How to Draw an EPC Diagram in Visio (Event-Driven Process Chain)
An event-driven process chain alternates events and functions, with XOR connectors for decisions. Learn the EPC rules and draw a purchase requisition process in Visio, step by step.
Step by step
- EPC diagram. An EPC, an event driven process chain, is a process map used a lot in ERP projects. It has one strict rule: events and functions take turns. Let's draw one in Visio.
- EPC Diagram Shapes. I'm using the EPC Diagram Shapes stencil.
- Start event. Every EPC starts with an event, the hexagon. An event is something that has happened, so write it in the past tense.
- Function. Then a function, the rounded box. It's work someone does, so use a verb and a noun.
- Control flow. Connect them.
- XOR connector. The check has two possible results. A decision in EPC is an XOR connector, the circle. Exactly one path is taken. Connect the function to it.
- Result events. After a decision, each path starts with an event that says the result. Budget available. Connect it. And the other result, budget not available. Connect it too.
- Events and functions take turns. Each event is followed by a function. Budget available, so purchasing creates the order. Connect it.
- End event. And the chain ends with an event again. Purchase order sent. Connect the last step.
- Done. Click away to see the chain.
- 3 EPC rules. Three rules. Start and end with an event. Events and functions always take turns. And an event can't make a decision, so XOR splits only come after a function.
