In BPMN, what does an artifact represent?

In BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation), an artifact represents contextual information outside of the process flow. Artifacts are used to provide additional information that can help in understanding the business process, but they do not directly affect the flow of the process itself. This might include data objects, groups, and annotations, which serve to enrich the documentation of the process by providing clarity and context.

Artifacts are distinct from flow elements, which include the core components such as tasks, events, and gateways that dictate the execution of a process. Therefore, understanding that artifacts are supplementary elements helps to clarify their role as information enhancers rather than components that influence the process flow directly.

The other options refer to elements that are part of the main process flow or conditions determining how that flow operates. This distinction highlights why recognizing artifacts as contextual information is essential for creating comprehensive BPMN diagrams.