eventsmessage trigger

Message Intermediate Catch Event

A Message Intermediate Catch Event pauses process execution until a specific message is received. It enables processes to wait for external communications before continuing to the next activity.

Category
events
Type
intermediate catch
BPMN Spec
Section 10.4.3
Icon Class
bpmn-icon-intermediate-event-catch-message

What is a Message Intermediate Catch Event?

A Message Intermediate Catch Event suspends a running process until a matching message arrives from an external participant. Unlike Message Start Events which create instances, intermediate events pause existing instances.

Visual Representation

The event displays as a double-line circle (indicating intermediate position) containing an unfilled envelope icon. The double border distinguishes it from start/end events, and the envelope indicates message reception.

Key Characteristics

  • Wait state: Process execution pauses until the message arrives
  • Correlation: Messages are matched to waiting instances using correlation keys
  • Timeout patterns: Often combined with timer events for timeout handling
  • External integration: Receives messages from other processes, systems, or participants

Common Use Cases

Approval Response

After sending an approval request, the process waits for the approval or rejection message before continuing.

Payment Confirmation

The order process pauses after payment initiation, waiting for bank confirmation message.

External Callback

After calling an async API, the process waits for the webhook callback message with results.

Frequently Asked Questions

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