Bizagi Process Modeler

User Guide

Table of Contents
Part I

Welcom e to Bizagi Modeler

Overview
................................................................................................................................... 8
Standards
support
................................................................................................................................... 9
Multilanguage
support
................................................................................................................................... 9
Training
and support
................................................................................................................................... 11
Related
Products
................................................................................................................................... 12

Part II

Getting Started

14

Install
Bizagi Modeler
................................................................................................................................... 14
System
Requirements
................................................................................................................................... 19
Register
to join the community
................................................................................................................................... 20
Bizagi
Modeler file types
................................................................................................................................... 23
User...................................................................................................................................
Interface explained
24
Toolbar

.......................................................................................................................................................... 25

Ribbon

.......................................................................................................................................................... 26

Maximizing.........................................................................................................................................................
the w orkspace
39

Palette

.......................................................................................................................................................... 42

Activities ......................................................................................................................................................... 42
Events
......................................................................................................................................................... 45
Gatew ays......................................................................................................................................................... 50
Data

......................................................................................................................................................... 51
Artifacts ......................................................................................................................................................... 52
Sw imlanes......................................................................................................................................................... 52
Connectors......................................................................................................................................................... 53

Element properties
.......................................................................................................................................................... 54
View options
.......................................................................................................................................................... 55
Presentation
mode and Presentation actions
.........................................................................................................................................................
58

The Pie Menu

.......................................................................................................................................................... 66
Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

Part III

Modeling a Process

68

Creating
a process
................................................................................................................................... 68
Video
example: Creating a process
................................................................................................................................... 74
Editing
a process
................................................................................................................................... 74
Sub-processes
................................................................................................................................... 82
Converting..........................................................................................................................................................
to reusable sub-process
86
Sub-process
types
..........................................................................................................................................................
90

Improving
look and feel
................................................................................................................................... 91
Colors,
sizes and shading
................................................................................................................................... 97
Printing
large diagrams
................................................................................................................................... 111

Part IV

Docum enting a process

117

Documenting
each element
................................................................................................................................... 117
Using Rich
Text Format
..........................................................................................................................................................
119
Spelling review
.......................................................................................................................................................... 126

Defining
Gateway conditions
................................................................................................................................... 127
Defining
Resources
................................................................................................................................... 130
Extending
your documentation
................................................................................................................................... 133
Extended..........................................................................................................................................................
Attributes type
135
Example: ..........................................................................................................................................................
Add a Table Extended Attribute
136
Managing..........................................................................................................................................................
Extended Attributes
140
Sharing Extended
Attributes between elements
..........................................................................................................................................................
140
Exporting..........................................................................................................................................................
and Importing Attributes between Models
142

Video
example: Documenting your process
................................................................................................................................... 144
Using
Artifacts
................................................................................................................................... 144
Company
logo
................................................................................................................................... 152

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

Part V

Generating Docum entation

156

Publish
or Export
................................................................................................................................... 156
Publishing
in Word
................................................................................................................................... 157
Document..........................................................................................................................................................
Template
166

Publishing
in PDF
................................................................................................................................... 168
Publishing
to Web
................................................................................................................................... 175
Customize..........................................................................................................................................................
styles in Web
188

Publishing
to Wiki
................................................................................................................................... 192
Publishing
to Sharepoint
................................................................................................................................... 202
Exporting
to XPDL
................................................................................................................................... 213
Exporting
diagrams as Image
................................................................................................................................... 214
Exporting
to Visio
................................................................................................................................... 217
Exporting
to BPMN
................................................................................................................................... 219
Documentation
Portal
................................................................................................................................... 222
Creating a..........................................................................................................................................................
Documentation Portal (step by step)
227

Part VI

Im porting diagram s

247

Import
diagram from Visio
................................................................................................................................... 247
Import
diagram from XPDL
................................................................................................................................... 252
Import
diagram from BPMN
................................................................................................................................... 255

Part VII

Sim ulation

260

What
is simulation
................................................................................................................................... 260
Simulation
in Bizagi
................................................................................................................................... 260
Simulation..........................................................................................................................................................
levels
266
Level 1 - .........................................................................................................................................................
Process Validation
268
Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

Level 2 - .........................................................................................................................................................
Throughput time analysis
279
Level 3 - .........................................................................................................................................................
Resource analysis
289
Level 4 - .........................................................................................................................................................
Calendar analysis
309

Scenarios.......................................................................................................................................................... 317

What
If analysis
................................................................................................................................... 320
What if analysis
example
..........................................................................................................................................................
322

Part VIII

Team Collaboration

328

Collaborative
process modeling
................................................................................................................................... 328
Example
of collaboration
................................................................................................................................... 331
Video
example: Collaboration explained
................................................................................................................................... 336
Collaboration
levels
................................................................................................................................... 336
Offline
collaboration
................................................................................................................................... 338
Conflicts
resolution
................................................................................................................................... 341
Using
Categories
................................................................................................................................... 345
User
profiles
................................................................................................................................... 349
Saving
as non-collaborative file
................................................................................................................................... 351
Force
unlock
................................................................................................................................... 352

Part IX

Process Execution

356

Guidance
for automation
................................................................................................................................... 361
Video:
Bizagi BPM Quicktour
................................................................................................................................... 366

Part X

Advanced topics

368

Interaction
between processes
................................................................................................................................... 368
Example: ..........................................................................................................................................................
Interaction between processes
372
Message ..........................................................................................................................................................
Flow connection rules
374
Alignment..........................................................................................................................................................
features between processes
375
Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

Long
lasting transactions
................................................................................................................................... 379

Part XI

FAQ

386

General
FAQs
................................................................................................................................... 386
Best
practices in modeling
................................................................................................................................... 388
Diagramming
and documenting FAQs
................................................................................................................................... 399
Sharing
documentation FAQs
................................................................................................................................... 403
Troubleshooting
FAQs
................................................................................................................................... 405

Part XII

Process Tem plates

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

413

Part I
Welcome to Bizagi
Modeler

Welcome to Bizagi Modeler

Please refer to the topics on the left or search, to find what you are looking for.

Overview

About Bizagi Modeler

Bizagi Modeler is a business process modeling and documentation tool. The Modeler enables you to
visually diagram, model and document business processes in industry-standard BPMN (Business
Process Model Notation). BPMN is a worldwide accepted format for process modeling.
You are able to publish high quality documentation in Word, PDF, Sharepoint or Wiki. Processes can
be easily imported from and exported to Visio or XML, and other tools. The Modelers Intellisense (smart
code completion) coupled with its unique look and feel allows you to quickly and easily map and
document, without the delay of validation routines.
All processes are saved with a .bpm file extension. Each file is referred to as a model and may contain
one or more diagrams.
A model can refer to a whole organization, a department or a specific process depending on your needs.
Multiple diagrams are positioned as individual sheets (tabs) within your model. You are able to navigate
between diagrams in your model by selecting the associated sheet tab located at the bottom of the
model.

About Process Modeling

Process modeling is a method to analyze, design and diagram a business process flow. Modeling a
process in an iterative, clear, transparent and straightforward way will enable you to understand, analyze
and make a positive change to the business process.

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

Standards support

Support for BPMN 2.0

Business Process Model and Notation, or BPMN, is a graphical notation created to provide a unified
language of worldwide acceptance. It is used to specify business processes, defined by the Object
Management Group (OMG).
Since joining the group in 2007, Bizagi continues to be an active member of the group within the OMG
that is in charge of defining the BPMN standard.
Bizagi Modeler supports the current version, BPMN 2.0.
For more information, see http://www.omg.org/spec/BPMN/2.0

Support for XPDL 2.2

The XML Process Definition Language, or XPDL, is a standard format to interchange business process
definitions between different workflow products.
XPDL provides a file format that supports every aspect of the BPMN process definition notation, including
graphical descriptions of the diagram, as well as executable properties used at run time. This format is
standardized by the Workflow Management Coalition (WfMC).
Bizagi Modeler supports the current version, XPDL 2.2.
For more information, see http://www.wfmc.org/xpdl.html

Multilanguage support
Bizagi Modeler is multilingual, and the user interface supports the following languages:
English
Spanish
German
French
Portuguese
Russian
Chinese (simplified)
Dutch
Italian
Japanese

Install Bizagi Modeler in your preferred language

At the start of the Bizagi Modeler installation, you will be prompted to select the language of your
preference. Once selected, all text will be displayed in the chosen language throughout installation and
use of the product.

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

You can change the language at any time

Once Bizagi Modeler is installed you are able to change the displayed language at any time. Select a
language from the Language drop-down list, located in the upper right corner of the Modeler. For the
change to take effect, please restart Bizagi Modeler.

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

10

Training and support

Bizagi Modeler offers several types of support to help you with process modeling and documentation.
These are located on the Help tab.

Video Tutorials
Learn how to use Bizagi Modeler through short and explanatory videos and discover new features.
Please refer to our Video Tutorials site

Online training and support

Discover how to capture and transform a process to benefit your business. We offer self-paced training
courses online free of charge.
Please refer to our e-learning web site

Support Forums
We offer free support forms where your questions are answered promptly.
Also, opinions and ideas can be shared with our community that is growing by the day.
To access our support forums you will need to register.
Please refer to our Forums site

Free Process Central

Access, download and use our collection of templates containing the best practices of many common
processes used within organizations.
Bizagi process templates are ready to use and executable processes that you can use to boost
performance in your organization. Feel free to customize them to your particular needs.
Again, we welcome your opinion and suggestions, which can be made, once registered.
Please refer to our Process Central

Help
Online help contains the knowledge you will need to diagram, document and produce your processes.
Feel free to browse through all the documentation. We welcome any of your comments via the Feedback
option.
The user guide can also be downloaded, for offline use, by selecting the Download Help option which
saves the file as a PDF document.

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

11

Related Products
Bizagi BPM Suite is composed by three products: Bizagi Modeler, Bizagi Studio and Bizagi
Engine
Once you are finished modeling your processes with Bizagi Modeler, Bizagi Studio and Bizagi Engine
will provide you the necessary to automate your processes and transform them into an executable
system.
Bizagi Studio allows you to enter all the necessary information for process execution: standard time,
costs, user interfaces, business rules, etc. This information is stored as a model in a database and used
at runtime by Bizagi Engine for process execution through a work portal for end users.
With the Bizagi Modeler, Bizagi Studio and Bizagi Engine, you have complementary products that
make up the Bizagi BPM Suite Solution:

Please click for more information about our BPM Suite

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

12

Part II
Getting Started

Getting Started
The following chapters will get you started with your Model.

Install Bizagi Modeler

Bizagi Modeler is a freew are application that you can download from the internet and use in a desktop
or portable computer.
To install Bizagi Modeler run the installer, located on our web portal in Downloads under the Products
menu.
Once loaded, select the language for installation from the drop-down list.

Click the Next button to allow the installation wizard to guide you through the process.

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

14

To continue, you will need to read the terms of the license agreement.
If you accept the terms, select the I accept the term of the license agreement option and click the Next
button to continue the installation.
Otherwise, select the I do not accept the terms of the agreement option and click the Next button, and
the tool will not install.

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

15

Select the folder where Bizagi Modeler will be installed.

The default folder shown can be changed by clicking the Browse icon, selecting a new folder, and then
clicking the Next button.

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

16

Click the Install button to start the installation process.

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17

When the installation process is finished, click the Finish button.

A shortcut will be created on your desktop to allow easy access to the application.

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

18

System Requirements
The following are the minimum requirements to install Bizagi Modeler

Operating System
Windows
Windows
Windows
Windows
Windows
Windows

8.1 / Windows 8
7
Vista
Server 2012
Server 2008 R2 / 2008
Server 2003

Note
Windows XP Professional SP3 is supported.
However, consider that support for Windows XP ends on April 8th of 2014 (as Microsoft has officially
announced support for this operating system ends on this date).

Software
Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 full Click to download
Internet Explorer (8 or higher)

Hardware
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19

Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz). 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64)

Memory: 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
Hard drive: 50 MB available hard disk space
Display: 800 x 600 or higher resolution

To v iew documentation
Internet Explorer (8, 9, 10), Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
Microsoft Word 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003
Microsoft Visio 2010, 2007, 2003
Microsoft Office Sharepoint Server 2010/2007 and Sharepoint Services 3.0
MediaWiki 1.14 to 1.22 Please see further Wiki requirements

Register to join the community

Bizagi Modeler will prompt you a window to allow you to join our community and be able to access all
our free online resources and help you in your BPM journey.
Although optional, we highly recommend you register in order to obtain the following benefits:
Free Online support
Expert advice
Free documentation
Video tutorials

New members
If you are not a member, click the J oin today button.

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

20

The registration form will display were you can enter some basic information.

After you enter the information and agree to our Terms of use, you will receive an email to the address
provided by you.
The email contains a link where your account will be activated. Click the Continue to s ign in button and
enter your email and password.

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

21

Already a member
If you are already a member click the Sign in link on the first image.
Enter your email and password to log in. Once your credentials are verified, the window will no longer be
displayed, and you will be able to enjoy all our resources.

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

22

We respect your privacy. Please review our Privacy policy

Bizagi Modeler file types

Bizagi Modeler has two main file types, differentiated by the file extension:
.bpm, the file format used to save a Bizagi Modeler file.
.bpmc, the file format used to save diagrams for Team Collaboration Mode.
Team Collaboration allows for collaborative process improvement and execution. Teams can participate
simultaneously in the definition of a process, thereby enhancing business performance.
Click this link Team Collaboration for further information.
To save a model click Save or Save As on the File tab in the upper left corner or click the disk image on
the Toolbar.

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

23

User Interface explained

Bizagi Modeler has a very simple, easy and intuitive interface.
It has five main elements; namely, Toolbar, Ribbon, Palette, Element Properties and View.

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

24

Toolbar
The Toolbar contains quick access commands to a subset of any menu within Bizagi Modeler.
The default commands can be customized at anytime.

To adjust the Toolbar click on the drop-down list on the right and select Customize Quick Access Toolbar
which will allow you to add or remove any item.

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

25

Select a menu option from the drop-down menu and click the Add or Remove buttons to alter to your
preference.

Ribbon
The Ribbon contains the main controls to manage each Process Model. These are organized into
different tabs, and are described below.

Home tab

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

26

MENU
OPTION

Clipboard

SUB OPTION

DESCRIPTION

Paste

Insert the current contents of the clipboard into the

diagram.

Cut

Remove the selection from the diagram and put it on the

clipboard.

Copy

Copy the selection from the diagram and put it on the

clipboard.

Diagrams
Run Workflow

Turn your Process into a running applications. Visit

www.bizagi.com

Simulation View

Bizagi Modeler allows simulation your business

processes under the BPSim (Business Process
Simulation) to support decision making and boost theit
continuous improvement.

Resources

Add, edit or remove resources. These are the roles,

systems or people that execute activities.

Model

Validate
Info
Team
Collaboration

Formatting

Share Process

Check for modeling errors on the active diagram.

Show the diagram information.
Share the model, allowing users to collaborate on the
Process.

Font

Change the font face.

Font Size

Change the font size.

Grow Font

Increase the font size.

Shrink Font

Decrease the font size.

Bold

Make the selected text bold.

Italic

Italicize the selected text.

Underline
Strikethrough
Font Color
Shading
Text alignment
Clear Formatting
Editing

Open the diagram browser.

Find

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

Underline the selected text.

Draw a line through the middle of the selected text.
Change the color of the text.
Color the background behind the selected text.
Change the color of the text.
Remove custom formatting, leaving only the plain text.
Find text in the model.

27

MENU
OPTION

Review

SUB OPTION

DESCRIPTION

Select

Select elements in the diagram.

Clear

Clear formatting from selected elements or delete

selected elements

Spelling

Open the spell-check feature to proof text entered in the

process and documentation.
View more information about the Spelling review option.

Bizagi Suite

Learn more about Bizagis BPM Suite

Discover
Online Courses

Provide access to E-Learning sites.

Format tab

MENU
OPTION

SUB OPTION

SUB OPTION

Align

Align selected elements. It is possible to align them to

the top, bottom, left and right of the diagram.

Align Horizontal
Layout

Formatting

Align Vertical

Align the selected items horizontally.

Align the selected items vertically.

Distribute horizontally

Distributes selected elements with even horizontal spaces

between them.

Distribute vertically

Distributes selected elements with even vertical spaces

between them.

Font

Change the font face.

Font Size

Change the font size.

Grow Font

Increase the font size.

Shrink Font

Decrease the font size.

Bold
Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

Make the selected text bold.

28

Italic
Underline
Strikethrough
Font Color
Shading
Text alignment
Clear Formatting

Italicize the selected text.

Underline the selected text.
Draw a line through the middle of the selected text.
Change the color of the text.
Color the background behind the selected text.
Align text: center, left and right.
Remove custom formatting, leaving only the plain text.

View Tab

MENU OPTION

SUB OPTION

View

Lock

Zoom

Show/Hide

DESCRIPTION
Locks/ unlocks the diagram for editing (read-only).

Zoom In

Enlarge the view of the model.

Zoom Out

Reduce the view of the model.

Scale

Apply a preset zoom level for quick enlargement or

reduction of the diagram (100% default).

100%

Show the model at at actual size.

Fit to Diagram

Scale the page so that the entire diagram fills the viewing
area.

Zoom to selection

Scale the page so that only the selected elements of the

diagram fill the viewing area.

Pan

Display a view of the page at a smaller magnification in

order to browse through the diagram.

Grid

Display grid lines for visual reference to aid alignment of

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

29

a diagram's elements.
Black and white

Change the color mode of the diagram to black and

white.

Presentation actions

Highlight the diagram elements that contain actions in

presentation mode.

Gradient fill

Fill elements with a background color that gradually

changes from one color to another across the surface of
the element.

Shadows

Attach a drop shadow to the element. Shadows are

attached to the bottom-right corner of the element.

Spelling mistakes

Highlight the spelling mistakes found in text.

Align to grid

Automatically aligns an element

intersection of lines in the grid.

to

the

nearest

Smart align

Automatically aligns diagram elements to the grid in

relation to one another.

SUB OPTION

DESCRIPTION

Alignment

Publish Tab

MENU OPTION

Word

Generate a Word file of the model and

documentation.

all its

PDF

Generate
a PDF file of the model and
documentation.

all its

Web

Generate a Web file of the

documentation for web browsing.

all its

Publish

SharePoint
Wiki

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

model and

Export and publishes the model to SharePoint.

Export and publishes the model to Wiki.

30

Export / Import Tab

MENU
OPTION

Export

SUB OPTION

DESCRIPTION

Image

Export the active diagrams as an image.

Visio

Export the model as a Visio file.

XPDL

Export the model as a XPDL file.

Attributes
BPMN

Save the extended attributes as a XML file.

Export the model as a BPMN file.

Visio

Create a new diagram based on a Visio file.

XPDL

Create a new diagram based on a XPDL file.

Attributes

Import extended attributes from a XML file.

Import
BPMN

Create a new diagram based on a BPMN file.

Tools tab

MENU OPTION

SUB OPTION

DESCRIPTION

Tools

Attachments

Show all the attachments in the model: the element to

which the attachment relates and the corresponding file
name.

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

31

Element Count

Show the count of diagram elements by type. The table

displays a list of Processes by name, and the number of
Events, Gateways, Sub-processes and Tasks.

Custom Artifacts

Show the Custom Artifacts Types Manager to create,

edit, delete, export and import custom artifacts.

User Profile

Define a user profile by which to identify a team member

within a collaborative working model.

SUB OPTION

DESCRIPTION

Help tab

MENU
OPTION

Help

Help

Video Tutorials Register

Guides you to Bizagi's video tutorials.

Support Forums

Access to the online support forums.

Process Central

Access to the Bizagis Process Central process templates

and discussion forums.

Register

Community

About

Displays this User Guide.

Bizagi Modeler community registration.

Feedback

Directs you to the Feedback & Questions page to convey

comments, questions, suggestions, and ideas for
improvements.

Tell a Friend

A link that enables you to share Bizagi Modeler with

clients, colleagues and friends.

Take a tour

Takes you to a short tour through the main features of

Bizagi.

Release Notes

Information on the current release.

About

Information about Bizagi Modeler.

File - Open
Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

32

MENU
OPTION

SUB OPTION

Open

Open Model

DESCRIPTION

Opens an existing Bizagi Diagram Model.

Visio

Creates new diagrams based on a Visio file.

XPDL

Creates new diagrams based on an XPDL file.

Import

File - Recent

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

33

MENU
OPTION

SUB OPTION

DESCRIPTION

Recent

Recent Models

Quick access to the latest Bizagi Diagram Models that

have been used.

SUB OPTION

DESCRIPTION

File - New

MENU
OPTION

Blank Model
Create Model
Collaboration Model

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

Creates a new blank model.

Creates a new blank model in Collaboration Mode. This

34

mode allows multiple team members to contribute

together to the definition, design and documentation of a
model.

File - Print

MENU OPTION

Print

SUB OPTION

DESCRIPTION

Print

Selects a printer, number of copies and other printing

options in order to print your diagram.

Quick Print

Immediately prints the active diagram to the default

printer.

Print Preview

Onscreen preview of the diagram in print layout mode,

allowing layout modifications prior to printing.

File - Sav e & Send

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

35

MENU OPTION

Send Using EMail

SUB OPTION

DESCRIPTION

Send as
Attachment

Send a copy of the model as an attachment in an e-mail

message

Send as Image

Send the model as images in an e-mail message.

Send as XPDL

Send the model as an XPDL file in an e-mail message.

Word

the

model

and

all

its

model

and

all

its

Generate a Web file of the model and all its documentation

for web browsing.

Image

of

the

Web

Wiki

file

of

Generate a PDF
documentation.

SharePoint

Save as

file

PDF
Publish

Export to others
formats

Generate a Word
documentation.

Export and publish the model to SharePoint.

Export and publish the model to Wiki.
Export the active diagrams as an image.

Visio

Export the model as a Visio file.

XPDL

Export the model as an XPDL file.

Attributes

Save the extended attributes as an XML file.

Model File

Save the model as a Bizagi Diagram Model file (.bpm).

Team
Collaboration

Save the model as a Bizagi Collaboration Model to a

shared location.

Other Versions
(Model v 1.6)

Export the model to the 1.6 version of Bizagi Modeler

(.bpm).

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

36

File - Options

MENU OPTION

SUB OPTION
Style

General

Mode

Language
Font
BPMN element
options

Configure default sizes

Custom Artifacts

Custom Artifacts

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

DESCRIPTION
Customizes
Modeler.

the

background

color

of

Bizagi

Hide or show elements on the drawing palette.

Core will enable only the most common BPMN
elements. Extended will enable all BPMN elements.
Change the Bizagi Modeler language.
Define the default font for all diagram elements.
Launch the wizard that sets the element's default
sizes
Opens the Custom artifacts management window
37

Warn element type

changes

Displays a warning message when an element

changes type. Unintentional change of type may
result in data loss.

Warn when too many

tabs are opened

Displays a warning message when the model (the

.bpm file) has more than 10 diagrams (tabs) opened.
When there are more than 10 diagrams opened the
performance of the Modeler might get affected.

Alerts

MENU
OPTION

Documentation

SUB OPTION

DESCRIPTION

Company Logo

Allow customization of a user-defined logo, once the

model's documentation is ready for generation.

Extended attributes
Custom Artifacts

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

Import and export the extended attributes.

Create or edit custom artifacts.

38

Word Templates

Select a Word template (.dot file) to generate Word

documentation.

