Workflow management rules are the process and policies that regulate the manner in which workflows are executed. They determine what steps should be taken and when, allowing the process to take the most efficient route to the end. When a business uses a well-organized workflow to automate its most repetitive and routine tasks, it frees employees’ time to concentrate on strategic projects.
Workflows can be created in various formats to meet the needs of any project. A sequential workflow, as an example, is one where the next step cannot start until the previous one has been completed. This is a typical workflow in expense management, in which reimbursement of employees requires receipts and authorization to data room services pay.
A state-machine workflow is a series of tasks on a product that are performed in a predetermined order, with each action moving the work product into various states that are permitted, such as « being written » or « completed ». State-machine workflows may also include additional rules such as if-this-then that conditional logic that can be used to set the workflow’s route.
Additionally, parallel workflows include many actions that can be carried out in tandem to reach a common objective, for example, processing and mailing a sweater to a client after the company has confirmed it’s in stock. All of these can be automated with a workflow software.
It’s simple to use the appropriate workflow management software that allows you to create and manage a well-structured process to optimize productivity, accountability and efficiency. By streamlining communication and ensuring everyone on the team has clear understanding of their duties and responsibilities, managers can eliminate confusion that leads to delays and loss of momentum in crucial projects.