workflow
Steps to completion
Workflow is the sequence of steps through which a piece of work passes from start to completion.
In business contexts, it describes how tasks move between people or departments: We need to streamline our workflow.
Software tools that manage these sequences are workflow applications or workflow management systems.
The term implies systematic process rather than ad hoc effort.
Sequential actions in process
- phasesDistinct periods in sequence
- stagesDistinct periods or platforms
- procedurePrescribed sequence of actions
- executionCompleting a planned task
task · operation · activity · progression · flowchart · sequencing · methodology · pipeline
Maximizing efficiency or performance
- streamliningMaking more aerodynamic or efficient
- bottleneckConstriction limiting throughput
- throughputProcessing rate over time
- leanLacking fat; incline
time-saving · simplification · standardization · consolidation · refinement · turnaround · elimination · redundancy
Transferring responsibility downward
- prioritizationRanking by importance
- trackingMonitoring location over time
- oversightSupervision or inadvertent omission
- assignmentAllocated work or duty
deadlines · workload · accountability · status · dashboard · reporting · inbox · backlog
Programs directing computer operations
- algorithmFinite problem-solving procedure
- integrationCombining into a whole
- APISoftware communication standard
- triggersCauses or activates
scripting · scheduling · platform · SaaS · cloud · deployment · templates · rules
Simplified explanatory sketch
- flowchartDiagram showing workflow steps
- blueprintDetailed technical drawing
- roadmapDetailed plan forward
- mappingDiagram of correspondences
outline · schema · template · SOP · guidelines · specifications · versioning · annotation
steps
Sequential actions in process
- phasesDistinct periods in sequence
- stagesDistinct periods or platforms
- procedurePrescribed sequence of actions
execution · task · operation · activity · progression · flowchart · sequencing · methodology · pipeline · coordination
optimization
Maximizing efficiency or performance
- streamliningMaking more aerodynamic or efficient
- bottleneckConstriction limiting throughput
- throughputProcessing rate over time
lean · time-saving · simplification · standardization · consolidation · refinement · turnaround · elimination · redundancy · overhead
delegation
Transferring responsibility downward
- prioritizationRanking by importance
- trackingMonitoring location over time
- oversightSupervision or inadvertent omission
assignment · deadlines · workload · accountability · status · dashboard · reporting · inbox · backlog · escalation
software
Programs directing computer operations
- algorithmFinite problem-solving procedure
- integrationCombining into a whole
- APISoftware communication standard
triggers · scripting · scheduling · platform · SaaS · cloud · deployment · templates · rules · notifications
diagram
Simplified explanatory sketch
- flowchartDiagram showing workflow steps
- blueprintDetailed technical drawing
- roadmapDetailed plan forward
mapping · outline · schema · template · SOP · guidelines · specifications · versioning · annotation · visual
- processingprocessing, batch processing, data processing, parallel processing, real-time processing
- productivityproductivity, checking off, prioritization, finishing, output
- automationautomation, macros, macro, automate, hotkeys
- flowsbackflow, current, flux, circulation, ebb
- workplace skillsemail etiquette, time management, teamwork, communication, deadlines
- IT systemssoftware, server, hardware, servers, databases
workflowchaos
Complete disorder and confusion
disorder · improvisation · disorganization · randomness · haphazardness
workflowidleness
State of doing nothing
inactivity · leisure · relaxation · stagnation · downtime
workflowdysfunction
Abnormal or unhealthy operation
breakdown · bottleneck · gridlock · stoppage · inefficiency