gateways

Exclusive Event-Based Gateway

An Exclusive Event-Based Gateway starts new process instances based on which event occurs. It is used only at process start and creates instances from the first event to arrive.

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

What is an Exclusive Event-Based Gateway?

An Exclusive Event-Based Gateway (instantiating) is used at process start to create new instances based on events. Unlike regular start events, it races multiple potential start triggers.

Visual Representation

The gateway shows a diamond shape containing a pentagon inside a circle, but with a double circle border indicating instantiation capability.

Key Characteristics

  • Process start only: Used exclusively at the beginning of a process
  • Instance creation: Creates new process instances based on events
  • Event racing for start: First event to fire starts the process
  • Multiple start triggers: Models processes that can start from multiple event sources

Common Use Cases

Multi-Channel Order Entry

Start order process when receiving order via either API message, EDI file arrival, or manual timer batch.

Alternative Triggers

Begin a support case from either customer email, chat request, or phone system signal.

Scheduled or Triggered

Start a report process either on schedule (timer) or on-demand (message request).

Frequently Asked Questions

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