Multiple roles performing a single task

Question

How can I model a task that is performed by multiple roles?

Example 1: 3 roles have to meet in order to discuss an issue
Example 2: 3 roles collaborate in order to create a concept

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Answer 1

Your problem is thoroughly addressed in this excellent BPMN blog:

Activities cannot be placed common neither between pools nor lanes, and this is a common mistake. While this blog proposes possible solution I don't treat it as optimal and recommend you to check this answer on almost similar question as yours.

In my opinion you have to choose from these two options:

1. Either place your common activity inside separate collaborative lane which will be semantically equal to all your three roles.

As it fairly stated in the above answer, lane semantics is not strictly described in BPMN standard, so we can freely address any entities through it.

2. Or place your collaborative activity into separate pool. It's what BPMN collaboration diagrams are designated for.

You should choose the proper variant based on the semantics of your process.

Answer 2

there is a semantical difference in having the same task in separate lane as opposed to having the same task in a unique role lane. The former doesn't highlight a joined effort compared to the later. In other words, 3 people in separate rooms thinking about it, as opposed to 3 people brain-storming together in the same room.

Answer 3

How can I model a task that is performed by multiple roles?

Example 1: 3 roles have to meet in order to discuss an issue Example 2: 3 roles collaborate in order to create a concept

Any activity can have only one performer. It is (your question) mean, that 3 roles (performers) do the same activity at the same time and produce "something".

Answer 4

As it is the same task for all users using a multiple instances parallel activity can be a solution.

In this scenario task definition is actually the same for all users: they need to meet other members to discuss an issue or collaborate.