Feature: Workflow

ProjectPipe is built atop a custom workflow engine that makes it very easy to implement lightweight workflow-driven processes. Here is a brief overview of the ProjectPipe Workflow Model:

• Every data item has a workflow status. This is also known as a State
• Every data type (Requirements, Issues, etc.) has it's own set of possible workflow States that an item can be in. This value is known as the item's status
• Every data type also has a set of rules that determine how an item can advance from State to State. These rules are known as Transitions.
• Transitions determine the workflow path that the item can follow. For example, let's take an item that can be in one of three possible States (New, Under Review, Approved):
  • An item can advance from New to Under Review
  • It can move from Under Review to Approved,
  • However, it cannot move from New directly to Approved
• Changes in workflow status for each item are integrated into the item's audit history, which makes it easy to go back and reconstruct the timing and personnel involved with the promotion of an item through its workflow path
• ProjectPipe ships with a set of default State/Transitions that are appropriate for each data type
• Both the workflow States and Transitions are easily customizable

Graphical Workflow Editor

ProjectPipe allows you to customize State/Transition workflow using a graphical workflow editor that is integrated into ProjectPipe's administrative interface. As you change the valid Transitions from State to State, a diagram of the workflow is rearranged in real time.

Easily Add New Workflow Statuses

If you find that you need to create a new workflow State when you are building or customizing a workflow State/Transition map, you can do by selecting "Create New State", and quickly enter the new workflow State, and pick up where you left off.

Drive Custom Queries and RSS Feeds

Workflow status can be used as a filter criteria in Custom Queries. Since Custom Queries provide their own RSS feeds, you can quickly build workflow-driven RSS feeds. These feeds can be viewed directly in an RSS reader, or they can be used as the data source for a custom application that you develop for your local environment.