Maximizing the workspace

Bizagi allows the Ribbon to be shown or hidden from view.
If you need more room to work, collapse the Ribbon to maximize your workspace and allow the diagram
to fill a larger area of canvas.

For diagrams having a large vertical size (i.e., diagrams containing more than one Pool or many Lanes),
you may choose to rather dock the properties window to the right of the screen (as opposed to the
default location at the bottom of the screen).

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39

To relocate and dock the Element properties window, drag and drop it to the desired position.
location icon highlights to indicate that the window may be dropped in the target position:

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

The

40

To improve the performance of the Modeler keep less than 10 diagrams (tabs) opened in a Model. The
diagrams opened are displayed on the bottom, and can be accessed through the small arrows on the
right.
To close opened diagrams, right-click on any of them and select Close, or Close All. This will not erase
them from the file, this will close them.
You can delete a diagram by selecting Remove.

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Palette
The Palette contains the BPMN graphical elements used to define a process model.
These BPMN graphical elements are described in the following sections:
Activities
Events
Gateways
Data
Artifacts
Swimlanes
Connectors

Activities
Activities represent work or tasks carried out by members of the organization. They stand for manual or
automatic tasks performed by an external system or user. Activities can be atomic or non-atomic
(compound) and they are classified into tasks and sub-processes.

Tasks
ELEMENT

DESCRIPTION

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NOTATION

42

Task

User Task

Service Task

Receive Task

Send Task

Script Task

Manual Task

Is an atomic Activity within a Process flow. It is used when

the work in the Process cannot be broken down to a finer
level of detail.

Is a typical workflow Task where a person performs the

Task with the assistance of a software application.

Is a Task that uses some sort of service that could be a

Web service or an automated application.

Is a Task designed to wait for a message to arrive from an

external participant (relative to the Process).

Is a Task designed to send a message to an external

participant (relative to the Process).

Is a Task that is executed by a Business Process Engine.

The Modeler defines a script in a language that the engine
can interpret.

Is a Task that is expected to be performed without the aid

of any business process execution or any application.

Offers a mechanism for the Process to provide input to a

Business Rule Business Rule Engine and get the output of calculations
Task
that the engine might provide.

Multi-Instance
Loop

Standard Loop

Tasks may be repeated sequentially, behaving like a loop.

The Multi-instance Loop iterates a predetermined number
of times. The iterations occur sequentially or in parallel
(simultaneously).
Tasks may be repeated sequentially, behaving like a loop.
This feature defines a looping behavior based on a
boolean condition. The Activity will loop as long as the
boolean condition is true.

Sub-process
A sub-process is a compound Activity that is included within a Process. Compound means that it can be
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broken down into lower levels, that is, it includes shapes and elements within it.
ELEMENT

DESCRIPTION

Sub-process

Is an Activity which internal details have been modeled

using activities, gateways, Events, and sequence
flows. The elements has a thin border.

Reusable Subprocess

Event Sub-process

Transaction

NOTATION

Identifies a point in the Process where a predefined

Process is used. A reusable Sub-process is called a
Call Activity in BPMN. The element has a thick
border.
A Sub-process is defined as an Event Sub-process
when it is triggered by an Event. An Event SubProcess is not part of the normal flow of its parent
Process - there are no incoming or outgoing
Sequence Flows.
Is a Sub-process whose behavior is controlled through
a transaction protocol. It includes the three basic
outcomes of a transaction: Successful Completion,
Failed Completion and Cancel Intermediate Event.

Ad-Hoc Subprocess

Is a group of activities that has no REQUIRED

sequence relationships. A set of activities can be
defined, but the sequence and number of
performances for the activities is determined by the
resources of the activities.

Standard loop

Sub-processes may be repeated sequentially,

behaving like a loop.
This feature defines a looping behavior based on a
boolean condition. The activity will loop as long as the
boolean condition is true.
Sub-processes may be repeated sequentially,
behaving like a loop.
The Multi-instance Loop iterates a predetermined
number of times. The iterations occur sequentially or
in parallel (simultaneously).

Multi-Instance loop

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Events
An Event is something that happens during the course of the Process, affecting the Process flow and
normally has a trigger or result.
To make an event a throw or a catch event, right click on it and select Is Throw. This option will enable or
disable its behavior (applies for certain events described below) .

Start Events
ELEMENT

Start Event

Message Start
Event

Timer Start Event

Conditional Start
Event

DESCRIPTION

NOTATION

Indicates where a particular Process starts. It does

not have any particular behavior.

Is used when a message arrives from a participant and

triggers the start of the Process.

Is used when the start of a Process occurs on a

specific date or cycle time (e.g., every Friday)

This type of Event triggers the start of a Process when

a condition becomes true.

The start of the Process is triggered by the arrival of a

signal that has been broadcast from another Process.
Signal Start Event

Parallel Multiple
Start Event

Multiple Start Event

Note that the signal is not a message; messages

have specific targets, signals do not.
Indicates that there are multiple triggers required to
start the Process. ALL triggers must be triggered
before the Process is instantiated.

This means that there are multiple ways of triggering

the Process. Only one of them is required.

Intermediate events
ELEMENT

Intermediate Event

DESCRIPTION

NOTATION

Indicates where something happens somewhere

between the start and end of a Process. It will affect
the flow of the Process, but will not start or (directly)
terminate the Process.

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Indicates that a message can be sent or received.

If a Process is waiting for a message and it is caught
the Process will continue its flow.

Message Event

A catch Message Event waits for a message to arrive

and once the message has been received, the
Process will continue. The Event marker in this
instance will be filled.
A throw Message Event sends a message to an
external participant. The unfilled Event marker is
allocated to the throw message.

Timer Event

Escalation Event

Compensation Event

Conditional Event

Link Event

Indicates a delay within the Process. This type of

Event can be used within the sequential flow
indicating a waiting time between activities.
The Event indicates an escalation through the
Process.

Enables the handling of compensations. When used

within the sequential flow of a Process they indicate
that compensation is necessary.
This Event is triggered when a condition becomes
true.

This Event is used to connect two sections of the

Process.
Link Events can be used to create looping situations
or to avoid long Sequence Flow lines.
If there are two link events on a process (one catch
and one throw) the Modeler will understand they are
linked together. If there is one catch and two throw,
the Modeler will understand both throws are received
by the catch. If there are several catch and throw
events the name of the 'pairs' must match for the
Modeler to understand which throw belongs to which
catch.

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These Events are used to send or receive signals

within or across the Process. A signal is similar to a
signal flare that is shot into the sky for anyone who
might be interested to notice and then react.
Signal Event
If the Event is used to catch the signal, the signal
Event marker will be filled. Alternatively, the unfilled
Event marker is allocated to the throw message.
This means that there are multiple triggers assigned
to the Event.

Multiple Event

Parallel multiple
Event

When used to catch the trigger, only one of the

assigned triggers is required and the Event marker
will be unfilled.

This means that there are multiple triggers assigned

to the Event. Unlike the normal Multiple Intermediate
Event, ALL of the assigned triggers are required for
the Event to be triggered.

Intermediate Events Attached to an Activity Boundary

ELEMENT

DESCRIPTION

NOTATION

If a message Event is attached to the boundary of an

activity, it will change the normal flow into an
exception flow when a message is received.
Message Event

If the Event interrupts the activity to which it is

attached, the boundary of the Event is solid, if not it is
dashed.

If a Timer Event is attached to the boundary of an

activity, it will change the normal flow into an
exception flow when a cycle time is completed or a
specific time-date is reached.
Timer Event

If the Event interrupts the Activity to which it is

attached, the boundary of the Event is solid, if not it is
dashed.

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If attached to the boundary of an Activity, the

Intermediate Event catches an Escalation.

Escalation Event

If the Event interrupts the Activity to which it is

attached, the boundary of the Event is solid, if not it is
dashed.

A catch Intermediate Error Event can only be

attached to the boundary of an Activity.
Error Event

It reacts to (catches) a named Error, or to any Error if

a name is not specified.
An Error Event always interrupts the Activity to which
it is attached, i.e., there is not a non-interrupting
version of this Event. Thus the boundary of the Event
is always solid.
This Event is used within a Transaction Sub-Process
and must be attached to the boundary of one.

Cancel Event

It shall be triggered if a Cancel End Event is reached

within the Transaction Sub-Process. It also shall be
triggered if a Transaction Protocol Cancel Message
has been received while the transaction is being
performed.
A Cancel Event always interrupts the Activity to which
it is attached, i.e., there is not a non-interrupting
version of this Event. Thus the boundary of the Event
is always solid.
When attached to the boundary of an Activity, this
Event is used to catch the Compensation Event.
When it occurs, the compensation activity will be
performed.

Compensation Event
Interrupting a non-interrupting aspect of other Events
does not apply in the case of a Compensation Event,
thus the boundary of the Event is always solid.
If a Conditional Event is attached to the boundary of
an Activity, it will change the normal flow into an
exception flow when a business condition is fulfilled.
Conditional Event
If the Event interrupts the Activity to which it is
attached, the boundary of the Event is solid, if not it is
dashed.
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If a Signal Event is attached to the boundary of an

Activity, it will change the normal flow into an
exception flow when a signal is received.
Signal Event

If the Event interrupts the Activity to which it is

attached, the boundary of the Event is solid, if not it is
dashed.

When attached to the boundary of an Activity, it will

change the normal flow into an exception flow when
one of the assigned triggers is caught.
Multiple Event

Parallel multiple
Event

If the Event interrupts the Activity to which it is

attached, the boundary of the Event is solid, if not it is
dashed.

Unlike the Multiple Event, when attached to the

boundary of an Activity, it will change the normal flow
into an exception flow when ALL of the assigned
triggers are caught.
If the Event interrupts the Activity to which it is
attached, the boundary of the Event is solid, if not it is
dashed.

End Events
ELEMENT

DESCRIPTION

NOTATION

Indicates when the Process ends.

End Event

Message End

Indicates that a message is sent when the flow has

ended.

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Escalation End

Error End

Cancel End

Compensation End

Signal End

Multiple End

Indicates that an Escalation is necessary when the

flow ends.

Indicates that a named Error should be generated. All

currently active threads of the Process are
terminated. The Error will be caught by a Catch Error
Intermediate Event.
Is used within a Transaction Sub-Process. It indicates
that the Transaction should be canceled and an
alternative flow can be performed.
Handles compensations. If an activity is identified,
and it was successfully completed, the activity will be
compensated.
Indicates that a signal is sent when the flow has
ended.

This means that there are multiple consequences of

ending the flow. All of them will occur.

Ends the Process and all its activities immediately.

Terminate End

Gateways
Gateways are used to control the divergence and convergence of sequence flows. They determine
ramifications, bifurcations, combinations and merges in the Process. The term Gateway implies that
there is a gating mechanism that either allows or disallows passage through the Gateway.
ELEMENT

DESCRIPTION

NOTATION

As Divergence: It is used to create alternative paths

within the Process, but only one is chosen.
Exclusive Gateway

Event Based
Gateway

As Convergence: It is used to merge alternative

paths.
Represents a branching point in the Process where
the alternative paths that follow the Gateway are
based on Events that occur.
When the first Event is triggered, the path that follows
that Event will be used. All the remaining paths will

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50

no longer be valid.

Exclusive Event
Based Gateway

Parallel Event Based

Gateway

Is a variation of the Event based gateway and it is

only used to instantiate Processes. One of the
Events of the Gateway configuration must be
triggered in order to create a Process instance. It
must have NO incoming transitions.
Unlike the the exclusive Event based Gateway, ALL
the Events of the Gateway configuration must be
triggered in order to create a Process instance. It
must have NO incoming transitions.
As Divergence: is used to create alternative paths
without checking any conditions.

Parallel Gateway

As Convergence: is used to merge alternative paths,

the gateways waits for all incoming flows before it
continues.
As Divergence: is used to control complex decision
points in the Process. It creates alternative paths
within the Process using expressions.

Complex Gateway

Inclusive Gateway

As Convergence: Allow continuing to the next point of

the Process when a business condition becomes
true.
As Divergence: represents a branching point where
alternatives are based on conditional expressions.
The TRUE evaluation of one condition does not
exclude the evaluation of the other conditions. All
evaluations of a TRUE condition will be traversed by a
token.
As Convergence: is used to merge a combination of
alternative and parallel paths.

Data

ELEMENT

Data Objects

DESCRIPTION

NOTATION

Provides information about how documents, data and

other objects are used and updated during the
Process.

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Data Store

Provides a mechanism for activities to retrieve or

update stored information that will exist beyond the
scope of the Process.

Artifacts
Please click for further information about Artifacts
ELEMENT

DESCRIPTION

Group

Is an Artifact that provides a visual mechanism to

group elements of a diagram informally.

Annotation

Is a mechanism for a modeler to provide additional

information for the reader of a BPMN Diagram.

Image

Enables an image stored on your computer to be

inserted into the diagram.

Header

Displays the diagram properties (author, version,

description), and it is updated automatically with the
information contained in those properties.
To edit its information, it is only needed to edit the
diagram's properties.

Formatted Text

Custom Artifacts

NOTATION

This Artifact enables rich text to be inserted into the

diagram to provide additional information.
Helps to define and use your own Artifacts. Artifacts
provide the capability of showing additional
information about the Process that is not directly
related to the flow.

Swimlanes

ELEMENT

DESCRIPTION

NOTATION

A Pool is a container of a single Process (contains

the sequence flows between activities).
Pool

Lane

A Process is fully contained within the Pool. There is

always at least one Pool.
Is a sub-partition within the Process. Lanes are used
to differentiate elements as internal roles, position,
department, etc. They represent functional areas that
may be responsible for tasks.

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Milestone

Is a sub-partition within the Process. It can indicate

different stages during the Process.

Connectors

ELEMENT

Sequence Flow

Association

Message Flow

DESCRIPTION

NOTATION

A Sequence Flow is used to show the order that

Activities will be performed in the Process.

Its used to associate information and Artifacts with

Flow Objects. It also shows the activities used to
compensate for an activity.

Is used to show the flow of messages between two

entities that are prepared to send and receive them.

The following is a table that reflects all the possible connections using Message flow. The arrow pointing
upwards shows what CAN be connected. Anything else outside the table should not be connected using
a Message flow.

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Element properties
Element Properties are used to document the process. Each element has its own properties and
depending on the type of element, tabs are displayed with additional information and functionality.
The four available tabs are:
Basic: contains the basic information including the name, description and important BPMN
information.
Extended: creates as many elements as required to provide all necessary information to provide for
comprehensive documentation. For further information, refer to Extended Attributes
Advanced: applies specific BPMN attributes to each shape.
Presentation Action: defines what will be displayed in Presentation Mode. For further information refer
to Presentation Actions

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View options
On the bottom right corner of Bizagi Modeler are view options that help you to navigate through your
process as is shown in the image below.
This menu can be also found on the View tab of the Ribbon.

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Zoom 100%
Zooms the model to normal size (100%).

Fit diagram
Zooms the page so the entire diagram fits in the window.

Zoom to selection
Zooms the page so the selected elements fit the window

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Pan
Shows the pan window which can be used to navigate through the diagram.

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Presentation mode and Presentation actions

Bizagi allows you to demonstrate your models through the Presentation Mode where a full display view,
in read-only mode is used, similar to the Full screen view in Microsoft products.
In Presentation Mode you can access the main characteristics of your processes, all the documentation
you have included and also add Presentation Actions.
Presentation actions are on-click behaviors that can be defined for each diagram element. Behaviors are
additional information that you can add to each element in order to make the process presentation more
complete, for example you can open a URL, a file, an image or display text.

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Presentation Mode and Presentation Actions example

To illustrate the Presentation mode and actions, our example prresumes that we have finished our
Purchase Request Process and now have to present it to the Purchase Department Manager.
Apart from showing him the process flow and its content we also wish to show the following items in the
presentation:
An associated image of a Purchase Request creation
The Policies for requesting and evaluating quotations
The text contained in the Rejection notification by clicking on the Notify Rejection element.
The following steps illustrate how we created of Presentation actions and the Presentation Actions
Mode.

Include Presentation Actions

1. We need to activate the presentation actions in order to have them displayed in the Presentation
Mode.
On the Home tab, in the Show/Hide group,we select the Presentation Actions checkbox.

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2. To include Presentation actions, we need to select the required diagram element.

We right-click on the Create Purchase Request activity and select Properties from the dislay menu.

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3. On the Presentation Action tab we select Open an image from On Click drop-down list.

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4. We click the icon located on the right hand side and upload the Create Purchase Request image.

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5. Thereafter we follow the same steps to add the Policies file on the Quotations diagram element. But
instead of selecting O pen im age, we select O pen a file.

6. Finally, we add a Show text action for the last item. For this action we type the text needed to be
displayed.

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Use Presentation Mode

1. We then click the Presentation Mode button located in the bottom right hand corner of the screen.

Presentation Mode opens a new window, where all processes are read-only. We can browse through all
the documentation including the presentation actions.

2. The presentation actions included are displayed as small icons on the side of the element.
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Click on an element to display the associated action.

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The Pie Menu

Bizagi Modeler has a drag-and-drop feature that allows you to easily diagram your processes.
The Pie Menu will display as soon as you click on a diagram element that is already in the Process.
Click on the element and drag it to the desired position.
You can drag a shape from the Pie Menu and drop it to another figure already included in the diagram, to
create a connection between the two. You can choose any figure from the Pie Menu and drag it, not
necessarily the one you are going to connect to; they are just an aid.
If the figure with which you want to connect is highlighted, then it means that you can connect both of
them. If it doesn't highlight it is because the BPMN standard does not allow the connection between the
two selected shapes (i.e. between two signals).

For further information refer to Creating a process

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Part III
Modeling a Process

Modeling a Process
Modeling a Process is an iterative and straightforward task to represent business conditions in a flow
diagram, using symbols and shapes.

Creating a process
You can find the contents of this article in the video: Creating a Process
To explain how you can easily diagram your processes, we will use a Purchase Request Process.
The following are the steps to be carried out in the Process:
A Purchase Request is created
The employee's Immediate Supervisor (Boss) approves, rejects or changes the request
Quotations are obtained in order to select a Supplier
A Purchase Order is created
The Administrative Manager approves, rejects or modifies the Order
The Purchase Order is sent to the Supplier
The Purchase Order is created in the ERP
As soon as you open the Modeler a Pool will be ready for you to start diagramming.
1. Name your pool. It is usually the name of the process you are about to diagram.
To change the name of the Pool double-click on it, press F2, or right-click on it, and then select Edit text
from the display menu.

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2. Add a Lane to include participants in your process.

Drag and drop a lane, for each participant, from the Palette.
In our example, we will select three lanes: One for the Immediate Supervisor (Boss), one for the
Requester and one for the Purchase Department.

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3. Include a start point in your process.

Drag and drop a S tart event from the Palette

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4. Continue diagramming your process using the Pie Menu. Select the next element and drag and drop
where you wish to locate it.

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5. In order to connect two diagram elements in a sequence flow, select an object from the Pie Menu and
drag it to the second diagram element. They will automatically connected.

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6. Continue selecting the required shapes until your diagram is complete.

7. To resize the pool, select and drag the appropriate corner of the border.
The following image displays the basic diagram of the Purchase Request process.
This first exercise is meant to show you how to diagram with the drag-and-drop functionality. However, to
better describe the process and meet the required standard, some diagram elements need to be
changed. Please refer to the section Editing a process to continue with this exercise.

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Video example: Creating a process

This video shows how to create a process in Bizagi Modeler

Editing a process
Once you have diagrammed your process, you may need to change diagram elements, add additional
connections or add more elements to improve and complete it.
We will continue using the Purchase Request Process example, mentioned in the previous section, to
show you how to make these changes easily.

Mov ing elements

If you need to move a diagram element from one place to another click on it and drag it to the new
position.

Deleting elements
If you need to delete a diagram element click on it and press the Delete button.

Change/ Transform elements

The following image shows the initial Purchase Request process we designed. However, we need to
make some adjustments.
Change the Notification Tasks to Script Tasks, since they are emails automatically sent based on a
decision by the Immediate Supervisor (Boss).
The Quotation Task is actually a Sub-process where several activities take place in order to be able to
select a supplier.
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The Purchase order Task is also a Sub-process where the Purchase Order is sent to the Supplier and
created in the ERP system.

Bizagi Modeler allows you to change elements within the same category. You do not need to introduce
another element to the Process, but merely change the existing element.
1. To change the Notification Task to a Script Task, right-click on the diagram element and select Task
Type from the display menu.
Choose the appropriate Task type from the drop-down list, note that once you change the task type you
w ill lose any information, entered into ex tended attributes, that has not been shared. You will
only receive a warning message if you select the Warn element type changes checkbox (located in the
Show/ Hide group under the View tab).

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2. Follow the same procedure for the other two Notifications Tasks. The following image shows your
progress up to this point.

3. To transform the Quotations Task to a Sub-process, right-click on the Task and select Transform to
sub process from the display menu. Do the same for the Purchase Order Task.

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When you change an element type, any extended attributes information entered will be lost if it hasn't
been shared.
To avoid this, select the Warn element type changes to be alerted before changing an element to a
different type, as shown in the image below.
Please click for further information about sharing extended attributes

Adding elements
If you need to include a new element, keep in mind you may at anytime use: either the pie menu, or the
Palette elements found at the left hand.

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In case you want to include a new element in between of 2 existing ones (which are already connected),
Bizagi will provide an option for modeling agility so that just include the new element and avoid the need
to add further connectors or to delete existing ones.
1. To include a new element between 2 existing ones, drag it from the Palette and into the connector
itself.
Note that the connector will highlight to indicate where the new element can be dropped for Bizagi to
attach it automatically.

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2. Finally, name your element.

Notice that it will be automatically connected, and it will also create the additional connector to the other
element.

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Adding Milestones
Milestones are Sub-partitions of a Process used as reference points. They help the readers understand
the different stages that make up the Process.
We will include three Milestones to determine the state of each activity within the Process.
1. To include a Milestone drag it from the Palette and place it in the Process. Drag and drop two more
Milestones.

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2. Drag and drop the diagram elements that belong to the Milestone.

3. Finally rename each Milestone by clicking on it, pressing the F2 key, and entering a name.

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Sub-processes
A sub-process is a compound activity that is included within a process. Compound means that it can be
broken down into lower levels, that is each level includes shapes and elements within it.
In the previous section we defined a task called Quotations, if you have not already created it as a subprocess (as we now realize that this task contains many activities) we need to transform the diagram
element and define the sub-process flow.
1. To transform the Task, (in this case Quotations), to a sub-process element, right-click on it and
select Trans form to s ub -proc es s from the display menu.

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2. Once the Task has been converted to a sub-process it is necessary to define its related diagram.
Right-click on the sub process element and select the E dit s ub proc es s from the display menu.

3. This will automatically open a new diagram page to include the sub process information.
On this page you can diagram the associated sub-process, just the way we diagrammed the first
process. Just drag and drop the elements as needed and place them where appropriate.

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Change the sub-process type

BPMN defines several types of sub-process that respond to particular business needs. By default subprocesses are created as embedded but you can change the sub-process type anytime.
Once you have created a sub-process element in the diagram right-click on the element and select one
of the following options:
Is transaction
Is ad-hoc
Is Event sub-process
Sub process type -> Reusable sub process

Additionally you can define the Loop Type of your process from these three options:
None
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Multi-instance, the multi-instance attribute of sub processes allows the creation of a desired number of
activity instances.
Standard, this feature defines a looping behavior based on a boolean condition. The sub-process will
loop as long as the boolean condition is true.

