Workflow “consists of the repeatable and orchestrated pattern of the business activity that is enabled by systematic organization of the resources in processes, which transform any materials, offer services, and process information. To define workflow in simple terms, “workflow defines steps that are involved in a process to get the work done systematically.
The business workflow is one kind of repeatable process, which consists of the series of tasks, which normally have to be done in the specific sequence. Just think of this as the work flowing from a stage to next till it gets finished.
The workflows are very useful to ensure important processes will be done in a right way each time. For instance, you want to define the workflow process for on-boarding any new employees just to make sure all the new employees get information, resources, and policies that they want to do the jobs.
Why do you require workflows?
You might have the good idea about what you want to do for getting the job done, or you may be a bit resistant to tied to the strict process. This is understandable as people normally do not like any change. People often get locked in thinking that what they’re doing is a best way as it is a way they have done it always. But, it is one good way to look in creating the workflow for some common procedures, which are repeated quite often for following reasons.
Improve the business operations
Just by defining the specific steps or sequences required to complete the task, you may improve the business operations just by ensuring that job will be done by the right people, in a proper order, or in specified period of time. The workflow is designed for a person or group of the people whose roles as well as assigned depend on one another to complete any project. For instance, simple workflow can describe this process for approving the content in the software installation guide:
The technical writer documents installation instructions that are based on the information collected from the subject matter experts.
- Writer includes changes based on a review.
- Document will be sent for the final review.
- Document will be sent to the subject matter professionals for the review.
- Document gets approved/rejected.
- If rejected then writer revises the draft and submits it again.
- If accepted then document will be published.