To create a workflow, you’ll want to begin by understanding workflow itself—what is workflow? Why is it important?

Project workflow is simply the progression of steps towards a concrete end goal, diagrammed into a visual representation. This management and organization system helps teams understand exactly how work is accomplished and assists in streamlining every workflow process.

If you have a concrete end goal, you’re already on your way to building a workflow. You just need to gather your team on FigJam’s free workflow chart template, crowdsource insights into processes, and start defining your flow, phase by phase.

Want to make a change down the road? Revisit your workflow anytime to streamline systems and evaluate rules. No more wondering “when are workflow rules evaluated?” You decide.

There are many ways to improve workflow, from keeping workers happy and healthy to implementing automated systems that eliminate time-wasting business practices.

If you’re wondering how to manage workflow to streamline efficiency and ease labor pains, it’s a good idea to take a close look at your systems, resources, and processes through the lens of a workflow analysis template.

The 3 basic components of workflow are input, transformation, and output.

• Input – An input initiates the process writ large or the completion of an individual step of a process. If you’re diagramming the process of selling a smoothie, “The customer orders a smoothie” would be listed as input.
• Transformation – This is the action taken as a result of input. “The employee gathers ingredients and blends them to make the smoothie,” could be considered a moment of transformation.
• Output – Output is the end product of the combination of input and transformation. A simple output for our smoothie scenario could be “the business sells a smoothie and makes a profit.”