For each loop type there are specific advanced options to configure the process's behavior.
Advanced properties are located in the Advanced tab from the shapes P roperties .

By default sub-processes are created as embedded. In BPMN this type of sub-processes have no
pools or lanes. Embedded sub-processes do not allow you to add any pools or lanes to ensure
conformity with the BPMN standard.
If you need to include pools and lanes you can use Reusable sub-processes that according to the
BPMN standard can include pools and lanes. These type of sub-processes are predefined activities.
That is, they are independent and thus are created individually. Then, they can be related to the subprocess shape. In BPMN this type of sub-process is called a "Call Activity", in Bizagi Modeler we call
them Reusable.

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Converting to reusable sub-process

You can convert a default sub-process to a Reusable Sub-process, or Call Activity (in BPMN).
1. Right-click on the Sub-process to convert, choose the Sub-process type option and then click on
Reusable process.

The diagram element's border will change to indicate it is now a reusable Sub-process.

If you have already diagrammed the Sub-process you will receive a message alerting to this fact. Click
the Yes button to convert it and keep all the lower level diagram elements.

Note: It is important to clarify that a reusable Sub-process calls a separately modeled process.
There are two different ways of creating a call to a reusable sub-process. The Edit Sub-process option
opens an empty diagram workspace and relates it to the shape. Alternatively, you can manually relate

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the shape to a predefined diagram.

Let us assume that the Quotations Sub-process is reusable and has not yet been diagrammed .
To create a call for the Sub-process not yet model (i.e., create the detail in a new diagram), use the Edit
Sub-process option by right-clicking the shape:

2. To reference an existing diagram (assuming Quotations detail was created in the previous step), relate
the diagram in the Sub-process properties.

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To do this, right-click on the Request Quotations reusable Sub-process element and select Properties
from the display menu.

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3. The Element Properties add-on window will display. On the Basic tab, in the Process drop-down list,
select the predefined created Diagram.

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Sub-process types

ELEMENT

Sub-process

Reusable Subprocess

DESCRIPTION
Is an activity whose internal details have been
modeled using activities, gateways, events and
sequence flows. The element has a thin border.

Identifies a point in the process where a pre-defined

process is used. A reusable sub process is called a
Call Activity in BPMN. The element has a thick
border.

Event Subprocess

A Sub-process is defined as an Event Sub-process

when it is triggered by an event. An Event SubProcess is not part of the normal flow of its parent
Processthere are no incoming or outgoing
Sequence Flows.

Transaction

Is a Sub-process whose behavior is controlled

through a transaction protocol. It includes the three
basic outcomes of a transaction: Successful
Completion, Failed Completion and Cancel
Intermediate Event.

Ad-Hoc subprocess

Is a group of activities that has no RE Q UIRE D

sequence relationships. A set of activities can be
defined, but the sequence and number of
performances for the activities is determined by the
resources of the activities.

Standard loop

NOTATION

Sub-processes may be repeated sequentially,

behaving like a loop. This feature defines a looping
behavior based on a boolean condition. The activity
will loop as long as the boolean condition is true.
Sub-processes may be repeated sequentially,
behaving like a loop. The Multi-instance Loop
iterates a predetermined number of times. The
iterations occur sequentially or in parallel
(simultaneously).

Multi-Instance
loop

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Improving look and feel

This article presents tips and tricks that will aid in improving the look and feel of your diagrams.

Diagramming and naming recommendations

It is important that Processes are uniformly described, for the sake of being more easily understood by
users.
Therefore, special care must be taken in the naming and layout of all diagram elements.
The following are best practice recommendations that will make processes more readable and organized.
All words should be capitalized to aid readability.
Always name Tasks using an infinitive verb, to denote an action being executed e.g.: Create request,
Authorize request, Deliver package.
Name Processes and Sub-processes indicating their main purpose.
Always attempt to lay out the Process model in a left to right direction, as it is an intuitive design
choice for left-to-right readers.
Name Sequence Flows that follow after a decision Gateway. For example, if a gateway is called
"Request authorized?" then the sequence flows are named "Yes" and "No" respectively.
Name non-decision Gateways as well. For example, a Process that contains three parallel Gateways
can be named "Parallel1", "Parallel2", "Parallel3" respectively. This will allow you to easily distinguish
one from another in generated documents.

Mov e and resize text

You can move and resize text in the following elements: Sequence Flows, Events, Sub-processes and
Gateways.
To move any of the mentioned text, select and drag-and-drop it where you desire.
To resize the text, select the text and drag the border of the frame.

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Reset text position

When the text of an element has been repositioned, you can revert it back to its original position by
selecting the Reset text position option on either the element, or the text itself.
In the following image the Changes required caption was moved too far away from the Sequence Flow it
references.
To revert to its original position, right-click the Sequence Flow and select Reset text position.

Note that this option is available at the text (caption) as well:

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Fit to text
In the course of modeling your diagrams, you may come across a situation where the element is much
bigger than the text within it and you need to make it fit the text. A similar situation may arise where the
horizontal space of the element is smaller than the text within it, causing the text outside the object
boundary to be cut off. You can manually drag one of the element's corners to size or make use of
Bizagi's Fit to text design shortcut.
To automatically resize the object to fit the text, use the Fit to text option.

Reset to original size

When the size of an element has been changed (either enlarged or shrunk), it can be reverted to its
original size by selecting the Reset size option on the element.
In the following image, the Notify Rejec tion element was enlarged.
To revert to its original size, right-click the element and select Reset size.

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Using the grid

We recommend always showing the grid to facilitate the alignment of elements.
If you select the A lign to G rid option, the Modeler will auto-align elements to the grid. Essentially, once
the element is dropped, it snaps to the nearest intersection of lines in the grid.
To utilize this option, in the Show/Hide group of the Home or View tab, check both the Show Grid and
Align to Grid boxes.

Aligning elements
Align all elements both vertically and horizontally, to present a structured layout of your Process.
Bizagi offers a functionality called Smart Align whereby the sequence flows will be automatically aligned
to each other. To utilize this functionality select Smart Align in the Show/Hide group on the View tab.
The following image shows the process w ithout Smart Align selected.

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The following image shows the process w ith Smart Align selected.

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Rather than align all Sequence Flows of a diagram, you can also align selected diagram elements to
each other.
Click each elements for alignment while holding down the Shift key. In the Layout group of the Format
tab, click Align Horizontal or Align Vertical according to your design requirement.

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Connecting sequence flows

To connect a Sequence Flow, drag the red circle (which coincidentally is the arrow head) onto the
diagram element you want to connect to.
Hover the pointer over the element until the green circle appears indicating that it will connect correctly.

Colors, sizes and shading

Bizagi allows you to customize the appearance of your diagrams.
You can modify the text formatting of elements such as size, color and type of fonts. In addition shading
can be added to elements including Pools.
You may choose to predefine default settings for the font style, font size and shape colors, or directly
customize these visual options in each diagram.

The maximum space to model processes with Bizagi Modeler is calculated as follows:
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Width by Height must not be over 36.000 pixels.

The maximum width size is 10.000 pixels.

Set default settings

To define the font and color options you want to use by default (for new elements), go to the Main
Options found in the File Tab.

Set default Font and Font size

In the File Tab, select Options.
In the BPMN element options section of the new window, select the default font face and size from the
drop-down lists.

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Click Ok to save the settings and return to the diagram.

Element captions created from this point onwards will use the default font and size.

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Note that you may also restore this setting to Bizagi's default text style and size (Segoe UI, size 8) by
clicking on the Restore option.

Set default size for elements

In the File Tab, select Options.
In the new window, click Configure default sizes.

To alter the size of an element, you can either do so with the mouse (drag one of the element's corners
to size), or directly enter the pixels dimensions in the Width and Height fields at the bottom left of the
screen.

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Click Ok to return to the diagram.

Elements, from this point onwards, will be created with the default size
The default setting will apply to both the Palette and Pie Menu components.

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Restore to defaults
To restore the altered font size (revert to Bizagi Modeler's default, namely Segoe UI, size 8), use the
Restore option in the Options window.

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Similarly, to restore the element's size to Bizagi Modeler's default, use Restore all to default values
option.

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Customize existing diagrams

To customize a diagram, select the desired format in the Formatting group of the Home or Format tab.

Text formatting
Select the diagram element, then choose the desired format from the Formatting group. The examples
below show how to change the font style, italicize text and make the text bold.
To change the font face, click the arrow next to the Font combobox, then select the style from the dropdown list. Click the Italic or Underline icon to italicize and bold text respectively.

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To change the font color, expand the Font Color drop-down list and select the color of your choice. For
alignment, expand the Align drop-down list and select from Left, Center or Right align.

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Shading of elements
It is possible to change the background color of your diagram, as well as for all elements (this includes
shapes, connectors, Pools, Lanes, or Milestones).
To do this, select the element you wish to customize.
Click the arrow next to Shading to select the Change option. Expand the Change drop-down and select
the appropriate color from the background color palette.

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Bizagi uses gradient fill by default for these background colors, however you may alter this setting.
For more information about disabling the gradient fill, refer to the sections below.

Restore to default settings

To clear all formatting and revert to the default style, select the diagram you want to restore and click on
the Clear Formatting icon.

Click on the arrow next to Shading and select the Restore option to revert to the original color.

Disabling Gradient-fill
To disable gradient fill in element colors, go to the View tab and locate the Show group.
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In this group, you may disable or enable the Gradient option so that the color of the elements (i.e,
Gateways, Tasks, Events and Sub-processes) are not shown/published/printed with a gradient fill.

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Disabling Shadows
To disable shadows-styled elements, go to the View tab and locate the Show group.
Under this group, you may disable or enable the Shadows option so that elements such as Gateways,
Tasks, Events and Sub-processes do not show/publish/print the drop shadows.

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Printing large diagrams

You can print large diagrams by customizing the print settings of the diagram. You can set the paper
size, scales, margins, number of pages, among other things.
To illustrate how to print large diagrams we will use the Personal Loans Request process that you can
find in our free Process Central. This is a complex process where the length makes it a perfect example
for using customized print settings.

It is necessary to change the Printing default settings by following the steps described below.
1. On the File tab, in the Print option, select Print Preview.
Alternatively you can use the Ctrl+p shortcut.

The diagram is displayed over several pages. Thus the default settings are not suitable for immediate
printing.

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2. In the Page Setup group, click the arrow below Size and select the desired size option. Choose the
paper size, which you will use to print the diagram on, from the list of available sizes.

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3. In the Page Setup group, click the arrow below Orientation and select either Portrait (vertical) or
Landscape (horizontal).
In this case, since the diagram is long but not too wide we opt for the landscape orientation.

4. On the Page Setup tab, click the arrow below Margins and select the desired Margin from the dropdown list. We select Narrow margins, in this case, to give the process as much space in each sheet as
possible. You may choose your own customized margins.

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5. On the Page Setup tab, click the arrow below Scale and change the diagram scale. The top option
sets a percentage of the normal size of the diagram. Choose the percentage that best fits your diagram.
At the bottom, select the number of pages to fit your diagram on.

As you change the print settings, the diagram will be adjusted and the print preview displayed.

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Part IV
Documenting a process

Documenting a process
Bizagi Modeler allows you to document in addition to modeling your processes. You can include
information at process level as well as detailed information at an element (element) level in your diagram.
We recommend the inclusion of all relevant information to make the document readable and easily
understood.
Once your process diagram and documentation is complete, you can publish the documentation in your
preferred format.
For further information please refer to Publish or Export process documentation.

Documenting each element

Document at process level
The information included at process level describes the overall process.
By default you can include the following information: Name of the process, description, the version and
the author.
Right-click outside of the boundaries of the pool and select Diagram Properties.
This will enable the Diagram properties add-on window at the bottom of the screen, where you can
include the relevant information.

We recommend to include extended information such as the scope, goal, process owner, important
definitions and any annex. To learn how to include additional information please refer to Extending your
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documentation.
Such information may be included with rich-text formatting.
To learn more about this option, refer to Using rich-text formatting.

Document activities and elements

The information included in each element gives you the possibility to enter detailed information about
each step of your flow.
By default you can include the Name of the element and a complete description. In Activities you can
also include Resources.

1. Right-click on the element you wish to document and select Properties from the display menu.

2. This will enable the Element properties add-on window at the bottom of the screen, where you can
include the relevant information.

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Insert all relevant information focusing on being as clear, thorough and informative as possible. This is
essential to ensure the document is readable and the process easily understood for successful
execution.
We also advise to include the supplementary information for Activities and Intermediate Events, such as
duration, business rules that resources must comply with and any documentation or forms that are
used.
If you are automating your process we recommend to include the forms that will be displayed to
performers.
To learn how to include additional information please refer to Extending your documentation.
To learn more about process automation please refer to Process Execution.

Using Rich Text Format

While documenting your processes, you may use rich format for the entered text in both descriptions
and extended documentation.
This is, the possibility of having your texts use different font colors, color shading, and styles such as:
bold, italic, underlined, as well as other formatting possibilities such as: indentation and bullets, use of
tables, links and images, amongst others.
This applies for the information contained in descriptions and extended attributes such as Textareas and
Textboxes.

Rich format in descriptions

To define rich text formatting for your elements descriptions, use the Expand icon located at the right
hand.

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This option will open an edition-mode window, in which you may make full use of the rich formatting
options:

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Rich format in extended documentation

To define rich text formatting for your detail in extended attributes (Textareas, Textboxes), use the
Expand icon.
This icon appears right above the information, when hovering over the extended attribute name.

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When clicking on this option, Bizagi will show an edition-mode window, in which you may make full use
of the rich formatting options:

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Rich formatting
You may include rich text format to your documentation using the following options:
TAB / GROUP
Home / Clipboard
Home / Font
Home / Paragraph
Home / Editing
Insert / Illustrations
Insert / Links

DESCRIPTION
Handle content by using standard clipboard possibilities: Copy, Cut, Paste
and Paste special
Modify: fonts, font size, emphasis (bold, italic,underlined, strikethrough, etc)
and other formatting options such as upper or lower case, and shading color.
Define: alignment, indentation, bullets and numbering, spacing and color fill
options.
Use: Find and replace options to quickly locate your texts.
Include pictures.
Include hyperlinks to Web pages, or to other places in the content.

Insert / Symbol

Include symbols from the standard set of characters.

Tables / Table

Allows: creating a table with the desired number of rows and columns, giving
quick format, borders and shading to the table, and its rows and columns.

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Tables / Rows and

columns
Tables / Merge
Tables / Cell size
Tables / Alignment

Handle table modifications by inserting or deleting rows and columns.

Quickly use powerful options to merge or split cells, or split a table into two of
them.
Define the cell size and property for specific cells.
Define alignment and margins involved in cells.

Information with rich text format is published in the generated PDF or Word document:

Information with rich text format published in Web:

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Information with rich text format shown in Presentation mode:

For more information about the generated Web, PDF or Word, and Web documentation, refer to
Generating Documentation.

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Spelling review
Bizagi offers a proofing option to check for spelling mistakes while documenting the processes.
To use this feature, ensure that the checkbox Spelling mistakes at the View tab is enabled, then locate
the Spelling option in the ribbon, at the Home tab.
You may choose a predefined language to be used as the default spelling dictionary directly from its
drop-down options:

Available language dictionaries are:

German (Germany)
English (UK)
English (USA)
Spanish (Spain)
French (France)
Italian (Italy)
Dutch (Nederlands).
Portuguese (Brazil)
Russian (Russia)

To launch the spelling review, click directly on the Spelling option

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Proofing options are described in the table below.

SPELLING REVIEW OPTION

DESCRIPTION

Ignore

Ignores the current word and continues proofing the rest of the
information.

Add to Dictionary

Adds the current word as a valid word to the given Dictionary. In

this way, the spelling review will not prompt again to correct
these entries.

Reset Dictionary

Resets the Dictionary (deletes added entries).

Change

Changes the current word for the chosen suggestion.

Change All

Changes all occurrences of the current word for the chosen

suggestion.

Defining Gateway conditions

Gateways represent a branching point in the Process, from which more than one path will be possible

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(divergence).
When alternative paths are available from a Gateways (especially for Exclusive or Inclusive types),
documentation is included as conditional expressions for each decision branch representing a path.
In Bizagi, you may define the condition for the path either in the Gateway itself, or in each of its decision
branches (or sequence flow).

Defining conditions in the gateway

To define the conditions to be met for the given path, open the Gateway properties and locate the
Advanced tab.
For each of the outbound paths at the Gateway (i.e, .each decision branch), you will find a corresponding
row in the Gates table, identified by the branch name (caption).
You may either define a conditional expression for the selected path, or designate it as the Default path.

Note the visual representation of a default path is a small oblique line crossing the decision branch.

Defining conditions for each sequence flow

To define the conditions which must be met for each path in a Gateway, right-click on the sequence flow
representing the path.

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In the options displayed you may easily set that this sequence flow is to be taken as the default path by
clicking on Is Default (marking this property)
The Edit condition option provides quick access to the expression editor to create a condition for this
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path.

Defining Resources
A Resource is a Business Entity (e.g. a company, company division, a customer) or a Business Role
(e.g. a buyer, a seller, a credit analyst), which controls or is responsible for a business process or a
business activity.
Resources are part of the basic Element properties provided by default. In each shape they are identified
as P erform ers , since they are the ones taht actually perform the task. They can be defined for the whole
Pool and for each Activity (Task or Sub-process).

To define, edit or remove Process Performers click on the Performers icon located on the Home tab.
This will display the Performers pop-up window.

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Click the Add button to create a new Resource.

Click the Edit button to edit.
Click the Delete button to delete.

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Enter the name, description and type (Role or Entity) of the Resource.

Once a Resource has been created, you will be able to select it on any activity.

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Extending your documentation

With Bizagi Modeler you can extend your documentation to include any type of information that you find
relevant for your processes, through ex tended attributes.
Extended attributes are used to customize your documentation by adding to the basic attributes which is
the default option.

You can include extended attributes in each element of the process.

Once you have created an extended attribute, it will be available for all elements of the same type.

Include Extended Attributes

In order to better explain how you can easily include extended attributes, we will add a Duration attribute
to all Tasks in our Purchase Request process.
As Duration is an integer numeric data type, we will use a Number attribute.
1. Select and right-click on the Task where you want to create the extended attribute, then select
Properties from the display menu.
Select the Extended Attributes tab on the Element properties in the newly displayed add-on window.

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2. Click the Add New Extended Attribute link. Provide a name and description, then select Number as
the attribute's Type.

3. Some types have special information that you can add. For Number-type extended attributes you can
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add a valid range. In this case we define a duration range of 0 to 500 minutes.
Notice this is the creation of the Extended Attribute only. We have defined a name, its description and a
range. Now, we are able to enter the Duration for each Task.

Use Extended Attributes

Once you have created one Extended Attribute it will be available for all the elements of the same type in
the Model.
On the Extended tab of the Element properties add-on window, enter the information for each element of
the same type as shown in the image below.

Extended Attributes type

Bizagi offers a wide variety of Extended Attribute types. Select and create as many attributes as required
from the following list:
Tex t Area: stores approximately 32,000 characters, and is used to display long texts with line
breaks.
Tex t Box : stores approximately 32,000 characters, and is used to display short texts, without line
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breaks.
Number: stores numbers.
You must define a minimum and maximum range.
Date: stores dates.
Image: stores images with the following extensions: JPG, bmp, PNG and GIF
Single Selection Options (Combo): allows you to define several options to choose from, but only
allows selection of one entry from the drop-down list.
You must define the desired options for selection.
Single Selection Options (Radio): allows you to define several options to choose from, but you can
only check one radio button at any one time.
You must define the desired options for selection.
Multiple Selection Options: allows you to define several options to choose from, and allows
selection of one or more of the check boxes displayed.
You must define the desired options for selection.
Embedded File: allows the modeler to attach a file to be available within the Model. The file is copied
to the model's folder.
When published this file type and the Linked file will be displayed in the same way.
Linked File: allows you to include a link or path to a file. The model stores a link to the file, not the
file itself.
When including this extended attribute the user must select check/uncheck for the option Relative
path.
Relative path option allows you to include your link either as a relative or absolute path.

Relative paths change depending upon what page the links are located on.
For example, if the file is stored in your computer you would share: C:\MyDesktop\PurchaseRequest
\FileUplodadedInThisExample
If you check on Relative path, then the url will be stored as: PurchaseRequest
\FileUplodadedInThisExample.
This way you can share your folder and the file can be opened anywhere.
An ab s olute path refers to a fixed location including the domain name. You typically use absolute
paths to linked to elements that have a fixed reference location no matter by which means you access
them.
We recommend absolute paths (Relative Path not checked) when the files are on your network.
For example: \\Mynetwork\SharedModels\PurchaseRequest\FileUplodadedInThisExample
URL: stores a URL to link an internet resource.
Table: allows you to build a table, including any of the attributes mentioned above.
Click here for an example of a Table Extended Attribute

Example: Add a Table Extended Attribute

We are going to include an Extended Attribute where we can document the Performers of each task,
subject to certain conditions.

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The performers of the Purchase Request Process are allocated according to purchase amount. This
means that given a certain amount, the purchase will have to be approved and managed differently.
For example the process is different when buying 50 computers to that of purchasing some office
supplies like paper, pens and pencils.
To document this we will use a Table extended attribute where we can define the description of the
performer (name) and a column that will define the amount.
1. Right-click on any Task, select Properties from the display menu and select the Extended Attributes
tab.
Click on the Add New Extended Attribute link.
2. Enter a name and description and select Table as the type

3. Include the columns of the table for the extended attribute.

For this example we will need two columns: the position of the performer and a description.

To add a column use the

button.

On the right side of the window enter the name of the column, give a description and select the type.
Since the first column of the table is the name of the performer, we have to define the type of the attribute
as a text box.

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4. The second column is the condition to be evaluated, which is the amount of the purchase.
We are going to consider only three options:
Under 1,000 dollars
Between 1,001 and 5,000 dollars
Above 5,001 dollars
Thus this attribute can be defined as a S ingle S elec tion O ption (combo) , this way the Modeler will allow
you to choose from one of the above options.

Create the new attribute by clicking on the Add

button and select the Single Option (Combo) type.

5. Add the multiple conditions for the modeler to choose from, then click the OK button.
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Once you have created this attribute it w ill be available for all the elements of the same type in
the Model.
Click the Add button located on the bottom of the Element properties window to add records to the task.

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Managing Extended Attributes

You can edit, remove or change the position of your Extended Attributes.
To manage Extended Attributes, select it in the Performers list. A menu will be displayed on the right.

The Edit button allows you to change the type, name and description of your attribute.
The Remove button deletes the attribute. Note, once deleted you can not undo the action.
The Up and Down buttons change the position of the attribute. This defines the order in which they are
generated in your documentation.
The Share button allows you to share the attributes with elements that have different shapes.

Sharing Extended Attributes between elements

Once you have created an Extended Attribute it will be available for all the elements of the same type in
the Model.
It is very common to need an Extended Attribute on several elements of different types.
You can share Attributes following the instructions below.
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1. Select the diagram element, where the Extended Attribute was previously created, to open its
properties, and select the Extended tab.
Click on the name of the Attribute that you want to share, and click on the share button

2. Select the structures, among which, you wish to share the Extended Attribute with. In this case we
will share the Performers attribute with the Lane, Manual Task and User Task. After selection, click the
OK button.

