Systems and techniques for implementing an exception handling framework are described. An exception register is configured to store multiple error messages and rules comprising instructions for responding to the error messages. An exception handler in communication with first and second process components is configured to: detect an error message generated by at least one of the first and second process components; determine that the error message is stored in the exception register; and respond according to a rule corresponding to the error message. The rule uses information pertaining to a business scenario being implemented in conjunction with the first and second process components, and the business scenario is at least partially unavailable to at least one of the first and second process components.