workflow

American  

[wurk-floh] / ˈwɜrkˌfloʊ /

noun

1. the flow or amount of work to and from an office, department, or employee.

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Usage

What is a workflow? A workflow is most often a series of repeatable steps in completing a work project, such as creating a product (like a computer) or performing a service (like writing an article). For example, the steps in writing a news article might include:

1. Receive an assignment from your editor.
2. Research the topic.
3. Interview people involved.
4. Write an outline of the article.
5. Write the article.
6. Edit the article.
7. Hand in the article to your editor.

When a workflow involves more than one person, it will describe all the steps to be done as well as who will do them. It might also describe how long each step should take, where any physical objects should be moved to (as in manufacturing), and other details important to managing the workflow.Workflow is also the amount of work one or more workers or an entire organization has at one time, as in The machine shop’s workflow was so high that they hired temporary help.Example: The consultant was able to change the steps in our manufacturing workflow, and now we are sending out product orders on time.

Etymology

Origin of workflow

First recorded in 1945–50; work + flow

Example Sentences

But they aren’t likely to replace enterprise software systems that are already woven into companies workflows.

From Barron's

If an AI tool such as Cowork can autonomously handle a wide range of complicated workflows, investors fear it could reduce the need for specialized solutions and reduce subscription revenues for incumbents.

From MarketWatch

And this is before the next generation of AI models — more capable, multimodal and tightly integrated into enterprise workflows — enters the mainstream.

From MarketWatch

What’s Next: Zillow has pivoted away from home listing marketing, and also offers workflow management software for agents and home listing tools favored by sellers.

From Barron's

What’s Next: Zillow has pivoted away from home listing marketing, and also offers workflow management software for agents and home listing tools favored by sellers.

From Barron's