Chapter 12: Complex Workflow Patterns
Chapter Objectives:
Implement sequential workflow patterns for ordered processes
Configure parallel task workflows for simultaneous execution
Design conditional branch workflows for dynamic routing
Create escalation workflows with time-based reassignment
Build recurring workflows for periodic processes
Understand task precedence and dependencies
Prerequisites:
Completed basic workflow configuration (Chapters 5-7)
Understanding of status rules and release conditions
Familiarity with triggers and scenarios
Experience with at least 2-3 workflow implementations
12.1. Sequential Workflows
Pattern Description: Tasks execute one after another in fixed order.
When to Use:
Process has clear ordered steps
Each step depends on previous completion
No parallelization possible or desired
Documentation trail important
Configuration Approach:
Example: Customer Onboarding:
Best Practices:
Clear task descriptions indicating sequence
Due dates progressively later (stagger deadlines)
Each task verifies prerequisite completion
Manual override option for urgent cases
12.2. Parallel Task Workflows
Pattern Description: Multiple tasks start simultaneously, all must complete before proceeding.
When to Use:
Independent tasks can execute concurrently
Faster overall completion desired
Tasks assigned to different users/teams
No dependencies between parallel tasks
Configuration Approach:
Example: Sales Order Processing:
Synchronization Strategies:
Strategy 1: All Tasks Required:
Strategy 2: Majority Required (Manual Config):
Best Practices:
Same due dates for all parallel tasks
Clear indication of parallel execution in descriptions
Monitor for bottlenecks (one slow task delays all)
Reassign capability if team overloaded
12.3. Conditional Branch Workflows
Pattern Description: Different tasks execute based on data conditions (if-then-else logic).
When to Use:
Process varies by data values
Different approval levels for different amounts
Route to different teams based on criteria
Mutually exclusive execution paths
Configuration Approach:
Example: Credit Approval Workflow:
Mutually Exclusive Conditions:
Best Practices:
Document branching logic clearly
Test all branches thoroughly
Handle edge cases (what if amount = 0?)
Consider future branches (extensibility)
12.4. Escalation Workflows
Pattern Description: Tasks automatically reassign to higher authority based on time or conditions.
When to Use:
SLA enforcement critical
Overdue tasks need escalation
Management oversight required for delays
Bottleneck prevention important
Configuration Approach:
Example: Auto-Escalation Workflow:
Multi-Level Escalation:
Best Practices:
Clear escalation criteria
Notify all parties of escalation
Document escalation reason
Prevent infinite loops (check already escalated)
12.5. Recurring Workflows
Pattern Description: Workflows trigger periodically for recurring processes.
When to Use:
Annual reviews required
Monthly reconciliations
Quarterly audits
Periodic maintenance tasks
Configuration Approach:
Example: Annual Customer Review:
Implementation Considerations:
Best Practices:
Track last execution date (custom field may be needed)
Handle missed periods (if system down)
Notification before review due
Flexible rescheduling if timing conflicts
12.6. Multi-Stage Approval Workflows
Pattern Description: Sequential or parallel approvals at different organizational levels.
Sequential Approvals:
Parallel Approvals:
Example: Purchase Order Approval:
Conditional Approvals:
12.7. Task Precedence (Dependencies)
Feature: QUA Precedance table defines prerequisites between tasks.
Current Status: Table structure exists, enforcement logic status uncertain.
Configuration:
Workaround (Using Status Rules):
0 Code Advanced Workflow
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Chapter 01 : Introduction and Overview
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Chapter 02: Getting Started
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Chapter 03: Core Concepts and Terminology
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Chapter 04: Tutorial - Your First Workflow
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Chapter 05: Configuring Workflow Triggers (Initiated By Rules)
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Chapter 06: Designing and Configuring Workflow Tasks
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Chapter 07: Configuring Status Rules and Task Logic
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Chapter 08: Managing Teams and Users
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Chapter 09: Processing Workflow Tasks
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Chapter 10: Monitoring and Reporting
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Chapter 11: Advanced Placeholder Techniques
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Chapter 12: Complex Workflow Patterns
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Chapter 13: Integration with Business Central
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Chapter 14: Troubleshooting and Maintenance
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Chapter 15: Field and Table Reference
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Chapter 16: Formula Reference
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Chapter 17: Glossary and Index
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Chapter 18: 20 Real-World Workflow Examples
Related Posts
Chapter 18: 20 Real-World Workflow Examples
Chapter Purpose: This chapter provides 20 complete, production-ready workflow implementations spanning multiple Business Central modules. Each example includes business context, measurable benefits, complete configuration steps, testing procedures, and troubleshooting guidance.
Chapter 17: Glossary and Index
Activity Type: Classification of how a workflow task is processed. Options: Manual, Conditional, Interaction, Job Queue, Approval Workflow. Assigned to: User ID who should process the task. Supports placeholders for dynamic assignment. Assigned to Team: Team code for team-assigned tasks. Users see tasks for their teams in "My Teams" view.
Chapter 16: Formula Reference
Chapter Objectives: Master date formula syntax Understand comparison operators Learn validation formula patterns Apply formulas to real scenarios
