Artifacts as Extra Notes or Remarks
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According to the BPMN specification, it is possible to introduce custom elements that are based on individual modeling conventions, containing further information about the process model, such as IT systems.
Besides individual artifacts, BPMN offers Data Object, a standard element for information and documents that are used or created in the process.
Data Object (BPMN Standard)
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Data objects represent all kinds of information, regardless of their physical nature. For example, paper documents, abstract information, or digital data. They are connected with flow objects, such as a task, through (data) associations. The figure shows a data object representing an "employment contract", which is required as an input for doing the first task. Next, we show you different ways to represent IT systems in a process model from a modeling perspective.
IT System Object (SAP Signavio Element)
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This custom SAP Signavio element simply indicates the support and usage of an application or system at specific process steps. It is connected with activities via associations and it doesn't matter in which Lane this object is placed. The figure shows an HR system that supports several steps in the process. It is linked to activities with associations.
Hint
The IT system and Data object must be used moderately, otherwise the model looks cluttered.![](/service/media/topic/fa7b3b69-e455-473b-bf7d-a242b30d6f4a/SIG001_26_en-US_media/SIG001_26_en-US_images/SIG110_Lesson7_OBJ1_004.png)
In practice, lanes are often equated with responsibilities, but BPMN does not define lane semantics. These competencies can be general roles and departments as well as IT systems and applications. For example, a CRM system. In this example, an IT system is performing communication activities and handles customer data within its representative lane.
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In this example, an interaction and exchange of information between human and system is shown. However, the internal behavior of the system is unknown or not desired.
Key Takeaways - IT Systems and Data Objects
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