Workflow Engine
Workflow engines power the hand-offs within a system or between systems.
What is a Workflow Engine?
A workflow engine (sometimes called a "business rules engine") is an application that runs within a workflow automation system and makes decisions automatically based on preset rules. These decisions usually involve transitioning to a specific path, task or action in a workflow definition, for instance assigning a task to someone or saving a document to a specific folder in a document management system. Workflow engines are the "conductors" in the workflow "symphony."
You might use open source engines or others built into the toolset of a workflow management software platform. Additionally, some vendors license the use of their workflow engine within existing applications as a "white label" solution.
The best workflow engine solution will depend on your needs and existing software stack, for instance, if you're looking for an engine to orchestrate hand-offs between multiple systems.
What are the Key Functions in a Workflow Engine?
Identify User Attributes: Based on the user's properties, what options are valid?
Check on Status: Determine if the next command is valid based on the current state of the process.
Execute Logic: Once the user has been identified and the status is accepted, the workflow engine assesses the conditional logic as an IF/THEN statement. Based on the result, a workflow process may continue down several different (or parallel) paths.
IF/THEN Decision Examples
An IF/THEN decision can be run against any data that is part of the current workflow. In many cases, these data have been collected via a form or integration with a complementary system (e.g. an ERP, CRM, Document Management System, LMS, Accounting, etc.) Some examples:
In a Capital Expenditure Request workflow:
- IF the amount requested is less than $50,000 THEN route to general accounting.
- IF the amount requested is greater than $50,000 THEN route directly to CFO.
In a Legal Hold Notice Workflow
- IF partner has approved assignment THEN issue an acknowledgment to the requestor.
- IF partner has rejected assignment THEN return to the custodian for more information.
In an HR Onboarding Workflow
- IF employee training has been approved by their manager THEN issue security credentials.
- IF employee training has not been approved by their manager THEN set status as "Incomplete."
Using Integrify's Workflow Engine
We've designed our workflow platform to allow the use of our powerful workflow engine within existing applications. For instance, a customer or employee portal that you've deployed might lack back-end form processing or routing. Integrify can be embedded within your system to transparently provide these functions. To find out more, contact us.
In addition, our workflow engine powers our workflow automation platform which is being used by scores of Fortune 500 companies to automate their business processes and create efficiencies throughout the organization.
Interested in Leveraging Integrify's Workflow Engine?
We have a variety of resources to help you on your journey to an automated workflow.
- Workflow Tools and eBooks
- Workflow Ideas Weekly eMail Newsletter
- Recorded Demonstration of our Workflow Automation Software
- Request a Live Demonstration
Learn More About Integrify's Workflow Engine
To see how quickly you can begin automating your processes, request a demonstration or trial of Integrify.
