Direct access to:   Workflow Portal Administration module Process implementation
Statistics Security Built-in Web Form Designer
Integration .Net Web forms Sharepoint


General questions


Why choose WorkflowGen?

WorkflowGen is a 100% Web BPM / Workflow solution designed in accordance with the international workflow standards.
WorkflowGen’s powerful engine makes it possible to implement rapidly, easily and without programming all kinds of processes.
WorkflowGen is a packaged turn-key solution, allowing an implementation in 48 hours and an instantaneous deployment to the end users without training.
Compared to other workflow and BPM software, WorkflowGen’s enterprise class workflow portal provides the best ratio in terms of Features / Price / Ease of use.


What are the main benefits for my company?

1. The business units’ requirements are immediately met at the lowest cost, without the need of a complex IT project by leveraging the existing human and technical resources.

2. The solution optimizes procedures, suppresses paper flows and eliminates the low added value tasks, which results in fast and measurable quality and productivity gains.

3. Each user accesses the workflow resources based on his profile. End users track the status of their requests in real time, supervisors follow-up the activities for their departments, officers monitor the performance with reports and scoreboards.    

4. All the departments can independently manage their own processes. The organization can easily leverage best practices and share knowledge across business units.


What are the ROI and the TCO?

The experience within our existing customer base has proved that the ROI (Return on Investment) is met during the first year of using the solution. The fast ROI is guaranteed by an attractive price, the flexibility of WorkflowGen, the speed of implementation (on average 2 weeks) and the capacity for all the services within the organization to integrate their own processes.

The TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) is near 0 because the deployment and the utilization of WorkflowGen is part of the inter-intra-extranet Web environment of the organization. An investment in additional hardware is not necessary. Any employee with a web access can use WorkflowGen. Centralized administration on a single web server means updates are instantaneous and operating procedures become easier.

  

What types of services are provided?

Leverage the experience of our consultants and product specialists to be quickly up and running. The professional services are customized based on the specific needs of each Client and can be performed on site or on line. Over the years we have developed a unique expertise and methodology and we gladly share our best practices with our Clients.

What is the reliability of WorkflowGen?

WorkflowGen exclusively uses the market-proven technologies (.NET, HTML, XML, XPDL, .Net Web Forms, SQL Server, Oracle) and operates in the Microsoft Web environment.
The WorkflowGen engine was designed in accordance with the international standards of the Workflow Management Coalition (WfMC).
WorkflowGen can be integrated with your existing on premise or on demand applications (SAP, Sharepoint Portal Server and WSS, Salesforce.com, etc).
WorkflowGen is used in 70 countries.
The sources of the software are filed with an escrow service and are accessible in the event of failure from the vendor.

Who is using WorkflowGen?

WorkflowGen is used by hundreds of organizations of all sizes including global companies such as:

    • AREVA
    • Deloitte
    • Experian
    • HP
    • Johnson & Johnson Consumer
    • Mitsui
    • OTIS
    • SNC Lavalin
    • Sanofi Pasteur
    • Yale University

How is WorkflowGen licensed?

The pricing is based per user with a low entry point that enables you to quickly address your business needs without having to invest a large budget. The product comes as a comprehensive package including all the features available. There are no additional modules, no add-ons, no options, no hidden costs. WorkflowGen is a .Net web based software that you install on a Microsoft IIS web server. Both end users and administrators use WorkflowGen via their web browsers. One license enables you to install 1 instance of WorkflowGen on 1 web server for a defined number of users.

  

 

Workflow Portal features


Can WorkflowGen be made available to users of Internet and/or Extranet sites?
Yes. WorkflowGen can be made available on all Extranet and Internet sites, by granting proper rights to the users.

How users access their processes?
The customized home page of the end user module offers a comprehensive view of the ongoing processes with a portal interface and advanced search features.

In what languages is the end user module available?
English, French, German. Customers can update this list by adding their own languages.

What information can the users access from the workflow portal?
Based on their profile they will access:
Customized login, New requests, Last requests, To do list, Actions to assign, Closed requests, Team actions to do, Follow up of ongoing requests, Follow up of ongoing actions, Multi-criteria search,  Customized list of data and search criteria per process, Customized views based on search results.

Is it possible to monitor the process graphically?
Yes. At any time the participants can graphically follow up the process and monitor the activity in real time.

Can the end users customize their own portal by selecting a single process view?
Yes. They can select a specific process and display on the portal only the information related to this process.

Can users reassign their actions to someone else?
Yes. Depending on their rights the users can cancel the handling of an action and reassign it.

