activitiesVariant of Task

Service Task

A Service Task represents automated work performed by a software system or service. It executes without human intervention-calling APIs, running business logic, or integrating with external systems.

Category
activities
BPMN Spec
Section 10.2.3
Icon Class
bpmn-icon-service-task

What is a Service Task?

A Service Task is an automated activity executed by software without human involvement. It typically invokes web services, executes business logic, manipulates data, or integrates with external systems.

Visual Representation

A Service Task displays a rounded rectangle containing a gear/cog icon. The gear symbolizes automated, mechanical execution by software systems.

Key Characteristics

  • Fully automated: Executes without human intervention
  • System integration: Commonly calls REST APIs, SOAP services, or message queues
  • Synchronous or async: Can wait for response or fire-and-forget
  • Error handling: Should include boundary events for handling integration failures

Common Use Cases

API Integration

Call an external payment gateway API to process a credit card transaction automatically.

Data Transformation

Execute business logic to calculate totals, apply discounts, and transform order data.

System Notification

Send automated email or SMS notifications by calling messaging service APIs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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