5 Major Differences between Workflow and Business Process

Though sharing many characteristics and features, business process and workflow process hold slight differences. The terms work interchangeably, explaining business coordination, task management, task responsibilities, and implementation tools. The two are pretty confusing and require much attention to understand the difference. This helps the organization learn areas to improve and features to include to get specific results.

Workflow 

A workflow is defined as a series or sequences of actions/steps to reach a particular business goal. The actions follow a particular set of rules to accomplish the tasks. Organizations have the privilege to automate part or whole workflow processes to streamline several tasks. This helps eliminate the repetitive tasks that prevent employees from accomplishing tasks on time. The workflow uses symbols to show the flow of activities from the first stage to the last stage. It also defines different tasks and allocates the responsible workforce for every duty. 

Business process 

A business process is a sequence of repetitive actions that allow users to achieve a particular goal. It also means a set of tasks merged and automated for a specified organizational goal. The tasks are assigned to an individual or team member.

Business process categories

  • Operational process
  • Supporting process 
  • Management process 

Workflow VS Business process

Workflow and business processes explain how organizations can conduct tasks and run business. The business process comprises multiple workflows, meaning it’s a sequence of workflows set to gain a particular work operation.

Difference between workflow and business process 

  1. The workflow process concentrates on the sequence of activities while considering the workflows, people to conduct the tasks and information involved.
  2. The primary aim of the business process is to complete a huge goal, while the purpose of the workflow process is to provide the tools and ways to fulfil the business objectives.
  3. Workflow offers less flexibility in terms of modification and improvements. The process allows users to improve as the business grows. 
  4. A business process can work without a specific workflow. However, a workflow system is designed to help in the business process. This compels organizations to develop workflows to incorporate in the process.
  5. Workflow is created to help organizations complete a particular task while the process helps accomplish the final objective.

Benefits of business process and workflow system 

The two terms are pretty significant to all business levels. Organizations can enjoy the following benefits as they accomplish their business goals.

  • Identifying errors

Workflow and process allow employees to spot redundancies that utilize more time and resources. The automation process helps eliminate potential errors for fast and effective business operations.

  • Automation process 

Companies can easily identify automation opportunities, thus saving time. Organizations can use automation to onboard new employees, invoicing process, reporting, etc.

  • Increasing business agility

Through the automation process, businesses can modify or implement services faster than traditional operating methods. This helps satisfy client needs fast and effectively. The new changes help increase business agility and create more revenue.

Conclusion

The business process and workflow system functionalities and tools are solely developed for business growth. Organizations need to use the systems interchangeably to attain quality and increase productivity.

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