Is it easy to track or to perform a large number of requests and actions with WorkflowGen?
Yes. WorkflowGen offers the "Quick View" feature that enables the users to check requests and perform action with a limited number of clicks.

Can the end-users communicate about a request in an unstructured way?
Yes. Authorized users can post comments to a request. Comments can be read outside the WorkflowGen portal via RSS.

Is it possible to embed the WorkflowGen portal to an existing web application?
Yes. WorkflowGen can be embedded to an application like an intranet by using a portlet or a web part (Sharepoint). It is also possible to launch a request or perform an action without using the WorkflowGen menus and banners.

 

Administration module features


What are the available languages for WorkflowGen administration interface?
The administration interface is available in:  English, French, German, Chinese (simplified), Polish

How to secure the access to the processes in WorkflowGen's administration module?
WorkflowGen offers for each process the possibility to have one or several managers.
Different levels of security can be defined like read only or modification of the process definition.

Is it possible to manage different version of a process?
Yes. The processes can be duplicated and modified at any time without compromising the ongoing activities. A process that is modified will be saved under the same name but with a different version number. The new requests will be launched by using the latest version as the ongoing requests will be completed with the previous version.

Is the adminstration module 100% web based like the end user module?
Yes. No installation whatsoever is required.

Is it possible to setup WorkflowGen in a WebFarm architecture with load balancing?
Yes. WorkflowGen works in a WebFarm architecture that enables a great scalability and ease recovery procedures in case of incidents.

Is it required to install an ActiveX or any software on the PC of the end users?
No ActiveX is required to use WorkflowGen.
The WebForms are standard HTML that will be read by the web browser.


Process implementation


How long does it take to implement WorklowGen?
Have your first processes running within 1 week.
A basic installation of the solution can be done remotely on your server and takes about 1 hour. The administrators and the managers of processes (business people who define the processes and create e-Forms) are trained in a few days. They will then be fully able to manage every aspect of workflows implementation. No further training or technical skills are required.

Are there online resources available like a Knowledge Base for the users of WorkflowGen?
Yes. All customers have access to the WorkflowGen Community Site.
This users’ site is a very comprehensive resource center with tutorials, case studies, technical articles, training material, best practices and more.

Is it possible to test the workflows before going live?
Yes. WorkflowGen offers different status for a process. The ''test'' status enables you to test the process with a limited number of users before going live with the '' Active'' status.

Can WorkflowGen automatically send email notifications?
Yes. For the following events:
- Actions to do
- Closed request
- Actions to assign
- Past due actions
- Action cancellation
- Application error
Additional email notifications can be created.
The format and contents of the email messages can be customized and include data from the processes.

Is it possible with WorkflowGen to define conditions and complex routings?
WorkflowGen offers an easy solution to define all possible conditions and routings based on data, macros, exceptions, etc.

Is it possible to attach a file to a process?
Yes with FILE-UPLOAD.
This native component enables you to attach one or multiple files to a request via the form while controlling the authorized extensions and the size of the files.

Is it possible to validate a file attached to a process?
Yes with DOC-APPROVAL.
This application allows you to implement a process integrating a validation circuit for an attached document.

Can a user delegate his actions to do for a defined period of time?
Yes. The users can delegate their actions by specifying for each process role another person for a defined or undefined period of time.

Is it possible to trigger a process from a third party application?
Yes. A complex workflow can be made of multiple processes that will trigger each other. Third party applications like an internet site or an ERP system can trigger a WorkflowGen process.

What kind of participants can handle an action?
The participants can be:
- a single person
- a list of people
- a list of people with a coordinator

What are the assignment methods allowed by WorkflowGen to assign an action to a participant?
The assignment methods are:
- Automatic or manual
- Self-service
- With a coordinator
- Dynamic from a database

Is it possible to automatically assign an action to the direct supervisor of a user having performed an action?
Yes. By using a specific assignment method, WorkflowGen will automatically get the hierarchical superior as defined in the existing Active Directory or any other directory.


Built-in Web Form Designer


Are IT skills required to create a form with the integrated form designer?
No. Development is not necessary to create forms. The WYSIWYG form designer is just about positioning the fields and defines their format, size and tooltip. Fields and sections can be organized in the form with simple drags and drops.

What kind of fields can I define in a form created with the form designer?
All field types can be created: Text, Date, radio button, check box, combo box, attachment, table, text box etc...

Does the integrated form designer allow me to accelerate the time to create a form?
Yes. The form designer enables you to use commonly used section templates such as the definition of a need for validation, for the initiation of an application. It is possible to duplicate fields or entire sections in a single click , that can be saved as templates for future use.

