Source: Computhink

What is a workflow process?

At some point every professional feels overwhelmed with the work they have. At some point everyone fumbles with the workload. It gets too much, to a point where everything is piled up, your tasks, emails and your desk.

You might read all kinds of articles on how to work efficiently. You will clean your desk and organize your desk but it’s probably still of no help.

Creating a workflow process will help you improve your performance and efficiency and also save you time. It is a work pattern you create for yourself.

You systematically organize your resources. It is a way to get your work done in a timely manner.

It is a step by step process that can be outlined with the help of a diagram or a checklist. It is moving from one step to another, from one stage to another and reaching your goal.

Example of a workflow process

If you are a blogger

Image source – Blogger sidekick

Step 1: Pick your topic

Step 2: Write your blog

Step 3: SEO optimize it

Step 4: Check for grammatical errors

Step 5: Publish your blog

This is a simple example. If you have a business, the workflow is much more complicated. It involves various different factors. There are clients, meetings, reports, finances, different departments, etc.

Workflow documentation is an important document. It has the details of every step of your workflow. Details such as:

• How to complete each step?
• Which apps or softwares to use?
• Who is responsible for which stage of the process?

This was just a brief about the meaning of workflow. Now let’s discuss the importance of it and how to make one.

Importance of a workflow process

Workflows help you to save a lot of time. They also increase productivity. But these are not the only benefits. Other benefits are

1. Reduces project risk

It can make sure that there are no delays. It limits the need to re work and reduces disputes and costs too.

2. Organizational change

Limits the managerial intervention. The team works cohesively and effectively. It provides an improved understanding of the workflow.

3. Can lead to a change in process

In order to create a workflow, organizations and companies go through a scrutiny process. They scrutinize their current processes. These lead to optimizations and improvements through the workflow.

4. Increased access to information

Every point is reviewed carefully to make sure there are no issues. This helps the managers to know and understand how their project is going to run from the beginning to end.

5. Divides work responsibility

Workflow defines each step in detail. It defines which responsibility is under whom and under which department. The work responsibilities are not vague anymore.

6. Improves timeline estimate

It gives the project managers an estimate of the timeline of the entire process. It gives an estimate as to when the project will end.

7. Provides transparencies

A workflow shows the stakeholders a clear picture of the project. It shows every detail and does not leave room for guess work.

8. Focus on strategy

The operations flow smoothly with the help of a planned workflow. The manager will not have to spend a lot of time on operations. They can focus on the growth and the development of the organization.

9. Provides an audit trail

It makes it easy to keep records. Records of task completion with details are kept when you use a workflow management software system. Details about who completed the task, when it was completed and the duration.

10. Provides predefined rules

When problems arise you can refer to the predefined rules and solutions mentioned in the workflow. It eliminates guesswork and smooths the process. It saves time too.

How to create a workflow process?

Let’s learn how to create a workflow chart.

Step 1 – Online Graphing tool

The first thing to do is, find an online graphing tool.

Image source – Wondershare

Step 2 – Workflow process flowchart

Next, create an account and then pick a flowchart template. For instance here there are 3 types of flowcharts that you could chose from:

Image source – NevronOffice

Step 3 – Fill in the steps of the process

Once you pick the template, fill out each block with a step.

Image source – EdrawSoft

Step 4- Convert your workflow process flowchart

Finally convert your flowchart into the desired format. A PNG file, PDF, etc. Post creating the flowchart you need to create the documentation.

A few key things to remember:

• Add a title to the documentation.
• Add which department will work for which step
• The exact steps that are mentioned in the workflow
• Add additional information. Such as tips, general rules, credentials and guidelines.

Step 5 – Online platform for other employees

The next step is to host this documentation on an online storage portal so that your employees are able to access it easily.

Workflow management software systems

A workflow software is a modern solution for creating efficient workflows. You can create a workflow digitally instead of on paper. You can create a documentation on a software.

The software helps you to create a workflow as well as execute it. You give access to your employees and assign them a workflow. When they start the work, the system sends a notification.

It sets deadlines and assigns tasks. In some softwares the manager gets the overall picture of the workflow as well as the workflow of each employee.

Automation of a workflow process through a software has various benefits, such as:

1. Automated messages

The software automates messages. It reduces the work of manually sending emails and messages. The software does that for you. It also sends the employees new tasks.

2. Accountability

You will know at all times which employee is working on which section of the workflow. If something goes wrong, it is easy to reach the reason for it.

3. Find issues

The software notifies you if you have missed deadlines. It can help you come with a solution immediately.

4. Efficiency

It increases efficiency for the above mentioned reasons. It increases transparency in the organization.

5. Reporting

Most softwares gives you a detailed report and analytics. This allows you to improve your workflow.

Workflow process examples from different industries

Not every industry has the same workflow. Different industries will have their particular workflows. Here are few workflow outlines of some industries :

Human resources

The workflow includes the hiring processes, training processes, leaves assigned and pay processes.

Image source – EdrawSoft

Pharmaceutical manufacturing

Testing of various raw materials, manufacturing of the medicines, packaging and shipping are the steps included in the workflow process of a pharmaceutical manufacturing company.

Image source – Edrawsoft

Customer service

The investigation of the customers complaint and answering their queries in the main step of the workflow process.

Image source – Slideteam

Military

Deploying the military when necessary, following particular rules and regulations for various problems are mentioned in the workflow.

Travel and tourism

The workflow includes, flight bookings, hotel bookings, rentals, etc.

Image source – Vensaiinc

Wrapping up

A workflow is a highly efficient process. It helps you to organize your work effectively and saves time. You can create your own workflow and manage it or let a software work its magic.

If you are using a particular software do let us know in the comments! We hope we helped you understand the importance of a workflow. Let us know how a workflow positively helped your organization.

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