Automate Your Projects With Sequential Workflows

Sequential workflows are a type of workflow in which tasks are performed in a strict, pre-defined order, with no overlap in the activities as each one proceeds only when the previous one is completed. This allows for performing the tasks in a proper sequence and a particular task can begin only when the task before it has been successfully completed.

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After all, the sequential workflows remain relevant in those companies that seek simplification and ways to exploit the automation of repetitive processes. In this way, organizations are able to maintain uniformity of processes and minimize the chances of making mistakes. Such workflows are most effective when the task to be performed is standardized and avoids any level of variation from its profile repetition.

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An example from the healthcare industry, such as the patient admission and care process, illustrates the effectiveness of sequential workflows.​ These workflows ensure that each step of patient care is executed systematically, enhancing efficiency, safety, and patient satisfaction throughout the healthcare experience, the use of sequential workflows in a healthcare setting for patient management can decrease processing times by approximately 40%, allowing healthcare providers to focus more on patient care and less on administrative tasks

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Using the automation of such simple sequential workflows, companies can improve their productivity, time management, and quality of work while assuring that deadlines are met in the performance of the procurement process. It reduces the extent to which people need to get involved in the process and thus health care institutions can concentrate on other higher level activities. Nected provides workflow integration solutions that give enterprises a secure and quick way to implement high-level automation of business processes.

Key Components of Sequential Workflows

Sequential workflows embody a number of key features which are usually different from those of the other types of workflows:

• Linear Progression: Sequential workflows are articulated in such a way that they are course-like and go from one defined stage to the next, step-by-step. Things proceed one after the other, so each task is done before the next one starts. This makes everything very organized, clear, and easy to follow.
• Task Dependency: In sequential workflows, each of the works is highly interconnected, one to one. Each task is linked to the next one, so the next task relies on the one before it, preventing any tasks to be omitted or done at the same time. The sequence ensures each step builds upon the preceding one, hence ensuring that the right conditions are in place before the next one is started​.
• Predictability: Since these workflows have one order, they are by nature predictable. The orderly nature makes it easy to foresee what's coming next as well as delays, this is great for visibility and responsibility in general​.
• Clear Start and End Points: Every sequential workflow has got the very beginning and the very end of it. That is to say when a workflow is linear meaning when there is a series of steps that are taken from the beginning of the process to the final step, such as project management tasks, order processing, and document approvals. Transparency brings a shared sense of purpose about how long work will last.

What are the types of sequential workflows?

1. Sequential Workflows

In sequential workflows, tasks are performed according to a fixed, linear order that conforms to a step-by-step approach to completion, which entails that one task must cease before another begins. This approach most typically conforms to processes with well-defined relationships amongst the various tasks, hence the need for the imposition of a common flow. Sequential workflows are most predictable, most manageable and most reliable since every task occupies a specific place within the process. This type is most appropriate for routine activities or projects with very few changes, where maintaining order and following processes is of utmost importance. 

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Example: For an example, consider a healthcare organization's operational context. A sequential workflow might be used in patient intake and onboarding activities. The process starts with the registration of a patient, followed by an initial assessment by a physician, performing some diagnostic tests, and finally, talking to other specialists. Each step should be completed thoroughly before moving on to the next to ensure that every patient goes through the same comprehensive intake process. 

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2. State Machine Workflows

A state machine workflow is a very flexible construct that bases its operation on the 'state-transition' model, wherein a task is considered as a state and every state can have certain transitions depending on some conditions or triggers. It allows the process model to traverse the states in an easy way such that it can advance to the next state, revert to an earlier state or even skip certain states depending on what the process requires. This is the reason for state machine paradigms being most suitable for tasks which are more complex and repeating in nature, where actions are not done in a fixed order. They impart great value in such systems since they are inherently complex and require constant assessment or decision making. 

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For instance, in an online shopping returns process, the state machine based system allows returned items to go through states such as 'Return Requested', 'Return Under Review', 'Return Approved For Refund' and 'Return Waiting Reshipment'. In case a return item is found unfit for resale, the system can allow returning to the 'Return Under Review' state while asking for further details from the customer. This capability ensures that individual cases are approached with care instead of going through an inflexible process. 

3. Rule Based Workflows

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Workflows based on specific rules tend to follow certain established conditions or a number of rules and thus allow for decision making during the workflow. These workflows for example do not follow a straight line but rather employ some conditions to act based on some data. Rule-based workflows are ideal in situations and environments where definite actions are required to be handled concerning the incoming data, user behavior, or real-time deadlines. This is why they are preferred in the management of customer relations, leads and operational responses which require a level of personal touch and flexibility. 

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For example, in a provision of financial services, it is common to come across a rule-driven workflow, which automatically routes the application for a loan depending on the credit index, income and/or the loan type, among others. In other words, the applicant fulfills the parameters the system defines, then it sets off a chain of activities to approve the loan in record time; otherwise, the application goes into a queue for manual evaluation. This system or approach is very flexible in that it deals with every application in a way that is appropriate and relevant to the different variables involved in that particular application. Thus making the entire process more efficient and quicker in response.

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Differences among these types of workflows

1. Structure and Order

• Sequential Workflows: Proceeds in a rigid line where every task is followed in a sequence. This sequential order is most appropriate in processes that have a specific linear order, such as with onboarding procedures and approval stages. 
• State Machine Workflows: What becomes important here is the existence of states with the possibility of moving from one state to another depending on certain conditions. This is a rather complex structure that provides a movement within certain limits with the ability to carry out the task in various states; therefore it fits well with customer service requests scenarios. 
• Rule-Based Workflows: No specific order is defined, only movement based on some rules and conditions. This model makes it convenient for branching as division in these workflows will require making decisions such as in loan approvals where conditions differ for each applicant. 

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2. Process Flow and Path Dependency

• Sequential Workflows: Based on progression through steps, task flow is very populated. Each task works off of the last making it burdensome in the event of time lags between activities. 
• State Machine Workflows: Non-linear task flow in the form of states instead of a sequence of steps, which facilitates movement as the condition of the states change. 
• Rule-Based Workflows: Structure that does not follow any sequence and is condition based, allowing many dispersed pathways according to the conditions which is applicable for cases with many different results.

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3. Error Handling and Process Resilience

• Sequential Workflows:  In such systems, if there is an error, the entire procedure is damaged; often, human interference is needed for the recovery, hence they are not so durable.
• State Machine Workflows: Here, it is also possible to set the usage of the earlier versions of the task or the state at which the task is paused thereby increasing recovery management in complex situations.
• Rule-Based Workflows: In this case, it turns on some intermittent rules that operate to provide other options so that there is no hassle even when risks are high.

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Automate and Coordinate Sequential Workflows with Nected

Nected streamlines the design, development and coordination of sequential workflows all through an easy to use visual interface. 

Nected’s Workflow Orchestration Capabilities
Nected enables the orderly execution of sequential workflows by creating a smooth and uninterrupted flow between the different tasks involved. This is how it goes with Nected:

• Triggers: Nected provides the users an option to specify triggers to begin the given workflows. A trigger can manifest itself in many ways such as receiving a new order, an email, or a customer service request. When a trigger event takes place, the automated sequential workflow gets into the process.
• Task Dependencies: Each task in the Nected application is reliable on the completion of the former. This is essential to prevent conditional statements from causing errors and skipping crucial tasks.
• Notifications and Alerts: Nected delivers real-time notifications and alerts to users so they can keep track of tasks that are in process. For example, if there is a task that failed to execute or an error, the system sends notifications to the people concerned, thus, they can promptly step in to resolve the issue.

