Workflow management rules are a set-of rules and procedures that govern the completion of workflows. They determine what steps should be carried out and at what times they can be completed, allowing the workflow to follow the most efficient way until it is completed. When a business automatizes its most repetitive and predictable tasks through well-defined workflows, it allows employees to focus on strategic projects.
Workflows can be found in a variety of formats that can be used for any project. For example, a sequential workflow is one where the next stage cannot begin until the previous task has finished. This is a common feature in workflows that manage expenses, where reimbursement of employees requires receipts to be submitted and authorization for payment.
A state-machine work flow is an arrangement of activities that occurs on an item in a specified sequence. Each step moves the product to a different state, such as “being completed” or “being written”. State-machine workflows may also have additional rules in place such as if-this-then that conditional logic – which can alter the flow of the process.
Parallel workflows permit multiple steps to be carried out simultaneously to achieve a goal, such as processing and mailing an item to a customer after the company confirms that it is in stock. Each of these steps can be automated with a workflow software.
With the right tools for managing workflows, it’s web easy to create and manage structured processes that maximize productivity, accountability, and efficiency. By streamlining communication and making sure all team members have clear definitions of their roles and the responsibilities of each, managers can prevent confusion that causes missed deadlines and loss of momentum in crucial projects.