www.managingworkflow.org/2020/03/25/workflow-management-efficiency-and-software/
Workflow management rules are a set of rules and procedures that regulate the completion of workflows. They specify which steps should be taken and when they should be taken, allowing the process to take the most efficient route to its conclusion. When a business uses a structured workflow to automate its most repetitive and routine tasks, it frees employees’ time to concentrate on strategic initiatives.
Workflows can be found in a variety of formats to meet the needs of every project. A sequential workflow, as an example one that is sequential, means that the next task can’t begin until the previous one is completed. This is common in workflows that manage expenses, where employee reimbursement is contingent on receipts to be submitted and authorization for payment.
A state-machine workflow is a series of actions performed on a product that are performed in a predetermined order, with each step shifting the work product into various states that are permitted, such as “being written” or “completed”. State-machine workflows may also include additional rules – like if-this-then-that conditional logic – which can alter the process’s path.
In addition, parallel workflows can have numerous actions that can be carried out in parallel to achieve a desired goal, such as sending the sweater to a customer after the company confirms it’s in stock. These steps can all be automated with a workflow program.
With the right workflow management tools it is easy to design and manage structured processes that optimize productivity, accountability, and efficiency. By streamlining communication and ensuring that team members have clear understanding of their roles and obligations, managers can avoid confusion that causes missing deadlines and losing momentum in critical projects.
