Isolate exceptions

The pattern focuses on the recognition that exceptions in a workflow can disrupt normal operations and cause inefficiencies. To address this, the pattern suggests separating exceptions from the regular flow of work to improve overall process performance.

By isolating exceptions, organizations can assign dedicated workers or teams who specialize in handling these unique cases. This enables the development of specialized expertise and knowledge, leading to more effective and efficient resolution of exceptions. Additionally, by filtering out exceptions, organizations can streamline their processes, potentially implementing Straight-Through-Processing where applicable, reducing manual intervention, and increasing operational efficiency.

However, it's important to consider the trade-off between the benefits and the associated costs and complexities. Isolating exceptions can add complexity to the workflow, potentially decreasing its flexibility. It may require additional resources to train and develop specialized knowledge among workers. Without investing in specialized expertise, the desired improvements in handling exceptions may not be realized.

Example

An illustrative example of this pattern can be found in a healthcare setting. In a hospital, the triage process serves as a practical application of isolating exceptions. Patients arriving at the emergency department are initially assessed by triage nurses who quickly identify urgent cases that require immediate attention, such as critical injuries or life-threatening conditions. These cases are isolated and given priority, ensuring they receive specialized care promptly. Meanwhile, the regular flow of patients is handled separately, improving the overall efficiency of patient care delivery in the hospital.