Outsource processes to subprocesses

In BPMN diagrams you can outsource parts of a process to subprocesses.

The following rules must be observed when you outsource processes to subprocesses:

  • The processes you move to a subprocess are converted to the first allowed subcategory of the current process

    • If there are pure chart objects (shapes without model object) and their categories do not match the allowed subcategories of the created subprocess, the category is converted to the first allowed subcategory of the subprocess

    • If there are model objects that are not referenced in any other chart, the category is automatically changed. The best category is selected from the permitted subcategories of the subprocess

    • If model objects exist that are referenced in other charts, the category is automatically converted, which can produce inconsistencies

  • When process parts are outsourced to a subprocess, a start event and an end event are always created. In a subprocess, the incoming relationship(s) become a start event and the outgoing relationship(s) an end event. This ensures model consistency.

    • The relationship(s) behind the start event are the input for the process parts that precede the subprocess.

    • The relationship(s) before the end event are the output for the process parts after the subprocess.

  • If the selected process parts contain an inner return, this is transferred to the subprocess.

  • If a model object is only assigned to the process and used in only one chart, the model object is moved to the subprocess.

  • When a model object is referenced by the process and used in only one chart, the model object is moved to the subprocess.

  • When a model object is used in multiple charts, the model object is moved to the subprocess.

  • If a model object is assigned to another process, it is moved to the subprocess as a reference. The previous main assignment to a process or subprocess is retained.

Note: Main assignment and references can be changed manually.

Instruction:

  1. Open the BPMN diagram in the WebModeller

  2. Select the shapes via the multiple selection (CTRL key pressed) that you want to outsource to a subprocess

  3. In the context-sensitive menu, choose More actions | Create subprocess Selection:

Requirements:

The menu command Create subprocess from selection is available under the following conditions:

  • At least two shapes are selected in the diagram

  • The selected shapes are contiguous in the process flow

  • Maximum one shape has input relationships from outside the selected shapes

  • On events with preceding or succeeding processes, the preceding or succeeding processes are not selected as well

Example: Outsourcing related process parts with input and output relationships

In this example, a branch with a yes and no branch and the two possible activities (tasks) is moved to a subprocess. The incoming relationship to the branch becomes the start event.

Example: Outsource process with return to subprocess

In this example, connected parts of a process are selected. These can then be transferred to the subprocess. The process also contains a return jump, which was transferred to the subprocess, as the following graphic shows: