Workflow management rules are the set of procedures and guidelines that determine the manner in which workflows are executed. They specify which steps should be performed and when they can be completed, allowing the workflow to follow the most efficient route to its conclusion. When a company employs a planned workflow to automate its most repetitive, predictable tasks, it frees employees’ time to focus on strategic projects.
Workflows can be designed in a variety of formats to fit any project. For example, a sequential workflow is one that requires that the next stage cannot begin until the previous one is completed. This is a typical process in expense management, where reimbursement of employees requires receipts and authorization for payment.
A state-machine workflow is an arrangement of activities that occurs on an item in a specified order. Every action puts the product into a different state, such as “being completed” or “being written”. State-machine work flows can also include additional rules, such as if-this, then-that conditional logic which determines the course of the process.
Parallel workflows enable multiple steps to be carried out simultaneously towards a goal, for example, processing and sending an item to a customer after the company has confirmed that it’s available. Each of these steps can be automated with a workflow software.
With the right tools for managing workflows it’s easy to develop and manage structured processes that maximize 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 outline of them, managers are able to eliminate the confusion that leads to a lack of focus and deadlines.