How do you avoid common pitfalls and errors when using association in BPMN?

1 Know the types of association

There are three types of association in BPMN: data association, text association, and generic association. Data association connects data inputs and outputs to activities or events, and shows how data flows through the process. Text association connects text annotations to elements, and provides additional information or explanation. Generic association connects any other artifacts to elements, and indicates a general relationship or dependency. Each type of association has a different line style and direction, so make sure you use the right one for your purpose and context.

2 Use association sparingly and selectively

Association can be useful to show the details and dependencies of your process, but too much association can clutter your diagram and make it hard to read and understand. Therefore, use association sparingly and selectively, and only when it adds value and clarity to your process. Avoid using association for obvious or trivial relationships, or for elements that are already connected by sequence flows or message flows. Also, avoid using association to create loops or cross-overs in your diagram, as this can create ambiguity and confusion.

3 Follow the naming and formatting conventions

Association can also be confusing if you do not follow the naming and formatting conventions for the artifacts that you connect to your elements. For example, data objects should have clear and consistent names that reflect their content and state, such as "Order Form (Filled)" or "Invoice (Sent)". Data stores should have names that indicate their type and scope, such as "Customer Database" or "Local Inventory". Text annotations should have concise and descriptive sentences that start with a capital letter and end with a period. Generic artifacts should have names that describe their nature and role, such as "Policy Document" or "Approval Form".

4 Align and distribute your elements and artifacts

Association can also be more effective if you align and distribute your elements and artifacts in a logical and aesthetic way. This can help you create a balanced and coherent layout for your diagram, and avoid overlapping or misaligned lines and shapes. You can use the grid, snap, and alignment tools in your BPMN software to help you position and arrange your elements and artifacts. You can also use pools, lanes, and sub-processes to group and organize your elements and artifacts according to their functions and responsibilities.

5 Validate and verify your association

Finally, association can also be more accurate and reliable if you validate and verify your association before you finalize and share your diagram. Validation means checking if your association follows the BPMN syntax and semantics, and if it complies with the rules and standards of your organization or industry. Verification means checking if your association reflects the reality and requirements of your process, and if it matches the expectations and feedback of your stakeholders and users. You can use the validation and verification tools in your BPMN software to help you identify and correct any errors or inconsistencies in your association.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?