Why Should I Care about Workflow?

October 22nd, 2008 |

Well before we jump into why you should care about it, let’s and cover off what it is.

A workflow, for the sake of simplicity is a business process or series of actions. In a typical working day, you may encounter a whole raft of workflows as you go about your daily business. If you ever find yourself working out what actions gave to be done in what order in order to achieve something, then you just unintentionally made a workflow.

In workflow, individual tasks can be allocated to other staff members or suppliers. I like to think that workflow is the act of allocating the right task to the right person at the right time. By playing close attention to workflows, a manager (or business process owner) can streamline a process, remove unnecessary actions and ‘fine tune’ the engine of the business

Simple Workflow

A workflow system can be a powerful way to not only allocate tasks and manage your business but to also add a layer of accountability in your organisation. Tasks can now be tracked and the work rate monitored in a granular form. If you are a strong believer in business process then you can understand that a solid well thought out workflow system can hold people to that procedure and ensure that things are done properly. A custom application can be used to ensure that the right information is collected verified and put to work in a centralised repository. If roles are set up in the system, the system can allocate work to employees that it has calculated can handle more.

A more advanced system will allow you to make changes to your business process (workflows) on the fly. This simple function can have a significant impact on the business in times of change. No longer does the Business Process Owner need to consult or engage in IT, they can now design a new workflow, publish it and reap the rewards today rather than weeks or months down the track. This kind of agility has an enormous benefit in times of significant change.

Simple Everyday workflows

Annual leave request Booking a meeting room. Computer helpdesk support Sales Process Create marketing collateral Get invoice payed (automatically) Raise Purchase order

Appoint new supplier

Workflows are everywhere and you may be able to see how they can be approved already. Alternatively, I am happy to discuss with you how we can streamline and add agility to your business.

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