Työvirta

Työvirta, Finnish for workflow, refers to the sequence of tasks, actors, information, and tools required to complete a work item from initiation to completion. In business and information technology, työvirta describes how work moves through a process, including who performs each step, what inputs are required, which decisions guide progression, and how tasks are coordinated between people and systems. The term is often used interchangeably with työnkulku in Finnish.

A typical työvirta comprises tasks, participants, inputs and outputs, business rules, events or triggers, and possible branching or parallel paths. It can be manual, automated, or a mix. Workflow management systems or business process management (BPM) suites implement työvirta by routing tasks, enforcing approvals, tracking progress, and capturing metrics such as cycle time, throughput, and bottlenecks.

Modeling and analysis of a työvirta commonly employ standards and notations such as BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) or flowcharts. A model helps visualize sequence, dependencies, and decision points, and can be used to design, simulate, automate, or optimize the process. Good practice includes clear ownership, defined inputs and outputs, exception handling, and audit trails.

Usage spans manufacturing, service delivery, software development, and administrative operations. The goal is to improve efficiency, consistency, transparency, and adaptability. Although rooted in Finnish practice, the concept aligns with the global concept of workflow or business process management.