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Exporting and Importing Attributes between Models

It is possible to share the Extended Attributes that you created in one model and use then in other
models. This allows you to maintain a uniform standard in your documented processes by always
utilizing the information in the same manner.
To do this you will need to export a file from Bizagi Modeler to a chosen folder, where the extended
attributes will be saved. Then import the file to the model where you want those attributes to be used.

Export Extended Attributes

In the Model where you have defined and created the Extended Attributes you want to reuse, on the
Export/Import tab, in the Export group, select Export Attributes.

Specify the folder where the file will be saved. This folder must have have read and write permissions.
Give your file a valid name and click the Save button.

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Import Extended Attributes

Once you have saved the Extended Attributes in a file, you can import it to any Model.
On the Export/Import tab, in the Import group, select Export Attributes.

Select the newly created Extended Attributes file. A message will display that you need to read
carefully.
If you have some Extended Attributes in the Model into where you are importing, and YOU DON'T WANT
TO OVERWRITE THEM, then click the YES button. Doing so will append the imported Extended
Attributes to the existing Extended Attributes. If you click the NO button, ALL YOUR PREVIOUS
EXTENDED ATTRIBUTES WILL BE REPLACED.

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Video example: Documenting your process

This video shows how to document your processes with Bizagi Modeler

Using Artifacts
Artifacts provide modelers with the capability of showing additional information about the process that is
not directly related to the flow.
Artifacts are found in the Palette. There are five types provided by default, and a user-defined Custom
Artifact.

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ELEMENT

DESCRIPTION

Group

An artifact that provides a visual mechanism to group elements of a

diagram informally. The Group can be used for documentation or
analysis purposes, without impacting process flow.

Annotation

Is a mechanism for a modeler to provide additional information for the

reader of a BPMN Diagram.
To include line breaks in the text use CTRL+ENTER

Image

Enables images stored on your computer to be inserted in the

diagram.

Header

Shows the diagrams properties.

Formatted Text

NOTATION

This artifact enables you to insert a rich text area into the diagram to
provide additional information.

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Custom Artifact

A user defined artifact. Artifacts provide the capability of showing

additional information about the process that is not directly related to
the flow.

To include an Artifact select it from the Palette and drag and drop it onto the diagram.
To connect an artifact with an element use the Association Connector.

Some artifacts can be placed on the diagrams using the Pie Menu as shown in the image below.
Click on the element, select the Artifact and then drag and drop it appropriately.

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Custom Artifacts
You can create your own Artifacts using the Custom Artifact

button found in the Palette.

You can attached any stored image onto a Custom Artifact. Browse and select the desired image and
name it. Click the OK button .

Your newly created Custom Artifact will now display in the Custom Artifact group on the Palette.
To include your new Artifact in the diagram, drag and drop the Custom Artifact from the Palette.

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Manage Custom Artifacts

To add, edit or delete Custom Artifacts select Custom Artifacts, located in the Tools group on the Tools
tab.

A new window containing all Custom Artifacts will display for the current Model.
The command buttons located at the bottom of the screen will allow you to manage your Artifacts. The
command buttons are New, Edit, Delete, Export and Import.

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Exporting and Importing Artifacts between Models

You can share the Custom Artifacts you have created to use them in other models. First you need to
export a file (.bca file extension) to a folder of your choice. Thereafter import the file to the model where
you wish to use the artifacts.

Export Custom Artifacts

In the Model where you have created the Custom Artifact, select Custom Artifacts, located in the Tools
group on the Tools tab.

Select the Artifact that you wish to share and click the Export button

Choose the a folder where the file is to reside, name your file and click the Save button.
export folder has read and write permissions.

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Import Custom Artifacts

Once you have saved the artifact in a file, you can import it to any Model.
Open the Model where you wish to import the Artifact and select Custom Artifacts, located in the Tools
group on the Tools tab.

Click the Import button.

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Select the exported file name and click the Open button.

Now your attribute is available to use in the diagram.

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Company logo
Based on feedback from the Bizagi user community there is now an option to remove the Bizagi logo
from the documentation and use your own company logo.
Bizagi Modeler, with its full functionality, is and will stay freew are. If you must remove our Bizagi logo
and thus, remove our marketing mechanism, you will be asked for a small contribution that will be used
to further improve this freeware and benefit the whole community.
To remove the Bizagi logo from your documentation please follow these simple steps:
1.
Download
the
latest
Bizagi
Modeler
option=com_content&view=article&id=95&Itemid=107)

version

(http://www.bizagi.com/index.php?

2. On the File Tab, select Options and then choose the Documentation option.
3. Click the Configure logo used for documentation link.
4. Click the Buy Now link to purchase the activation KEY. This will take you to the secure Bizagi Online
Shop.

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5. You will receive a confirmation email with the activation KEY, once your purchase is finalized.
6. Enter the key in the same link window and click the Activate button.
7. A message will display informing of successful validation. Click the OK button.

8. In the last window you will be able to determine the logo you wish to use:

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No logo
Keep the Bizagi Modeler logo
Use a customized logo
For the customized logo, select Custom Logo and open the folder image to browse and select your userdefined logo.

9. Click the Close button to finish your configuration.

Important information
You need to buy an Activation Key for each installation (computer) of Bizagi Modeler.
For example, if you have Bizagi Modeler installed in 5 PCs, and you need to activate the logo
configuration option in all PCs, then you need to buy 5 Activation Keys.
Just modify the quantity in the shopping cart. You will receive a single Activation Key, which is
valid for the 5 PCs.
The contribution is a one-off payment. The Activation Key will not expire and the logo configuration
option will remain enabled, even if you make updates or upgrades to a new version of Bizagi
Modeler.
You will pay on a secure online platform and will receive your Activation Key via email.

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Part V
Generating Documentation

Generating Documentation
You can publish your complete documentation in any of the following formats and share with your
organization.
Microsoft Word
PDF
Mediawiki
Web file (opened through a browser)
Microsoft Sharepoint
You can export your process diagrams to other Modeling tools or export your customized attributes and
reuse them in other Bizagi Process Models.
Microsoft Visio: export your diagrams to Visio 2003, 2007 and 2010
Image files: export your diagrams to png, bpm, svg or jpg format
XPDL: export your diagram to XPDL 2.1
BPMN: export your diagram to BPMN 2.0 xml format
Attributes: export your customized Extended Attributes and use them in other Bizagi Process Models,
to maintain a standard in your documented processes.

Publish or Export

Publish your complete documentation

You can publish your complete documentation in any of the following formats and share with your
organization.
Microsoft Word
PDF
Mediawiki
Web file (opened through a browser)
Microsoft Sharepoint

Publish All Model and Quick publish

For Word and PDF publishing you can publish all your documentation with just one click.
P ub lis h A ll Model publishes all the elements in your Model (including all diagrams) with all the
documentation you have defined for each one.
Q uic k P ub lis h remembers the last time you published and will generate your documentation without
going through the publish wizard. If you have not published before, you will need to go through all the
steps of the publish wizard.

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Export your diagrams

Use this option to export your process diagrams to other Modeling tools or to export your customized
attributes and reuse them in other Bizagi Process Models.
Microsoft Visio: export your diagrams to Visio 2003, 2007 and 2010
Image files: export your diagrams to png, bpm, svg or jpg format
XPDL: export your diagram to XPDL 2.1
Attributes: export your customized Extended Attributes and use them in other Bizagi Process Models,
to maintain a standard in your documented processes.
Click here for more information about Exporting Extended Attributes

Publishing in Word
You can publish your completed documentation and share it with your organization in Word format.
Customize the output information for inclusion in your document by selecting the diagrams and the
elements to be included.

Bizagi provides an intuitive wizard to help you through the steps to generate your documentation.
1. On the Publish tab, in the Publish group, click Word.

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2. Select the diagrams that you wish to publish.

Select individually by using the

button or by double clicking them.

Select all by using the

button.
When all the diagrams you wish to publish are selected, click the Next button.

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3. Choose the order in which you wish to publish your diagrams by using the buttons on the right hand
side. Once finished, click the Next button.

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4. For each diagram select the elements that you wish to publish in the documentation.
You can select all elements across all diagrams using the

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button.

160

You can individually select elements from each diagram using the
them.

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button or by double clicking

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5. For each diagram select the order in which you wish the elements to be exported.
By default elements are organized according to the sequence of the process flow .

To move an element from its default position, select the element and click the
the desired position.

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button until you find

162

Click the
button to order the elements automatically.
When you are satisfied with the order of the elements for each diagram, click the Next button.

6. Select the template you wish to use for your export documentation.
By default the Modeler offers two templates: Bizagi Template with Bizagi's format (fonts, water marks)
and the Modeler Template with a standard format.
You can create your own user-defined template as well. Please refer to Document Template to learn how
to customize and use your user-defined template. After selecting the template click the Next button.

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7. Specify the appropriate folder in which to publish your process. This folder should have Read and
Write permissions.
By default, the Diagram's model will be published in a Landscape orientation (only this page).
You may change this setting in this step as well.
Click the Finish button to generate your documentation.

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8. The Word document will be opened as soon as the documentation is generated with the default
program installed locally to handle .doc files (MS Word, Apache Open Office Writer, etc).

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Document Template
Bizagi Modeler has two predefined templates for the user to choose from to generate Word
documentation.
BizagiTemplate: this template contains Bizagi's logo, water marks and styles.
ModelerTemplate: this template has no water marks and uses standard fonts.
You can design and define your own template in Microsoft Office Word to be used when you generate
your Word documentation.
To customize your own template, take the following steps:
1. Use one of the default Templates and amend it as you wish to establish your own documentation
template.

2. Modify your own template.

You may include water marks, new images or modify the styles.
Make sure keep the following styles (you may re-define them):
b iz Title: Used for the document's title.
b iz S ub title: Used for the document's subtitle.
Norm al / ModelerNorm al: Used for general text (i.e, in descriptions). It is used as the default/normal
style.
b iz Heading1: Used by the documentation's title (taken from the file name). Seen in items numbered as
"n".
b iz Heading2: Used by the Processes or Sub-Processes chapters. Seen in items numbered as "n.m".
b iz Heading3: Used by the Process Elements section. Seen in items numbered as "n.m.o".
b iz Heading4: Used by each of the elements. Seen in items numbered as "n.m.o.p".
To modify default styles of the table of contents, modify the TOC1, TOC2, and TOC3 styles.
3. Save the Microsoft Word Document as a Word Template (.dot) in the path where the Modeler was
installed. By default this path is:
C:\Program Files\Bizagi\Bizagi Modeler\Templates

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4. When you generate your documentation in Microsoft Office Word, the wizard will allow you to choose
your template from the list.

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Publishing in PDF
You can publish your completed documentation and share it with your organization in PDF format.
Customize the output information for inclusion in your document by selecting the diagrams and the
elements to be included.

Bizagi provides an intuitive wizard to help you through the steps to generate your documentation.
1. On the Publish tab, in the Publish group, click PDF.

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2. Select the Diagrams that you wish to publish.

Select individually by using the

button or by double clicking them.

Select all by using the

button.
When all the diagrams you wish to publish are selected, click the Next button.

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3. Choose the order in which you wish to publish your diagrams using the buttons on the right hand side.
Once finished, click the Next button.

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4. For each diagram select the elements that you wish to publish in the documentation.
You can select all elements across all diagrams using the

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button.

171

You can also individually select elements from each diagram using the
clicking them.

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button or by double

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5. For each diagram select the order in which the elements should be exported.
By default elements are organized according to the sequence of the process flow .

To move an element from its default position, select the element and click the
the desired position.

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button until you find

173

Click the
button to order the elements automatically..
When you are satisfied with the order of the elements for each diagram, click the Next button.
6. Specify the appropriate folder in which to publish your process. This folder should have Read and
Write permissions.
By default, the Diagram's model will be published in a Landscape orientation (only this page).
You may change this setting in this step as well.
Click the Finish button to generate your documentation.

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7. The PDF document will be opened as soon as the documentation is generated.

Note
You may customize your PDF output's styles (i.e, font color and sizes, include watermarks, etc).
To do so, edit the ModelerTemplate.dot file located at the ./Templates/ folder of your Modeler
installation.
For more information about editing styles in this template, refer to Document template.

Publishing to Web
You can publish your completed documentation and share it with your organization in Web format.
Customize the output information for inclusion in your document by selecting the diagrams and the
elements to be included.
You may view the Web documentation from a browser. To review the supported browsers, refer to the
system requirements.

Bizagi provides an intuitive wizard to help you through the steps to generate your documentation.

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1. On the Publish tab, in the Publish group, click Web.

2. Select the Diagrams that you wish to publish.

Select individually by using the

button or by double clicking them.

Select all by using the

button.
When all the diagrams you wish to publish are selected, click the Next button.

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3. Choose the order in which you wish to publish your diagrams by using the buttons on the right hand
side. Once finished, click the Next button.

4. For each diagram select the elements that you wish to publish in the documentation.
You can select all elements across all diagrams by using the

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button.

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You can also individually select elements from each diagram using the
clicking them.

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button or by double

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5. For each diagram select the order in which you wish the elements to be exported.
By default elements are organized according to the sequence of the process flow .

To move an element from its default position, select the element and click the
the desired position.

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button until you find

179

Click the
button to order the elements automatically.
When you are satisfied with the order of the elements for each diagram, click the Next button.
6. Specify the appropriate folder in which to publish your process. This folder should have Read and
Write permissions.

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Once the process has been published on the Web, you will be able to view your diagram documentation.

Web Output
Generated documentation will show your selected processes in an initial Home page.
The description is displayed when the mouse is hovered over each process.

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At any time, you may go into the Full screen mode (specially useful to present or view wide diagrams) by
clicking on the Full screen icon located at the top right corner:

Exit full screen mode by pressing the Escape key ( E S C) or clicking on the Full screen icon again.
Further documentation included will be displayed when clicking over each element.
Click on your process to see the detailed information.
You will be able to see the documentation of any diagram element by clicking on it.
To exit from the details popup, close it or click anywhere else in the diagram.

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Note
If you want to access a specific Diagram form an external location using a Hyperlink to open a
process directly, instead of opening the Home page, open the desired process and copy the entire
URL. This URL can be used as hyperlink and the process will be opened directly.

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To perform quick searches on the Process Elements, you may use the search field.
Notice that while searching on the Home page, you will be by default searching over all of your
processes:

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To search only in a given process, you may quickly first click on that process:

In addition to this, at any time as well, you may use the pan option for quick navigation in the diagram, or
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use zoom options which appear at the bottom part of the diagram when hovering the mouse in that zone:

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To go into detail of a Sub-process diagram o to display any of the presentation actions, you may click on
the small icons which appear at the top right corner of shapes, whenever the mouse is hovered on them:

Presentation actions configured for an element are those same which are set for the presentation mode:

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Note
If you want to have the process documentation available to be downloaded and printed form the Web
outup, we recommend publishing to Word or PDF and saving the documents in a file server. Then,
include the URL path as an Extended attribute in the Web output.

Customize styles in Web

You can customize your Web output styles to adjust to your corporate standard.
Bizagi provides two ways to customize the web output colors: a basic customization where the main
colors can be changed, and the advanced css customization.

Basic customization
Once the Model has been published access the folder where the output is located and find the
k ey.js on.js file.
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Ope the file with a text editor.

Change the us eThem e value to true, to enable the customization.

On the bottom of the file you will find the list of styles that can be changed.

Change the style color of the header, the navigation bar and the content panel. Save the file to view the
changes in your site
The first option of each section is the background color. The second option is the border of the section.
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The third option (link) refers to the font color.

Adv anced css customization

For advanced css users, a .css file is available to customize the styles as you desire.
Once the Model has been published access the folder where the output is located and find the
k ey.js on.js file.
Ope the file with a text editor.

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Change the us eThem e value to true, to enable the customization.

Open the .css file located in lib s /c s s /them e.c s s and perform the desired changes.

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Publishing to Wiki
Generate your complete process documentation to Wiki format and share it throughout your
organization.
Customize the output information that you want to include in your document by selecting the diagrams
and the elements that will be contained in it.
Make sure you have MediaWiki installed in your server and a user with publishing rights, when you
generate this documentation.
Please review the versions support
Bizagi provides an intuitive wizard to helps you through the steps to generate your documentation.
1. Go to the Publish tab and select Wiki.

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2. Select the Diagrams that you wish to publish.

Select individually by using the

button or by double clicking them.

Select all by using the

button.
When all the diagrams you wish to publish are selected, click the Next button.

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3. Choose the order in which you wish to publish your Diagrams by using the buttons on the right hand
side. When you are finished, click on Next.

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4. For each Diagram select the elements that you wish to publish in the documentation.
You can select all elements of all diagrams using the

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button.

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You can also choose specific elements from each diagram by using the
them.

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button or double clicking

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5. For each diagram select the order in which you wish the elements to be exported.
By default elements are organized according to the sequence of the process flow .

To move an element from its default position, select the element and click on the
find the position you want.

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button until you

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Click on the
button and they will be ordered automatically.
When you are satisfied with the order of the elements for each diagram, click on Next.
6. The following Information about the Wiki Server will be requested:
Server: URL of your Wiki Server
User and Passw ord: User credentials to access your server. The user must have writing permissions.
NameSpace: To help you differentiate thees process articles from others that are already published in
your wiki, Bizagi allows you to enter a word that will be set before all the created pages.
Category: To help you organize your documentation we recommend that you include a category to
group the pages created in your wiki.
Click on Finish to publish the documentation on the selected server.

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Wiki Output
Once the process has been published on your Wiki, you will be able to see the description of your
diagrams.

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Click on your process to see the detailed information and elements.

You will be able to see the documentation of any shape by clicking on it.

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To perform quick searches on the elements of your process, use the contents table. This will allow you
to quickly see the information of the shapes including basic and extended attributes.

Wiki v ersion support

We support the following MediaWiki combinations with PHP
Wiki 1.14.x with PHP 5.2.17
Wiki 1.15.x with PHP 5.2.17 and 5.3.10
Wiki 1.16.x with PHP 5.2.17 and 5.3.10
Wiki 1.17.0 with PHP 5.2.17 and 5.3.10
Versions 1.17.1, 1.17.2 y 1.17.3 are not supported
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Wiki
Wiki
Wiki
Wiki
Wiki

1.18 with PHP

1.19 with PHP
1.20 with PHP
1.21 with PHP
1.22 with PHP

5.2.17 and 5.3.10

5.3
5.3
5.3
5.3

Settings
To publish both content and images into your Wiki server, make sure:
1. That the physical upload directory has permissions set to allow creation and edition of pages and files.
Similarly, the images directory set by default as "C:\Web\[your_mediaWiki_folder]\images\" should be
granted with full rights.
2. That the LocalSettings.php configuration file, contains the following settings:
$wgGroupPermissions['user']['upload'] = true;
$wgFileExtensions = array('png','gif','jpg','jpeg','doc','xls','mpp','pdf','ppt','tiff','bmp','docx', 'xlsx',
'pptx','ps','odt','ods','odp','odg');
$wgEnableUploads = True;
Note
For MediaWiki version 1.20, use:
$wgGroupPermissions['*']['upload'] = true;
$wgFileExtensions = array('png','gif','jpg','jpeg','doc','xls','mpp','pdf','ppt','tiff','bmp','docx', 'xlsx',
'pptx','ps','odt','ods','odp','odg');
$wgEnableUploads = True;

Publishing to Sharepoint
You can publish your completed documentation and share it with your organization in the SharePoint
format.
Customize the output information for inclusion in your document by selecting the diagrams and the
elements to be included.
Make sure you have SharePoint installed when you generate this documentation. Bizagi supports
SharePoint Services 3.0.
Bizagi provides an intuitive wizard to help you through the steps to generate your documentation.
1. On the Publish tab, in the Publish group, click Sharepoint.

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2. Select the Diagrams that you wish to publish.

Select individually by using the

button or by double clicking them.

Select all by using the

button.
When all the diagrams you wish to publish are selected, click the Next button.

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3. Choose the order in which you wish to publish your diagrams by using the buttons on the right hand
side. Once finished, click the Next button.

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4. For each diagram select the elements that you wish to publish in the documentation.
Select all elements across all diagrams by using the

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button.

205

You can also individually select elements from each diagram using the
clicking them.

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button or by double

206

5. For each diagram select the order in which you wish the elements to be exported.
By default elements are organized according to the sequence of the process flow .

To move an element from its default position, select the element and click the
the desired position.

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button until you find

207

Click on the
button to order the elements automatically.
When you are satisfied with the order of the elements for each diagram, click the Next button.
6. The SharePoint Server Information will be required.
The SharePoint site must already be created. You need to provide the location and user credentials to
access it. Then click the Next button.

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7. Specify the appropriate folder in which to publish your process. This folder must have Read and Write
permissions. Click the Finish button.

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Once the process has been published on SharePoint, you will be able to view your diagram
documentation.

SharePoint Output

The legend displayed when the mouse is hovered over each process is defined in the Diagram properties.
All other documentation included will be displayed when clicking over each element.

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Click on your process to see the detailed information.

You will be able to see the documentation of any diagram element by clicking on it.

To perform quick searches on the Process Elements, use the search field.

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To go back to the general view, click the Bizagi Modeler Logo.

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Exporting to XPDL
The XML Process Definition Language (XPDL) is a format standardized by the Workflow management
Coalition (WfMC) to interchange business process definitions between different workflow products. The
XPDL format can store all aspects of a BPMN diagram, such as attributes, resources, etc. Also some
graphical information is held, for example the coordinates of the elements positions.
Bizagi offers the possibility to share your diagrams with others modeling tools that use BPMN notation.
You can export your diagrams to XPDL using the BPMN 2.0 notation shapes.
For more information about the currently supported XPDL version, refer to Supported standards.
To export your diagrams, follow the steps below:
1. On the Export/Import tab, in the Export group, click XPDL.

2. Specify the appropriate folder to save your XPDL file, this folder need Read and Write permissions.

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3. After export to XPDL format, you will be able use it in any program that supports this format.
4. You can also import a diagram in XPDL format into Bizagi Modeler.
Click to learn more about importing a diagram from XPDL

Exporting diagrams as Image

Bizagi Modeler allows you to export your diagrams as images, to be opened with any graphic editor, in
the following formats: PNG, bpm, SVG or JPG.
To export your diagrams as images follow these steps.
1. On the Export/Import tab, in the Export group, click Image.

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2. Select one of the image formats; namely, PNG, bpm, SVG or JPG. Specify the appropriate folder to
save your image. This folder need Read and Write permissions.

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3. Click the Save button. Once the diagram has been exported, you will be able to see it in any graphical
editor.

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Exporting to Visio
Bizagi Modeler allows you to export your diagrams to Microsoft Visio using the BPMN 2.0 notation
shapes.
Bizagi supports Visio 2003, 2007 and 2010.
Make sure you have Microsoft Visio installed when you export your diagrams.
To export your diagrams, follow the steps below:
1. On the Export/Import tab, in the Export group, click Visio.

2. Specify the appropriate folder to save your Visio file, this folder need Read and Write permissions.
Click the Save button.

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Once the process has been exported to Visio, you will be able to edit and manage the diagram using
the Visio BPMN stencil.

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Exporting to BPMN
Bizagi offers the possibility to share your diagrams with others modeling tools that use BPMN notation.
You can export your diagrams to the BPMN 2.0 xml format.
To export your diagrams, follow the steps below:
1. On the E xport/Im port tab, in the E xport group, click B P MN.

