Previous Topic

Next Topic

Book Contents

What is a Workflow?

A workflow is an automated business process that routes information and tasks between participants according to a defined set of procedures or rules designed to coordinate a specific business goal. Workflows are primarily characterized by their level of procedural automation involving one or more dynamic related series of processes, and their combination of human and machine-based tasks involving interaction with software and systems.

The following industry segments, marked by relatively high office labor costs and transaction volume, have demonstrated successful workflow implementations:

  • Insurance
  • Banking
  • Legal
  • General & Administrative
  • Design
  • Engineering
  • Manufacturing

Business process modeling and workflow automation allow transactions to be conducted electronically without the need for manual intervention such as conducting certain validations or re-keying data. When workflow IT systems are processing repetitive, mundane, and often error-prone work, talented staff resources become available to handle activities that add real value to the enterprise.

P6 includes a sample Project Initiation and Review workflow used to evaluate proposed work. It automates the process of reviewing and approving new project requests. You can also create your own workflows implemented through the use of templates created using BPM. Each workflow template defines the data, business processes, review phases, and approval requirements for the varying types of workflows specific to your organization. The necessary security privileges must be in place for you to create, initiate, or participate in workflows.

Related Topics

Working with Workflows in P6

Participating in Workflows


Copyright information