Message Flow
A Message Flow shows communication between two separate participants (Pools). It represents messages, documents, or information exchanged across organizational or system boundaries.
What is a Message Flow?
A Message Flow shows the exchange of messages between two participants represented by separate Pools. It indicates communication across organizational, system, or process boundaries.
Visual Representation
A Message Flow displays as a dashed line with an open arrowhead. The dashed style distinguishes it from solid sequence flows that show process progression within a pool.
Key Characteristics
- Inter-participant: Connects elements in different Pools only
- Communication: Represents messages, not control flow
- Direction: Arrow shows message direction (sender to receiver)
- Cannot cross lanes: Use sequence flow within pools, message flow between
Common Use Cases
Customer Order
Show a message flow from Customer pool to Company pool representing an order submission.
API Request/Response
Depict message flows between System A and System B pools for API communications.
Partner Notification
Illustrate notification messages sent from company process to external partner pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related BPMN Elements
Try this element in Crismo
Create beautiful BPMN diagrams with our modern process modeling platform.