The Importance of Workflow Management and Its Elements

27 December 2023

Not all work processes can be carried out smoothly and without errors. Maybe you need to go through failure first before finding the right way of working. This also allows you to avoid errors in a workflow.

Basically, workflows are not limited to use in work contexts. A simple process like washing clothes can also be called a workflow. This means that you can do several different things to get the most efficient work results.

When implemented in an organizational context, workflow management will involve several processes and possibly more than one person. Therefore, it is important to be able to carry out efficient workflow management in running a business.

Why is Workflow Management Important?

Most business workflows will not be successful without the guidance of skilled managers. Before we discuss specific workflow elements, here are some reasons why workflow management is important.

  • Simplify tasks: Greater insight into a process allows you to identify and remove unnecessary bottlenecks to increase efficiency.
  • Increase transparency: Collecting data around performance processes can give you a better understanding of what's happening with your team.
  • Improve communication: Although communication in the workplace is often disorganized, workflow management uses tools such as automatic notifications to provide timely updates.
  • Maintain employee accountability: Workflow management gives employees a clear view of what is expected thereby eliminating the need for micromanagement.

Elements of Workflow Management

Almost any process that consists of several steps can be considered a workflow. There are many variations in the steps included. However, all workflows have at least six key elements, including the following.

1. Stakeholders

Stakeholders are individuals or groups who are affected by the workflow in some way. For example, the stakeholders in the blog publishing process are the author, editor, and publisher. However, you are the only stakeholder in the tooth brushing process.

2. Inputs

This refers to the raw materials or information needed to complete a workflow. Input is the first component of every workflow. These are resources that complete or start a phase or process.

The input for blog publishing is in the form of topics, research and content, while the input for the tooth brushing process is a toothbrush, toothpaste and water.

3. Outputs

Output is the final product or result of a workflow. Output can also serve as input for the next step in a workflow.

4. Steps

A step is a task that needs to be completed to complete the workflow. In the blog publishing workflow example, the steps include writing content, editing the article, and publishing it online.

5. Transformation

Transformation refers to the process of changing input into output. This stage can also be in the form of rules or directions where input is received and the process that occurs when input is received.

A blog post undergoes a transformation as the content is written, edited, and then published. A simple process like brushing your teeth also changes the condition of your teeth, transforming them from unbrushed to sparkling clean.

6. Terms (conditions)

Terms or conditions are something that must be met in order to complete a workflow. For example, for a blogger, the requirements that need to be met may be having a client order a post or having a blog pitch that is accepted by a publisher. Another simple example, washing clothes can only be done if you have clean water.

A workflow can be a specific process, project, or case study. All procedures required to complete a particular workflow must be simplified into the basic elements above. That way, you can play the role of a good manager in the work processes that occur in the organization.

Not all work processes can be carried out smoothly and without errors. Maybe you need to go through failure first before finding the right way of working. This also allows you to avoid errors in a workflow.

Basically, workflows are not limited to use in work contexts. A simple process like washing clothes can also be called a workflow. This means that you can do several different things to get the most efficient work results.

When implemented in an organizational context, workflow management will involve several processes and possibly more than one person. Therefore, it is important to be able to carry out efficient workflow management in running a business.

Why is Workflow Management Important?

Most business workflows will not be successful without the guidance of skilled managers. Before we discuss specific workflow elements, here are some reasons why workflow management is important.

  • Simplify tasks: Greater insight into a process allows you to identify and remove unnecessary bottlenecks to increase efficiency.
  • Increase transparency: Collecting data around performance processes can give you a better understanding of what's happening with your team.
  • Improve communication: Although communication in the workplace is often disorganized, workflow management uses tools such as automatic notifications to provide timely updates.
  • Maintain employee accountability: Workflow management gives employees a clear view of what is expected thereby eliminating the need for micromanagement.

Elements of Workflow Management

Almost any process that consists of several steps can be considered a workflow. There are many variations in the steps included. However, all workflows have at least six key elements, including the following.

1. Stakeholders

Stakeholders are individuals or groups who are affected by the workflow in some way. For example, the stakeholders in the blog publishing process are the author, editor, and publisher. However, you are the only stakeholder in the tooth brushing process.

2. Inputs

This refers to the raw materials or information needed to complete a workflow. Input is the first component of every workflow. These are resources that complete or start a phase or process.

The input for blog publishing is in the form of topics, research and content, while the input for the tooth brushing process is a toothbrush, toothpaste and water.

3. Outputs

Output is the final product or result of a workflow. Output can also serve as input for the next step in a workflow.

4. Steps

A step is a task that needs to be completed to complete the workflow. In the blog publishing workflow example, the steps include writing content, editing the article, and publishing it online.

5. Transformation

Transformation refers to the process of changing input into output. This stage can also be in the form of rules or directions where input is received and the process that occurs when input is received.

A blog post undergoes a transformation as the content is written, edited, and then published. A simple process like brushing your teeth also changes the condition of your teeth, transforming them from unbrushed to sparkling clean.

6. Terms (conditions)

Terms or conditions are something that must be met in order to complete a workflow. For example, for a blogger, the requirements that need to be met may be having a client order a post or having a blog pitch that is accepted by a publisher. Another simple example, washing clothes can only be done if you have clean water.

A workflow can be a specific process, project, or case study. All procedures required to complete a particular workflow must be simplified into the basic elements above. That way, you can play the role of a good manager in the work processes that occur in the organization.

Prasetiya Mulya Executive Learning Institute
Prasetiya Mulya Cilandak Campus, Building 2, #2203
Jl. R.A Kartini (TB. Simatupang), Cilandak Barat, Jakarta 12430
Indonesia
Prasetiya Mulya Executive Learning Institute
Prasetiya Mulya Cilandak Campus, Building 2, #2203
Jl. R.A Kartini (TB. Simatupang), Cilandak Barat,
Jakarta 12430
Indonesia