Quick Start with WorkflowGen
Installation
The installation of WorkflowGen can take as little as a few minutes for a simple environment, up to several hours depending on your existing infrastructure and security requirements.
Some important technical topics to review before installation:
- User authentication method
The majority of WorkflowGen clients use the Windows Integrated Authentication in IIS, although several other modes are supported. Using Integrated Authentication, the users are seamlessly authenticated to WorkflowGen by using the Windows local session (network password) of the user.
- Permissions on the WorkflowGen application directories
WorkflowGen enables you to secure the access to the Web application files as specifically as desired, based on the authentication method selected and the IIS parameters.
- Synchronization of the WorkflowGen directory with an existing user directory
WorkflowGen supports multiple connectors to Active Directory and other LDAP user directories. If these connectors are not used or are not well populated, it may be necessary to consider using the WorkflowGen Text connector which allows the import of user data from various sources of information like HR systems.
Richer directory information gives WorkflowGen more ability to integrate organizational data seamlessly into processes.
- SMTP gateway
WorkflowGen generates alerts and email notifications by using the SMTP protocol. This Internet standard is supported by the majority of the email servers (MS Exchange, Lotus Notes, etc.).
For performance enhancement we recommend to use of the IIS SMTP gateway. You can easily set up the IIS SMTP gateway to redirect WorkflowGen messages to your e-mail server.
Download the Technical Documentation which includes the setup procedure
Test
To test the installation of WorkflowGen you can download ready-to-use workflow templates from the Community Web Site.
You can test your installation by installing and working with these processes. It is also the opportunity to get used to the administration module and the user portal.
We recommend starting with the "Leave Application" process that is simple and easy to test.
Download the process templates
Learn
WorkflowGen greatly simplifies the creation and the deployment of processes. It follows industry-standard Workflow principles and techniques. Simple processes may be created quickly but WorkflowGen also meets the demands of companies for advanced forms, workflows, and Web services.
There are several skill sets for the implementation of business processes:
- Analysis and design of processes
- Form creation
- The development of Web services and other integrations
- Technical administration
The Community Web Site provides many resources to get informed and to understand these various aspects.
Although self-training is possible, we highly recommend attending training courses as described in the training catalog. These sessions are available "à la carte" or can be customized for your needs by our experienced trainers and business process analysts. The training is designed to accelerate your learning of the product as well as workflow concepts and therefore help you implement your processes more quickly and effectively.
View the Guided tours (general overview)
View the Videos (topic-based and narrated)
Download the Training Catalog
Download the Documentation
Get Support
You may need support during the following phases of use of WorkflowGen:
- Definition of the technical architecture
- Installation
- Testing
- Analysis of processes
- Creation of processes
- Execution of the processes
- Technical administration
- Development of Web services
- Integration of the processes to your information systems
The many articles and other resources available on the Community Web Site quickly offer you a first level of answers to your questions. You can use the search engine of the Community Web Site and the knowledge base.
When creating forms or Web services the majority of the questions are related to .Net. In this case we advise you to use the many sites dedicated to this subject.
If necessary you can also be assisted by certified WorkflowGen service providers. Some service providers offer an online Help Desk (powered by WorkflowGen) enabling you to post and follow-up your requests.
According to the nature of the request your WorkflowGen service provider will propose the appropriate level of assistance (as support included in product maintenance or as additional professional services).
Browse the Knowledge Base
Support
Deploy
After the initial "quick wins" most of our clients decide to deploy the solution more widely and for more critical processes.
We recommend some best practices in order to successfully move forward with your workflow project:
1) Technical Architecture
Your infrastructure must be prepared to accommodate:
- The performance (according to the number of requests/actions per day)
- The availability of the software (uptime requirement based on hardware and operating system)
- IT governance (change management with multiple environments: Development/Test/Production)
2) The Team
It is necessary to gather resources with the right skill set (technical administration, creation of the processes and necessary integrations).
3) Project Management
Your WorkflowGen project involves many participants in many functional and technical fields, which must be well coordinated to be aligned with project budgets and schedules, as well as with organizational priorities. Project management is critical to manage these priorities and resources.
Your WorkflowGen service provider will be pleased to discuss your particular needs in order to propose assistance to ensure a successful workflow deployment.
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