Procedure vs. Workflow — What's the Difference?

A specific series of actions taken to achieve a result.

The movement of documents and tasks through a work process.

A routine part of a sequence of actions.

A diagram or tool that shows how work is completed.

Documented instructions for a process.

A pattern of activity enabling the movement of information and materials.

A method or way of doing something, often in a series of steps.

The overall process of a task within an organization.

A step-by-step sequence performed for a given operation.

The sequence of industrial, administrative, or other processes through which a piece of work passes.

An established or official way of doing something

A workflow consists of an orchestrated and repeatable pattern of activity, enabled by the systematic organization of resources into processes that transform materials, provide services, or process information. It can be depicted as a sequence of operations, the work of a person or group, the work of an organization of staff, or one or more simple or complex mechanisms.

A manner of proceeding; a way of performing or effecting something

The flow or progress of work done by a company, industry, department, or person.

A series of steps taken to accomplish an end

The rate at which such flow or progress takes place.

(Computers) A set of instructions that performs a specific task; a subroutine or function.

The rate at which a flow of work takes place

A set of established forms or methods for conducting the affairs of an organized body such as a business, club, or government.

(business) A process or procedure by which tasks are completed. It may be defined by a flowchart with actors, actions, results, decisions, and action paths.

(Law) The set of rules under which litigation is conducted, especially in contrast to the set of substantive legal principles that determine the merits of legal controversies and disputes.

Progress (or rate of progress) in work being done

A particular method for performing a task.

A series of small tasks or steps taken to accomplish an end.

(uncountable) The set of established forms or methods of an organized body for accomplishing a certain task or tasks.

The steps taken in an action or other legal proceeding.

(obsolete) That which results; issue; product.

(computing) A subroutine or function coded to perform a specific task, but does not return a value.

(medicine) A surgical operation.

The act or manner of proceeding or moving forward; progress; process; operation; conduct.

A step taken; an act performed; a proceeding; the steps taken in an action or other legal proceeding.

That which results; issue; product.

A particular course of action intended to achieve a result;

A process or series of acts especially of a practical or mechanical nature involved in a particular form of work;

A set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program

A mode of conducting legal and parliamentary proceedings

While a procedure details steps for a specific task, a workflow includes the broader sequence of these tasks and their interactions.

Procedures standardize operations and ensure that tasks are completed correctly and consistently.

Workflows are typically documented using flowcharts, diagrams, or specialized software.

Technology, especially workflow management software, plays a crucial role in automating and optimizing workflow processes.

Detailed procedures provide a reference that helps in training employees consistently and efficiently.

By streamlining the sequence and interaction of tasks, workflows reduce redundancies and optimize the speed of operations.

Yes, a workflow can consist of several procedures, detailing the path from one task to the next within an organization.

Industries like healthcare and manufacturing use procedures to maintain high standards of safety and quality.

A procedure is a set of detailed instructions to perform a specific task, often documented and required to ensure consistency in performance.

Yes, even small businesses benefit from defining workflows to enhance productivity and manage resources effectively.

Changes in technology, regulations, or organizational goals can necessitate an update in procedures.