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2. Specify the appropriate folder to save your BPMN file, this folder need Read and Write permissions.
Click the O K button.

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3. A message will confirm the export and a folder containing the diagrams will be created in the specified
location.

4. After exporting to BPMN 2.0 xml, you will be able use the file in any program that supports this
format.
You can also import a diagram in BPMN format into Bizagi Modeler. Click to learn more about importing
a diagram from BPMN

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Documentation Portal
A Doc um entation portal is a shared repository where people within an organization can access the
company's processes and related documentation.
The following articles will illustrate how to organize your company's processes using Bizagi Modeler.
With a simple click users can navigate between various levels of detail, from a global view to the most
detailed information of the organizations processes.
The Documentation Portal can be created in your intranet (a file server as a shared folder) or any Web
portal. Just click the Publish to Web feature.
It can also be published in SharePoint or Wiki.
Your portal must have an structure and hierarchy that aids its navigation. The images bellow show an
example of this structure:
The highest level displays the functional areas and useful links.

The next level shows the processes related to an specific area.

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The lowest level shows the process diagrams and their documentation.

Click here to see an example of a Documentation Portal

How to create a documentation portal

1. Define the structure of processes
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A defined structure establishes the hierarchy of organizational areas and clarifies how different processes
of the business are classified and interrelated. In addition to the global structure, it is necessary to define
the information to be published and the way in which it will be presented.

Classification and hierarchy of processes

Processes are classified into a hierarchy of c ategories . Each category represents a company, area, subarea, process or any other grouping you define.
For example, in a completely flat organizational structure, if you classify your processes according to
areas it will result in 2 levels. The first will represent areas and the second the processes.
The first level will have as many categories as areas in the organization (each area represents a category
in level 1). The second level will have as many categories as processes in the organization (each
process represents a category in level 2).

The structure and number of levels depends on the layout of each organization and its particular
preferences. As shown, some organizations classify their processes according to areas and sub-areas
(Human resources, Sales, Marketing etc). Process-oriented organizations tend to follow mapping
structure of the ISO 9000 standards and so classify their processes according to prational function
within the business (strategic processes, operative processes and support processes).
Defining the most suitable structure is essential to provide users an intuitive and logical navigation
through the processes of your organization.

Information of each element

The information to be presented must be planned in advance. For each level define what information
should be displayed and how it will be accessed by final users.
The correct implementation of this step will facilitate understanding of processes within your organization
and ensure proper communication between them.

2. Create the Portal

Once the general structure of processes has been defined, you can proceed to organize it in Bizagi
Modeler. The key is to translate the structure previously defined into an interface that allows users to
easily navigate through the processes information.

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In the Documentation Portal each category is represented by a page (or tab ). On each page you can
define the information for display and the user interface.

Create the Main page

The main page is an overview of the processes areas within the organization. From here viewers can
access company-related information and any of the pages in level 1.

Icons to access level 1 pages are included as reusable sub-processes. This way it is possible to link
each icon to the corresponding page.
Additional information can be added by using Artifacts. Aside from improving the look and feel of the
page these elements allow you including links to other sites, pictures and documents.
Create category pages
Recall that a level is composed of categories, where each category is displayed by means of a page;
consequently a level comprises as many as there are categories.
Each category page is created in the same way as the main page, apart from the user interface and
information it displays. Use the reusable sub-process to represent the categories and incorporate
artifacts to include additional information and improve the look and feel.

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Information of elements
Once the pages have been designed, it is necessary to configure the information that each Artifact will
display upon selection.
To customize the information, make use of Extended attributes. These attributes can include links to
another sites, images and documents, to name a few.

Link the menus

Once all the levels have been built, link the categories with their associated level. Associate the diagram
(page) from the properties of the corresponding sub-process that represents the category..

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3. Publish the portal to Web format

Once the portal has been built in Bizagi Modeler, the final step is to publish it. Use the W eb P ub lis h
option to define the diagrams and information to be published.

Click here to see an example of a Documentation Portal

Creating a Documentation Portal (step by step)

In the following example we will build a documentation portal step by step.
Let us suppose that the Agility Corp has diagrammed and documented the following processes:
Recruitment and selection
Expenses report
Help desk
Travel request
Access management
Vacation leave request
Accounts payable
Purchase request
In order for processes to communicate and share all their related documentation, the Agility Corp has
opted to build a documentation portal. All business processes are diagrammed in Bizagi Modeler and
stored in a single .b pm file.
Click here to see the Web output of this Portal
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Download here the complete Documentation portal in .bpm format

1. Defining the structure of processes

Classification and hierarchy of processes
Agility Corp concluded that the easiest and most convenient way to classify its processes would be
according to the area in which they are performed. Based on this, the following classification was
established:
Area
Human Resources

Process
Recruitment and selection
Travel Request
Vacation Leave Request

Financial

Expenses report
Accounts payable

Purchases

Purchase request

IT

Help Desk
Access Management

Note this gives a two-level classification; the first denotes the functional areas and the second the
business processes.
The first level comprise of has four categories (each area represents a category of level 1). The second
level contains eight categories (each process represents a category of level 2).
Level 0 is used to represent the highest level of hierarchy, in this case, the global view of the company.

Information of each element

In this step we have to define what information has to be displayed at which level. The Agility Corp wants
different levels of information sharing:
Level 0: Company Level
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the company
Manuals: Documentation on how to use the portal
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Contact information: Details of the company contact person if required.

Help: Links to company resources.
Level 1: Areas Level
Area description: A brief overview of the area and its functions.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the area
Manuals: Documentation setting out the structure and responsibilities of the area.
Contact information: Details of the contact person for the area, if needed.
Help: Links to area resources.
Level 2: Processes Level
This level will only contain the information of processes.

2. Creating the Portal in Bizagi Modeler

Now that the Agility Corp has structured its processes, we can proceed to build the Portal in Bizagi
Modeler.
Creating the main page
The first step is to create the page associated with the Level 0 global view (Main page). On this page, the
Agility Corp wants to show the different functional areas and some general information on the
organization:
Company logo
FAQ
Manuals
Contact information
Help
The main page should look like this:

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Follow the next steps to create the page:

1. Create a new diagram.

2. Remove the Pool shape and include the categories of Level 1, in this case, four sub-processes. Give
each the name of the area it represents.

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3. Use image artifacts to insert the company logo and add icons to represent the FAQs, Manuals,
Contact us and Help.

4. Customize the appearance of the page using the different options and elements that Bizagi offers such
as modifying shapes colors, using making use of grouping, changing font types etc.
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Creating category pages

The next step is to create the levels pages. In our example, we have two levels. As the lowest level is
composed of the processes already diagramed, we only have to create the pages associated with level
1.
As level 1 is comprises four categories, we create four pages, one for each category: Human Resources,
Financial, Purchases and IT. On each page the Agility Corp wants to display the processes associated
with the category (area) and the following general information about the area:
Area description
Company logo
FAQ
Manuals
Contact information
Help

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In the section bellow we illustrate how to create the page related to the Human resources category. The
remaining three pages are built in the same way.
1. Create a new diagram and name it as the category. Hum an Res ourc es .
It may help to include numbers or codes to more easily identify to which level the diagram belongs.

2. Right-click the diagram and open its properties. Enter a description of the area.

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3. Remove the Pool shape and include three sub-processes to reflect categories of Level 2. Give each
the name of the process it represents.

4. Use image artifacts to insert the company logo and include icons to represent the FAQs, Manuals,
Contact us and Help.
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5. Add a Header artifact to include information related to the area. Note the header information is the
included in the diagram properties.

6. Customize the appearance of the menu using the different options and elements that Bizagi offers
such as modifying shapes colors, using making use of grouping, changing font types etc.
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Information of elements
Once the structure of the pages has been configured we can continue to define each page element will
displayed upon selection.
Since we used artifacts (Faqs, Manuals, Contact and Help) we can customize the properties of these
objects to show the information required.
For instance, when viewers select the Manuals element in the main page, three different manuals must
display. To do that we create a table type extended attribute.
Do the following to customize the information displayed in this artifact:
1. Right-click the artifact and select properties.

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2. In the E xtended tab click A dd new extended attrib ute

3. Assign the attribute name and description and select Tab le as the type.

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4. Define the columns to be displayed in the table. Click the (...) icon in the columns field and set the
necessary ones.

5. Next add the information to be displayed, in this case, the instruction manuals.

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6. Repeat this procedure for all elements on all pages.

Linking the pages
Once all pages have been created, the next step is to link them taking into account their interrelations
and hierarchy. As we saw, categories are represented by sub-processes. In order to connect them,
these sub-processes have to be converted into reusable sub-processes. This way we can easily select
the related diagram (page) from the sub-process properties.
Bellow we will connect the Main page with the functional areas pages.
1. Right-click a category (in this example an area) and convert the shape into a reusable sub-process as
shown below.
The shape borders will widen.

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2. Right-click the category again and open its properties. From the P roc es s field select the diagram to
be linked.
In this way, when users click the shape in the Work Portal the associated diagram will open.

Repeat this procedure to link all the diagrams to pages in the Portal.

3. Publish the portal to web format

Once built, the Documentation Portal can be exported to the Web as a HTML file to share with other
users within the organization.
To publish your Portal, do the following:

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1. On the P ub lis h tab, in the P ub lis h group, click W eb .

2. Select the diagrams you wish to publish.

Select individually by using the

button or by double clicking them.

Select all by using the

button.
When all the diagrams you wish to publish are selected, click the Next button.

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3. Choose the order in which you wish to publish your diagrams by using the ordering buttons on the
right-hand side. Once finished, click the Next button.

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4. For each diagram select the elements that you wish to publish in the documentation and click Next.

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5. Specify the appropriate folder in which to publish your process. This folder should have Read and
Write permissions.

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Once the process has been published on the Web, you will be able to view your Documentation Portal.

Click here to see the Web output of this Portal

Download here the complete Documentation portal in .bpm format

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Part VI
Importing diagrams

Importing diagrams
Bizagi Modeler allows you to import diagrams from:
Microsoft Office Visio or
XPDL format files.
Importing existing models will enhance agility and continuous process improvement efforts.
You can also import the Extended Attributes that you created in a previous model and use then in your
current model.
We highly recommend using the same Extended Attributes within all your models. This allows you to
maintain a uniform standard for all your documented processes.
Click here for more information about Extended Attributes
Click here for more information about Importing Extended Attributes

Why do you need to import?

Process diagramming requires a lot of dedication. Organizations often devote a significant amount of
time and resources to it, and may use several diagramming tools.
If this is the case and you have existing diagrammed Processes, all that valuable work will not be
wasted. You can import your diagrams to the Bizagi Process Model and seamlessly continue to diagram
and document.

Import diagram from Visio

Microsoft Office Visio is a very common tool for diagramming processes. Bizagi Modeler allows you to
import such processes to enable editing and manipulation.
To import diagrams from Visio, follow the steps below:
1. On the Export/Import tab, in the Import group, click Visio.

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2. Select the stencil used in Visio to diagram the process.

If you click on the Mapping option, you will see the similarity between each of the elements used in the
Visio Stencil and those of Bizagi Modeler.

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3. Click the OK button and upload the Visio file to be imported.

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4. You will be able to modify the process in Bizagi Modeler after import.

Supported Stencils
The stencils that are currently supported are those shown below:

For each stencil, you may review which elements are supported and how are they mapped in Bizagi:

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You will need to ensure that your Visio model uses one of this stencils instead of EPC Diagram
shapes.

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Import diagram from XPDL

The XML Process Definition Language (XPDL) is a format standardized by the Workflow management
Coalition (WfMC) to interchange business process definitions between different workflow products. The
XPDL format can store all aspects of a BPMN diagram, such as attributes, resources, etc. Also, some
graphical information is held, for example position coordinates of the elements.
Using XPDL in Bizagi offers the possibility to share your diagrams with other modeling tools that use
BPMN notation. You can import your diagrams to XPDL using the BPMN 2.0 notation shapes.
For more information about the currently supported XPDL version, refer to Supported standards.
To import your diagrams follow the steps below.
1. On the Export/Import tab, in the Import group, click XPDL.

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2. Browse and select the XPDL file and click the Open button.

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3. The XPDL file load and you can edit it in Bizagi Modeler. It will appear as if the diagram was created
directly in Bizagi Modeler.

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Import diagram from BPMN

Bizagi Modeler allows importing diagrams created with other modeling tools that BPMN xml 2.0 format to
Bizagi Modeler.
For more information about the currently supported BPMN version, refer to Supported standards.
To import your diagrams follow the steps below.
1. On the Export/Import tab, in the Import group, click B P MN.

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2. Browse and select the .bpmn file and click the Open button.

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3. The BPMN file load and you will be able to edit the diagram in Bizagi Modeler. It will appear as if the
diagram was created directly in Bizagi Modeler.

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Part VII
Simulation

Simulation
S im ulation is a tool to evaluate the perform anc e of a m odel, under different c onfigurations and over long
periods of real tim e, to reduc e the c hanc es of failure to m eet s pec ific ations , to elim inate unfores een
b ottlenec k s , to prevent under or over-utiliz ation of res ourc es (inc luding people and m oney), and to
optim iz e s ys tem perform anc e. 1
Simulation requires a clear objective to get maximum value for effort. This objective strongly influences
the level of detail in the required data.
Bizagi Simulation follows BPSim (Business Process Simulation) standard that allows enhancement of
business process models captured in BPMN to support rigorous methods of analysis.
1. Introduc tion to m odeling and s im ulation. State Univers ity of N ew York at Bingham ton.

What is simulation

Experiment definition
Randomness is simulated by the use of probabilities for sequence flows and token routing and also by
using statistical distributions to reflect variability in process times of activities etc. To make sure results
are valid, the simulation needs be run for long enough to yield random behavior without chance (consider
the scenario of tossing a coin or rolling a dice multiple times). Provision should be made to compare
results from the same scenario, but different run lengths or replications.The required run length to yield
usable outcomes depends on the process model structure, amount of variability and the objective;
consequently, a single recommended run length cannot be provided. A replication shares the same
scenario configuration and runs for the same length of time, but uses an alternative random stream.

Comparison
Simulation is well known for providing what-if analysis capabilities; a single simulation run can provide
valuable insight on the performance of a particular scenario. The simulation of multiple scenarios and the
possibility to compare key outcomes, adds further value and support to decision makers.

Simulation in Bizagi

Ov erv iew
Bizagi Modeler allows simulation your business processes under the BPSim (Business Process
Simulation) to support decision making and boost theit continuous improvement.
To start using simulation in Bizagi all you need is a complete Process model. otherwise, it will not be
able to be simulated.
For a complete simulation analysis we recomment using four levels:
Level
Level
Level
Level

1 -Process Validation
2- Time Analysis
3 - Resources Analysis
4 - Calendars Analysis

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Each subsequent level incorporates additional information that adds more complexity, providing a
coherent analysis of your processes. Levels are not interdependent, you may start at any level if you
hold the required process data .
By default the Simulation mode will start at Level one, the first time a Simulation is run for the process
model. It is best practice to start simulation at level one, and progress one level at a time. However. it is
possible to move between levels at any time.
Certain options will be available in the context menu of the ribbon according to the level selected. For
more information about these options, please refer to examples for each level.
For each simulation level follow these steps:
Collect process data for the simulation.
Add the data to the relevant shapes in the diagram.
Interpret and present the outcomes.

How to create and run simulation models?

1. To simulate your process model, click the S im ulation V iew button on the ribbon. If your diagram does
not have any errors your process will display in read-only simulation mode.

2. The shapes that require information will be highlighted according to the simulation level in scope.
Note Bizagi will retain the level you are currently running once you save the model returning to the
Process Model view.

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3. Select each highlighted shape in turn and enter the information.

4. Once all the data has been added, click Run to launch the Process Simulation window.

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5. Click S tart to run the simulation. When you run a simulation, it will show an animated view of the
process in execution and the the flow of tokens between the activities.

You may click the S top button at any time to end the simulation.

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6. Once the simulation has run, the outcomes will display.

Click Res ults to view the outcomes.

7. Click the E xport to E xc el button, located at the bottom left, to transfer the Results chart to Excel.

8. Process to the next level of simulation and repeat step 2-8.

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9. To return to the Process Model view, click Clos e S im ulation V iew.

Save your model for Bizagi to retain the current simulation level, returning to the Process Model view.

For information about how to manage scenarios, please refer to Scenarios

Considerations
Before creating a simulation model take into account the following considerations:
The following BPMN elements are not supported by the simulation engine:
o Multiple events: Start, Intermediate and End.
o Complex gateways.
o Event based gateways followed by none intermediate events or tasks.
o Multiple instance tasks.
o Multiple instance Sub-processes.
The following diagrams are not supported by the simulation engine:
o BPMN Choreography diagrams.
o BPMN Conversation diagrams.
o Transactional process.
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o Ad Hoc process.
Elements contained in Reusable Sub-processes are not simulated. If you include a Resuable Subprocess in your model you will have to set a overall processing time for the shape. If you want to
simulate the logic included within a Sub-process, use Embedded Sub-processes.
Tokens have not data associated, this affects the mapping of message, signal and link events:
o Message events require message flows to map tokens. Download an example.
o Links and Signal events are mapped based on their names. Make sure that throw and catch events
share the same name.

Simulation levels
Bizagi Simulation comprises of four levels. Each subsequent level incorporates additional information
exhibiting more complexity than the preceding one, thereby providing a detailed analysis of your
processes. Levels are not interdependent, , you may start at any level if you hold the required process
data .

Lev el 1 - Process Validation:

The first and most basic simulation level to evaluate

the structure of the process diagram.

Data: It requires estimated percentage splits of sequence flows to provide a basis for routing. It also
needs the value of the trigger counter contained in the Start Event shape.
Results: The outcomes show all paths activated during the execution and whether all tokens actually
finished. Additionally, it evaluates how many tokens passed through each Sequence Flow, Activity and
End Event.

Lev el 2 Time Analysis: Second level of simulation to measure the end-to-end process
time.
Data: Apart from the data entered in P roc es s V alidation, estimated timings (service times) of each
activity and the interval time between token generation is required. This data can either be constant or
samples from statistical distributions 1.
Results: The results show process throughput times for tokens, presented as minimum, maximum,
mean and sum (total of all processing times). Similar results can be presented for individual key
activities.

Lev el 3 Resource Analysis: Predicts how the process

will perform with different

levels of resources. This level of detail provides a reliable estimate of how the process will perform in
operation.

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Data: In addition to the data entered in Time Analysis, this level includes the definition of resources
(and/or roles): how many are available and where they are used. Due to the inclusion of resources, the
activity times should be adjusted to represent the actual work time; delay due to unavailability of staff will
be explicitly indicated.
Results: The structure of the results is similar to Time Analysis. Also, the time spent, the time spent
busy or idle for each type of resource is presented.
This level assume an unlimited number of resources.

Lev el 4 Calendar Analysis: Includes calendar information that reflects the process
performance over dynamic periods of time, such as shifts, days schedules or weeks.
By default Bizagi includes a chosen calendar that works 24/7. If no calendars are defined, Bizagi will
assume that the defined Resources will always be available.
Data: Apart from the data entered in Resource Analysis, it includes the definition of resource calendars.
Results: The structure of the results is similar to Resource Analysis.

EXAMPLE
To better illustrate each of the simulation levels let us consider an E m ergenc y attendanc e proc es s . In
this process a call center receives a report of an emergency. Upon receiving the call, a call center agent
enters details on the person affected, the symptoms and the physical address where the emergency
occurred.
On receipt of the report, a qualified nurse classifies the emergency according to its severity.
Green: Low severity. The patient can be easily stabilized.
Yellow : Medium severity. The patient requires special attention but can be stabilized at the place of
emergency.
Red: High severity. The patient must be collected and taken to the nearest hospital.
According to the priority assigned, the E m ergenc y attendanc e departm ent presents a different level of
response.
Green: This triage is assisted by a quick response vehicle (i.e. a motorcycle) carrying two people: a
paramedic and a doctor.
Yellow : This triage is assisted by a basic ambulance having a doctor, nurse and a paramedic on
board.
Red: This triage is assisted by a fully equipped ambulance holding two doctors, a nurse and a
paramedic.
If the emergency is green or yellow, the process finishes once the response team arrives at the at the
place of emergency.
If the emergency is red, the fully equipped ambulance transfers the patient to the nearest hospital. During
the transfer a nurse carries out the necessary paperwork to ensure quick admittance.
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When the patient arrives at the hospital with the necessary paperwork, the receptionist will be able to
admit the patient quickly and provide medical assistance immediately.

This process must be carefully analyzed in order to reduce the time between receiving the request and
providing medical assistance (at the place of emergency or the hospital). Here, time is life. Bizagi
Simulation will help us to make clear decisions to best design the business process and reduce the
emergency wait time.
1. R efer to BPSim s pec ific ation to review s tatis tic al dis trib utions s upported and their ex planation.

Level 1 - Process Validation

Ov erv iew
The first level of the simulation validates the Process Model, making sure the process passes through all
the sequence flows, and behaves as expected.
Resources, processing times and costs are not included in this level. Such parameters will be included
later in subsequent levels.
When validating a Process Model the simulation results will show if:
Gateways are synchronized.
Messages are synchronized.
Decisions probabilities are correctly assigned.
Routing behaves as expected.
All tokens have ended.
Bizagi offers real-time animation of simulations to easily identify problems. The Results report will show
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the behavior during execution

Defining the input data required for this lev el

In the P roc es s V alidation level you will note that only Start Events and Gateways are enabled for editing.
For this level you need to define:

Max.arrival count: Define the number of token instances the process will generate (or trigger). We
recommend defining a large enough number (at least 1000) to allow the execution to stabilize and
present reliable outcomes.
Select the Start Event of the process and click the G ear icon on the pie menu. Enter the Max.arrival
c ount in the pop-up window.

Note:
The simulation will finish when one of these options happens first: sceario's duration is reached, max
arrival count is reached.
When you define a scenario duration, (in the scenarios configuration) the simulation will finish once
this duration is reached, disregarding the Max arrival count.
The same applies the other way around: once the max arrival count is reached the simulation will
finish disregarding the scenario's duration.

Gateways routing: Inclusive and exclusive Gateways have activation probabilities. Probabilities are
values between 0 and 100%.

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Select the Gateway and click the scroll arrow icons (

) to set the probabilities.

If you do not define probabilities for the paths, they will be equally distributed.

Running the simulation

Once the required data for this level have been defined, click the Run button to execute the simulation.

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In the new window, click S tart to run the simulation.

When running a simulation, the following analysis data will display:

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Number of completed tokens.

Number of token instances created.
Number of instances that activate each shape.
Number of finished instances.

Results
When the simulation is finished, view the results by selecting the Res ults option.

For this first level, the results of the simulated outcome will contain the following information:
Name: Identifies the specific BPM shape for which the results are displayed.
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Type: Identifies the element type of the BPM shape.

Tokens completed: Indicates how many tokens were processed (instances) during the execution of
the simulation.
You can transfer the results report to Excel by clicking the E xport to E xc el button.

Example: Validating the Emergency attendance process

We wish to validate the process flow of the Emergency attendance process:

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Define the required input data for this level, namely the max.arrival count and the probabilities for all
decision Gateways
1. In this example we will generate 1000 token instances. Click the Start Event and then the G ear icon.
Set the control's value to a 1000.

