Lesson 9 | Workflow services |
Objective | Describe the function of workflow services. |
Describe Function of Workflow Services
What is workflow? Workflow simulates the flow of information and control in a
business process using software. Whereas most middleware is at the core of technology and data integration, workflow is at the core of process
integration. Workflow management can be described as the efficient management of the flow of information and control in a company's business
processes. By managing these processes more efficiently, companies can reduce their costs and improve their product and customer service, giving
them an important competitive edge.
Question: What is the chief reason to adopt workflow services products?
Answer: To manage discrete work processes more efficiently, thereby reducing costs and improving product and customer service.
Workflow technologies
Workflow products usually consist of the following major functions:
- Workflow or process definition tools
- Servers/engines
- Client applications
- Monitoring / administration tools
- The Slide Show below clarifies the role of each of these technologies:

1) Workflow Services 1

2) Workflow Services 2

3) Workflow Services 3

4) Workflow Services 4

5) Workflow Services 5

6) Workflow Services 6

7) Workflow Services 7
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Because there is such a wide range of workflow services tools, they are a good option for helping to define and automate your work processes.
Workflow Services Consideration
The application of workflow has largely been niche oriented. In eBusiness, however, particularly in complex B2B interchanges that involve not only
several people inside your company, but also multiple people in external partner companies, workflow becomes a necessity. In many cases, EAI
vendors have added workflow features to their product suites. Since EAI is needed to integrate data and processes across multiple applications and
computing assets within eBusiness, there is a real need for workflow services between the various points of integration.
Workflow Services - Exercise