May 1, 2024
Updated June 18, 2025
27 minute read
An Introduction to Workflow Automation
Workflow automation is the design, execution, and management of business processes based on predefined rules where tasks, information, or documents are passed from one participant to another for action, according to a set sequence. At its core, workflow automation aims to improve efficiency, reduce the potential for human error, minimize costs, and free up human workers to focus on more strategic, creative, and complex tasks. It involves using software and technology to automate a series of actions that make up a specific business process, from simple task routing to complex decision-making.
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Find a path to becoming a Workflow Automation. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/mxzmr2/workflow
Reading list
We've selected 23 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Workflow Automation.
Offers a comprehensive overview of Business Process Management (BPM), which is foundational to workflow automation. It covers essential concepts, methods, and techniques suitable for both beginners and advanced students. It is widely considered a standard textbook in academic settings.
Delves into the contemporary topic of Intelligent Automation and Hyperautomation, exploring the combination of RPA, AI, and other technologies. It provides a forward-looking perspective on the future of automation and its impact on businesses and society. It is essential for understanding the current trends in the field.
Focusing on the practical aspects of implementing BPM, this book provides real-world examples and guidance for successful projects. It valuable resource for practitioners looking to apply BPM principles to workflow automation initiatives. It complements theoretical knowledge with actionable strategies.
Explores the evolution of RPA to include cognitive automation, highlighting real-world implementations and the risks and benefits involved. It provides a deeper understanding of the advanced forms of automation and their impact on enterprises. It's a good resource for those looking beyond basic RPA.
This handbook provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and implementing Robotic Process Automation (RPA). It covers the fundamentals of RPA, its applications, and the steps involved in deploying RPA systems. It useful reference for those interested in this specific automation technology.
Focuses on leveraging process automation technology, including workflow engines, to orchestrate various components like software, humans, and bots. It provides practical advice and explores how process automation fits into modern IT architectures. It is suitable for developers and architects.
Provides a practical guide to using Kubernetes for workflow automation, including topics such as cluster management, deployment strategies, and scalability.
Provides a comprehensive guide to using Azure for workflow automation, including topics such as serverless computing, event-driven architecture, and data analytics.
Considered a classic in the BPM field, this book offers a detailed guide to understanding and implementing business process change. It provides valuable frameworks and practical advice for managers and professionals involved in process improvement and automation. While not solely focused on automation tools, its principles are highly relevant.
Offers a practical guide to implementing automation in the real world, moving beyond jargon to provide concrete examples. It helps readers understand the mindset required for successful automation adoption within an organization. It is relevant for both business and technical audiences.
This playbook focuses on leveraging Microsoft's Power Platform, including Power Automate, for digital transformation and automation. It is highly relevant given the mention of Power Automate courses. It provides guidance on using a specific popular automation platform.
Detailed guide to BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation), a standard for modeling business processes. A strong understanding of BPMN is essential for effectively designing and implementing workflow automation solutions. This book serves as a comprehensive reference for process modeling.
This guide provides a comprehensive look at BPM, covering frameworks and methodologies for implementing process improvements. It useful resource for anyone involved in managing and optimizing business processes, which is directly applicable to workflow automation projects. It offers practical guidance for practitioners.
Provides a practical, hands-on approach to workflow automation using Zapier, a popular no-code tool. It is ideal for beginners and those looking to automate tasks without extensive coding knowledge. It offers step-by-step guidance and real-world examples.
Foundational text in workflow modeling, providing tools and techniques for analyzing and improving business processes. While published some time ago, the principles of workflow modeling remain highly relevant for designing effective automation solutions. It's a valuable reference for understanding process design.
Focuses on using Microsoft Power Automate for workflow automation, covering topics such as creating flows, using connectors, and managing triggers.
Examines how successful companies are using technology to drive business transformation. It provides insights into the role of technology, including automation, in achieving strategic objectives. It valuable read for leaders and managers looking to understand the broader impact of digital initiatives.
Comprehensive guide to SAP Build Process Automation, a low-code/no-code platform. It covers creating and managing business process projects within the SAP ecosystem. It valuable resource for those working with or interested in SAP's automation tools.
Argues for a fundamental redesign of businesses to thrive in the digital era. It provides actionable advice on how to architect a business for sustained success, with automation being a key element of this architecture. It's valuable for understanding the strategic context of workflow automation.
While broader than just workflow automation, this book provides a crucial framework for understanding digital transformation, of which automation key component. It helps readers rethink their business strategies for the digital age and provides a playbook for navigating this change. It offers valuable context for implementing automation initiatives.
Provides a practical guide to using Blue Prism for robotic process automation, including topics such as process design, bot development, and deployment.
While focused on software development, this book's principles of automating the software release process are highly relevant to workflow automation in a technical context. It is considered a classic in the DevOps and continuous delivery space. It provides foundational knowledge for automating technical workflows.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/mxzmr2/workflow
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