Workflow Management (WFM) describes the analysis, modeling, use, control and optimization of computer-based support for – predefined or ad-hoc – goal-driven information exchange and improvement processes between multiple agents in office work, including all necessary communication.
Workflow Management Systems (WFMS) are able to coordinate the participants in serial or parallel working order, route information to next agents according to predefined rules or interactive control, provide all information necessary, control punctual completion of tasks and monitor the current status of workflows.
In addition Wide Area Workflow Management (WAWM) aims at the planning and execution of workflows that during runtime phase at least once exchange workflow-related information with workflows in other, distinct workflow management systems. WAWM thus connects at least two workflows parts to an overall process that is called intraorganizational if all involved WFMSs are controlled by one legal entity and interorganizational if concerned WFMSs are controlled by several, legally independent entities. Although other technical measures are feasible the involved WFMSs are mostly connected by wide area network technology including mobile telecommunication systems.
[Riempp 1996], [Riempp 1998]