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Workflow Introduction and Background
WHAT’S IN THIS CHAPTER?
- Introduction to workflow
- Understanding why workflow matters to you
- How does workflow relate to SharePoint?
- Understanding the architecture of workflow in SharePoint
- Planning workflow in SharePoint 2010
The goal of this chapter is to provide you with an overview of workflow concepts and why you should care about workflow. You read about the benefits of using workflow in your organization as well as about how workflow functions in SharePoint 2010. In subsequent chapters you learn more specifics about each type of workflow and how you can leverage each piece of workflow functionality. You learn about out-of-the-box workflows, modifying these workflows with SharePoint Designer, and starting workflows with Visio as an end user. The workflow section wraps up with an introduction to the workflow developer experience.
OVERVIEW OF WORKFLOW AND JUST A TOUCH OF BPM
Ask 10 people to define workflow you will probably get at least seven different answers and explanations. Although workflow isn’t new, confusion persists about just what it is. So to play it safe, take the word of the workflow people themselves, the Workflow Management Coalition (WFMC).
The WFMC defines workflow as:
The automation of a business process, in whole or part, during which documents, information or tasks are passed from one participant to another for action, according to a set of procedural rules.
Keep this in mind as you read more about workflow, in this ...
