In BPMN, what do timers or messages represent within events?

Timers and messages in BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) play a crucial role in process management by triggering specific actions within the process. When a timer event occurs, it signifies that a predetermined time period has elapsed, leading to scheduled actions—such as sending notifications, moving to the next task, or executing a business rule. Similarly, a message event represents the reception of a message, prompting a subsequent action, such as starting a new process or informing participants to take certain steps.

Both timer and message events are essential tools for managing asynchronous processes, ensuring that activities occur at the right times and in response to the right triggers. Understanding this functionality helps analysts model processes that are adaptive and responsive, encapsulating the dynamic nature of business workflows.

In contrast, while timers and messages can influence the start of processes or conditions under which processes end, their primary role centers around triggering specific actions throughout the workflow. Thus, recognizing their function as action triggers is vital for effective BPMN modeling.