> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://sigma-docs.pastelhq.ai/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Getting Started > Understand the case lifecycle and how your team uses Case Management to run investigations from open to close. ### The Case Lifecycle Every case in Sigma moves through a defined set of statuses. Understanding this flow helps your team work consistently and ensures nothing falls through the cracks. ``` Open → In Progress → Resolved → Closed ``` | Status | Meaning | | --------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Open** | Case has been created and is waiting to be worked | | **In Progress** | An analyst is actively investigating | | **Resolved** | The investigation is complete and a decision has been recorded | | **Closed** | The case is fully closed; no further action required | Cases can also be **escalated** at any point, which flags them for senior review without changing the underlying status. ### How Case Management Fits Into Sigma Case Management sits across all Sigma products. A case can be created from: * **Transaction Monitoring** — link a case to a flagged transaction * **AML** — attach a PEP, sanctions, or adverse media result to a case * **Customer Due Diligence** — open a case on a customer requiring deeper review * **KYC** — link a failed or uncertain identity check to a case You can also create standalone cases for internal investigations that are not tied to a specific Sigma record. ### The Case Management Flow **1. Create a Case** Open a new case from the Case Management section of the dashboard, or directly from a flagged record in Transaction Monitoring, AML, CDD, or KYC. Provide a title, description, priority, and due date, then assign it to the responsible analyst. [See how to create a case →](/products/case-management/create-case) **2. Assign Ownership** Every case must be assigned to a team member. The assignee receives an email notification. If the case requires senior input, you can also set an escalation contact at creation or at any point during the investigation. **3. Work the Case** The assigned analyst opens the case and works through it: * Check the linked record (transaction, customer, AML hit) for context * Add tasks and check them off as steps are completed * Leave comments to document findings, decisions, and open questions * Attach supporting files (screenshots, reports, correspondence) * Tag teammates in comments if you need input from others **4. Escalate If Needed** If the case requires a decision above the analyst's authority, escalate it to a senior team member. Sigma sends a notification to the escalation contact and marks the case as escalated. **5. Update Status** Move the case through statuses as the investigation progresses. When the investigation is complete and a decision has been recorded, mark the case as **Resolved**. Once all follow-up is done, mark it **Closed**. **6. Review the Audit Trail** Every case maintains an automatic log of all actions: status changes, reassignments, comments, task completions, and escalations — each with a timestamp and the user responsible. This log is available on the case detail screen and forms your compliance record. ### Prerequisites Before creating your first case, make sure: * Your team members are added to Sigma under **Account → Team Members & Roles** * Roles are configured with the appropriate permissions — case assignment requires the `can assign case` permission * If you want cases linked to specific Sigma records, the relevant product (Transaction Monitoring, AML, CDD, or KYC) must be set up and producing results Open your first case from the dashboard. Assign, track, escalate, and close cases.