Workflows are the foundation of business processes. And workflow management systems automate these business processes for maximum efficiency. We’ll talk about how these workflow management systems work, with examples of the best open source software you can choose from.
What is a Workflow Management System?
A workflow management system is a software platform that efficiently automates procedures. Streamlined workflows boost critical performance indicators and corporate productivity. Examples of workflow management systems include Taiga, Pipefy, Kissflow, Kanboard, etc.
Workflow automation is the process of organizing and prioritizing a series of actions based on specified circumstances and rules. Workflow management strategies seek to identify bottlenecks and delays in processes and map out tasks in order to develop a more efficient and streamlined workflow process. A number of independent workflow software tools are merged into a single application that automates human and machine-driven processes along a predefined path. Workflow management solutions also aid in the smooth integration of humans and systems in order to accomplish corporate success.
What Are The Types Of Workflow Management Systems?
#1. Document Workflow Management Systems
When documents are important in a team’s project processes, document workflow solutions are vital. The flow of documents through various procedures becomes crucial to the organization’s efforts to improve the company’s efficiency. In other words, the result of a process on one document at a given stage becomes the input to the following stage. Document-centric systems are used for document approval and review, translation, and transcribing.
#2. Human-centric Workflow Management System
Human-centric workflow technologies are used in the design and development of processes, tasks, and procedures that require significant human participation. As a result, they are critical in functions such as proposal writing and data analysis.
#3. Integrated Workflow Management System
Integrated workflows entail iterative and sequentially completed repetitive operations with minimum human contributions.
Why Is Workflow Management Important For Your Business?
Change is unavoidable at every age, but it is difficult to accept. Computers, laptops, and cell phones have helped to expand the workforce in the twenty-first century. They use the cloud’s capabilities to access data on any device and rely on their cell phones for work and personal needs. With such widespread exposure to technological improvements, implementing a workflow management system should be straightforward. Surprisingly, many firms ignore the importance of a BPM tool or workflow software for business processes in their organization.
On the contrary, a good workflow management system is required by the industry to manage workflows, monitor, and optimize corporate processes. A more in-depth examination of process processes shows redundancies and unconnected jobs. Stacks of papers and folders comprising documents, receipts, invoices, leave applications, and forms result from disorganized tasks. When a workflow management system is not in place, even the most advanced high-tech enterprises may wind up with disorganized papers and unstructured and disconnected activities.
Examples Of The Best Workflow Management Systems
Here are some examples of the best workflow management systems you can try out:
#1. Hive
Google, Starbucks, Comcast, and Toyota all use Hive as sophisticated project management tools. Hive provides workflow management capabilities for teams who need to communicate on day-to-day work processes while completing projects as effectively as possible, in addition to its powerful project and task management features.
Hive Automate, which is built within the Hive platform, also allows you to construct workflows between Hive and other regularly used work apps. This application is available to all Hive users and is an excellent method to streamline your operations, automate repetitive procedures, and save time.
#2. Kissflow
Kissflow is an excellent project and process management application that is designed to increase productivity, assist teams in visualizing workflows, establish responsibility among team members, and keep everyone on the same page within an organization. Here are some of the characteristics that make Kissflow an excellent choice for workflow management:
- Forms that may be fully customized to help automate and streamline operations.
- Access control that defines organizational roles and responsibilities.
- Reports and analytics that are actionable and provide critical insight into overall workflow.
- Tool that facilitates integration.
#3. Shift
Shift is a desktop program that consolidates your email accounts, apps, and extensions into a single browser, improving your productivity. Integrate with your favorite apps, create unique workspaces, and overcome inbox overload. Shift is the ultimate productivity tool; download Shift now and rediscover your focus. It truly is a game-changer. Shift allows you to:
- Connect all of your email accounts and your favorite web app to personalize your workspace.
- Search all of your Mail, Calendar, and Drive accounts.
- Combine your favorite tools to create the ideal workflow.
#4. ProProfs
ProProfs Project is a smart workflow management software that provides real-time project life cycle information. On its user-friendly interface, you can easily manage projects, subtasks, and deadlines. Enjoy smooth file sharing and participate in discussions from anywhere, at any time. The tool generates invoices and allows you to personalize them. You can also develop bespoke workflows based on the requirements of your project. With ProProfs, team cooperation is a piece of cake. ProProfs also has the following characteristics that make it an excellent workflow management software:
- Execute workflows automatically.
