How to design a workflow for a workflow management software?

To create a workflow, one must first lay down a diagram which portrays the entirety of a project or task. In this diagram, one has to identify and specify decision points, where decisions are to be made in order to move on to the next step of the flow.

Data has to flow from the start to the end of the task. Data flow should be seamless from one step to another and this could be fasten with automation. With a good automated workflow by way of a workflow management software, data could flow within functions or departments of the organisation and allow for steps in the tasks to be seen clearer by all stakeholders.

Here are a few keys to designing a good workflow:

1. Start off with the simplest or most obvious steps in a task. Lay these down as a foundation of the big task.

2. Identify certain steps that require approval before allowing the data to move onto the next step.

3. Mark out these steps with a node and classify them as decision points.

4. Lay out the options for each route, and account for every possible decision being made.

5. Make sure completion of tasks are highlighted obviously and bottlenecks are being alerted to result in lesser delays.

With the few keys above, you could have a decent workflow diagram to work with. The speed and effectiveness of the transfer of data is dependent on the platform and method the various stakeholders use to communicate within themselves. Once again, this could be made easier by the use of a proper workflow management system software like Automate-Lah, to ensure that the flow is frictionless.

In Singapore, it is still common for older SMEs to not have a proper workflow management system in place. This is becoming more of a blaring issue for productivity, especially for the times we are in after the Covid-19 episode. This forced digital transformation upon many organisations and acted as a rude awakening to automate processes. Luckily, the Singapore government are still providing massive support in forms of the Enterprise Development Grants (EDG) to help with automation and digital transformation.

For more information about EDG grant or Automate-Lah, or even about workflow, feel free to drop us an email at marketing@sginteractive.com.sg.