Workflow management rules are a set-of rules and procedures that regulate the completion of workflows. They define which steps can be performed and when, allowing the process to take the most efficient route until it is completed. When a business uses an organized workflow to automate its most repetitive, routine tasks, it frees up employees’ time to focus on more strategic projects.
Workflows can be built in many formats to meet the needs of any project. A sequential workflow, for example one that is sequential, means that the next task can’t begin until the previous one is completed. This is a common feature in expense management workflows, where employee reimbursement requires receipts to be submitted and authorization for payment.
A state-machine work flow is an order of actions that is performed on an item in a particular sequence. Every action puts the product into a different state, such as «being completed» or «being written». State-machine workflows can also include additional rules such as if-this-then that conditional logic – that configure the workflow’s path.
Furthermore, parallel workflows contain several actions that can be carried out simultaneously towards a goal, like processing and mailing an item to a customer after the company has confirmed it’s in stock. All of these steps can be automated by a workflow software.
With the right tools for managing workflows it’s simple to create and manage structured processes that optimize productivity, accountability, and efficiency. By streamlining communication and making sure that all team members have clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, managers can eliminate confusion that causes delayed deadlines and loss of momentum in critical projects.