Workflow management rules are a set or policies and procedures that govern the execution of a workflow. They specify the steps that should be carried out and at what times they can be completed, allowing the workflow to follow the most efficient route to its conclusion. When a business uses a well-organized workflow to automate its most repetitive and predictable tasks, it frees employees’ time to concentrate on more strategic projects.
Workflows are available in a variety of formats to fit the needs of any project. A sequential workflow, for instance, is one where the next task can’t begin until the previous one has been completed. This is typical in workflows that manage expenses, where employee reimbursement is contingent on receipts to be submitted and authorization for payment.
A state-machine workflow is an order of actions that is performed on an item in a particular order. Each action moves the product to a different state, for example “being completed” or “being written”. Workflows that are state-machine-based can include additional rules, like if-this, then-that conditional logic which determine the flow of the process.
Finally, parallel workflows have multiple steps that can be undertaken simultaneously toward a final endpoint, such as sending the sweater to a customer when the company confirms that it’s available. They can all be automated by the help of a workflow software.
With the right tools for managing workflows it is easy to design and manage processes that are structured to increase productivity, accountability and efficiency. By streamlining communication, and ensuring that everyone in the team is aware of their responsibilities and roles and have a clear map of them, managers are able to avoid the confusion that can lead to missed projects and deadlines.