Workflow Analysis

Some systems are natural and some are made by humans.

A system is anything that has interacting, interrelated or interdependent parts. Different kinds of systems might include:

• Human systems -- 
• Physiological systems -- like the nervous system, the endocrine system or the skeletal system
• Communication systems -- phone (telecommunication) systems and the postal (mail) system
• Channels -- the interstate highway system, 
• Computer systems -- like desktop systems, network systems, or software applications

Workflow is the process, progress, or "flow" of work within a system and the rate at which that happens.

Workflow analysis refers to observing how this process takes place. The analysis also involves evaluating the process and improving it for efficiency and effectiveness.

In the case of software and web based applications, we look at how people engage in and complete a process -- a purchase, for example. 

There are many systems we can analyze when it comes to your web site. Here are some of the most common processes:

• Planning your web site
• Creating your web site
• Redesigning your web site
• Updating your web site
• Using your web site
• Buying a product
• Searching for and sorting records
• Adding, editing and deleting records
• Moving paper-based data between people
• Moving electronic data between people
• Working with others who can help you do any of the above

Things to consider:

• Do some tasks (like data entry) need to be done twice?
• Are there "hiccups" in any processes -- any places where you always seem to get hung up?
• Many organizations design workflow early in their lifetimes but don't remember to reevaluate their processes as the organization evolves.
• New resources often get plugged into a process without a thorough understanding of how they might work best.