Data Association
A Data Association shows data flow between activities and data objects or stores. It indicates which data an activity reads from or writes to, without affecting control flow.
What is a Data Association?
A Data Association shows data flowing between activities and data elements (Data Objects, Data Stores, Data Inputs, Data Outputs). It visualizes data dependencies and data production.
Visual Representation
A Data Association displays as a dotted line with an arrow. The arrow direction shows whether data is being read (pointing to activity) or written (pointing from activity).
Key Characteristics
- Data flow indication: Shows which data activities read or write
- Direction matters: Arrow shows input (to activity) or output (from activity)
- Non-control flow: Does not affect when activities execute
- Documentation value: Makes data dependencies visible
Common Use Cases
Database Read
Show a Data Association from Data Store to Service Task indicating the task reads from the database.
Document Creation
Indicate that a User Task produces a Data Object (arrow pointing from task to data object).
Input Parameter
Connect a Data Input to an activity showing required input data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related BPMN Elements
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