a standard is a level of quality or attainment while a guideline is a non-specific rule or principle that provides direction to action or behaviour. A standard are high in authority and needs to be adhered to versus a guideline is low in authority and guide one in setting standards or determining a course of action.

BPMN Standards

The BPMN Standards section contains a list of rules that are applicable to the BPMN Error Event as per the official rules of the BPMN Specification.

  • A catch Intermediate Error Event can only be attached to the boundary of an Activity and MAY NOT be used in normal flow.

BPMN Guidelines

The BPMN guidelines section contains a list of optional rules that can be used as a guide.

  • An Error Catch Events should have a Text Annotation with the Error Code: {Error Code} associated with it.
  • An Error Throw Event should have a Text Annotation with the Error Code: {Error Code} associated with it.

Finally

This article provided a detailed explanation of the BPMN Error Event element. Follow me on any of the different social media platforms, and feel free to leave comments.

Reference