What Are Workflow Management Rules?

Workflow management rules are the set of processes and policies that govern how a workflow is completed. They specify which steps should be taken and when they can be completed, allowing the workflow to follow the most efficient path to the end. When a business employs a structured workflow to automate its most repetitive and predictable tasks, it frees up employees’ time to focus on strategic tasks.

Workflows can be designed in a variety of formats to fit any project. For example an orderly workflow is one that requires that the next step can’t begin until the prior task is completed. This is typical in workflows that manage expenses, where employee reimbursement is contingent on receipt submission and payment authorization.

A state-machine flow is a sequence of activities performed on an item in a particular sequence. Each step moves the product to a different state, for example “being completed” or “being written”. State-machine workflows can also have additional rules in place like if-this, then-that conditional logic, which determines the workflow’s route.

In addition, parallel workflows can have several steps that can be undertaken simultaneously toward a final endpoint, such as processing and mailing the sweater to a customer after the company confirms it’s available. All of these steps can be automated using workflow software.

With the right workflow management tools it’s simple to create and manage structured processes that maximize productivity, accountability, and efficiency. By streamlining communication and https://managingworkflow.org/2020/04/01/how-to-manage-your-workflow-more-effectively-using-a-data-room/ ensuring all team members have clearly defined roles and responsibilities, managers can eliminate confusion that causes missing deadlines and losing momentum in critical projects.