Operational Workflow Instance

A Operational Workflow Instance is a process instance of an organizational process (orchestrates tasks and resources in systematic sequences to enable work coordination and process automation).

• AKA: Low-Level Work Process.
• Context:
  • input: workflow requirements, resource constraints, and process specifications.
  • output: executed workflows, process metrics, and performance reports.
  • measure: workflow efficiency, resource utilization, and process compliance.
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Department-Level Workflow to being an Enterprise-Wide Workflow, depending on its organizational scope.
  • It can range from being a Linear Workflow to being a Branching Workflow, depending on its decision complexity.
  • It can range from being a Short-Term Workflow to being a Long-Running Workflow, depending on its execution duration.
  • It can range from being a Simple Workflow to being a Complex Workflow, depending on its process complexity.
  • It can range from being a Manual Workflow to being an Automated Workflow , depending on its automation level.
  • It can range from being a Standalone Workflow to being an Integrated Workflow, depending on its system integration.
  • ...
  • It can be supported by a Workflow-Supporting Application.
  • It can integrate with Task Management System for work tracking.
  • It can connect to Automation Platform for task execution.
  • It can coordinate Task Sequence through process definition.
  • It can manage Resource Allocation through scheduling system.
  • It can control Information Flow through process rule.
  • It can enforce Process Control through role assignment.
  • It can maintain Process Consistency through standard procedure.
  • It can include Team Collaboration through shared workspace.
  • It can include Process Monitoring through tracking system.
  • It can support Collaboration Tool for team coordination.
  • ...
• Examples:
  • Business Function Workflows, such as:
    • Document Management Workflows, such as:
      • Document Approval Workflow for content validation.
      • Document Review Workflow for quality control.
      • Document Distribution Workflow for content delivery.
    • Order Processing Workflows, such as:
      • Order Entry Workflow for order capture.
      • Order Fulfillment Workflow for order execution.
      • Order Tracking Workflow for delivery monitoring.
    • Resource Management Workflows, such as:
      • Resource Allocation Workflow for asset assignment.
      • Resource Tracking Workflow for usage monitoring.
      • Resource Optimization Workflow for efficiency improvement.
  • Personnel Management Workflows, such as:
    • Employee Management Workflows, such as:
      • Onboarding Workflow for staff integration.
      • Performance Review Workflow for employee evaluation.
      • Training Workflow for skill development.
  • Service Management Workflows, such as:
    • Customer Support Workflows, such as:
      • Ticket Management Workflow for issue handling.
      • Service Request Workflow for support delivery.
      • Follow-up Workflow for satisfaction monitoring.
  • Domain-Specific Workflows, such as:
    • Healthcare Workflows for healthcare processes.
    • Software Engineering Workflows for development processes.
    • Legal Workflows for legal processes.
  • Technology-Enhanced Workflows, such as:
    • Automated Workflows for process automation.
    • AI-Enabled Workflows for intelligent processing.
    • Integration Workflows for system coordination.
  • ...
• Counter-Examples:
  • High-Level Organizational Process, which focuses on strategic direction rather than operational details.
  • Strategic Process, which focuses on long-term planning rather than day-to-day operations.
  • Ad Hoc Process, which lacks structured sequences and defined rules for repeatable execution.
  • Random Task Execution, which operates without systematic coordination and process control.
  • Informal Procedure, which misses standardized steps, role definitions, and performance tracking.
  • Project, which is unique endeavor rather than recurring process.
• See: Process Management, Task Automation, Resource Coordination, System Integration, Process Optimization, Workflow Modeling, Process Control.

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References

2024-12-03

• Perplexity.ai
  • Question: How do operational workflows manifest in concrete instances? Please explain using examples from different industries and implementations, including automation examples and specific applications.
  • Answer: Operational workflows manifest in various concrete instances across different organizational settings, demonstrating how abstract processes transform into actionable sequences.
    • Business Process Implementation:
      • Adobe Experience Manager Example:
        • Workflow instances are created when a workflow model is executed, with each instance representing a specific operational sequence.
        • These instances progress through defined lifecycle stages, from initiation to completion, with each step performing distinct activities like user input, page activation, or email communication.
    • Industry-Specific Applications:
      • Healthcare Operations:
        • Healthcare organizations implement operational workflows through:
        • Pre-analytic and post-analytic laboratory activities.
        • Automated monitoring systems.
        • Quality control processes.
      • Financial Processing:
        • Concrete workflow instances appear in accounting operations through:
        • Accounts payable and receivable management.
        • Payment tracking systems.
        • Document routing based on content.
    • Automation Implementation:
      • Resource Management:
        • Operational workflows manifest in resource allocation through:
        • Staff assignment based on task complexity.
        • Physical resource distribution.
        • Supply chain management and inventory control.
      • Quality Control:
        • Real-world workflow instances include:
        • Automated quality monitoring.
        • Exception reporting for manual intervention.
        • Process optimization and control.
  • Citations:

[1] https://experienceleague.adobe.com/en/docs/experience-manager-65/content/sites/administering/operations/workflows
[2] https://beslick.com/workflow-management-examples/
[3] https://www.healthit.gov/sites/default/files/topiclanding/2021-07/Workflow_Automation_Background_Report_FINAL.pdf
[4] https://argondigital.com/blog/case-studies/applying-agile-principles-to-workflow-automation/
[5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8318703/

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