Wondering how you’re going to get that project done? First, you need to define a workflow process. Read below to learn how.
What Is a Workflow Process?
Workflow is the process of defining, executing and automating business processes where tasks, information and documents are passed from one person to another for action according to a set of business process management rules. It involves work by one or more people and transforms materials, information or services.
Project management software allows for seamless workflow automation. ProjectManager is work and project management software with custom workflows and task approvals to add efficiency while maintaining quality. Set as many triggers as you need for each process and coordinate actions to change status, priority, assignee and more. By using task approvals, you choose who has the authority to make those changes to control the process. Get started for free today.
Workflow Process vs. Business Process
Workflow processes and business processes are related but they’re not one and the same. A workflow process is the automation of a business process that can be fully automated or simply part of the automated process. The process can include documents, information or tasks that move through the process according to a set of procedural rules.
A business process, however, is a set of one or more linked procedures or activities that together help you realize a business objective or policy goal. This is usually within the context of an organizational structure that defines roles and relationships. You can think of it as a process that’s applicable to another process.
In short, a business process is related to an activity that can be manual or automated and it realizes a business objective. A workflow process is a business process that is either fully or partially automated. It represents an approach and technology for automating tasks in a business context. A business process is more generic and usually involves a complicated flow of automated and manual tasks.
Start With the End in Mind
When you’re first thinking about a workflow, you want to start with the end in mind. This means you should look towards the end goal and then work backward so you can figure out the right path to get there. This will help you determine your workflow process.
From this perspective, you’ll want to ask yourself some questions, such as: what are the processes, workflows and systems needed to reach the endpoint in the project, and what are the best practices to employ? You’ll want to create a checklist and ask questions. Note who you’ll partner with and decide what leadership team will drive the whole endeavor.
How to Define Your Workflow
Defining a workflow for your project is the cornerstone of work management. Here are three tips to do it right:
- Create a realistic workflow diagram, and involve the people doing the work.
- Get buy-in from the team, have them sign off, and then adopt the plan for the project.
- Match workflow process to a tool functionality so that the process drives the tool selection, and not the other way around.
There are many benefits of following this course. It will improve your productivity, reduce errors as you’re working on the project, help relieve stress and keep you consistent.
