Workflow Methodology

The main challenge when trying to model any workflow, process, operating cycle or any information flow in any  type of business or organization is to conceptually and graphically represent it so the model can be clearly understood and easily updated.

Using our unique symmetrical methodology and software you will have a powerfull modeling tool to develop simple and powerfull models, eliminating tangled diagrams and time consuming changes.

The concept is very simple and powerfull ! According to our symmetrical methodology, there are only two basic components in a workflow: work entities and information entities. Work entities are tasks to be executed by persons in the workflow (what to do and who does it), these tasks communicate between them by generating and receiving information entities (i.e. documents, e-mails, sales orders, reports, etc.). Work entities are arranged diagonally in the diagram to create the simmetry so the information entities can be placed accordingly above, below, right or left of the work entity.

The first diagram shows how this basic model works, creating a symmetrical pattern between two work and information entities. Following this basic pattern, additional work and information entities can be added, to the extent and level the workflow requires.

The second diagram shows an example of a 4 work entity workflow with its corresponding information entities.  Various types of work entities figures can be used to define the nature of the task being executed (i.e. decision tasks, automated or manual tasks, etc.).  Information entities generated by a work entity are aligned horizontally to the left or right of the work entity (shown all with the same color) and information entities received by a work entity are aligned vertically from above or below the work entity (each with the corresponding color of the work entity from which the information is received).

The methodology and software is most usefull when changes in the order of the work and information entities are needed; they are dragged automatically to their new position in the workflow diagram without having to rearrange all the corresponding relations between work and information entities!

According to our WORKFLOU methodology, the sequence of work entities in the workflow should follow the logic of a cycle. The 4 work entity workflow model shown is represented as a cycle in the third diagram.

Each work entity can be linked to a new model so additional levels of detail can be obtained for the original work entity (i.e. process and sub-process). The WORKFLOU software allows the creation of various interrelated workflow models.

The software can be tested for free by registering to use the demo version. To use the full version capabilities of the WORKFLOU software you can subscribe.