Many workflow automation systems depend on time-based triggers.
For example:
Send reminder emails after 24 hours
Escalate approvals if no response within 2 days
Run processes automatically on a schedule
In Camunda BPM, these scenarios are implemented using BPMN Timer Events.
However, many developers struggle to understand when to use different timer types.
In this article we will explain:
Timer Start Events
Intermediate Timer Events
Boundary Timer Events
Real workflow use cases
Timer Start Event
A Timer Start Event triggers a process automatically at a scheduled time.
Example:
Run a report every day
Trigger a workflow every Monday
Example configuration using cron:
0 0 0 * * ?
This starts the process daily at midnight.
Intermediate Timer Event
An Intermediate Timer Event pauses the process for a defined duration.
Example workflow:
Customer submits request
Process waits 48 hours
Reminder email is sent
Example configuration:
PT48H
This means wait for 48 hours.
Boundary Timer Event
A Boundary Timer Event is attached to a task and triggers an alternative path if the task takes too long.
Example:
Manager approval task
Timer: 2 days
If the manager does not approve within 2 days, the process escalates.
Example Use Case
Consider a support ticket workflow:
Ticket created
Agent reviews ticket
Manager approval required
If the manager does not respond within 24 hours, the workflow escalates automatically.
This can be implemented using a boundary timer event.
Why Timer Events Matter
Timer events are essential for:
SLA management
automated reminders
scheduled workflows
escalation processes
They help create reliable and automated business processes.
Full Guide
You can read the complete article with diagrams and detailed explanations here:
https://shikhanirankari.blogspot.com/2026/03/camunda-timer-events-explained-complete.html
French version:
https://shikhanirankari.blogspot.com/2026/03/evenements-timer-dans-camunda-guide.html
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