How Nected Stands Out in Workflow Orchestration

• Integration of Automation Tools: An advantage is its integration with multiple tools. Nected brings together various automation tools and allows users to connect their different applications and services. An automatic device which is capable of making decisions could, e.g. close gaps in CRM data, create reports, route documents for approvals, collect data, monitor processes, etc. All these functions within a single, connected sequential flow.
• Error Handling: A core benefit of Nected is its handling of exceptions as an error occurs in the workflow. Nected can either pause the process for manual intervention or follow predefined error-handling protocols to automatically resolve issues if an error occurs.

By organizing and automating sequential workflows, Nected lays down manual work and ensures each task is completed on time and in the right sequence. 

Also checkout: What is Orchestration and How It is Different from Automation

For example, let's consider an organization where Nected is used to perform order fulfillment. Trigger: New Order Received 

1. Trigger: New Order Received The initial trigger is a “New Order Received” by the e-commerce system within the company. It is the very beginning of the workflow process.
2. Task 1: Payment Verification The system automatically verifies payment by integrating with a payment gateway (e.g., Stripe). In case of a successful payment, the workflow continues.
3. Task 2: Send Order Confirmation Email Once verified, the customer then receives an email in order to tell them that this product has been purchased.
4. Task 3: Inventory Update After confirmation, the workflow triggers an inventory update in the company’s stock management system, which automatically updates quantities on the site immediately afterwards.
5. Task 4: Generate Shipping Label A shipping label is generated by Nected via integration with a shipping service like FedEx, and sent to the fulfillment team.
6. Task 5: CRM Update The workflow updates the company’s CRM with order details, to provide relevant information to the concerned team.
7. Notifications and Error Handling Nected can send real-time notifications at each step (e.g., notifying the shipping team). In case of errors (e.g., payment failure), Nected automatically pauses or transfers the issue for manual resolution.

This streamlined approach shows how Nected automates individual tasks and orchestrates them into a smooth, sequential workflow, minimizing human intervention and reducing errors.

Conclusion

Well-structured sequential workflows are critical to driving efficiency and operational excellence in the fast-paced business world. Sequential workflows are by definition easy to understand, because they represent a linear series of tasks that need to be accomplished, which makes them also easy to execute and monitor. Automating everything repetitive means less errors, more time available and saving up money. Furthermore, sequential workflows enhance predictability, making it easier for teams to identify bottlenecks and resolve issues before they escalate.

Nected is a platform with which you can create, manage and automate sequential workflows with its user-friendly interface and powerful features like automated triggers, task dependencies, real-time notifications and much more. Nected is an end to end automation right from form integration to the endpoint. It handles errors in an elegant manner that makes sure your business flows are not disturbed. Also Nected ensures that the data flows between different tools seamlessly.

Try Nected today to boost productivity with automated sequential workflows. Get started now and transform your business with Nected's automation platform.

FAQs

What are sequential workflows?

Sequential workflows are processes where you complete tasks one after the other, and you have to finish a task before you can move onto the next one. It is a linear kind of progression, so it is perfect if you have anything that relies on order.

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When should I use sequential workflows?

Processes that need to go in a particular order and require you to move linearly from start to finish are good candidates for sequential workflows. For example, new employee onboarding, order processing (where different stages of the process could have different people responsible) or approvals (where one level of approval triggers the next) would be processes which fit this type well.

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Can Nected automate sequential workflows?

Yes, Nected offers powerful orchestration capabilities to automate sequential workflows. It brings together multiple automation features like triggers, task dependencies, and notifications to ensure that a workflow can progress seamlessly from one stage to another with minimal manual intervention making it easier for businesses to manage complex workflows efficiently.

 How does Nected handle errors in sequential workflows?

Nected has built-in error-handling mechanisms that either notify the appropriate team members to manually fix the issue or follow predefined rules to resolve errors automatically. This ensures that workflows continue without major disruptions, and errors are addressed promptly, maintaining operational efficiency.

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