- Control cross-functional teams
- On-the-go project development updates
- Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and other tools
#5. Fluix
Fluix is a no-code web software for businesses such as building, energy, aviation, and remodeling. The platform’s key solutions are automated data collecting and workflow management. Mobile forms can be used to collect data, which can subsequently be routed through workflows to streamline operations across distant teams. An automated method like this one aids in the management of field inspections, safety control, equipment maintenance, and other business operations that include many tasks and performers. Fluix provides:
- Web, iOS, and Android platforms.
- Fillable PDFs and web forms facilitate collaboration among many teams.
- The drag-and-drop workflow builder allows you to develop step-based workflows.
- Granular role-based access governs who has access to tasks and files.
- Integrations with business intelligence tools enable data export and analysis.
#6. Projectsly
500apps’ Projectsly is a new project management software that includes extensive task management and powerful automation tools. The application is extremely beneficial for remote teams, facilitating work collaboration and allowing project managers to assign and track team assignments without missing important milestones. Projectsly streamlines project planning and allows you to handle all part of a project from start to finish. Projectsly has the following features:
- Kanban boards that are used to create and track tasks.
- To graphically track task progress, use a Gantt chart.
- Automation for workflow creation
- Gmail project management through Chrome extension
#7. ClickUp
ClickUp is a solution that can help you streamline workflows and project plans while also managing team resources. Teams all over the world utilize the easy, aesthetically appealing application to keep their work on track. ClickUp could be the workflow management software for you for a number of reasons, including:
Automation templates enable users to construct specialized templates for automating parts of their workflow.
- Gantt, calendar, and timeline views are all available for projects.
- Reporting with the ability to construct custom dashboards.
- Check out the best ClickUp alternatives that teams are now using for additional information.
#8. Smartsheet
Since partnering with 10,000 feet, Smartsheet has become an excellent tool for managing not only workflow, but also resourcing across a team. Smartsheet is primarily built in an Excel-like manner, which allows teams to readily visualize future steps and action items. Smartsheet is an excellent workflow management software because of the following factors:
- Automation of workflows across projects and tasks.
- Gantt chart and table view for task visualization are included in flexible project configurations.
- Integrations with products such as Microsoft Office and Google Apps.
- Increased resourcing capacity.
#9. Pipefy
Pipefy is workflow management software that assists teams in requesting data, carrying out tasks, and reporting success throughout projects and campaigns. has become the go-to solution for workflow management for teams all around the world because to its low-code workflow development approach. A few more features that make Pipefy an excellent workflow management software:
- Templates that can be used to help structure overall workflows and processes.
- Custom low-code workflows that improve productivity.
- When needed, visibility into workflows from throughout the enterprise.
#10. Airtable
Because of its unique Excel-like framework, Airtable is an excellent choice for a workflow management application. This tool is utilized by teams worldwide, and its ability to operate as a powerful spreadsheet has made it a fan favorite for workflow management. A few more features of Airtable that make it an excellent workflow management software:
- Ability to establish a customised database for all projects and tasks
- Project-specific templates that are adaptable
- Grid, calendar, gallery, and Kanban views enable you to view projects in the way that is most convenient for you.
- Pre-made apps to enhance your experience
Examples Of Workflow Management Systems That Are Open Source
Here are some examples of open source workflow management systems:
#1. Taiga
Taiga is an open-source project and workflow management software that aims to overcome the usability problem. A team at Kaleidos has been working on the project since early 2014. Taiga Agile now provides a formal structure to the project.
The project includes tools that make it simple to construct projects using Kanban or Agile templates. You may also use Agile to develop sprints and user stories. You can also add user stories to sprints and assign tasks to them. In addition, you can use a Kanban template to construct projects with post-it-type task windows and an easy-to-use drag-and-drop user interface.
#2. Kanboard
Kanboard is an open-source, basic kanban workflow management software. It is written in PHP and distributed under an MIT license. Kanboard is simple to set up and consumes few resources. It has major features, including task searching and filtering, attachments, subtasks, comments, and much more. Your cards can also be exported in a variety of formats.
#3 Backlog
Backlog is an open-source workflow management software designed specifically for developer teams. It is a single platform with a simple yet powerful interface that can be customized to meet the demands of users. It enables members of the development and design teams to interact and connect on a single platform from any location or device. Elegant visualizations such as Gantt charts and Git graphs can be used to track the development of a project. It also promotes information clarity, allowing teams to complete tasks within the specified timeframes.
