What is represented by a circle in BPMN?

In BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation), circles are specifically used to represent the start and end points of a process. This visual representation is critical in process modeling, as it clearly indicates where a process begins and where it concludes.

The start event, depicted as a simple circle, marks the initiation of a process. It signifies when an event triggers the process to commence. Similarly, the end event, also represented by a circle, indicates the completion of the process. This clarity is essential for understanding the flow of activities within a process model and helps stakeholders identify the boundaries of the process.

Understanding these representations is vital for accurately interpreting BPMN diagrams, as they aid in visualizing the overall structure and flow of business processes. This clarity is particularly beneficial when analyzing, improving, or automating business workflows.