This book is an introduction to workflow software for the businessperson. Workflow software automates a pattern or flow of business activity in an organization. It orchestrates a regular sequence of tasks that comprise a portion of the major processes a business goes through in its normal operations. The automation yields gains in efficiency and speed, a reduction of tedious and repetitive work, and the elimination of sources of dysfunction and error.
Many businesspeople are already familiar with workflow, especially those working in midsize and large organizations – but others don’t really understand it. They may not have been exposed to enterprise-level software that includes workflow features. Also it is very different from the typical applications used in small offices.
Workflow software interconnects workers, establishes collective information hubs, and automates tasks and processes. It is multiuser software, meaning it is installed in a central location and handles a number of users simultaneously. The user experiences (the look and feel of the application) can vary significantly depending on workers’ positions and roles in the process.
If you are largely unfamiliar with this type of business-level software, you may be missing out on something that could have major positive benefits for your business. Workflow software is often simple to design and build, is relatively commonplace and inexpensive, and can provide an outstanding return on investment.
This short book is intended as an introduction to the concepts and approaches of workflow – to help businesspeople start to think about the challenges they face in those terms. It won’t make you an expert, but will help you to:
•Look at your business processes in a powerful new way.
•Find the systems and software you need.
•Do better informed planning and not waste time.
•Make better decisions about technology and business.
•Have more productive conversations with vendors, experts, and consultants.
Many businesspeople are already familiar with workflow, especially those working in midsize and large organizations – but others don’t really understand it. They may not have been exposed to enterprise-level software that includes workflow features. Also it is very different from the typical applications used in small offices.
Workflow software interconnects workers, establishes collective information hubs, and automates tasks and processes. It is multiuser software, meaning it is installed in a central location and handles a number of users simultaneously. The user experiences (the look and feel of the application) can vary significantly depending on workers’ positions and roles in the process.
If you are largely unfamiliar with this type of business-level software, you may be missing out on something that could have major positive benefits for your business. Workflow software is often simple to design and build, is relatively commonplace and inexpensive, and can provide an outstanding return on investment.
This short book is intended as an introduction to the concepts and approaches of workflow – to help businesspeople start to think about the challenges they face in those terms. It won’t make you an expert, but will help you to:
•Look at your business processes in a powerful new way.
•Find the systems and software you need.
•Do better informed planning and not waste time.
•Make better decisions about technology and business.
•Have more productive conversations with vendors, experts, and consultants.
