A workflow application is extremely beneficial and helps in controlling the routine business processes. It is quite useful and provides optimal efficiency. From creating a form for holding data to automating sequential paths for tasks, workflow applications are becoming a must-have for businesses.
Role of a workflow application
While searching for the workflow management system, it is vital to look for something that allows people to automate repetitive processes. Apart from that, it also automatically follows up on the uncompleted tasks. Also, it provides an overall picture of your organization’s workflow with the performance metrics.
If you want to create an effective workflow application, you have to keep certain things in mind. Here are some of the important pointers that you must consider while designing a workflow application.
Crucial features your workflow application must have
Code-free designer
Everyone loves smooth workflow; however, we don’t even realize that what a workflow application must-have. When asking a process owner for designing a workflow, the expert will simply make a straight line including the vital steps in the process. Similarly, if you consult a programmer, you will find that the design looks similar to that of a family tree of Oedipus. A smart workflow application will allow you to imagine things in simple linear loops
Incorporating with other cloud apps
When designing a workflow application, do not forget to include other cloud apps. Technology these days are now prioritizing cloud platform. Earlier, integration was an option; however, it has become a necessity for workflow applications.
It is important to keep in mind that the workflow applications don’t really work independently unlike other processes. Make sure that the workflow software that you are designing should have documents, sales reports, cash flows. Everything must flow smoothly, starting from the workflow tool to the CMS.
If you feel that your workflow application is not easy to incorporate with other tools, then it is outdated.
Cloud-based technology is necessary
The debate on cloud-based technology vs on-premise is no longer a deal these days. The reason behind this is, the cloud provides more flexibility and accessibility. However, the on-premise concept is more like a lottery thing.
Cloud-based technology in a workflow application not only provides data access from anywhere, but you will also get utmost data privacy. Also, you can build a partnership using a vendor instead of opting for a one-time purchase.
Moreover, the workflow management applications must exist in the cloud if you want things easy for your team.
Add KPI-based reports
You will come across hundreds of workflow tools that are useful for creating a workflow application. However, if you are worried about truly enhancing your organization’s productivity, you will require solid reporting features. While automating a workflow for the first time, you are actually entering the testing ground.
Hence, when designing the workflow software, you might misjudge that everything was running smoothly. Thus, you might notice that things are taking more time than anticipated. As a result, you will end up taking a new step. For that, a robust KPI-based reporting function is no doubt useful. Using this, you can analyze the bottlenecks as well as the places that need enough attention.
Don’t miss on SLA status indicators
Choosing a proper workflow management system is considered the one-stop solution for all the crucial processes inside your organization. As a result, the workflow tool might contain over 30 workflows running together. If you think about seeing them on the dashboard, you have to ensure that you are staying ahead of your tasks.
Hence, you can opt for SLA indicators while designing workflow applications. You will be able to figure out the ones that are most pressing and the ones are that are not too important. You can add color codes in your WMS dashboard for drawing attention to the most important workflows.
Parallel branches are a good option
Workflows are sequential, but many are unique too. There are many sequential steps that can take place at the same time. What you can do is opt for a travel request or even buy a requisition. Even though it has a predictable path, you might need a separate track, which handles passports for international travel.
With good workflow software, it is easy to add these kinds of complexities and you won’t need a degree in computer science.
Role-based access control
Most workflows these days contain sensitive information. These are extremely confidential and should not be shared with anyone. With any workflow application, you can customize and change your privacy settings. As a result, you will be able to control what others can see as well as edit. Therefore, your primary intention should always include controlling the role-based access control.
Hence, these are some of the things that you can include while creating a workflow application about which you must be proud.
