An association is used to provide the sequence or message flow components with information. This information can be of a textual or graphical nature. If multiple processes are part of the same diagram, their individual process elements can be associated with each other via connections.

An association is represented by a dotted line, to which open arrow heads may be added, if required. This applies in particular when assignments of artifacts of the Data object type are involved.

Appropriate connection types, such as has as output, is input for, provides input for, or creates output to are specified depending on the connection's source and target object type.

In BPMN, the assignment of artifacts of the 'Data object' type to activities is of particular importance.

This assignment is directed and describes how information is used and changed within a process. It is implemented in the BPD (BPMN) using the following relationships:

Function - creates output to - data elements (especially information carriers)

Data element (especially information carrier) - provides input for - function