These systems support workflow. In recent years, workflow software has become an important component of electronic document management. Most work activities involve a flow of records. Therefore, document processing usually parallels workflow in an organization. These processes often involve routing documents to different people and locations.
Workflow features allow for automatic routing and processing of documents.
They are used to automate routine, complex, high volume, and paper-intensive operations. Document processing, routing, tracking, cataloguing and other work rules are developed when applications are designed. Production workflow can make high volume operations more efficient but it must be carefully planned and developed as part of an overall document management system. Ad hoc workflow systems are used by small work groups to help them work together to complete a specific and usually professional or less structured task. The work group develops the work rules which often include the small scale and utilize e-mail technology.