A workflow engine is software that executes defined process steps, assignments, conditions and transitions. It tracks each case from one state to the next and records actions and exceptions.
What does a workflow engine manage?
- Task creation and assignment
- Status and state transitions
- Approval routing
- Deadlines and escalation
- Rules and branching
- Audit history and notifications
Workflow engine vs. rules engine
A workflow engine manages sequence and state. A rules engine evaluates conditions and returns decisions. A workflow can call a rules engine at specific steps.
What makes a workflow reliable?
Define clear states, owners, entry and exit criteria, exception paths and idempotent actions. Long-running processes need version and migration rules.
How should integrations behave?
Use stable identifiers, retries, duplicate prevention and status reconciliation. A successful technical call should not automatically be treated as completed business work.
What should be monitored?
Track stuck cases, cycle time, rework, overrides, failed integrations and manual interventions. Preserve an audit trail for material decisions.
