I don't have a problem, per se, but I am looking for some discussion ideas concerning workflow. I currently working on some application design ideas. These systems are for government departments that concern applications of different types. Invariably these applications go through many process stages which require different actions and different people to give approvals etc. Sometimes applications change statuses which require further processing.

For example. In one system respondents may move and inform the department of a pending address change. The process is to record the pending change and implement it at the time the change takes affect. this requires being informed when the change is required.

Most of the systems we build are hierarchial in nature. They are built to satisfy the data needs and data validation requirements but not necessarily the process needs of the users. For instance, as per my above example, when the time comes to make the address change, the user loads the application file with all five tabs, goes to the address change tab, enters the information and then saves, which then does a complete validation of all data on all tabs etc.

The process really only requires the user to be informed at the appropriate time that an address change is required and should give them a simple form that allows the address change.

What I am looking to develop is some kind of an object model that helps describe process flow and manage it in an effective way so that users can quickly and easily perform the tasks they are required to perform.

What I imagine is a system that allows you to ask the questions that are related to your job and work flow. Perhaps there are applications with missing information. Can you quickly have a visual display that indicates those items so you can easily find and process them.

In some systems, after a certain stage, a manager is required to give their approval by updating a field. When they have done so, the file goes back to the clerk for further processing. I know some systems do this by sending out email to the manager to inform them such and such a file needs their approval. I don't want to use e-mail (although this can be useful) because people get enough e-mail as it is.

I guess what I am looking for are ideas on building systems that can manage data in ways that we are familiar with, but also respond to the unique processing needs and work flow requirements. This almost requires a layer that understands the processes and helps direct the user to those forms and activities that will help them complete their jobs.

I have seen a lot of systems that work, meet the data needs and yet are cumbersome not because they were poorly designed but because they don't know how to respond to the process needs of the people who use the system.

So, who has some really great ideas on how to implement work flow, or work flow models in a VFP environment?