CMMN (Case Management Model and Notation)

Introduction

Case Management Model and Notation (CMMN) is a graphical notation used to define and manage cases. CMMN is part of the OMG (Object Management Group) family of standards, which also includes BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) and DMN (Decision Model and Notation). While BPMN is focused on modelling well-structured, predictable business processes, CMMN is designed for more flexible, event-driven scenarios where the exact sequence of activities is not known in advance.

Key Concepts and Components

CMMN models are composed of several key elements that collectively define the structure and behavior of a case. Here are the main components:

1. Case: The highest-level element, representing the context in which all activities occur. A case encapsulates all tasks, stages, events, and data relevant to managing the case.
2. Case File: Represents the data and documents related to a case. Case files store all relevant documents, records, and information needed for managing the case.
3. Stage: A major phase in a case, containing tasks and other stages.
4. Task: The basic unit of work within a case, which can be further categorised into human tasks, process tasks, and case tasks.
5. Event Listener: Triggers tasks based on certain events occurring within the case.
6. Milestone: Represents significant points or achievements within the case. Milestones serve as markers for progress and can be used to track the completion of key objectives.
7. Plan Fragment: A reusable segment of a case plan, which can include tasks, stages, and other elements.

CMMN vs. BPMN

While BPMN is excellent for modelling structured processes with a clear sequence of activities, CMMN is suited for more dynamic and unpredictable scenarios. In BPMN, the process flow is predefined and follows a strict path, whereas in CMMN, the flow is more flexible and can adapt based on events and conditions.

Benefits of CMMN

1. Flexibility: CMMN allows case workers to decide the next steps based on the current situation, enabling a more adaptive approach.
2. Event-Driven: Tasks and actions in CMMN are triggered by events, allowing for responsive and timely case management.
3. Integration: CMMN can be integrated with BPMN and DMN (Decision Model and Notation), providing a comprehensive modelling of business processes, cases, and decisions.

Use Cases for CMMN

CMMN is particularly beneficial in industries and scenarios that require flexibility and adaptability. Common use cases include:

1. Healthcare: Managing patient care, where each patient’s treatment plan may vary based on evolving conditions and diagnoses.
2. Legal Case Management: Handling legal cases where the sequence of activities can vary greatly depending on the specifics of each case.
3. Customer Support: Managing customer support cases where the resolution process can differ based on the customer’s issue and the required steps to resolve it.

Conclusion

CMMN offers a robust framework for managing complex, dynamic and event-driven scenarios. By focusing on flexibility, human decision-making, and event-driven actions, CMMN enables organisations to effectively handle cases that cannot be predefined or structured in advance. Its ability to integrate with BPMN and DMN further enhances its utility, making it a vital tool for comprehensive business process and case management. Understanding and implementing CMMN can significantly enhance an organisations ability to manage unpredictable and complex cases, leading to improved efficiency and better outcomes.