Ad hoc Workflow Routing (Suspense Tracking)

This template provides organizations with a sample of how Ad Hoc workflow could be designed. In this model, process initiators can dynamically specify process participants as well as the routing style by choosing either sequential or parallel workflow routing. The workflow model provides the parameters for the routing, but each process initiator has the ability to choose the participants and routing method for each individual instance of the workflow.

This sample template may be used in Government organizations and agencies for Suspense Order Tracking. This involves delegating orders or instructions in a sequential (hierarchical) or parallel manner, and tracking the progress in carrying out the orders. In a military setting the orders would be issued by a senior officer, and then routed to more junior officers by selecting them from a list within a workflow dialogue window. The senior officer can also track the progress of the orders to the designated ranks and confirm that the orders were received and acted upon.

Another use of this workflow would be to prepare a monthly departmental report. The first task is to choose the team members who need to provide input, and then decide whether the sections of the report must be prepared sequentially or can be assembled in a parallel. A department manager selects the specific team members ( Bob, Mary, and Bill) and chooses say sequential routing. A second manager, using the same basic workflow, would define entirely different participants and a perhaps a different routing option (Joe, Pete, and Dave in a parallel manner). 

This workflow is simple, graphically intuitive, and therefore is easy for users to adopt. It is flexible by design so it can be applied to various applications from those described above to other scenarios requiring the ability to dynamically decide upon the flow of the work, sequential or parallel, for each situation. Workflow provides the accountability and the means of tracking progress that is crucial to management.

Business Benefits

• Easy to use – graphical interface enables users to click on tasks to execute them
• Provides easy monitoring of progress
• Flexible – one workflow can be applied to a variety of situations
• Ad hoc, dynamic  – can assign tasks within the workflow