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Workflow
The word “WORKFLOW” has been in use since the 1980s but what does it actually mean?
Simply described, workflow is a sequence of business processes declared as the work of a person or group of people which, although originally documented and manually executed, has been transformed into business process automation software, enabling these processes to be seamlessly linked to each other within a computer system.
SYSPRO workflow consists of a workflow engine that is flexible and customisable so that an organisation can model and execute its own business processes in and around SYSPRO. Most importantly, it enforces the segregation of duties and compliance and provides full audit trails.
An example of a workflow process
An example of a commonly used workflow process is that of requisitioning and purchasing.
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A user requests an item to be purchased and gives as much as detail as possible on the input screen.
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This request is then electronically routed to the next person up the line who can authorise the requisition.
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Thereafter it is routed to the buyer who is authorised to place the order.
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Throughout the process the sender and receiver are kept informed of progress until completion.
In the background the workflow is set up to control access and speedy throughput in a paperless environment. Escalation rules can be enforced if the workflow process is not completed within a specified time span.
Some advantages of the Workflow module
Installing workflow module allows a business, for instance, to –
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enforce company/legal standards
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escalate urgent activities, where the process has not been completed within a set time frame
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build up analysis information to address KPIs
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easily identify bottlenecks
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disseminate information to the right people without operator intervention
Designing a company’s workflow can be done very effectively using the SYSPRO Process Modelling tool (SPM), which will show each step and action. This documentation is then used to configure / develop the workflow functions in and around SYSPRO.
A key benefit to SYSPRO users is that required procedures can now be embedded in the SYSPRO system thus ensuring compliance and greater efficiency.
Where some of the processes may continue to be handled with manual documents, these can still be incorporated into the workflow system with the use of a scanner.
The Computer Bird will be able to assist in clearly defining and/or setting up and training on these processes in SYSPRO.
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