WorkflowAutomatisierung

Workflow automation is the use of software to automate and orchestrate tasks, data flows, and human activities within a business process. It aims to reduce manual work, improve consistency, and accelerate execution by translating procedural steps into repeatable, auditable workflows.

A workflow automation system typically includes a workflow engine that interprets a model of the process, connectors to applications and data sources, and a user interface for participants to review tasks. Common components are process modeling tools (often using BPMN), task routing, approvals, notifications, data transformation, and monitoring analytics. Modern platforms may incorporate robotic process automation, event-driven triggering, and low-code development to empower non-technical users.

Applications span many domains, including employee onboarding, invoice processing, IT service management, customer support, and case management. Benefits include faster cycle times, reduced error rates, consistent policy adherence, audit trails, and scalable operations. Challenges include governance and change management, security and access control, data quality, integration complexity, and the risk of over-automation.

Historically, workflow automation evolved from document-centric workflow systems and business process management systems in the 1990s and 2000s to cloud-based and low-code platforms that emphasize rapid modeling and deployment. As organizations pursue continuous improvement, workflow automation is often part of broader digital transformation efforts.