Is it possible to customize the style of the forms created with the form designer?
Yes. Different styles are available with the product and it is also possible to create your own custom styles and make them available to business users. Each form elements like the header, footer, the width of the sections, the alignment of fields, the size of labels, buttons, logos, etc, is customizable while maintaining a professional result.

What are the field properties that I can set?
All field types allow a high level of definition, it is possible to specify in particular: the behavior of the field (maximum size), rules of display (invisible, locked, required), regular expressions (number format phone, email etc ...), orders of magnitude (minimum, maximum), server-side validation functions, relations with other form fields, the output values, etc ...

Is it possible to connect the form fields with a third-party database?
Yes. Some form fields can be filled by an external data source via the following connection methods: database, web services and XML.

How do I define the form behavior based on the workflow actions ?
The interactive workflow view can be launched within the form designer. You can select a workflow action in the graphical view and then easily define the behavior of the sections and form fields. Fields and sections can be defined as "Required", "Read Only" or "Hidden".

How do I map the "in" and "out" data?
The interactive workflow view enables you to define the data that can be populated in the form (with macros, process data or a default value) as well as the data that will be used in the process as conditions, for the audit trail and reporting.

What technology uses the form designer?
It is based on standard HTML and Javascript libraries and Jquery

What browsers are supported?
All major browsers including: Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Chrome, Opera

Is it possible to edit the form produced with the form designer with an advanced development tool?
Yes. The form designer creates a . NET web on the fly that can be customized and enhanced in MS VISUAL STUDIO


.Net Web Forms


Which versions of the .Net framework do you support?
.Net 2.0 and 3.5

Is it possible to use a different form editor from the one provided with WorkflowGen?
Yes, it is possible to use Microsoft Visual Studio 2005/2008 (Express Editions included).
So you have all the strength of Visual Studio 2005/2008 to create, from scratch or reusing the .net code generated on the fly by the built-in form designer, Web Forms to be used in the workflow powered by WorkflowGen.

Can I use Visual Web Developer 2005/2008 Express Edition which is free?
Yes you can use it without any limitations in the Web Form creation to be used in .NET

Which .NET programming languages do you support?
VB.NET and C#

Can I use Visual Studio C# 2005 Express or VB.NET 2005/2008 Express which are free?
Yes, but if you want to visually create your Web Forms you may consider using Visual Web Developer 2005/2008 Express Edition which is free too and support C# and VB.NET programming languages.

Do you support AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript And XML) technology?
Yes, we do support ASP.NET AJAX 1.0

Do I need to be an experienced .NET developer to create Web Forms?
Simple forms are created without coding! You just have to drag and drop webcontrols (textbox, listbox, radio buttons, gridviews,....). If you want add integration features in your Web Form like database bindings you need to be familiar with Visual Studio 2005/2008 programming.

How form data are stored?
The form data is stored in a XML Dataset.

How to use a .NET Web Form with WorkflowGen?
We provide a "super" class (an assembly), your web form just have to inherit from this class, and all the data bindings and workflow integration are automatically done without programming!

Do you support electronic signature?
Yes, with ONE line of code you can activate the electronic signature management. We support W3C XML signature standard.

Is it possible to easily adapt an existing ASP.NET application?
Yes. You just have to make your existing ASP.NET application inherit from the WorkflowGen Super class.

Do you provide Web Form examples?
Yes we have tutorials and real life examples to illustrate all the features of the Web Forms, like database binding, dynamic section, AJAX, etc. Our samples are available in both C# and VB.NET


Security


Does Workflowgen provide a secured access?
Yes. All users are authenticated and they only access the features and processes corresponding to their profile. In addition, WorkflowGen can be accessed and used on an SSL site (encrypted link between user and server).

Does the electronic signature have legal recognition?
Yes. The electronic signature has now gained legal recognition.


Can an existing security management system be used to manage access to WorkflowGen?
Yes. Security management can be based on an existing system, without any specific development.

Is WorkflowGen compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 (FDA)
Yes. WorkflowGen complies with this FDA standard.

Can WorkflowGen be used with firewalls and 128 bit SSL systems?
Yes.


Integration


Can an existing directory be used (Exchange, Active Directory and database) to manage WorkflowGen users?
Yes.The use of standard or customized connectors allows information on individual users and groups to be synchronized with an existing application.

Can the data from an e-Form be exported to another ERP-type application, or database, etc?
Yes.The WorkflowGen development kit allows users to develop connectors for data exchange with third-party applications. It is also possible to use the native XMLTODATABASE application or web service actions.