2. Define the probabilities for all outgoing paths of the Gateway. Suppose the emergency department has
estimated, based on historical data, that the probabilities for the different sequence flows are:
Green: 20%
Yellow : 30%
Red: 50%
Define each probability for the Gateway named Triage type.

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3. Parallel Gateways always activate all outgoing sequence flows; therefore, it is not necessary to define
probabilities for this Gateway.
4. Click the Run button.

Now, click S tart to run the simulation. Note how the number of completed events are displayed in
execution.

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When the simulation is complete, select Res ults .

Analyzing the results

The results obtained are:

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Analyzing the results we conclude that something is wrong. The number of tokens (1000) created at the
Start Event of the process differs to the sum of tokens completed at the End Events (1006+311+186).
Can you identify what is wrong in the flow?
If you watch the diagram carefully, you will see there is no point of convergence, that is, no shape has
been defined to synchronize the paths that exit the Parallel Gateway.

It is necessary to merge the outgoing flows into a single flow before the token continues to the next
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activity. To do this, include a Parallel Gateway (as a convergence element) to synchronize them.

Once the change is done, Run the simulation again. Looking at the new results we can see that all is
working as expected: The number of tokens created (1000) is equal to the sum of tokens completed (483
+315+202). In addition, each token is passed correctly to the triage based on the probabilities defined.

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Level 2 - Throughput time analysis

Ov erv iew
The second level of the simulation is useful in measuring end-to-end process time.
Here, resources are not included; Bizagi assumes an infinite capacity to avoid delays in the process
flow. This is the best case scenario under the given flow and processing times.

Defining the input data required for this lev el

In addition to the information specified in the previous level, the following must be defined in the
throughput Tim e A nalys is :

Arrival interval time: Defines the time interval between token instances generation. Instances w ill
be created until the max .arrival count is reached. This applies to Start Events, Activities that start
processes or Timer Events.
Select the Start Event of the process and click the G ear icon on the pie menu. Set the value for the
control.

One option is to define the arrival interval time as a constant by entering a value. The time units for this
value are defined in the scenarios configuration.
In the following image tokens instances are generated every 5 minutes.

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Alternatively, define a statistical distribution. Click the advanced icon alongside the field to view and
select a distribution.

Once selected, you will be able to set the parameters of the distribution.
In the following image the time between generation of tokens instances is exponentially distributed with
mean equals to 5 minutes. Tokens will be generated until 100 are reached.

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Processing times : Defines the amount of time an Activity or Event needs to process a token. That
is, it defines a service time period from the moment a token arrives at an Activity or Event until it is
executed.
Click the Activity or Event. Select the Cloc k on the pie menu, and enter a processing period in the Time
Control.

You have the option of defining the processing time as a constant by entering values in the
corresponding units.

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Alternatively, define a statistical distribution. Click the advanced icon alongside the field to view and
select a distribution.

Once selected, you will be able to set the parameters of the distribution.
In the following image the processing time of a token in a specific activity is normally distributed with
mean 5 minutes and standard deviation of 3 minutes.

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Running the simulation

Once the required data for this level have been defined, click the Run button to execute the simulation.

In the new window, click S tart to run the simulation.

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When running a simulation, the following analysis data will display .

Number of tokens completed.
Average time per activity.
Total processing time per activity

Results
When the simulation is complete, select Results to view the outcome.
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For the Time Analysis level, the results of the simulated outcome will contain the following information:
Name: Identifies the specific BPM shape for which the results are displayed.
Type: Identifies the element type of the BPM shape.
Tokens completed: Indicates how many tokens were processed (instances).
Tokens started: Indicates how many tokens arrived at the shape.
Minimum time: Indicates the minimum processing time of the shape.
Max imum time: Indicates the maximum processing time of the shape.
Average time: Indicates the average processing time of the shape.
Total time: Indicates the total time employed to process the shape.
You can transfer the results report to Excel by clicking the Export to Excel button.

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Example: Performing a time analysis for the Emergency

attendance process
In order to provide a general insight into processing times, the emergency response department has
decided to perform a time analysis.
For this analysis the following assumptions have been made:
Necessary resources to perform activities have infinite capacity.
The expected time between reports is 5 minutes.
The simulation will evaluate a period of 1 week.
The estimated processing times for each of the activities are fixed as shown in the next table:
Activity

Processing time (min)

Receive emergency report

Classify Triage

Manage patient entry

11

Pick up patient

20

Arrive at patient place QAV

Arrive at patient place BA

10

Authorize entry

1. Define trigger times. To do so, click the Start Event and then the G ear icon on the pie menu.
For this example, the expected time between reports is 5 minutes, so set the time to this value. Note the
value entered is in minutes.
For more information about units please refer to Scenarios.

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2. Define the Activities' processing times.

Click the Activity, select Cloc k on the pie menu and set a value for the Time control.
In the following image the processing time for the first activity is set to 4 minutes.

3. Once all the processing times have been defined, run the simulation. Click the Run button.
Note the simulation shows analysis findings for each shape in real time as it executes, such as average
time, total processing time and the number of completed tokens.
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4. When the simulation is finished, select Res ults to view the outcome.

Analyzing the results

As we mentioned before, the results on this level give us a general insight into the cycle time of the
process. For this specific case we are able to identify the expected time a person has to wait from the
moment the emergency is reported until medical attention is received.

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Based on the results, we can conclude:

A patient waits at least 16 minutes before receiving medical attention.
A patient waits no more than 33 minutes for medical attention.
The expected time a patient waits to receive medical attention is 25,06 minutes.

Level 3 - Resource analysis

Ov erv iew
This analysis shows the potential effect of resource constrains on process performance. Remember that
a Res ourc e is defined as a person, equipment, or space necessary for the execution of a specific task.
In the previous level, Time Analysis, we assumed infinite resource capacity, that is, activities are able to
process infinite quantity of tokens at the same time. However this assumption is not practical at all. In
real terms there are always resources constraints.
The most common issue arising from introducing resources constraints is that tokens need to wait to be
processed at a given moment. This results in bottlenecks and increase in cycle time, thereby reducing
the capacity of the process.
Money is another resource directly or indirectly involved in a process. Consequently, this level also
allows you to analyze your business operation in terms of costs.
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The purpose of this analysis is to identify and minimize the impact of these constraints in terms of cycle
time and costs.
The resource analysis results will allow you to evaluate the following performance measures:
Sub- or over-utilization of resources.
Total resources costs.
Total activity costs.
Delays (time an activity waits for a resource).
A more accurate expected cycle time.

Defining the input Data required for this lev el

By default the Performers defined in the process documentation are defined as resources. In the
Resources Analysis level you need to define the following parameters:

Resources: Remember that a resource is a person, equipment or space necessary for the execution
of a specific task.
To define a Resource click the Res ourc es option found in the ribbon.

A new window will display the available resources.

To add a new resource, click A dd res ourc e.

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Select A dd perform er.

Enter the name, description and type of the new resource. Click O K .

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Availability and costs of resources:

To define availability and costs of resources, select the Res ourc es option found in the Ribbon. The
availability of Resources determines how many resources of a given type you have as a whole (not for a
particular activity).

A new window will display the available resources. In the A vailab ility tab, enter the value for each
Resources available.

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To define the costs of Resources, proceed to the Cos ts tab.

You can define the fixed and per hour costs for each Resource.
Fix ed cost: This cost is generated each time a resource processes a token.
Per hour cost: This cost is generated for each hour a resource employs processing a token.
The cost units are defined in the scenario's configuration.

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Resources requirements: Tasks require resources to be performed. Once you have defined the
process' resources, you have to define how many are required in order to perform a task.
To define the Resources requirements for a task, click the task and select the Res ourc e icon in the pie
menu.

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Select the desired resources from the list available in the Res ourc e window.
You can select one or more resources. The AND/OR selection mode is available in order to define if all
the selected resources are required by the task at the same time or only one at a time.

For each resource selected you must define how many of them are used in the task.

Activity costs: The cost of performing an activity, that is, how much an activity costs once executed.
To define the cost of performing an activity, select the Activity and click Cos t on the pie menu.

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Set a fixed cost amount. The cost units are defined in the scenario's configuration..

Running the simulation

Once the required data has been entered, click the Run button to execute the simulation.

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In the new window, click Start to run the simulation.

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When running a simulation, the following analysis data will display.

Resource usage status.
Number of tokens completed.
Average time per activity.
Total processing time per activity
Average waiting time per activity.

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Results
When the simulation is complete, select Results to view the outcome.

For the Resource Analysis level, the results of the simulated outcome will contain the following
information for Process and Resources:

For Process and activities

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Name: Identifies the specific BPM shape for which the results are displayed.
Type: Identifies the element type of the BPM shape.
Tokens completed: Indicates how many tokens were processed for each specific BPM shape.
Tokens started: Indicates how many tokens arrived at the shape.
Minimum time: Indicates the minimum processing time at the shape.
Max imum time: Indicates the maximum processing time at the shape.
Average time: Indicates the average processing time at the shape.
Minimum time w aiting resource: Indicates the minimum time a task had to wait for a resource.
Max imum time w aiting resource: Indicates the maximum time a task had to wait for a resource.
Average time w aiting resource: Indicates the average time a task had to wait for a resource.
Standard deviation: Indicates the standard deviation of the average time a task had to wait for a
resource.
Total fix ed cost: Indicates the total cost of performing a task during execution of the simulation.

For Resources

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Usage: Indicates the percentage of time the resource was busy.

Total fix ed cost: Indicates the fixed component cost of using the resource.
Total unit cost: Indicates the variable component cost of using the resource.

Example: Performing a resource analysis for the

Emergency attendance process
In order to analyze the impact of resources constraints in the Emergency attendance process, the
emergency department has decided to perform a resource analysis.
For this analysis the following assumptions have been made:
The expected time between reports is 5 minutes.
The simulation will evaluate a period of 1 week.
Resources can be shared between activities.
The following tables respectively show:
The resources involved in this process, the current available quantity and the related costs.
Resource

Quantity

Fix ed Cost (US)

Unit Cost (US)

Call center agent

Nurse

Fully equipped
ambulance

30

0,4

Basic ambulance

25

0,3

Quick attention vehicle

18

0,22

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Receptionist

The necessary quantity of resources for each activity.

Activity

Resource

Quantity

Receive emergency report

Call center agent

Classify Triage

Nurse

Manage patient entry

Nurse

Pick up patient

Fully equipped ambulance

Arrive at patient place QAV

Basic ambulance

Arrive at patient place BA

Quick attention vehicle

Authorize entry

Receptionist

The cost associated with the performance of each activity.

Activity

Cost (US dollars)

Receive emergency report

Classify Triage

Manage patient entry

Pick up patient

Arrive at patient place QAV

Arrive at patient place BA

Authorize entry

The estimated processing times for each of the activities

Activity

Processing time (min)

Receive emergency report

Classify Triage

Manage patient entry

11

Pick up patient

20

Arrive at patient place QAV

Arrive at patient place BA

10

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Authorize entry

Define the required input data for this level: Resources, requirements and costs.
1. Define the resources involved in the process. Create the necessary resources from the Resources
option.

2. For each resource define the available quantity, fixed cost and unit cost.

3. Define the resources requirements for each activity. Click the activities and then the Res ourc es icon.
Set the resource and number of instances to perform the activity.
For example, here we are defining that the second activity requires a nurse in order to be performed.

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4. Finally, define the cost of performing each activity. Click the activity, select Cos t and enter the
corresponding cost.
Here we are defining the the cost of performing the Manage patient entry activity is 1 dollar. This cost is
related to paperwork and calls.

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5. Click Run, then select S tart in the new window to execute the simulation. Note the number of
completed Events are displayed. When the simulation is finished, select Results to view the outcome.

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Analyzing the results

As we mentioned before, the results of a resource analysis give us a general insight into the cycle time
of the process. Consequently, we can identify how the cycle time is affected.
First we analyze the process results.

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Compared with the best case scenario achieved in the previous level, the inclusion of resources
constraints has significantly increased the cycle times.
The minimum time remains at 16 minutes but the maximum increased to 657 minutes and now the
average is 204,91 minutes. The previous results only had an average waiting time of 25,06 minutes.
As is evident, the processing times for each activity have changed. Now, they reflects delays. The
highest average processing times are recorded at Clas s ify triage and Manage patient. The average
waiting times confirm there is a problem in those activities. Possibly, resources used in them are not
enough.
Now lets analyze the resources results.

The usage of the resources indicates some sub and over-utilization.

For this case we confirm our hypothesis about a possible problem of resources capacity.
The nurse who performs the Clas s ify triage and Manage patient rec eption has a usage of 99,91%. This
means she is utilized at full capacity and tokens have to wait until she becomes available. The
emergency department should consider increasing the number of triage nurses to reduce service and
waiting times, and thereby reducing the cycle time.
We'll see if the situation gets better including a new nurse in the available resources. Now we would have
three nurses.
Click Run to simulate the new scenario.
Analyze the new results:

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Introducing another resource brings us closer to the best case scenario with no process delays. The
minimum time remains at 16 minutes, the maximum now becomes 35 minutes and the average 25,26
The results also show waiting times close to 0 in the activities where they exist. The current resources
are sufficient to avoid critical delays.
The above can be confirmed from the resources results.

Usages are acceptable. Nurses now have a utilization of 69,88%.

From the resources cost perspective, there was a total cost of 84.163 US. The new cost of 86.986 US
includes the additional nurse. The increase of 2.823 US offsets the benefit in reducing the average
waiting time to 179,5 minutes.
There may be other ways to reduce the cost even further and to improve resource utilization, but for
now we can accept the state of affairs.

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Level 4 - Calendar analysis

Ov erv iew
In addition to the resources constrains discussed in the previous level, we should also consider the effect
of resources availability over time to obtain a better understanding of true process performance.
In real scenarios, processes are subjected to ever changing conditions in the availability of resources.
Holidays, weekends, shifts and breaks restrict and define the true performance of a process.
This level predicts how a process will perform during dynamic periods of time, such as shifts, days
schedules or weeks.
At the end of this level you will obtain more accurate information on:
Sub- or over-utilization of resources.
Total resources costs.
Total activity costs.
Delays (time an activity waits for a resource).
Expected cycle time.

Defining the input data required for this lev el

Additional to the information required in the previous level, the following must be defined in the Calendar
A nalys is :

Calendars: A Calendar defines resource capacity over certain periods of times. They define the
schedules, shifts, holidays and other time constraints to reflect the process in real life.
To create a Calendar click the Calendars option. Click A dd c alendar.

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Defining a Calendar is done in the same way as Outlook. Thus, you can configure time shifts or longer
periods of time.
In the Calendar configuration you find the following options:

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Name: Defines the name of the calendar. It should be short and clear in order to allow identifing the
period of time it represents. For example night shift, cooffe break, lunch hour etc.
Start Time: Defines the starting time of the calendar.
Duration: Defines the total duration of the calendar.
Recurrence Pattern: Defines the frequency with which a Calendar will be repeated. It can be daily,
weekly, monthly or yearly.
Range of recurrence: Defines the period of time for which the calendar applies.
Start of recurrence: Defines start date of the period of time for which the calendar applies.
End of recurrence Defines the end date of the period of time in which the calendar applies. It can
also be defined in terms of number of recurrences.
Click O K to save the changes.

Calendars assignment:
Additionally in this level, you have to define the availability of resources for each defined calendar.
To define the calendars assignment click the Res ourc es option
For each Resource (row) you must define the availability for each calendar (column).
Keep in mind that if you leave a Calendar blank, Bizagi will assume the availability value of a resource is
the one defined in the Default Calendar.
This calendar includes the same resources availability defined in Level 3 (Resources Analysis).

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Running the simulation

Once the required data for this level have been defined, click the Run button to execute the simulation.

In the new window, click Start to run the simulation.

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When running a simulation, the following analysis data will display.

Status of resource usage
Number of tokens completed
Average time per activity
Total processing time for each activity
Average waiting time for each activity

Results
When the simulation is complete, select Results to view the outcome. For a calendar analysis , the
results of the simulated outcome will contain the following information:

Resources (All resources)

Tab for each Resource
Name: Identifies the specific BPM shape for which the results are displayed.
Type: Identifies the element type of the BPM shape.
Tokens completed: Indicates how many tokens were processed (instances).
Tokens started: Indicates how many tokens arrived at the shape.
Minimum time: Indicates the minimum processing time of the shape.
Max imum time: Indicates the maximum processing time of the shape.
Average time: Indicates the average processing time of the shape.
Total time: Indicates the total time employed to process the shape.
Min. time w aiting: Indicates the minimum waiting time for the shape.
Max . time w aiting: Indicates the maximum waiting time for the shape.
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Avg. time w aiting: Indicates the average waiting time for the shape.
Standard deviation w aiting: Indicates the standard deviation of the waiting time for the shape.
Total time w aiting: Indicates the total waiting time for the shape.
Total fix ed cost: Indicates the total fixed cost for the shape.

Example: Performing a calendar analysis for the Emergency

attendance process
In order to analyze the impact of calendars in the Emergency attendance process, the Emergency
department has decided to perform a Calendar analysis.
The shifts for the process will be as follow:
Resource

Morning shift (6:00 am - 2:00 pm )

Day shift (2:00

pm - 10:00 pm )

Night shift (10:00

pm - 6:00 am )

Call center agent

Nurse

Fully equipped ambulance

Basic ambulance

Quick attention vehicle

Receptionist

1. Create the three calendars (working shifts).

Click the Calendars and add a new Calendar.
We are going to create the Night shift. In the Calendar configuration options enter the following
information:
Name: Type Night Shift
Start Time: This calendar starts at 10:00 pm (see table above) so this is the start time
Duration: This calendar starts at 10:00 pm and finishes at 6:00 am so the calendar duration is 8
hours.
Recurrence Pattern: This calendar is repeated everyday so select Daily and type 1 in the alongside
field.
Start of recurrence: This calendar applies always so the start date is the same start date of the
simulation.
End of recurrence This calendar applies always so it has no end date.

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Repeat the procedure for the morning and day shift calendars.
2. Through the Res ourc es option, set the availability of resource for each calendar created previously.

3. Click the Run button. When the simulation is finished, select Results to view the outcome.

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Analyzing the results

Recall that incorporating ever changing conditions in the resource availability gives us a better
understanding of true process performance.
The results of the calender analysis will reflect this change. Let us analyze them.
First we examine the process results:

The average time a patient waits for assistance suffered a little increase from 25,06 minutes to 25,48
minutes. This is not significant.
The increase from 35 to 39 minutes in the maximum time can be explained by the existing waiting
times in some of the activities of the process that were not present in the previous level.
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The A rrive at patient plac e B A tas k has a maximum waiting time of 20 min. It could be critical for a
patient, however the average waiting time is 0,74 min. It is clear that high waiting times in this task are
rare.
Despite the presence of waiting times, they are not regarded critical.
The resources usage results will highlight any critical capacity problems.

The highest usage is for the Nurse. Remember that this resource performs two activities in the
process: Clas s ify triage and Manage patient entry.
From the Process results we can conclude that the usage of nurses is not at full capacity since the
waiting times of the associated activities are not significant.
Assigning shifts and resources did not overtly affect the process in general; therefore, we can conclude
that the allocation is adequate for our purpose.

Scenarios
Bizagi Simulation allows you to create multiple scenarios for your process model, to analyze different
combinations of data input and observe many possible outcomes. Scenarios are completely independent
from one another, from the definition of the scenario itself to the data included in each shape of the
model.
When you are in Simulation View, the model will display a default scenario created by Bizagi. All
information entered belongs to that specific scenario. The name of the process scenario being simulated
is displayed above the model:

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Click the P roperties button in the ribbon to manage the scenario.

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For each scenario provide the following information:

Name: The name of the scenario. It should be clear and descriptive to easily identify the simulation
conditions.
Description: A detailed description of the new assumptions and changes made to the process.
Author: The person or group that created the scenario.
Version: The version number of the scenario.
Start: Date on which the simulation starts.
Duration: Period of time during which the process will be simulated.
Base Time units: The units in which time metrics and results will be displayed.
Base currency unit: The units in which cost metrics and results will be displayed.
Replication: Number of simulations for the given scenario.
Seed: Value of the seed used to generate random numbers.
Note:
We recommend using 30 replications to make sure the simulation reaches a stable state.
For the replications to take place, keep in mind that you should run the What-If analysis which
provides direct results (instead of using the graphical simulation with Real-time display at the Run
option). Notice that you may select only 1 scenario, to run the 30 replications.

Note:
The simulation will execute according to the duration defined disregarding the max arrival count.
If the max arrival count is reached and the duration is not, the resources will remain idle and the
results may not reflect the reality.
If no duration is defined, the default duration is 30 days.

Create scenarios
To create a new what-if scenario, select the W hat if option (found in the Simulation group on the ribbon)
and select Manage s c enarios .

Click New. Two actions are available:

Duplicate selected scenario: Creates a copy of the current scenario with the same parameters
configurations (number of resources, processing time, calendars etc).
Blank scenario: Creates a scenario with blank simulation parameters.

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Edit the new scenario to add specific information to your activities.

What If analysis
W hat if analysis is a powerful tool for improvement that evaluates how strategic, tactical or operational
changes may impact the business . Through different s c enarios you will be able to perform a true-to-life
analysis of your processes without putting your business operation at risk.

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Bizagi allows you to easily carry out what-if analyses on your processes to evaluate, understand and
predict the effects of your decisions over given performance measures. You will be able to perform W hat
if analysis in any of the simulation levels.
You will be able to answer questions like:
How would the processing time of a case decrease if the number of available resources is doubled?
What would be the cost/benefit rate of reducing the process time in a specified activity?
What would be the effect of altering the working shift configuration in the operational cost and service
level?

The reports generated in W hat if analysis will display the results of all scenarios to be easily compared.
Note:
We recommend using 30 replications to make sure the simulation reaches a stable state.
For the replications to take place, keep in mind that you should run the What-If analysis which
provides direct results (instead of using the graphical simulation with Real-time display at the Run
option). Notice that you may select only 1 scenario, and in this example we used 100 replications.

Using What if analysis

To perform a what-if analysis, first create the desired scenarios and then run the simulation, selecting the
scenarios for comparison.

Compare scenarios
When each scenario with its relevant data has been created, click W hat if and mark the scenarios you
wish to compare. Thereafter, run the simulation to generate the reports.

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The Report will compare the scenarios, including all information for the selected analysis level. For
readability, disparities are highlighted in color.
We recommend comparing two scenarios at a time; with many scenarios the results evaluation may
become too complex.

What if analysis example

Based on the calender analysis example, we will reduce the number of resources for all shifts and see if
the processing times are affected.
To do this, we will create an additional scenario by duplicating the original one:

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In Scenario 1 the resources availability is:

Resource

Morning shift (6:00 am - 2:00 pm )

Day shift (2:00

pm - 10:00 pm )

Night shift (10:00

pm - 6:00 am )

Call center agent

Nurse

Fully equipped ambulance

Basic ambulance

Quick attention vehicle

Receptionist

In Scenario 2 the resources availability will be altered as follows:

We reduced Nurse, Fully equipped ambulance and Receptionist. We increased basic ambulance and
quick attention vehicle.

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Resource

Morning shift (6:00 am - 2:00 pm )

Day shift (2:00

pm - 10:00 pm )

Night shift (10:00

pm - 6:00 am )

Call center agent

Nurse

Fully equipped ambulance

Basic ambulance

Quick attention vehicle

Receptionist

We run the what-if analysis including both scenarios.

Mark the scenarios and click S tart.

