Workbook: Step-by-Step Exercises for Reinforcement

Modeling isn’t just about drawing boxes and arrows. It’s about precision, logic, and consistency—especially when translating real business scenarios into structured EPC diagrams. The most overlooked element in EPC modeling is not the symbols, but the *decision logic* behind flow transitions. Too many beginners focus on drawing first, validating later. That’s why every exercise here begins with a clear decision tree: What triggers the next event? What conditions must be met? When does the path split?

These EPC exercises are designed not as academic drills, but as practical, real-world simulations. Each task mirrors actual workflows I’ve mapped in healthcare, logistics, and HR departments—where misaligned events or incorrect gateways caused real delays. You’ll learn to spot hidden flaws before they become systemic issues.

You’ll walk through two full scenarios: HR onboarding and customer support escalation. By the end, you’ll not only understand how to model them—but how to validate, refine, and present your EPCs with confidence. This is how you learn EPC by example. Not just theory. Real application.

Exercise 1: HR Onboarding Process

Scenario Summary

A new employee is hired. The onboarding process begins and must be completed within 72 hours. The HR team coordinates document collection, system access setup, and orientation scheduling.

Step-by-Step EPC Modeling

1. Start with the initial event: “New Hire Offer Accepted”. This is the trigger.

2. Identify the first function: “Send Welcome Email with Onboarding Checklist”. This event must follow the trigger with a direct line.

3. Next, two parallel functions must occur. Use AND connector to model:

   • “Collect Employee Documents (ID, Tax Forms)”
   • “Create HR System Profile”

4. Both must be completed before the next event: “All Documents Verified”.

5. Now, two logical paths emerge:

   • If all documents valid, proceed to “Request System Access”.
   • If any documents missing, trigger “Notify HR and Reschedule”. This is a XOR gate.

6. After system access is granted, the next event is: “System Access Approved”.

7. Then, schedule orientation: “Schedule Onboarding Orientation”.

8. Finally, end with: “Onboarding Complete”.

Key Modeling Tips

• Use consistent naming: Always start verbs. “Collect” not “Collection of documents”.

• Use AND gates when all paths must be completed. Common in HR onboarding.

• XOR gates should reflect mutually exclusive outcomes. Here, either all documents pass, or they don’t.

• Always verify that events are triggered by prior functions, and functions are triggered by events.

Check Your Work

Element	Correct?	Why
Initial event linked to first function	✔️	Logical start of process
AND gate for parallel tasks	✔️	Both required for next state
Correct use of XOR for document validation	✔️	Only one outcome possible
All flows lead to end event	✔️	No dead ends

Exercise 2: Customer Support Escalation Workflow

Scenario Summary

A customer reports a defect in a product. Support agents triage the issue. If unresolved within 24 hours, the case escalates to a senior agent. If still unresolved, it goes to the technical team.

Step-by-Step EPC Modeling

1. Start: “Customer Reports Product Defect”.

2. Function: “Initial Support Agent Reviews Issue”.

3. Now, apply XOR gate:

   • If resolved → “Close Ticket”
   • If not resolved → “Escalate to Senior Agent”

4. At senior agent level:

   • If resolved → “Close Ticket”
   • If unresolved → “Forward to Technical Team”

5. Technical team function: “Diagnose and Resolve”.

6. Final event: “Issue Resolved and Customer Notified”.

Modeling Challenge: Looping Logic

Some models incorrectly place the “Close Ticket” function in multiple places. That creates redundancy. Instead, use a single exit path from each decision point.

Here’s how to do it right:

• Every function should lead to a single event.

• Every decision should have exactly two outcomes (XOR), with no ambiguity.

• Use reuse: “Close Ticket” can be reused in both the agent and senior agent paths—just ensure it’s triggered by different events.

Pro Tip: Use Visual Paradigm’s Auto-Layout

After drawing the EPC, use the Auto-Layout feature. It doesn’t fix logic—but it organizes the flow so you can spot missing links and loop anomalies faster.

Self-Assessment: 5 Questions to Validate Your EPC

1. Does every function have a clear trigger (event)?

2. Are all decision points either AND, OR, or XOR? No ambiguous connectors.

3. Does every path lead to a defined next event or end point?

4. Are functions verb-based, and events state-based?

5. Can you explain the entire flow in under 90 seconds?

If you answered “yes” to all, your EPC is logically sound and ready for review.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which logical operator (AND, OR, XOR) to use?

Use XOR when only one path should occur (e.g., “resolved” or “not resolved”). Use AND when all paths must complete (e.g., HR and IT tasks). Use OR when any path can trigger the next (e.g., “customer complaint OR system error”). I’ve seen teams misuse OR for parallel tasks—this leads to oversights. Stick to AND for concurrent dependencies.

Can I model loops in EPC diagrams?

Yes, but only with caution. Use feedback loops when a function triggers its own input event. Example: “Re-review application” → “Application Still Pending” → “Re-review application”. This is valid, but ensure the loop has an exit condition. Never model infinite loops. Always validate with a time or count limit.

How do I handle multiple people or departments in one function?

Don’t. Use separate functions or assign the function to a unit. For example, “HR: Verify Documents” or “IT: Grant Access”. The unit helps clarify responsibility. Never list “HR and IT” as a single function—this obscures ownership and leads to accountability gaps.

What if the process has multiple valid start events?

That’s acceptable in EPC. Use multiple initial events with separate lines to the first function. But always validate that the same end state is reached regardless of entry. This is common in customer service, where a support ticket can be opened via email, phone, or chat—each a valid start.

How detailed should EPC functions be?

Functions should be atomic. They should represent one discrete action. Avoid “Handle Customer Request” — too vague. Instead, use “Update Customer Record” or “Send Escalation Email”. This clarity makes validation, automation, and integration much easier.

Can EPC diagrams be converted to BPMN?

Yes, but not automatically. EPCs are analytical; BPMN is execution-oriented. You must restructure EPCs into BPMN tasks, gateways, and events. Use EPCs to map logic first. Then, convert each function to a BPMN task, and each decision to a gateway. This is how you learn EPC by example and prepare for real-world automation.