Can data from an external application, such as a database, or an ERP program, be exported to an eForm?
Yes.The WorkflowGen development kit allows users to develop connectors for data exchange with third-party applications.

Is WorkflowGen compliant with BPM (Business Process Management) standards?
Yes. WorkflowGen is based on standards as defined by organizations like the WFMC (Workflow Management Coalition) and the BPMI (Business Process Management Initiative).

Will WorkflowGen run on Linux, Unix or Domino servers?
No. WorkflowGen is currently compatible with Windows Server 2000 SP3+, Windows Server 2003/2003 R2, Windows Server 2008/2008 R2, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 only. The SDK provided with WorkflowGen enables you to develop applications for any platforms (JSP, Linux, etc).

Does WorkflowGen work with SSO?
Yes. As a standard feature WorkflowGen uses the authentication integrated with Active Directory. WorkflowGen can also be set up to use a SSO system.

Can WorkflowGen access third party applications or databases?
Yes. WorkflowGen enables the execution of server side web scripts that can be triggered by an event in the form or in the workflow.

What is XmlToDatabase?
This module allows the content of a form data (XML) to be extracted and imported into one or more databases using SQL queries.
You create SQL queries that can be performed by DBMS (INSERT, DELETE and UPDATE).
These queries can be launched in a transaction.
WorkflowGen macros give you access to web form field’s values and other process context parameters and allow you to use them in your queries.
Use case: at the end of a leave application workflow, you can use XmlToDatabase to directly update the HR database.

Is it possible to use web services to handle automatic actions in the workflow?
Yes.

Is WorkflowGen compliant with Service Oriented Architecture?
Yes. WorkflowGen can easily be integrated in a SOA because it is a workflow software that enables an easy usage of web services deployed within a SOA.

Is it easy to integrate WorkflowGen with SAP?
Yes. It is really easy to perform SAP transactions to handle import/export actions between the WorkflowGen processes and SAP.


Is it easy to integrate WorkflowGen with MS SharePoint (WSS included)?
Yes. The integration of WorkflowGen Advanced Edition and Ms SharePoint Portal Server (or WSS) enables you to exchange data and files between both platforms.


What are other possible integrations with external systems?
Integrations to external systems using WorkflowGen are possible through the use of WorkflowGen Applications, RSS feeds, and the WorkflowGen Web Service API. Furthermore, integrations with WorkflowGen can be performed through the use of URL’s to perform the following types of functions: - Request and action launches from any external site, with or without WorkflowGen frames and menus
- Launching an action in a non-WorkflowGen window and redirecting to another (non-WorkflowGen) web site
- Viewing a follow-up form disconnected from the WorkflowGen portal
- Viewing a graphical follow-up disconnected from the WorkflowGen portal


Statistics and Reporting


Does WorkflowGen provide an audit trail?
Yes. WorkflowGen offers real-time monitoring of “who did what & when”.
This information is graphically illustrated by a graphical workflow.

Is it possible to generate reports from process activities?
Yes. The statistics standard module allows real time process activities monitoring.
You can also build customized reports with third party tools.

Can workflowGen integrate with BI tools?
Yes. WorklowGen comes with a kit of SQL views that enable you to easily create reports, cross tables and OLAP cubes with tier BI tools (Crystal Reports, Business Objects, Cognos, etc). Data can be replicated to a dedicated reporting data base.
In a portal environment the reports could even be dynamically get shown in the portal page.

Is it possible to archive data and forms?
Yes.It is possible to archive in a database the data and the forms for each step of the processes for tracing or audit trail purposes.


Sharepoint


Is it possible to embed the items of the WorkflowGen portal in SPS?
Yes. The WorkflowGen Portlet module enables you to create Web Parts that will be displayed in SPS with a customized layout for a seamless integration.
All the items of the WorkflowGen portal can be embedded in SPS (New Request, Actions to do, Current Requests, Actions to assign, Closed Requests, etc).

Is it possible to export documents from WorkflowGen to a SPS Library?
Yes. At anytime during a WorkflowGen process you can export a document from WorkflowGen to a SPS Library.

Is it possible to export data from WorkflowGen to a SPS List?
Yes. At anytime during a WorkflowGen process you can export form data with or without attachments from WorkflowGen to a SPS List.

Is it possible to trigger a process in WorkflowGen from a SPS Library?
Yes. A SPS library event (CheckIn, CheckOut, Copy, Delete, Insert, Invalid, Move, UncheckOut, Update) can be used to trigger a WorkflowGen process.

Is it possible to build an integration with Windows SharePoint Service (WSS)?
Yes. All the features listed above can be implemented with WSS.