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Understanding Process Instances in WKS

A process instance represents a single execution of a business process within the WKS Platform. It is created when a process is triggered and contains all the data, context, and state relevant to that specific run. Each process instance follows the logic defined in a BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) diagram.

🔍 What Is a Process Instance?​

In simple terms, a process instance is a "live" or historical execution of a workflow. For every time a process is started—whether automatically or manually—a new, uniquely identifiable process instance is created to track its execution from start to finish.

📌 Key Characteristics​

AttributeDescription
Unique IDEach instance has a unique Process Instance ID to distinguish it from others.
Execution ContextStores all relevant variables, data inputs, and outputs needed during the execution.
LifecycleFollows stages from initiation to completion (or termination), progressing through tasks, events, and gateways.
StateIndicates current status—such as active, suspended, completed, or terminated.
Audit TrailCaptures a detailed execution log, enabling full traceability of actions and decisions.

🛠 Monitoring & Managing Process Instances with Camunda Cockpit​

WKS integrates with Camunda Cockpit, a powerful web-based tool for real-time visibility and control over process executions. With it, you can monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize your workflows.

Core Features of Camunda Cockpit:​

  • 📊 Dashboard Overview
    View summaries of active, completed, and failed process instances in a centralised dashboard.

  • 🔎 Instance List & Filtering
    Search and filter instances by definition, state, start time, or instance ID.

  • 📁 Instance Details
    Access full execution details, including variables, tasks, user assignments, and history.

  • 🗺 Execution Diagram
    Visualize the current or completed path of the instance over the BPMN model, with highlights for each executed element.

  • ▶ Lifecycle Controls
    Start, suspend, resume, or cancel process instances to manage workflows in real time.

  • ❗ Error Handling
    Identify and resolve incidents, retry failed jobs, or inspect stack traces for deeper troubleshooting.

  • 📈 Performance Metrics
    Analyse execution time, waiting durations, and throughput to find and fix bottlenecks.

  • 🕒 Historical Insights
    Review completed instances to support audits, reporting, and continuous improvement.

✅ Benefits of Process Instance Monitoring​

  • Real-Time Visibility
    Gain instant insights into where each process stands, what tasks are pending, and how long steps are taking.

  • Operational Control
    Empower teams to intervene, restart, or manage instances as needed, without development overhead.

  • Compliance & Transparency
    Maintain a full audit log of actions and decisions to support compliance and accountability.

🚀 Summary​

Process instances are a foundational concept in WKS-based automation. With Camunda Cockpit, you gain visibility, control, and insights to ensure your business processes run efficiently, transparently, and in line with organizational goals.

  • Insights: Offers insights into process performance, execution patterns, and areas for improvement, driving continuous optimization and innovation.

  • Auditability: Maintains an audit trail of process instances, ensuring traceability and accountability for compliance and regulatory requirements.