What Are Workflow Management Rules?

Workflow management rules are the set of procedures and guidelines that determine how a workflow is completed. They determine which steps should be completed and when. This allows the process to take the most efficient route. When a company employs a planned workflow to automate https://managingworkflow.org/2021/12/06/business-process-optimization-pros/ its most repetitive, predictable tasks, it frees up employees’ time to focus on strategic tasks.

Workflows can be created in various formats to fit any project. For example a sequential workflow is one where the next step can’t begin until the previous task is completed. This is a common workflow in expense management, where employees’ reimbursement requires receipts to be submitted and payment authorization.

A state-machine workflow is a sequence of activities performed on an item in a specified order. Each action shifts the product into a different state, like “being completed” or “being written”. Workflows that are state-machine-based can include additional rules, like if-this-then-that conditional logic which determine the flow of the process.

Parallel workflows allow for multiple steps to be taken in parallel to accomplish a goal such as processing and mailing the garment to a customer after the company has confirmed that it’s available. These can all be automated with the help of a workflow program.

With the right tools for managing workflows, it’s easy to create and manage structured processes that increase productivity, accountability and efficiency. By streamlining communication and making sure all team members have clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, managers can eliminate confusion that leads to missed deadlines and loss of momentum in critical projects.