What is CMMN (Case Management Model and Notation)?

CMMN stands for Case Management Model and Notation. It is a modeling standard introduced by the Object Management Group (OMG) to describe and define case management processes. While BPMN focuses on more structured and predictable processes, CMMN is specifically designed to represent more dynamic and adaptive case management scenarios.

CMMN provides a notation that enables the modeling and visualization of case management processes, which involve handling complex cases with varying steps, conditions, and ad-hoc activities. It allows users to define case structures, activities, and milestones in a graphical representation.

Key Components of CMMN:
CMMN diagrams consist of the following main components:

1. Cases:
Cases represent the central entities in CMMN. A case represents a specific instance of a case management process or a complex situation that needs to be managed. It can encompass various activities, tasks, and events associated with the case.

2. Case Plan Model:
The Case Plan Model is the main building block of a CMMN diagram. It represents the structure and flow of a case and consists of elements such as stages, tasks, events, milestones, and timers. The Case Plan Model defines the sequence, dependencies, and rules for progressing through the case.

3. Stages:
Stages are used to organize and structure the activities within a case. They represent logical groupings of tasks or subcases that need to be completed before moving forward in the case. Stages can be nested to provide hierarchical organization.

4. Tasks:
Tasks represent the work items or activities that need to be performed within the case. They can be manual tasks, automated tasks, or user interactions. Tasks can have dependencies, deadlines, and assigned performers.

5. Events and Milestones:
Events and milestones mark significant points or conditions in the case. Events can be used to trigger or react to certain conditions, while milestones represent achievements or progress points within the case.

6. Case File:
The Case File is used to capture and manage the data and documents associated with the case. It stores the relevant information, documents, and metadata needed for the case management process.

Benefits and Use Cases of CMMN:
CMMN provides a standardized notation for modeling case management processes, offering several benefits, including:

1. Flexibility and Adaptability:
CMMN allows for more flexible and adaptive case management scenarios, where processes may vary based on case-specific conditions, exceptions, and ad-hoc activities.

2. Case Visualization and Understanding:
CMMN provides a visual representation that helps stakeholders understand and communicate complex case management processes more effectively.

3. Collaboration and Coordination:
CMMN diagrams facilitate collaboration and coordination among team members involved in case management. They provide a shared understanding of the case and its activities.

CMMN finds application in various domains and industries that deal with case-driven processes, including legal case management, healthcare management, incident management, and service request handling. It enables organizations to model, optimize, and monitor their case management processes, leading to more efficient and effective handling of complex cases.

Implementing CMMN (Case Management Model and Notation) requires a combination of tools, technologies, and platforms that support the modeling, execution, and management of case management processes. Here are some tools and platforms that can be used to implement CMMN:

1. Camunda BPM:
Camunda BPM is a widely used open-source platform for business process management that supports CMMN modeling and execution. It provides a complete set of tools for designing CMMN diagrams, executing case management processes, and monitoring case instances. Camunda BPM offers additional features like decision management, workflow automation, and integration capabilities.

2. Activiti:
Activiti is an open-source workflow and business process management platform that supports CMMN. It offers a user-friendly interface for designing CMMN diagrams and includes a runtime engine for executing case management processes. Activiti provides features such as task management, workflow orchestration, and integration with external systems.

3. IBM Case Manager:
IBM Case Manager is a comprehensive platform specifically designed for case management. It offers a rich set of features for modeling, executing, and monitoring case management processes based on the CMMN standard. IBM Case Manager provides capabilities for case folder management, document management, task coordination, and collaboration.

4. Pega Platform:
Pega Platform is a low-code application development platform that supports case management based on CMMN. It offers a visual development environment for modeling case management processes and automating case lifecycles. Pega Platform provides advanced features such as adaptive case management, dynamic case routing, and real-time analytics.

5. Bonita:
Bonita is an open-source digital process automation platform that supports CMMN for case management. It provides a graphical editor for designing CMMN diagrams and includes a runtime engine for executing case management processes. Bonita offers features like task management, workflow automation, and integration with external systems.

6. Appian:
Appian is a low-code development platform that supports case management using CMMN. It offers visual modeling tools for designing CMMN diagrams and includes a runtime engine for executing case management processes. Appian provides features such as case tracking, collaboration, decision management, and integration capabilities.

These tools and platforms provide capabilities for modeling, executing, and managing case management processes based on the CMMN standard. They offer features for task coordination, workflow automation, document management, collaboration, and integration with other systems. The choice of tool depends on factors such as specific requirements, scalability, integration needs, and the existing technology landscape of your organization.

Here are some open-source or free options for implementing CMMN:

1. Camunda BPM Community Edition:
Camunda BPM offers a Community Edition that is open source and free to use. It provides a complete BPM platform that supports CMMN modeling and execution. The Community Edition includes features like process design, execution engine, task management, and monitoring capabilities.

2. Activiti:
Activiti is an open-source BPM platform that supports CMMN. It is distributed under the Apache License 2.0 and provides features for modeling, executing, and managing case management processes. Activiti offers capabilities like process design, workflow automation, task management, and integration with external systems.

3. Bonita Community Edition:
Bonita provides a Community Edition that is open source and free to use. It supports CMMN for case management and offers a comprehensive platform for process modeling, execution, and monitoring. The Community Edition includes features like visual design tools, process automation, task management, and integration capabilities.

4. Flowable:
Flowable is an open-source BPM and case management platform that supports CMMN. It offers a Community Edition that is free to use and provides features for modeling, executing, and managing case management processes. Flowable includes functionalities such as process design, workflow automation, task management, and integration options.

5. Wexflow:
Wexflow is an open-source workflow engine that supports case management scenarios. It is distributed under the MIT License and allows users to create and execute case management processes. While it may not provide extensive features specifically designed for CMMN, it offers a lightweight and customizable workflow engine for implementing case management workflows.

These open-source or free options provide a solid foundation for implementing CMMN-based case management processes. They offer various features and capabilities for modeling, executing, and managing case workflows without requiring significant financial investment. You can explore these options based on your specific requirements and preferences to find the most suitable solution for your organization.