Workflow Model (sometimes called a Process Map). A workflow model is a representation of a business process in terms of its component activities, and the flow of work among the activities. A workflow model concentrates on the flow of work through the business for a single output (i.e. product or service), or a single input (e.g. handling of an order). Since the process will cross organizational boundaries, the workflow model depicts the organizations performing the activities and the communication between the activities.
A workflow model is a map of a business process starting with its initiation, tracing work as it passes from organization to organization, until its ultimate deliverables are produced. The workflow model begins with an event which initiates the process. This event may be an arrival from an external organization (e.g. an order), an internal condition (e.g. low inventory), or a temporal event (e.g. customer payment past due). The process will proceed through a number of organizations in the business. Although the process could be specified at a low level of detail such as job steps, the initial thrust of identifying activities is to partition work along organizational lines. This allows for concentration on the flow of work, rather than the performance of work. The workflow of the process is traced to its ultimate end where a final deliverable is forwarded outside the business domain.
Once the workflow model is completed, each activity and workflow is examined to determine deficiencies in the process such as time or cost. If needed, an activity may be further broken down to a procedural level to concentrate on details. The workflow model then serves as the basis for redesigning the business process, or redesigning the organizational structure to better support the business process.