Workflow computing is inherently a networked application. Although it could take place on a host-centric system, workflow applications take advantage of a network's distributed intelligence. Work can be distributed to the local sites, where workers can continue to use their familiar tools. A workflow is a description of how work moves among workers and the operations required to process that information as it moves. The work process is decomposed into steps and dependencies.
Workflows can be simple or complex.
Imagine the work and the process through which a company accomplishes its business as a river. Employees alter, detract, or add to this flow as it begins at the initial customer contact and ends with the product shipment or dispensed service. For example, a purchase order must be routed from the requester to one or more managers to the purchasing agent to the supplier and back to the requester. Different purchases require different levels of approval. Workflow software can automate these processes that are now decided manually.