Workflow management rules are the set of rules and guidelines that determine the way workflows are completed. They specify the steps that should be completed and when it is possible to follow the most efficient route to the end. If a company uses a well-organized workflow to automate its most repetitive and routine tasks, it frees employees’ time to focus 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, is one where the next task cannot begin until the previous one has been completed. This is a typical workflow for expense management where employees’ reimbursement requires receipts to be submitted and payment authorization.
A state-machine workflow is a series of activities on a work product in a specific order, with each step shifting the work product into different allowed states such as “being written” or “completed”. State-machine workflows may also include additional rules, such as if-this then-that conditional logic, which determine the flow of the process.
Parallel workflows enable multiple steps to be completed in parallel to accomplish a goal like processing and mailing an item to a client after the company has confirmed that view it is available. These steps can all be automated using a workflow program.
It’s simple with the right workflow management software to develop and manage a well-structured process to optimize efficiency, accountability and productivity. By streamlining communication, and ensuring that all team members are aware of their roles and responsibilities, and have a clear map of them, managers are able to avoid the confusion that can lead to missed projects and deadlines.