Introduction
A Flow is a series of predefined, repeatable tasks required to get a specific piece of work done. Flows are ideal for processes that require multiple people and multiple steps to accomplish the goal. Examples include the series of steps and people required to produce an art asset for a marketing campaign, paying an invoice, or scheduling an appointment/following up with a patient.
Example Workflow: Onboarding a New Employee
HR verifies the new employee's documentation and completes any necessary background checks
IT sets up the new employee's computer and email account
Manager assigns the new employee's tasks and provides a brief overview of their role and responsibilities
New employee completes any necessary training or orientation
IT provides necessary access to software and applications
Manager schedules regular check-ins with the new employee to ensure their success and provide feedback
You may note there are similarities Flows and Projects - they both group tasks that need to be performed, often involve groups of people that carry them out, and they both combine these individual tasks towards a larger end goal, but there are distinctions. In a Project, the individual tasks may have due dates but one task is not necessarily dependent on completion of another to commence. A flow is directional by definition and its tasks are both cadenced and sequenced for their part in overall completion. Another key distinction is repeatability. Both projects and flows have beginnings and ends. While elements of projects may be templatized for future use, projects are temporary endeavors. A flow, on the other hand, may be set up for an ad hoc instance but is more likely to be set up for recurring operations.
The articles in this suite are dedicated to helping you set up and manage your Flows.