Workflow

A workflow is a set of activities stored as a model that describe a real world process. Work passes through the model from start to finish and activities might be executed by people or by system functions. Workflow provides a way of describing the order of execution and dependent relationships between pieces of short or long running work. While it is possible to write a workflow completely in code, workflow is often best viewed graphically. Once a workflow model is compiled it can be executed inside any Windows process including console apps, forms- based apps, Windows Services, ASP.NET web sites and web services.
SharePoint 2007 incorporates workflow. It allows an organisation to setup and create processes so all users can work efficiently and effectively using best practices. Changes in processes are easily accommodated using drag and drop editing and the whole system integrates smoothly with the rest of the tools in SharePoint such as collaboration and document management.