---
alias: tutorials-exception-management-introduction
description: "Exception management utilizes protocols and instances to define and execute workflows"
---

# Introduction

The Exception Management is mainly composed by two objects: a **Protocol**, which represents a given workflow, and a **Protocol Instance**, which is a run-time occurrence of the workflow (modeled as a **Protocol**) and it can be associated with one or more **Materials**.

A **Protocol** translates a state model where you can write changes in each stage of the state model. Similarly to the state model, the **Protocol** outlines a given workflow, which is composed of different states whose execution can be restricted to those who belong to a specific role. Additionally, the **Protocol** also offers the possibility of adding several parameters in each state, as well as checklists.

The execution of a **Protocol** will be done through a **Protocol Instance**, where the system creates an executable object from its main entity (**Protocol**). The **Protocol** is seen as a template from where the instances are being replicated.

## Protocol Lifecycle

The table below summarizes the key states in the **Protocol** lifecycle, describing their system state and what can be configured in each one of those states:

| State          | Description                                           |
| -------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| **Created**    | Protocol is created and can be configured to be used. |
| **Effective**  | Protocol is configured and ready to be used.          |
| **Terminated** | Protocol can no longer be used.                      |

## Protocol Instance Lifecycle

The **Protocol Instance** system state lifecycle defines the different stages a **Protocol Instance** goes through from creation to closure.

```mermaid
graph TD
    Start -.->|Create|A1[Active]
    A1 -->A2[Terminated]

classDef mermaid_start color:#000, fill:#fafafa, stroke:#fafafa, color:#fafafa, stroke-width:0x, font-size:100%, visibility: hidden;
classDef mermaid_state fill:#274b76, stroke-width:0px, color:#fafafa, font-size:100%;
class Start mermaid_start
class A1,A2 mermaid_state

```

| State      | Description                  |
| ---------- | ---------------------------- |
| Active     | Protocol Instance is opened. |
| Terminated | Protocol Instance is closed. |

!!! info
    To continue learning, proceed to [[tutorials-exception-management-creating-a-protocol]].