As soon as the analysis is complete, the Results will display.

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Color is used to emphasis differences between scenarios. Values that differ are highlighted in red.
The resources results show that the usage of resources increased, especially for the Nurse, now at full
capacity. This gives us an idea that there will be delays and patients will be held waiting. The positive
result is that costs are reduced.

Analyzing the outcomes we note that:

The completed tokens have been reduced. This means we are tending to less patients with this new
resources distribution.

Waiting time has increased in several activities:

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In the whole, this new scenario is not beneficial. The hospital cannot afford such high waiting times since
it offers a health care service.
We recommend reverting the resources availability for Nurse and Ambulance to their original values, and
changing the availability of other activities. Run the simulation again and examine the results.

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Part VIII
Team Collaboration

Team Collaboration
Team Collaboration is a feature that allows teams to participate simultaneously in the definition of a
process, aiding innovation and delivering efficiency across organizations.
Multiple users work simultaneously on a model during the process's design phase, achieving greater
participation of team members and, ensuring the best quality in a process's definition.
Bizagi's collaboration features allow users to change and improve a process's flow, run online team
discussions and enter comments in real time, visible to all participants.

Collaborative process modeling

Collaborative process modeling requires a Model to be stored in a location where you, and your team,
can access it. This means you need a network connection in order to be able to access the shared
model.
You can save your collaboration process models on your computer, in a file server or using cloud
(online) storage storage service.
To enable collaboration, select Share Process on the Team Collab oration group and select a shared
location.

Once the model is saved Bizagi Modeler creates a file with a .bpmc extension, along with a new folder.
The folder contains special files to make collaboration work, PLEASE DO NOT MANIPULATE THIS
FOLDER.
Allocate appropriate permissions to your team, so that they can access the new folder and the files
within. Anyone with access to the location, where the collaboration model is saved (the .bpmc file), can
access the Model.

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Sharing a model in a File Serv er

Your collaboration models can be saved on your company's file server. After sharing a model give your
team the permissions to the file and folder through Windows' Sharing options.
Right-click the folder and the .bpmc file and click the arrow next to Share with. Select Specific people to
add the necessary people. The invitees will have access to the model.

Sharing a model in a Online Storage Serv ice

If you have Internet access at your company, you can also share your models via Online Storage
Services such as Dropbox , Sugarsync or Sky drive.
To share a model in an Online Storage Service, follow the steps below:
1. Download and install the Online Storage Service software on your computer, in this example we will
use Dropbox.
Note
Since a shared model relies on both a .bpmc file and an annex folder, it is strictly important to ensure
that you open a model when having both the file and the folder in the same path (by using the desktop
software that synchronizes files from your online storage service).
2. A Dropbox folder will be created on your computer. Any files placed in this folder can be shared with
other users of Dropbox.

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3. Login to Dropbox. Create an account if you do not already have one.

4. Save your new folder, containing your Share Model, and all the files within to the Dropbox folder. Rightclick on the folder where you stored the collaboration file and select the option Invite to folder .
A window will be displayed. Enter the email addresses of the people you wish to share the model with
and click on Share folder. This will allow your team access to the model.

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Sharing a model in your computer

If you do not have company access to a File Server or Internet, you can share your models on your own
computer. As soon as you share a model, give your team the permissions to the file and folder through
Windows' Sharing options.
Right-click the folder and the .bpmc file and select the arrow next to Share with. Select Specific people
to add the necessary people. The team members added will have access to the model.

Example of collaboration
You can find the contents of this article in the video: Collaboration Explained
To illustrate how to perform collaboration within a process we will use the following example:

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Assume that Andrea works in the administrative department of her company. She has been working on
the Travel Request process, which involves employee activities to manage a request for a flight ticket, a
currency advance and a hotel reservation.
She needs to share her model to collaborate with Mark on her team, allowing him to review the model
and suggest any improvements.
1. To share her model, she clicks on the Share Process button, located in the Team collaboration group
on the Home tab. She saves the model in a shared location (using the wizard), where Mark can access
it.

Upon her sharing the model, Bizagi creates a new model with a .bpmc extension, the c denotes
collaboration.
Click here for more information about Bizagi Modeler extensions.
2. She grants Mark privileges to access the location where the model is shared.
Once Mark is given permission, he opens the .bpmc file.
3. Andrea and Mark can now both open the model and work concurrently on it. They can communicate
with each other by entering messages in the Comments window found on the right of the screen.
Messages are displayed in real-time; hence, as soon as either party types a comment and clicks the
Enter button, the comment will be instantaneously displayed.

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They can also leave their comments for later review by team members. Comments in Bizagi Modeler
work very similarly to Twitter.
4. Andrea asks Mark to help her with the Expenses report diagram. They can both view the Expense
report diagram simultaneously and thereafter discuss it.
Mark reviews the diagram. He comments, at the Diagram level, that all the activities of the
Administrative Manager are missing and stipulates that he will make the changes.

5. By default all diagrams are read-only. To change or update a diagram it is necessary to click Edit
Diagram, located in the Team Collaboration group on the Home tab.
In the given example, this feature enables Mark to perform any changes on the diagram; however, for
Andrea and other users the diagram will be locked.

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6. Once Mark has completed his changes he clicks on the Release Diagram button, located in the Team
Collaboration group on the Home tab.

7. Andrea receives a notification informing her there has been a change in the Expense report diagram.
8. Andrea reviews the model and note the last activity should have some additional changes.
Consequently, she adds an Element comment for Mark's perusal.

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9. Mark reviews Andrea's latest comment. Either Mark or Andrew can make the change. Whoever
makes the change will lock the diagram, using the Edit Diagram feature, enforcing single-user editing
only.

There is an Info button available for everyone to track the editing history. The History window displays the
date-time and user details of each addition.

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Video example: Collaboration explained

This video shows how to collaborate with your team with Bizagi Modeler

Collaboration levels
Collaboration comments can be made at three different levels: model, diagram and element, so that
team members can comment on the context in each level.
Model comments: comments posted within the Model apply to all the diagrams, i.e. are visible from
any diagram. These comments are found in the Diagrams tab.

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Diagram comments: comments posted within a diagram only apply to that diagram.

Element comments: comments posted within a selected diagram element only apply to that element
within a diagram.

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Offline collaboration
You, or your team, can also work offline within a collaboration model. Offline collaboration allows
modification even if there is no access to a network connection. Offline collaboration is only possible
when the collaboration model files (.bpmc file and folder) are available in offline mode through an Online
Storage Service or if your network folder is always available offline.
You can lock the process for editing before or after you log off the network. However we recommend that
you lock the diagram for edit BEFORE you disconnect or log off from the network to avoid conflicts.
Click here to learn more about Conflicts resolution.
An example of an offline collaboration being needed is where you may be on a business trip and plan to
work whilst on the airplane.
1. Before you leave your office click the Edit Diagram button, in the Team Collaboration group on the
Home tab, to lock the diagram for editing.
(Since the diagram is in edit mode you alone are able to make the changes, which can be done whilst on
the plane.)

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2. Once the changes are made, click the Release diagram button, in the Team Collaboration group on
the Home tab. The diagram will automatically synchronize when next you connect to the network. Once
synchronized your team will be able to view all changes.

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NOTE:
In order for offline collaboration to work you need to use:
An Online Storage Service, for example: Dropbox which creates local copies of all files on your
computer; or
If you are using a file server, the shared folder must be made available offline.

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Conflicts resolution
Collaboration allows multiple users to work together on a model which is saved in a shared folder. Team
members can perform changes to a model at the same time, some being online and others being offline.
When offline users come back online, and diagrams are synchronized, conflicts in the changes can
occur. Conflicts will occur if changes are made by more than one person to the process flow or to the
documentation of any element in the same diagram.
The following example illustrates how conflicts can occur:
You have shared a model thought Dropbox with another team member but you need to travel abroad
whilst they work on the model. During the flight you decide to work on a diagram and make some
changes offline. However at the same time your team member is also working on the same diagram
whilst being online.
When you next connect to the network your model will automatically synchronize. Consequently, your
changes will now conflict with your colleague's.
Bizagi has a tool that allows you to resolve these conflicts.

Process flow conflicts

Let us assume that you and your team member work in the Administrative department of your company
and you are collaborating via Dropbox on the Purchase Request process. You changed a diagram offline
and your team member, whilst being online, also made some changes to the model.
As you come back online and synchronize the model, a new window will be displayed to warn that there
is a conflict.
There will be two diagrams, one in blue and one in red. The blue one will be your diagram i.e.; being the
person who synchronized.

The left pane shows the conflicting versions. You can switch between the diagrams to analyze which
version to keep, just as in Word or Excel.
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The person synchronizing (you in this case) must decide how to handle the conflict.
You can revert to your colleagues online version or retain your own offline version. Note, you can always
create a copy of the diagram that was not kept, by selecting the option Save a copy. Doing so will allow
you you to implement the changes in the discarded version.

Attribute conflicts
Again, let us assume that you and your team member work in the Administrative department of your
company and you are collaborating via Dropbox on the Purchase Request process. As in the previous
example you both made changes offline and online respectively, but this time to the attribute information
for the same diagram element. For example, the description of the Create Purchase Request task.

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When you are next able to connect to the network and synchronize your model, a message will display
to warn that there is a conflict.

Two diagrams will be displayed: one with your changes and another with your team member's conflicting
version. As the person synchronizing, you need to decide whether to retain your own, offline, version or
revert to your colleagues online version.

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Using Categories
Categories classify comments, that have been made in the Comments Window, according to their
priority, relevance or topic. For example you can classify your comments to distinguish between urgent
changes, issues to evaluate, etc.
Defining and assigning categories enables you to filter comments and so focus on the most important
information.
To define categories follow the steps below:

Create and assign filters to comments

1. Select Filter by in the Comments Window.

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2. Select Edit Categories.

3. Select the category you wish to define and then click the Rename button. Name it and click OK
button.

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4. Click the category icon located on the right hand side of the comment and select the desired
category.

Filter comments by category

Comments can be filtered if you associate the relevant comments to category tags. To tag your
comment, click the Filter by option and select the category.

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Remov e filters and clear categories

To remove a filter click the red button located on the right-hand side of the category.

To clear an associate category tag select the category icon, located on the right-hand side of the
comment; thereafter, select the Clear option from the drop-down list.

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User profiles
When a model is in collaboration mode, the user profile identifies the team member. Your profile can be
configured to include a personalized user name (nickname) and a picture.
User profiles are defined locally to each computer. A local user profile is created and stored on the first
computer the user logs into. If you use Bizagi Modeler on multiple computers you will need to define a
user profile on each one.
You can customize your user profile by following the steps below:
1. On the Tools tab, in the Tools group, click User Profile.

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2. The User Profile window will be displayed. Click the Change Image button to load an image for the
display picture.

3. Enter your Nickname and Name and click the OK button .

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4. After updating your user profile all your comments will show your picture and nickname.

Saving as non-collaborative file

Collaborative process models are saved with a .bpmc extension (the c denotes collaboration), in
comparison to non-collaborating models that use a .bpm extension. Click here for more information
about Bizagi Modeler extensions.
When you have finished collaborating, that is, your process design is finished, you can save your model
as a .bpm file again in the location where all your processes are stored.
1. Click Save As on the File tab.

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2. Specify the save location and select B iz agi Diagram Model (*.b pm ) from the Save as type drop-down
list.

Force unlock
By default all diagrams are read-only. To change or update a diagram it is necessary to click Edit
Diagram on the Home tab. This will enable you to perform any changes on the diagram, and for everyone
else, the diagram will be locked.
Doing so avoid inconsistencies, as single-user editing prohibits conflicting updates on shared data, which
is important to maintain integrity. However, you may override this feature by forcing an unlock at which
point Bizagi Modeler will warn you that conflicts may occur.
A locked diagram is evident by a display message stating that the model is read only.
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Click the More info link.

A window will display showing the users currently editing the model.

If you click the Unlock diagram button the following warning message will be shown.

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Click the Yes button. This will unlock the diagram and you will be able to make the necessary changes.

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Part IX
Process Execution

Process Execution
Bizagi offers three complementary products: Bizagi Modeler, Bizagi Studio and Bizagi Engine.
To model and automate your processes you need Bizagi Modeler and Bizagi Studio on your Computer or
laptop.
Use the free Modeler to diagram and document your process. Once your process is complete you can
then press the Run button to export the process to Bizagi Studio, where a wizard will guide you through
all the necessary steps to automate the process, and turn it into an executable application (workflow).

Manage the complete process life cycle:

Bizagi Modeler: Diagram and documentation module available as Freew are
Bizagi Studio: Construction module available in the Bizagi BPM Suite
Bizagi Engine: Execution and control module available in the Bizagi BPM Suite
With Bizagi Modeler you start mapping and documenting the process flowchart.
Use our Bizagi Studio to enter all the necessary information for process execution: standard time, costs,
user interfaces, business rules, etc. This model is stored in a database and used for process execution
by the Bizagi Engine.
Bizagi BPM Suite allows you to enter all the necessary information for process execution: standard time,
costs, user interfaces, business rules, etc. This information is stored as a model in a database and used
at runtime for process execution through a work portal for end users.
Click here for more information about process automation

To start your process automation, follow the steps below:

1. Download Bizagi BPM Suite from www.bizagi.com and follow the instructions to install it.

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2. Open your process in Bizagi Modeler and select Run Workflow on the Home tab.

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3. Mark the diagrams to export and click the Next button.

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4. Edit the diagram's name, if necessary, and click the Next button.

5. Choose the New option in the project list and click the Next button.
If you already have a project in Bizagi Studio, you can opt to create this new process there.
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6. Enter the project name and click the Next button. The project will be created and are able to start the
automation in Bizagi Suite.

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7. In Bizagi Studio a wizard will guide you step by step through the automation process and will have
your processes up and running in no time.

Guidance for automation

Bizagi Studio is the construction environment that transforms processes designed with Bizagi Modeler
into applications without the need for programming.
Bizagi offers a set of tools that enables you to graphically define the model associated with a business
process (flowchart, business rules, user interface, etc.). This model is stored into a database, then is
interpreted and executed in production by Bizagi BPM Server without having to use intermediate code.
Bizagi Studio is available for free download from our site www.bizagi.com.
To model processes that are executable in Bizagi Studio, you need to consider the following.

Activ ities
Activities represent work or tasks carried out by members of the organization. Bizagi Studio only
supports some of the types of activities. You can define your tasks as User Task, Service Task, Receive
Task, Send Task, Script Task or Manual Task.

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Ev ents
Start Events
The start event indicates the start of the process. Bizagi Studio supports several start events:
Start Event (it does not have any particular behavior)
Message Start Event
Timer Start Event
Signal Start Event

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Intermediate Events
Intermediate events indicate where something happens somewhere between the start and the end of a
Process. Bizagi Studio allows you to include five types of intermediate event in your processes.
Intermediate Event
Message Intermediate Event
Timer Intermediate Event
Link Intermediate Event
Signal Intermediate Event

When you include a message or a signal event in the diagrams, you must indicate if the event is used to
Throw or to Catch.
Click here for more information about how to communicate between processes.

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End Events
End events indicate when a process ends. Bizagi Studio supports the following end events.
Message End Event
Error End Event
Cancel End Event
Signal End Event

Multiple Pools and Lanes

Multiple pools are not supported by the Bizagi BPM Suite. The processes that can be executed in Bizagi
Studio must contain only one pool.
You can include several lanes to define and differentiate elements in the process: for example roles and
departments.

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Connectors
To execute your model, you can use Sequence Flow Connectors
elements in the process.

You can also include the association connector

to connect the different

to link artifacts to an element.

Sub-process
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Bizagi Studio supports four types of sub-processes, each sub-process has a special behavior:
Embedded: When you define a Sub-process as Embedded, which is the default Sub-process, it will be
dependent on the parent Process and consequently have visibility of the parents global data.
Reusable: A Reusable Sub-process is defined when an activity within a Process calls another
predefined Process. The Process that is called is not dependent on the parent.
Multiple: A multiple Sub-process is instantiated several times. It could be executed in Parallel or in
Sequence.
Transactional: The transactional Process is a Sub-process which behavior is controlled through a
transaction protocol.
Click here for more information about transactional sub processes.

Execution
Once you have completed the process modeling you can run it on the Bizagi BPM Suite.

Video: Bizagi BPM Quicktour

Watch a 5 minutes quicktour and learn about Bizagi BPM Suite - Process execution

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Part X
Advanced topics

Adv anced topics

Interaction between processes
More than one pool in a diagram represents interaction between separated business entities or
performers.
Many business processes require interaction between each other to be correctly performed and
accomplished. In BPMN these interactions are defined as a sequence of activities that represent
message exchange patterns between the entities involved.
In BPMN this behavior is know as Collaboration.

Understanding interaction between processes

BPMN defines Pools as Process performers (Entity or Role) that contain the Sequence Flows between
activities.
There is always at least one Pool for each diagram even if it is not diagrammed.
More than one pool in a diagram represents interaction between separate business entities or
performers.

As the activities within Pools are considered auto-contained processes, the sequence flow must not
cross the pools' boundaries. The interaction between Pools is shown through Message Flows,
represented as dotted lines.

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Modeling Collaborativ e processes

Collaboration enables communication between two or more processes by sending and receiving
messages containing actionable information. In Bizagi, collaboration is carried out through the throw and
catch shapes which are configured in each process. The shapes that allow Collaboration in Bizagi are:
ELEMENT
Message Start
Event

DESCRIPTION

NOTATION

Used when a message arrives from a participant and triggers

the start of the process.

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Indicates that a message can be sent or received.

If a Process is waiting for a message and it is caught the
Process will continue its flow.
Message event

A catch Message Event waits for a message to arrive and once

the message has been received, the Process will continue. The
Event marker in this instance will be filled.
A throw Message Event sends a message to an external
participant. The unfilled Event marker is allocated to the throw
message.
Indicates that a message is sent when the process is ended.

Message end

Signal Start Event

Signal event

The start of the Process is triggered by the arrival of a signal

that has been broadcast from another Process.
Note that the signal is not a message; messages have specific
targets, signals do not.
These Events are used to send or receive signals within or
across the Process. A signal is similar to a signal flare that is
shot into the sky for anyone who might be interested to notice
and then react.
If the Event is used to catch the signal, the signal Event marker
will be filled. Alternatively, the unfilled Event marker is
allocated to the throw message.
It indicates that a signal is sent when the process is complete.

Signal end

When you drag and drop an Intermediate Event into a process, you can convert it to another type of
event.
For example to convert an Intermediate Event to a Message Event, follow these two steps:
1. Convert the event type from Intermediate Event into Message. Right-click on it, select Event Type and
choose Message.

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2. If you have a catch message (the event marker that is NOT filled) and you need a throw message (the
event marker that IS filled).
Right-click on the shape and select Is Throw, in order to convert the message into a throw message.

In the collaboration diagram, the messages will appear as follows:

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Example: Interaction between processes

In this example a company decided to diagram the Purchase Process interacting with the process
performed by your suppliers.
The two processes are independent but information flows constantly via messages (phone calls, emails,
etc.).
Each company needs information from the other to successfully complete the process.
The following is the diagram shows the Purchase Process example.

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The Purchase department sends a Purchase Order to the Supplier.

Then, when the products are delivered, an invoice is sent to the purchase department by the Supplier.
Those interactions between processes can be represented with messages. To inset a message, click on
the Message line option in the Connectors palette.

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By doing the same for the send and receive invoice activities, the diagram showing collaboration will be
finished.

Message Flow connection rules

The following table has been ex tracted from the BPMN 2.0 standard where the rules to connect objects
through message flows is defined.
"The arrow symbol indicates that the object listed in the row can connect to the object listed in the
column. (...) Only those objects that can have incoming and/or outgoing Message Flows are shown in
the table. Thus, Lane, Gateway, Data Object, Group, and Text Annotation are not listed in the table."
B us ines s P roc es s Model and Notation, v2.0 page 44

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Alignment features between processes

When modeling interaction between Processes, Bizagi provides smart-align options for both the new
Pools and Message Flows between them.

New Pools alignment

Recall that as soon as you open the Modeler a Pool will be ready for you to start diagramming.
When including a new Pool into a diagram, using smart alignment will line up the Pools to each other
(left vertically alignment).
To use this feature, make sure you drag the new Pool to the existing Pool's left start point (vertically
near).
Bizagi will highlight both Pools to indicate that you may drop the new one at this location and allow autoalignment.

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Message Flows alignment

When using Message Flows to model the interaction between Processes, smart alignment will show
flows emanating from a straight line parallel or vertical to the element.
To use this feature, ensure your Task or Event being connected to the Message Flow is placed close
enough to allow for a straight line.

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In this way, Bizagi will automatically align the Task or Event.

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Note that this feature applies for Message Flows connected to Tasks or Events, and at least to one of
their two endpoints (e.g Message Flows with the following related elements: Task-Task, Event-Event,
Task-Event, Pool-Task, Pool-Event).

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Long lasting transactions

Bizagi Modeler is a powerful tool that allows you to model your business process from the simplest to
the most complex process.
A transactional process is an example of a complex model that can be modeled by Bizagi Modeler.
Transactional processes are used to coordinate multiple activities that need to be completed
successfully. If any of them are not successful it is necessary to return to the initial state (a state before
the activities where ever performed). BPMN uses the following diagram element to represent a
Transactional Sub-process:

The long lasting transactional BPMN models have three possible outcomes:
The first outcome is when all activities in the process are successfully performed, the process
continues with the normal flow.

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The second outcome is when a failure occurs, and it is necessary to reverse all activities that have
already been completed within the process. This is achieved through the execution of compensation
activities. Each activity that needs compensation has one task associated to it. Compensation is
executed when it is necessary to return to the initial state of something and is only performed when an
activity has successfully ended.
The last outcome occurs when an unexpected error is presented, the transactional sub process
activities are interrupted without any compensation and the process continues with the intermediate
error event.
To model a transactional process it is necessary to attach the Error and Cancel events to the sub
process. In any of these two events occur the process will have a flow to continue:

Transactional example
To demonstrate this type of process we are going to use the a travel request.
When a travel request is made, it is necessary to make reservations for travel, hotel and car hire. If any
one of them cannot be successfully completed, then the whole trip is not possible. The reservations that
were made successfully, must be compensated.
The following images illustrate these three possible outcomes:

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The complete process looks like this.

To Model the activities of the Sub-Process include the required activities. In this case we will include
three activities, Book Car, Book Hotel and Book Flight.

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Include a compensation event for each activity. This way, if any activity fails, the completed activities can
be compensated.

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Now your Process is complete: The parent Process contains the sequence flows that will allow the
Process to take action if the Sub-process fails to complete successfully. The Sub-process contains
actions that will compensate any reservation that has already been performed correctly.

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Part XI
FAQ

FAQ
General FAQs
What is the price of Bizagi Modeler?
Is Bizagi Modeler open source?
How do I install Bizagi Modeler on my Mac?
Can I install Bizagi Modeler on a multi-user setup?
What kind of files does the Modeler handle?
What is the BPMN version supported by Bizagi Modeler?
How do I know if my diagram has modeling errors?

Diagramming and documenting FAQs

Can I work on diagrams that were not designed in Bizagi Modeler?
Can I import and export extended attributes using XPDL language?
My model includes several sub-processes. How can I import all the diagrams in a new model?
How can I diagram the communication between processes?
How can I diagram a large process?
Can I remove or change the Bizagi logo from my diagrams?
How should I manage fonts in my documentation?
How can I include special characters to support my language?
How can i disable the message that shows up when changing element types?

