Easy ways to implement an effective workflow process

A workflow process provides teams with task structure and outlines stakeholder expectations at each stage of a project. To establish processes and best practices for your team it’s important to understand what a workflow process is and the procedures involved in ensuring things run smoothly. Here we’ll look at how you can make more effective business decisions with an established workflow process that delivers projects on time.

What is a workflow process?

A workflow process is a sequence of steps taken to complete tasks and reach a business goal or outcome on time. Mapping a workflow process involves outlining which tasks are going to be handled by who, completion dates and the order of tasks.

Workflow software like Asana is often used by departments to track progress and notify colleagues on the status of tasks as they proceed in their working endeavors. Whenever data or information is shared between teammates this relates to a workflow process. Typically procedures are completed successively and built upon specific guidelines outlined in advance.

Workflow process benefits

Processes establish project transparency through the assignment of coordinated duties to specific team members. A byproduct of good workflow is improved efficiency through the outlining of tasks. Productivity improves when teammates commit to a process. Understanding your role within a team and specific task expectations unites teammates and encourages closer collaboration. Being able to track and analyze a project once complete is another benefit of having identifiable workflow processes. Automation can also help teams to work in harmony.

How automation optimizes a workflow process:

• Reduces manual entry to streamlines tasks
• Identifies performance trends and redundancies
• Makes room for teams to focus on key objectives
• Notifies stakeholders once tasks are complete
• Monitors each step from start to finish

Establishing a workflow process

It’s good to keep the end goal in mind when establishing your working process. Thinking backward as your plan is a plus when it comes to anticipating your team’s needs. Understanding what it is you wish to accomplish with a business goal is paramount to a project’s success. Team brainstorms and sprint sessions and the implementation of workflow software helps manage team expectations. Automation of course frees up time to focus on the task in front of you and the required steps needed to be taken.

When outlining and mapping your process being realistic about your workflow diagram is beneficial. Outlining steps that need to be taken at each stage of a project, establishing time frames and assigning stakeholders helps teams visualize how best to turn an idea or goal into an outcome. Introduce a workflow process that relates to your team’s needs and see how it improves productivity.