#4. Apache Airflow
Apache Airflow is a free and open-source workflow management software that may be used to create, monitor, and manage project processes. The platform is based on four concepts that allow for the creation of dynamic, intuitive, extensible, and highly scalable workflow management software.
Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs) are used in Apache Airflow to assist teams in designing, scheduling, programming, and automating data flow through nodes. The direction of data transport is represented by pipelines in Apache airflow. In essence, the output of one node (task) is frequently the input to another node. For example, in order for the team to complete all tasks, a process must be completed or restarted.
#5. Apache Taverna
Apache Taverna is a free and open-source workflow management software for scientific teams that allows them to create and manage scientific workflows. The workflow tool is platform-agnostic and may be used with a variety of operating systems. The Apache Taverna suite consists of three components: the Taverna engine, the Taverna Workbench, and the Taverna Server. These components work together to help scientists create sophisticated data pipelines and analyze them. Furthermore, the suite accepts data from both public and private sources in domains as diverse as medical, geography, and sports analytics.
How Do You Create A Workflow Management System?
#1. Make it easily accessible
Businesses today are not static. Your crew could be dispersed all around the world. However, everyone requires access to solutions that can streamline their business workflows, so choose cloud-based products and platforms that are easily available to everybody.
#2. Enlighten your team
No workflow management solution will be effective unless your staff understands how to use it. If you’re investing in software to help them with their jobs, make sure everyone understands the benefits and how to utilize it successfully.
#3. Work together
The most successful workflow management systems enable your team to collaborate effortlessly and in real-time. When looking for software packages to put together a workflow management system, make cooperation a priority.
#4. Keep track of your development.
Management should oversee the recording of process progress and highlight areas for improvement in your workflow management system, which should be easily available to everybody. Documentation is essential in every organization; ensure that your workflow management system allows you to efficiently monitor and document your team as it grows.
#5. Maintain vigilance
Technology is constantly evolving, and there are numerous new technologies being developed right now that will improve your workflow management system. Keep an eye out for new, emerging systems that can improve your workflow management system and increase your team’s efficiency and productivity.
How Do You Create A Workflow Process?
- Determine your resources.
- Make a list of the jobs that must be completed.
- Determine who is responsible for each phase and assign duties.
- Make a workflow diagram to help you visualize the process.
- Put your new workflow to the test.
- Inform your team about the new workflow.
- Install the new workflow.
What Are The 3 Basic Components Of A workflow?
The three basic components of a workflow are input, transformation, and output.
What are the four workflow roles?
The necessary workflow roles (Editor, Reviewer, Approver, or Publisher) must then be assigned to the users who are a part of that governance team by a user with the Information Governance Catalog Glossary Administrator role.
What is SAP workflow?
You may use SAP Workflow Management to digitize workflows, make decisions, acquire end-to-end process visibility, and create processes using a low-code approach. It enables users to create, execute, and manage processes. It enables users to digitize and automate decision-making.
What is workflow model?
The orderly sequence of activities and choices that constitute a business process is represented by a workflow model. By creating a workflow model, business users may better understand how a process operates and can streamline and optimize it for the greatest outcomes and maximum efficiency.
What is smart workflow?
Even when business requirements change, Smart Workflow is a prefabricated solution that can be modified to meet unique routing and rule demands. Ad-hoc approvers can participate in the approval cycle thanks to Smart Workflow’s user-friendly approver wizard.
What makes a good workflow?
A good workflow offers in-depth knowledge of corporate operations. By removing duplication and redundancy, a well-designed workflow speeds company processes. Enhanced communication, visibility, and control over the business process are some additional benefits of process workflows.
In Conclusion,
Using the right workflow management system will help improve the productivity rate in your organization, which will in turn yield increased revenue. We have listed the best workflow management systems in this guide, and we hope you find them useful.
FAQs On Workflow Management Systems
What is workflow example?
A freelancer creates and sends an invoice to their customer. The invoice is sent to the client’s finance department. The invoice is approved and paid by the finance department.
What is a workflow diagram?
A workflow diagram is a flow chart-like visual representation of a process, project, or job.
What is the difference between workflow and process?
Workflows account for granular details up to small-scale goals, whereas processes refer to larger-scale outputs.
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