Messages and updates

Handle updates without interrupting work (non‑interrupting boundary messages)

Use when

• You need to process updates while a task is in progress.
• Updates should not halt the main work.

Pattern in simple words

1. Start.
2. Subprocess: Deliverable preparation.
3. Non‑interrupting boundary message Updated requirements received: User task Log new requirements. Service task Adjust project plan. End Requirements handled.
4. Non‑interrupting boundary message Compliance rule change received: User task Review rule change. Service task Update compliance checklist. End Compliance handled.
5. Main path: Deliverable preparation completes. End Deliverable completed.

Note: Each message triggers a small side flow without stopping the main work.

Other scenarios

• Finance: Credit‑risk review receiving new market data.
• Healthcare: Care‑plan preparation receiving updated lab results.
• Manufacturing: Product design updates from regulation changes.
• Retail: Campaign plan updates with product revisions.
• Telecom: Network upgrade planning updates with compliance changes.

Cancel during a task (interrupting message)

Use when

• Work must stop immediately on a cancel request.
• A clear message should abort the task.

Pattern in simple words

1. Start.
2. Subprocess: Process booking.
3. Interrupting boundary message Cancel request: User task Stop and notify. End Cancelled.
4. Normal path: Process booking completes. End Completed.

Note: The interrupting message cancels the active work at the subprocess boundary.

Other scenarios

• Finance: Loan withdrawal cancels underwriting.
• Healthcare: Patient cancels a scheduled procedure.
• Manufacturing: Cancel production order before run.
• Retail: Cancel order before shipment.
• Telecom: Cancel new service setup.

Event‑driven dispatcher (message start)

Use when

• A new external message should start a process.
• Each event spawns an independent workflow instance.

Pattern in simple words

1. Message start: New email received.
2. Service task: Create support ticket.
3. Send task: Confirm receipt.
4. End Ticket created.

Note: Each incoming message creates a new instance.

Other scenarios

• Finance: Vendor request message starts onboarding.
• Healthcare: Referral message starts patient intake.
• Manufacturing: Defect report starts QA process.
• Retail: Online order starts fulfillment.
• Public sector: Citizen inquiry opens a case record.