Tasks
Tasks are the basic elements of BPMN processes — atomic units of work composed to create a meaningful result. When a token arrives at a task, execution pauses until the work is completed; the token then continues along the outgoing sequence flow. The granularity of a task depends on the process design — a step can be modeled as a single task or split into several smaller tasks.
Key characteristics
- One incoming and one outgoing sequence flow.
- Represents a single, atomic unit of work.
- Can define input and output parameter mappings between the process and the task.
- Errors during execution can be handled using boundary events.
Types
Green icons are supported and link to their documentation.
| Task | Icon | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Service task | Work performed automatically by a system, without human involvement. It automates process steps by invoking external services, APIs, or backend systems. | |
| User task | Work performed by a human. It suspends process execution until a user completes the task and provides input or makes a decision. | |
| Business rule task | Provides a mechanism for invoking business rules, delegating complex decision logic to rule engines. | |
| Send task | Sends a defined message and immediately continues execution without waiting for a response. | |
| Receive task | Pauses the process and waits until a specific named message is received, then continues execution. |