gateways

Event-Based Gateway

An Event-Based Gateway routes based on which event occurs first. It creates a race condition where the first catching event to trigger determines the path taken.

Category
gateways
BPMN Spec
Section 10.5.4
Icon Class
bpmn-icon-gateway-eventbased

What is an Event-Based Gateway?

An Event-Based Gateway models a decision point where the next step depends on which event happens first. Unlike data-based gateways, it routes based on events rather than process data.

Visual Representation

An Event-Based Gateway shows a diamond shape containing a pentagon inside a circle. The pentagon represents multiple catching events that are racing.

Key Characteristics

  • Event racing: First triggered event wins
  • Exclusive activation: Only one following event path activates
  • Catch events follow: Must be followed by catching intermediate events
  • Response or timeout: Commonly used for message-with-timeout patterns

Common Use Cases

Response Timeout

Wait for either customer response message or 48-hour timeout-whichever happens first determines the path.

Competing Channels

Wait for acceptance via either email link click or mobile app confirmation.

External Decision

Wait for either approval signal or rejection signal from an external system.

Frequently Asked Questions

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