In BPMN, what do the various icons represent?

The various icons in Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) represent key components of business process modeling, specifically activities, events, and gateways.

Activities are depicted as rounded rectangles and represent the tasks or work that needs to be performed within a process. Events are shown as circles and indicate something that happens (e.g., the start or end of a process), which may affect the flow of the process. Gateways, typically represented by diamond shapes, are decision points that determine the branching of the process flow based on certain conditions.

Understanding these icons is critical for effectively modeling and communicating business processes, as they provide a standardized visual representation that helps stakeholders grasp the workflow and structure of processes easily. The clarity brought about by these icons aids in identifying roles, responsibilities, and potential areas for improvement within the business process.