Parallel Split

This is a BPMN process diagram example that shows the use of the pattern Parallel Split

• The intent of this pattern is to branch a single activity to multiple parallel paths.
• AND-split
• Used when multiple streams of work need to execute at the same time.

This BPMN example shows the effect of this pattern. If parts of the current “As-Is” process look like a Sequence pattern, evaluate the process to see if it can be improved using a Parallel Split and Synchronization patter.

For example, if the first, second and third activities in a sequence of activities shown in as-is process take 2, 3 and 4 hours respectively, the total time elapsed time to execute all three activities is 9 hours (the sum of the individual activity times).

An improved to-be process might be able to use the Parallel Split pattern to speed up the process. From the example you will find that the 3 tasks may happen simultaneously:
an order can be reviewed (taking 2 hours), while the customer’s credit is being checked (taking 3 hours), while the inventory for the items ordered is being checked (taking 4 hours). Instead of taking 9 hours, the order now takes the 4 hours to complete the three activities (the longest of the three activities in the parallel paths).