Workflow comparison

Where performed

Client, current form window

Server

Server

Executed by

A user performing an action

A specific operation

A specific time

Purpose

Help the user to do something

Implement and enforce business rules

Initiate and ensure timely actions

What they do

Start a series of actions that are conditionally interpreted.

Test every server transaction on the form to see if conditions are met in the current request, and respond by taking specific actions.

At a specified time or time interval, check whether conditions are met for requests existing in the form, and if so, perform actions on requests that meet conditions.

Run with permissions of

User

Administrator

Administrator

Example

Populate all name and address fields when user presses Enter in Last Name field.

Notify support staff members when they are assigned a new request.

Page a support staff member if a Critical request has not been addressed in one hour.