Workflow Automation
The pervasive use of personal computers, networks and email has made it possible to automate workflows. Computer software provides an excellent means of replacing paper forms with intelligent electronic forms. Databases provide a means of storing vast amounts of information which previously resided in filing cabinets. Networking has spawned email, which in turn provides an excellent and almost instantaneous means of routing information. And, finally the inherent computing capability of computers provides a virtually unlimited resource to control, monitor and measure workflow processes.
Workflow automation describes a computer managed system where electronic forms are easily
defined, processed, and filed.
QCTI/DLFLo is made up of a flow chart management system and individual message desktops.
Example of a graphic flow chart definition:
Example of organization definition:
A flow chart management system is an application program, from which the system administrator may define a company's organizational structure and its business processes. The defined flow will appear automatically on individual message desktops.
Example of a user activities initiation screen/site:
Example of SharPoint/InfoPath Integartion:
Example of a form handling chart:
An individual message desktop is a website. Employees can visit the site using a standard web browser, submitting, viewing, tracking and editing relevant data. Once a process is initiated, the flow will transmit all relevant information to the next employee's message desktop according to the defined workflow. The process continues from worker to worker unitl the process is complete. The finished flow will be automatically filed.
In practice, the workflow is often defined by the business/system administrator. Once the administrator defines the flow, users can start it up on their own message desktop, and work according to the processes outlined in the workflow.
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