Overview Workflow

Download free modeling tool ARIS Express

A workflow is the automation of a process at the operational level. Information and tasks within the process are passed on among the persons involved in a partially or entirely automated way.

The free modeling tool ARIS Express supports the modeling of workflows with its model type 'Business model'.

Workflow - Preconditions

  • The individual process steps are clearly delimited,
  • The workflow is clearly defined according to unequivocal rules,
  • Persons involved in the process can be assigned functions, roles, and competences,
  • Information processing and deployment can be automated, so that the entire work process from document access to archiving is largely predictable.

The workflow must therefore have a high degree of structuring, allow for the division of tasks, occur repeatedly, and suitable for being modeled.

Workflow - Benefit

  • Optimization of machining processes
  • Reduction of throughput and wait times
  • Increased transparency
  • Reduction of time-consuming research by employees
  • Prevention of duplicate data

The objective of a workflow is to provide the right information and appropriate tools to the relevant editor at the right time.

Workflow - Components

A workflow consists of activities, organizational units, information objects, documents, and application systems based on which the following questions can be answered:

  • Activities: What should be done?
  • Organizational unit: Who should do something?
  • Information objects: What information is needed to perform the activity?
  • Documents: What information is generated while the activity is being performed?
  • Application system: Which technology is used for performing the activity?

Workflow - Types

There are different types of workflows:

  • The ad-hoc workflow is characterized in that the user defines, performs, and manages the process at run time. An example of an ad-hoc workflow is the sending of messages and e-mails.
  • The flexible workflow is characterized in that the process is defined and managed by the process owner (management / organization ...). The user participates in the process and controls / influences it. An example would be a loan application.
  • The structured workflow is characterized in that the process is defined and managed by the process owner. The user only participates in the process. An example would be a driver's license application.

Let’s start modeling workflows!

From here you can start to learn modeling a workflow with ARIS Express. The required steps are: Download ARIS Express, have a look at some model samples or video tutorials, start modeling, share your models and discuss them with other users, and if you haven't joined the ARIS Community yet, do it now! ;-)

Back to the BPM Glossary

Featured achievement

Rookie
Say hello to the ARIS Community! Personalize your community experience by following forums or tags, liking a post or uploading a profile picture.
Recent Unlocks

Leaderboard

|