Introducing workflow streams
18 JanIf you've been checking out version 3.26.0 of MySource Matrix [download] [changelog], which was released last week, you may have noticed a subtle change when you tried to create new Workflow Schema assets.
Starting from version 3.26, system administrators can create workflow schemas that contain multiple approval paths, known as Workflow Streams. Schemas will always contain a default approval stream but can then have one or more optional "alternate" streams. This allows you to create approval paths more suited to certain scenarios. For instance, you can create an "urgent" workflow stream to bypass a usual multiple-step approval path and request approval directly from a manager.
You may have noticed a similar feature is provided as part of the workflow system of our next-generation CMS product, MySource Mini.
Consistent alternative approval paths
These alternate streams can be linked under more than one workflow schema and can be moved or deleted freely. The ability to re-use alternate streams allows you to provide a consistent approval path for these scenarios, in line with business or other policies. Note that the default streams are tied to their schemas and cannot be shared or moved in this way.
Alternatively, if different workflows require different "urgent" approval paths (for instance), then alternate streams will be grouped by name. Where an asset has multiple workflow schemas applied, any selected stream name will apply for all workflows. Any workflow that does not use that stream name will use its default stream instead.
Which users can use alternate workflow streams?
The ability to use alternate streams will be restricted to those with effective Administrator permissions on the asset. For them, a second drop-down will appear next to the Status Change box (on the Details screen) when alternate streams exist, allowing a stream to be chosen when starting workflow. Other users will always use the default workflow stream and will see no changes to their interface.
Migration of workflow schemas
Migration of existing Workflow Schemas from earlier versions of MySource Matrix to the new workflow stream system in version 3.26.0 is painless as the upgrade will occur during the installation of the Workflow Stream asset. A "default" stream will be automatically created for the existing schemas in your system, and the existing approval steps will be moved underneath it.
In summary...
- Workflow streams provide the ability to specify alternative approval paths for various scenarios (such as urgent approvals).
- They can be re-used across multiple workflow schemas to create a consistent approval path for non-standard workflows across your site.
- They can only be activated by asset administrators. All other users can only use the default workflow.
- Workflow streams were released in MySource Matrix 3.26.0 on the 15th January 2010.