The Evolution of Workflow Workflow Management consists of the automation of business procedures or "workflows" during which documents, information or tasks are passed from one participant to another in a way that is governed by rules or procedures.
 
Workflow software products, like other software technologies, have evolved from diverse origins. While some offerings have been developed as pure workflow software, many have evolved from image management systems, document management systems, relational or object database systems, and electronic mail systems.
 
Vendors who have developed pure workflow offerings have invented terms and interfaces, while vendors who have evolved products from other technologies have often adapted terminology and interfaces. Each approach offers a variety of strengths from which a user can choose. Adding a standards based approach allows a user to combine these strengths in one infrastructure.