Why to use workflow system and what are my options? [closed]

Question

I was reading the following post: Why use Windows Workflow?

Now wf concept looks promising technology for lowering company costs on business process implementation. MS WF looks that it does not have everything for fast implementation. What are other wf/bpm options for fast implementation?

Answer 1

I have been working with workflow engines/systems (OpenText, K2.net, Metastorm, MS WorkFlow Foundation, ...) for past 10 years and I can say that wf technology can be very useful, however it's not suitable for solving all type of problems.

Basicly it's ment to solve process oriented tasks. You would ask your self what does this mean!? Well process is any entity that has start, duration and end. If you look the tipical company is buildup with processes. Apparently storing some final reports in such system would not be the goal... The power shows up when those tasks needs to be processed in controled manner or new process route is required. Classic implementation would require for developer to write additional code, good wf system will let you implement route change in a second without line of code and process versioning is not a problem. This in just one of the benifits.

You should look at wf system as platform for fast process development, monitoring, optimization and versioning. It should give you all the tools needed for BPM life cycle. Here you can find what I am talking about: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_process_management

In my professional career I have developed one wf engine and one fully wf system based on MS .net technology. If you are interested in details please visit my web site: http://www.gp-solutions.si/business/Product.aspx?s=pro&id=1&cat=2 With this system you can develope new process with all the forms, monitoring, security, documents,... in less then 10 min. You can not do this in traditional way of development. Save time and money is the name of the game here.