---
title: CMMN (Case Management Model and Notation)
type: framework
tags: [bpm, modelling, notation, case-management, standard]
sources: ["[[sources/2018-dumas-fundamentals-of-bpm]]"]
created: 2026-04-13
updated: 2026-04-13
---

# CMMN — Case Management Model and Notation

OMG standard for modelling knowledge-intensive, loosely structured processes where the control flow is not fully predetermined. Complement to [[frameworks/bpmn]] for **case management** scenarios. Introduced in the 2nd edition of [[sources/2018-dumas-fundamentals-of-bpm]] (§10.4.2).

## Core idea
Rather than prescribing a sequence of activities, CMMN describes:
- **A case file** — the data and artefacts of the case.
- **Discretionary tasks** — may or may not be performed; decided by the case worker.
- **Sentries** — conditions (on-parts + if-parts) that enable or terminate tasks.
- **Stages** — hierarchical containers of tasks.
- **Milestones** — target states for the case.

## When to use
- Medical treatment, legal case handling, complaint resolution — work where human judgement drives the order.
- Within executable BPMN: a CMMN ad-hoc sub-process can sit inside a BPMN flow.

## Role in APM
Case management is closer in spirit to agent deliberation than fully-scripted BPMN is. APM's [[concepts/framed-autonomy]] generalises CMMN-style discretion by adding normative constraints.

## Related
[[frameworks/bpmn]] · [[frameworks/dmn]] · [[concepts/framed-autonomy]]