Process Support Without Workflow Systems:

Not all environments ask for a workflow management system. In cases where
no changes to the process structure are envisioned, a coding of the process
flow can be an attractive and adequate choice.
In database administration there are predefined procedures that are enacted
following a process model. Similar developments can be found in publishing
environments where print workflow is a common tool to describe and
perform the steps that lead to publishable results. Most enterprise resource
planning systems feature a dedicated workflow component that allows us to
model new processes and enact them in the system environment. Due to their
close link to particular applications, these systems are also called embedded
workflow management systems.
Business processes are also realized in online shops, such as train reservation
systems or electronic book stores, where steps of an interaction process
are depicted in graphical form. This graphical representation guides the user
in his interaction with the Web site. In a train reservation online shop, for
instance, there are interaction steps for querying train connections, for getting
detailed information on the connections, for selecting connections, for
providing payment information, and for booking and printing the train ticket.
Since this type of interaction process can easily be realized using traditional
Web page design, workflow management systems are not required. However,
these examples show that the business process paradigm is helpful also in
application scenarios that do not require dedicated workflow support.
Enterprise application systems, such as enterprise resource planning systems,
realize literally thousands of business processes. These processes can be
customized to fit the particular needs of the company that runs the system. In
most cases, the business processes are realized within the system, so no integration
issues emerge. If the predefined business processes cannot be tailored
in a way that fits the needs of the company, then integrated process modelling
functionality can be used to model new processes.