Sharing documentation FAQs

Can I use the Modeler with several people to work simultaneously on the same diagram?
How can I share my process diagrams and documentation with colleagues?
How can I present my processes in a business meeting?
Why is my sub-processes' information not being included when I publish?

Troubleshooting FAQs
Why cant I use pools, lanes and milestones in a sub-process?
Why cant I see all the figures in the palette?
Why is the Modeler included in the BPM Suite different from Bizagi Modeler?
Why do I get an activation message of ActiveX every time I export my models to web?
I get the error Exception from HRESULT: 0x80010001 (RPC_E_CALL_REJECTED) when exporting to
Word
Why cant I open my .bpm models shared in SharePoint directly with Bizagi Modeler?
After publishing the web output to SharePoint 2010, the default page will not open. What can I do?
Why cant I publish to my MediaWiki?

General FAQs
What is the price of Bizagi Modeler?
Bizagi Modeler is available at no cost as a free download. It is not a trial version or community edition,
the entire product is available for free.

Is Bizagi Modeler open source?

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No, Bizagi Modeler is a freew are, but not open source. We do not have a developer version.

How do I install Bizagi Modeler on my Mac?

Mac OS is not currently supported.
However you can execute our Modeler using a Windows virtual machine on your Mac.
We recommend installing VMware's emulation software that will enable to run windows applications.
http://www.vmware.com/products/fusion/

Can I install Bizagi Modeler on a multi-user setup?

Bizagi Modeler can be installed in a Server (as per the requisites) in order to be accessed by multiple
users.
For this setup, there are third-party technologies which will allow them access, such as Terminal
Services.

What kind of files does the Modeler handle?

Bizagi Modeler has two main file types, differentiated by the file extension:
.bpm, the file format used to save a Bizagi Modeler file.
.bpmc, the file format used to save diagrams for Team Collaboration Mode.
Team Collaboration is used to provide collaboration within your work team for the definition of your
process diagrams and documentation.
Click this link Team Collaboration for further information.
The .bpm in the 1.6 version is used to save a model that will be imported to our Bizagi BPM Suite to
be automated and turned into a running application (workflow).
If you want to have interoperability (import, export) with other BPM tools, then you should use the
standard XPDL language or Microsoft Visio.
For more information please refer to Exporting and Importing.

What is the BPMN version supported by Bizagi Modeler?

Bizagi Modeler supports the current version, BPMN 2.0.
For more information about BPMN 2.0, see http://www.omg.org/spec/BPMN/2.0

How do I know if my diagram has modeling errors?

Bizagi includes a button that validates the element's location. and connections. On the Home tab, in the
Model group, click on Validate to start error checking.
Select the error description in the Diagram Validation add-on window in order to correct it.

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Bizagi Modeler does not validate the notation and the logic used in your diagram. However we offer
several types of support to help you through your process modeling and documentation. For more
information please refer to Training and Support.

Best practices in modeling

The BPMN (Business Process Modeling Notation) standard provides organizations with the capability of
understanding their internal business processes in a graphical notation and the ability to communicate
their procedures in a standard manner. However, the use of the standard do not ensure that processes
are modeled in a clear and effective way; the way modelers interpret business conditions, and how they
define its structure, is crucial to ensuring they are understood correctly.
This article provides process modelers some guidelines to build clear and effective models compliant with
the BPMN standard.

BPMN modeling principles

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When defining process diagrams you should take into account the following basic principles:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Keep a logical and clear sequence

Use the BPMN standard
Use strict labeling
Simplify diagrams

Below you will find useful tips to follow these principles and aid the correct processes definition and
communication.

1. Keep a logical and clear sequence

This seems to be obvious but is one of the most common errors in process modeling. Diagrams can
become unreadable and very confusing when the process logic is not explicit and clear. The following
techniques will help you to maintain a logical and clear sequence in your models.

Define a clear beginning and end:

In BPMN, start and end events are optional. However, processes with implicit start and end events are
undesirable and could lead to misinterpretations.
Use start and end events in each process and sub-process to represent its beginning and completion.

Follow a consistent direction of flow

Make the process logic visible in the diagram. Avoid crossed lines (connectors), maintain a time
sequence and keep a consistent direction of flow. The diagram reading will be easier and its
communication efficient.

Keep primary scenario clear

The "happy path" should be easily identified when reading a diagram. Diagram the happy path first and
then the alternative flows.
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Keep alternative scenarios clear

BPMN offers the necessary tools to represent exception handling logic explicitly in the diagram. Once
the primary scenario is diagrammed, make use of the following elements to model alternative flows as
required:
Use events attached to tasks
If an Event is attached to the boundary of an activity, it will change the normal flow into an exception flow
when something happens (a message is received, a condition is met, a time is reached, etc). For further
information see Attached events
Use transactional processes
Transactional processes allow business scenarios with transactions. A set of activities must be
successfully accomplished, otherwise compensation or cancellation flows are followed. For further
information see Sub-processes types

Distinguish success and failure end states

Use separate end events to identify when a process finished successfully and when it did not.

Keep a format standard

Keep a unique format along your diagrams and focus on a clean and friendly look and feel. Using different
font sizes, colors, boxes sizes or overlapping labels might make the diagrams reading a challenge.

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2. Use the BPMN standard

The BPMN standard defines the standards used to diagram business processes. However, following the
BPMN guidelines is completely in your hands. Make sure your models comply with the standard to
ensure its correct understanding.
Once the process logic has been defined, validate your diagrams making sure you properly use the
different BPMN elements. The following aspect should be checked for each BMPN element:
What to check in Pools
Diagram processes completely within a Pool. Never diagram flows across Pool boundaries.

Define as many pools as processes. There must be always at least one Pool.

What to check in Lanes

Create a lane only if at least one task or intermediate event is performed in it.

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Do not create lanes to represent the area or entity that carries out automatic tasks or gateways.

Do not diagram tasks, gateways or events at the middle of two lanes.

What to check in Activities

Do not diagram multiple instances of the same task to represent multiple performers. Just diagram one
task in one area. Define the multiple performers as Allocation Conditions in the documentation.

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Do not branch flows using tasks. Always use gateways to do so.

What to check in Gatew ays

Do not use gateways to join and split at the same time.

Balance gateways. Splits must be joined equivalently.

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Always use the same type of Gateway used as for splitting to join the flow.

What to check in Events

Always use start and end events.

Use terminate events only when this is strictly necessary. They are used to model situations where
several alternative paths are enabled and the entire process have to be finished when one of them is
completed.

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What to check in Connectors

Use sequence flows to connect all the activities, events and gateways. Never use message flow to
connect activities within the same pool or leave shapes unconnected.

Never use sequence flows to connect elements of different pools. Use message flows to represent
information exchanging between processes.

What to check in Milestones

Always identify and define phases; these represents a period of time goal or transition in the process.

Avoid come back or looping back across a milestone.

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3. Use strict labeling

Correct labeling of the different elements of the diagrams is fundamental for an easy and correct
understanding of processes. Here are some recommendations to help you do so:

Labeling Processes
Processes labels should clearly describe their main purpose. Ensure that you do not use short names or
abbreviations.

Labeling Activities
Give activities a label composed of one verb, and one object. This way readers can clearly understand
the objective of a task. Also, ensure that you do not use short names or abbreviations.

Labeling Events
Do not label start and end events when only one instance of them is used. It is very common to label
them as "Process start" and "Process end" but this is redundant and not necessary.

Use labeling when multiple start and end events are used. Label them according to what they
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represent using a noun. Do not repeat names.

Labeling Milestones
Milestones should be labeled with a noun making reference to a period of time (summer, maturity) or
what happens in a period of time (creation,approval, delivery).

Labeling Gateways
Divergence gateways should have a clear name indicating the decision or condition evaluated when it
applies. Use a name composed of one verb, one object, and a question mark to identify what is being
evaluated. You can even use questions to clarify the decision involved.

If names do not apply for any gateway use abbreviations or numbers to differentiate them.

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Name transitions indicating the condition related

4. Simplify diagrams
Large diagrams do not allow giving an end-to-end perspective to readers. They are difficult to read and
clearly communicate the purpose of the process.
Defining the correct scope of tasks and level of detail of processes is key to reduce the overage of
information. The following tips will help:

Reduce the number of redundant tasks

The level of detail in a process is sometimes a true challenge. In many cases you may face difficulties to
define the scope of a single task. Take into account that:
When diagramming it is useful to imagine that you are a final user. If a set of consecutive activities can
be performed by the same person, at the same time then these activities could be integrated into a
single activity.
A set of consecutive activities in the same lane may indicate missing participant details, too much
detail, or a misalignment in scope. Review these patterns to identify opportunities for activity
integration.

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Group activities
Use sub-processes to group activities with the same purpose. You can expand the sub-processes later
to expose details of lower levels of hierarchy. A process will contain multiple pages, but internally the
integrity of a single model is maintained.
Use embedded sub-processes when:
A set of consecutive activities has an owner different from the main process owner (e.g a P urc has e
reques t process is performed by the Purchasing area and the A c c ounts payab le process is performed
by the Financ ial area).
A set of consecutive activities has an different goal from the main process one (e.g a Credit reques t is
focused on managing all the activities to approve a credit request and the V erify applic ant inform ation
is focused on checking if the applicant is in the black list as well as the information submitted).
Use reusable sub-processes when:
The sub-process needs to be invoked from different processes (e.g a V erify applic ant inform ation subprocess can be invoked from a c redit reques t process or from a Ins uranc e reques t process).

Apply process patterns

Do not reinvent the wheel. BPMN experts have worked on defining modeling patterns to different
business situations. Use them to model the required business conditions while simplifying your
diagrams.
For further information about modeling patterns please check the BPMN Workflow patterns document

Document minor details

Leave details to documentation. Do not include all the information on diagrams. Additional information
should be documented as shape properties not as objects or text in the diagram.

Diagramming and documenting FAQs

Can I work on diagrams that were not designed in Bizagi Modeler?
Yes. Bizagi Modeler allows you to import diagrams from Microsoft Office Visio or XPDL format files.
Importing existing models will enhance agility and allow for continuous process improvement efforts.
For more information please refer to Exporting to XPDL or Exporting to Visio

Can I import and export extended attributes using XPDL language?

Yes, it is possible to import and export the extended attributes using XPDL.
Keep in mind that you can import/export paired-up attributes (i.e., name, value). Hence, tables are not
imported or exported.
It is not possible to import or export milestones, artifacts (include data objects) and embedded files as
these elements are not defined by XPDL language.
In addition, presentation actions are not exported because they are an unique feature of Bizagi Modeler.

My model includes several Sub-processes. How can I import all the diagrams in
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a new model?
It is possible to import as many diagrams as you want. However, if you are importing the diagrams from
XPDL format you must import them one by one (XDPL files only save information about one process).
If any Process includes a reusable Sub-process, you must include both diagrams and create the
relationship between them. However, if the Sub-process is embedded, the parent process will
automatically import it.
If you use Visio, all Processes and Sub-processes, within a Visio file, are imported to Bizagi in a single
step.

How can I diagram the communication between processes?

In BPMN the communication between Processes is defined as a sequence of activities that represents
message exchange.
These messages flows are represented by a dotted arrow called Message flow connector. As the
connections are made between pools, it is incorrect to connect a message flow to an activity within a
process.
A Pool has many connection points, you can locate the points by dragging the start or end connection
along the border. Whenever a connection is available it will highlight to a green point.

How can I diagram a large process?

The maximum space to model processes with Bizagi Modeler is calculated as follows:
Width by Height must not be over 36.000 pixels.
The maximum width size is 10.000 pixels.
If your diagram is bigger than this allocated size, we recommend dividing the diagram into subprocesses. This allows for a large and complex model to be more readable and easily understood.

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Can I remove or change the Bizagi logo from my diagrams?

Due to popular demand from the Bizagi user community, we now offer the option to replace the Bizagi
logo with your own company logo.
For more information please refer to Company Logo

How should I manage fonts in my documentation?

Since the 2.4 release, Bizagi supports rich-text formatting in Descriptions and any extended attributes
information contained in Text boxes or Text areas.
We recommend to keep in mind the following considerations on how Bizagi uses formatting options for
both the application and documentation:
1. Bizagi Modeler in its application, uses Segoe UI with size 8 as the default font.
Even though you may change font, font size and font style for information where rich-text formatting is
available (text in description, Text box and Text area extended attributes), you may not change this for
other information such as the one in Name, Start quantity, etc.
2. There is no option to customize the font used for the actual labels and captions such as "Name",
"Description", "Performers".
3. You may change the default font and font size for the visual labels in BPMN elements (when modeling
the Process). This is a whole different setting which is configured in the general options of the
application.
When changing this setting, it will apply for brand new elements from that moment on. It does not
currently provide an option to apply the change for existing elements, due to the fact that this would most
likely not adjust to the position of elements already modeled.
Keep in mind that the default font setting is stored per User (it will apply for the given user's work in a
particular installation), and therefore you may want to review that existing models continue to work with
the previous font and font size.
4. When launching the Presentation mode, the same default setting applies in labels and captions
(Segoe UI size 8). This will be off course overridden by any other explicit format entered for the text
inside descriptions and Text box or Text area extended attributes. A similar concept applies when
publishing to Web, MediaWiki or PDF.
5. When publishing to Word, you may use a custom template of your choice. If you do, this template will
contain implicitly the font and styles to be used for the Word output. Yet again, this applies for
information other than that contained inside descriptions, and text or textarea extended attributes (given
that the text with defined rich-text format will override it).

How can I include special characters to support my language?

You can include special characters or alter the descriptive text using the ALT keys directly in the Name
Attribute (or other Attributes) on the Basic tab of the Element properties add-on window.

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How can i disable the message that shows up when changing element types?
When you change an element type, any extended attributes information entered will be lost if it hasn't
been shared.
That is why Bizagi Modeler warns you before changing types.

You can turn on or off this warning by marking the Warn element type changes checkbox (located at the
application general Options).
Please click for further information about sharing extended attributes

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Sharing documentation FAQs

Can I use the Modeler with several people to work simultaneously on the same
diagram?
Yes. The Team Collaboration functionality allows teams to collaborate by working simultaneously on a
model during the process design phase. This achieves greater participation of team members and helps
ensure the best quality in process definition.
For more information please refer to Team Collaboration

How can I share my process diagrams and documentation with colleagues?

You can share your models in different ways depending on your needs:
1. Share you models among team members and work together simultaneously during the process design
phase with the Team Collaboration feature.
For more information please refer to Team Collaboration
2. You can generate and publish your completed process documentation to Word, PDF, SharePoint,
Web and MediaWiki.
For more information please refer to Generating Documentation
3. You can share processes and export to either Visio or XPDL. Your business process can also be
exported as images to PNG, bpm, SVG or JPG format files.
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For more information please refer to Publish or Export

4. Display the process in presentation mode with a full read-only screen view. For more information
please refer to Presentation Mode.

How can I present my processes in a business meeting?

Bizagi allows you to display your models in Presentation Mode where a full display view, read-only
mode, is used (similar to the Full screen view in Microsoft products).
In Presentation Mode you can access the main features of your processes and the documentation you
have included. Additionally, you can define Presentation Actions to allow for a more interactive and
understandable presentation.
For more information please refer to Presentation Mode

Why is my sub-processes' information not being included when I publish?

By default sub-processes are created as embedded. When you publish your documentation, embedded
sub-processes are shown as tasks belonging to the parent process.
Therefore to include your sub-processes to you published documentation you would need to go into the
second configuration window in the P ub lis h wiz ard, where you can include each BPMN element per
process.
In the following image, we illustrate how you can include the sub-process and its BPMN elements.

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Troubleshooting FAQs
Why cant I use pools, lanes and milestones in a Sub-process?
Embedded Sub-processes are an Inline block, that group process elements used in a certain point in the
process within a Sub-process. According to BPMN, a Sub-process should not have pools or lanes as
they are dependent on the parent process and subsequently have visibility to the parent's global data.
In order to make use of pools, lanes and milestones diagram elements in a Sub-process, change your
default Sub-process to a reusable Sub-process. Reusable Sub-processes allow all of these elements.
Note, in BPMN reusable sub-processes are called "Call Activities".
For more information please refer to Converting to reusable sub-process

Why can't I see all the figures in the palette?

The Palette includes two views: a Core view that displays basic BPMN element; and an Extended view
that displays the complete element list.

Note, the Extended Palette has a drop-down arrow next to each item.

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Why is the Modeler included in the BPM Suite different from Bizagi Modeler?
Bizagi offers two complementary products: Bizagi Modeler and Bizagi BPM Suite.
Each one has a specific objective. Bizagi Modeler is used to diagram and document processes, and the
BPM Suite is focused on taking the next step in automating/executing the models.
Bizagi Modeler's purpose is oriented towards complete documentation of models in a .bpm file.
Whereas the BPM Suite will present ways to achieve effective implementation, through an assisted
process wizard, with the minimum amount of programming.

Why do I get an activation message of ActiveX every time I export my models to

web?
Internet Explorer validates the execution of ActiveX for security purposes. However you can enable
ActiveX to run the active content in the files, both for a model published in a local intranet location or on
your local computer.
To adjust Internet Explorer's security settings for ActiveX control behavior, follow the next steps:
1. Select Internet Options on the Tools tab of your browser.

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2. Select the Advanced tab. In the Security options, select the option Allow active content to run in files
on My Computer.

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3. Click the Custom level button. Check the Enable radio buttons for all Active X control and plug-ins in
Settings.
If the site is on your local intranet or from a trusted source you can make this change permanently.
Internet Explorer includes five predefined zones: Internet, Local Intranet, Trusted Sites, Restricted Sites,
and My Computer. You can set the security options that you want for each zone, and then add or
remove Web sites from the zones, depending on your level of trust in a Web site.

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I
get
the
error
Exception
from
HRESULT:
(RPC_E_CALL_REJECTED) when exporting to Word

0x80010001

If you are getting this error when exporting to Word we recommend to check the following:
1. Check if your current Word installation has any issues by going to your control panel and repairing the
installation.
2. Review if Word has add-ins, which may be affecting word instances being opened by a remote call.
This means that you can check in your Word options, in the Add-ins tab, if un-marking your COM addins solves this problem.

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Why cant I open my .bpm models shared in SharePoint direcly with Bizagi
Modeler?
To avoid this situation you need to create a MIME type for the the .bpm file extension in the Sharepoint
IIS Manager.
1. Log into your server through Remote Desktop Connection
2. Click Start, Programs, Administrative Tools, and select Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager
3. Under the IIS header, there is an icon MIME Types. Double-click the MIME Types icon to open the
feature

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After publishing the web output to SharePoint 2010, the default page will not
open. What can I do?
When you publish a web output to SharePoint, sometimes the default file will not open the web browser,
but instead it prompts to choose a program.
If this is your case there is a configuration error. We suggest following this guided article for your
Sharepoint 2010 web application settings:
http://www.myriadtech.com.au/blog/James/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=49.
For further information on how to configure Sharepoint 2010 settings please review Microsoft's articles,
such as:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc262107.aspx

Why cant I publish to my MediaWiki?

1. Ensure you have MediaWiki installed in the server where you are publishing,
2. Please review the supported MediaWiki and PHP combinations
3. Check the upload directory has permission set for for creating and editing pages.
4. The LocalSettings.php contains the configuration settings of your wiki. Assign permission to
LocalSettings.php as follows:
$wgGroupPermissions['user']['upload'] = true;
$wgFileExtensions
=
array('png','gif','jpg','jpeg','doc','xls','mpp','pdf','ppt','tiff','bmp','docx',
'xlsx',
'pptx','ps','odt','ods','odp','odg');

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Part XII
Process Templates

Process Templates
The following process templates are common processes used in many companies. Feel free to
customize them to your particular needs.

PROCESS TEMPLATES
20-F
Management

SOX

About to enter the stock

market or already part of it?
This neat process app
significantly reduces the time
and effort needed to comply with the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Click here to download this process template

Accounts Payable
Incorrect payments hit your
bottom line hard. Gain better
control and accuracy over the
complete
invoice
receipt
process with the Bizagi
Accounts Payable process app.
Click here to download this process template

Change Management
ITIL based
Introduce, manage, evaluate
and analyze the impact of
your technological changes
with
Bizagi's
ITIL-based
Change Management process app.
Click here to download this process template

Non Conformity
Management ISO
9000
Easily spot, manage and
correct those anomalies that,
when left untreated, threaten
your budget, customer base and industry
credentials.
Click here to download this process template

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

Access Management
ITIL based
This process app helps control
user privileges based on the
roles & responsibilities of
individual users in-line with the
principles of ITIL.
Click here to download this process template

Ad-Hoc process
Do you have processes that fall
outside predefined patterns?
Not a problem. Bizagi makes it
easy to assign, schedule and
resolve tasks on the fly.
Click here to download this process template

Help Desk
The Bizagi Help Desk app
embeds a formal yet flexible
flow enabling all your internal IT
request cases to be effectively
qualified, managed and solved.
Click here to download this process template

Onboarding
Put an end to first day
frustrations with the Bizagi
Onboarding process app - a
simple workflow to ensure new
employees have what they need
from day one.
Click here to download this process template

413

Offboarding
Ensure
your
offboarding
process is as tight as your
onboarding
one.
Get
complete control over all the
necessary tasks to ensure a
satisfactory experience for both HR and
employee.
Click here to download this process template

Petitions Claims and

Complaints
Claims,
Complaints
and
Suggestions getting out of
hand? This process app gives
you total clarity to identify,
resolve and improve all company interactions.
Click here to download this process template

Recruitment and
Selection
Struggling
to
assess
applicants'
information?
Interviews proving difficult to
schedule? Streamline your
selection process with Bizagi's Recruitment
app.
Click here to download this process template

Transactional process
Coordinate multiple activities
without returning to the initial
state. From small and simple
to large and complex, handle
every process outcome.
Click here to download this process template

Six Sigma
Perform your projects more
effectively in line with leading
Six
Sigma
/
DMAIC
methodology.
Click here to download this
process template

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

Personal Loans
Request
Streamline the complete credit
request cycle of your most
complex financial products,
from approval and evaluation
right through to final delivery.
Click here to download this process template

Purchase Request
The purchase lifecycle made
easy. Automate every stage
and enjoy better buying power
within your supply chain.
Click here to download this
process template

Sales Opportunity
Management
Convert more business leads
into closed deals. Analyze your
sales performance. Improve
your service levels. All made
simpler with Bizagi.
Click here to download this process template

Travel Request and

Expenses Report
A simple yet effective process
app to provide tight control over
travel and expenses requests,
complete with reports.
Click here to download this process template

Vacations Request
Easily submit leave. Gain
control & visibility. Reduce
manual updates across your
company. This app does it all,
in line with your company
handbook and approval procedures.
Click here to download this process template

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Vehicle Insurance
Policy Underwriting
This process app provides
underwriters with control and
visibility of the vehicles
required to insure, reducing
paperwork and unnecessary duplication.
Click here to download this process template

Download the process used in the Webinar

" Creating a process documentation portal
w ith Bizagi"
This is the example file for you to use as a
reference to model your processes and create
your own documentation portal.

" Criando um portal de documentao com o

Bizagi"
Arquivo de exemplo utilizado no Webinar:
Criando um portal de documentao com o
Bizagi

Copyright 2002-2014 Bizagi. All rights reserved.

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