A Workflow Map is a predefined implementation of a business process that usually involves multiple users and tasks. For example, a simple Workflow Map can provide a way for an employee to request and receive permission to take a vacation day and may consist of a few tasks that involve the employee, a manager, and a human resources representative. A complex Workflow Map can contain numerous steps and require the participation of dozens of users.
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Implementing a Business Process as a Workflow Map
The way you design Workflow Maps may vary depending on your business process. Before you begin, you may want to familiarize yourself with Workflow Map features and consider how to translate a business process into a Workflow Map. You may also want to outline your business process on paper and then try to present it as a flow chart. A completed Workflow Map resembles a flow chart, except that standard flow chart symbols are replaced by steps and links. By clearly defining the process you want to automate in a Workflow Map, you can save time, and prevent logical errors and other mistakes.
When you create a flowchart of your business process, think of it as a set of interrelated tasks that lead to a defined outcome. Consider the functions you want to perform and the people or roles (for example, editor, accountant, or research assistant) you want to perform each function. After you complete a flow chart of your business process, you can then begin to create the Workflow Map by matching the tasks and events in your flow chart to the Workflow steps that will best meet the requirements of the tasks and events.
For more information on how to design and build Workflow Maps, see the