Arbetflödet

Arbetflödet refers to the sequence of tasks, decisions and information flows required to complete a work item within an organization. It covers how work enters a process, moves through steps, which roles are involved, what data and resources are used, and how the process is governed by rules and triggers. It is a core concept in process management, lean, and digital automation.

Typical components include activities or tasks, sequence and dependencies, decision points, inputs and outputs, actors and resources, data objects, business rules, and monitoring signals. Process models such as flowcharts or BPMN diagrams are commonly used to visualize the flow and enable analysis, redesign, and automation.

Applications include designing new processes, improving existing ones, automating repetitive steps, and ensuring consistent delivery. Benefits often cited are increased efficiency, transparency, standardization, faster cycle times, and easier compliance. Potential risks include over-automation, rigid designs that ignore variation, and misalignment with customer value.

In Sweden, the term is widely used in both private and public sectors to describe how work is organized and coordinated. It underpins initiatives in business process management, IT-enabled workflow automation, and digital service delivery. The concept is neutral and instrumental, focusing on structure and flow rather than a specific product or project.