Workflows are controlled by means of simple acceptance and rejection stamps or using text within a stamp. Setting a particular stamp or entering values in a stamp can determine the next step of the workflow. It defines who the document should be sent to next. The use of stamps for process control is modeled after paper-based processing and makes the applications easier for users to understand. Document statuses can be set either automatically using the DocuWare AUTOINDEX module or via the programming TOOLKIT. This allows external programs to influence individual workflow steps.
Job lists are defined with CONTENTFOLDER. As processing lists, they contain all the documents currently awaiting processing by a particular person. As monitoring lists, they offer an overview, for example, documents awaiting approval.
Besides its user-friendliness, the main characteristic of a DocuWare workflow is the transparency. Each process step, controlled using a stamp, is automatically initiated by a stamp placed on the document with the date and user name. The entire process is visible on the document itself (as with paper-based processes), and can be understood even by someone unfamiliar with the workflow process. Depending on your internal guidelines, you can choose to either force or suppress the display of stamps and other notes on screen and on the printed document.