BPMN is a graphical standard for representing business processes within an organization.
It enables step-by-step visualization of activities – from placing an order, through invoice approval, to product shipment. Thanks to this clear mapping, companies can analyze, improve, and automate their processes more easily.
Why does BPMN matter in business?
In daily work, many processes are handled informally – depending on the person, department, or situation.
BPMN introduces structure by clearly showing who does what and when, as well as the outcome of each action. This eliminates misunderstandings between departments, streamlines onboarding of new employees, and helps detect problems quickly.
From the perspective of ERP or CRM implementations, BPMN serves as a roadmap for activities to be automated, making the deployment faster and more efficient.
How does BPMN work in practice?
BPMN uses simple graphic symbols:
- Circles – for start and end events
- Rectangles – for activities and tasks
- Diamonds – for decisions and branching
Diagrams can be simple (e.g., leave request approval) or complex (e.g., order fulfillment with stock availability check).
Example: Order processing
- The customer places an order (start event)
- The system checks product availability (activity)
- If the product is available – the order goes into fulfillment
- If not – an alert is generated for the purchasing department
- After fulfillment, an invoice is issued and the inventory is updated
- The process ends with shipment (end event)
Such a diagram can serve as the foundation for implementing the process in an ERP system.
When should you use BPMN?
- when company processes are unclear or vary by department,
- when implementing a new system,
- when aiming to automate existing workflows,
- when training new employees,
- when focusing on process optimization.
Applications of BPMN
- documenting and standardizing processes,
- identifying and eliminating inefficiencies,
- preparing for automation with ERP systems,
- facilitating communication between IT and business teams,
- creating documentation for audits and certifications.
Tools for creating BPMN
Diagrams can be built with free online tools such as draw.io/ or Bizagi Modeler, as well as with editors embedded in ERP systems.
The more complex the process, the more important it is to use a tool that not only supports diagram creation but also allows direct transformation into a real workflow within an ERP or CRM system.
FAQ
What does BPMN stand for?
Business Process Model and Notation — a standard for graphical modeling of business processes.
Is BPMN difficult to learn?
No. The basics can be mastered in just a few hours, and most companies use only a small set of symbols.
What are the most common mistakes when using BPMN?
Adding too much detail, skipping important decisions, or failing to consult the people who actually perform the process.
Is BPMN only for large companies?
No. Even a one-person business can benefit from BPMN to organize workflows and save time.
Can BPMN be integrated with an ERP system?
Yes. BPMN diagrams are often used as the basis for building workflows in ERP systems, such as Odoo, which speeds up implementation and improves quality.
