Workflows are all around Rock. Do you want to know what workflows do? They're used for check-in, requests, even to authorize changes to data. You have a choice: embrace workflows or deny the truth. The truth is that without them you are a slave to repetition. Stuck in a virtual prison of repetitive time-wasting activity. .... dramatic pause... sigh... Unfortunately, you can't just hear about what workflows can do, you must see them for yourself. This is your last chance. After this there's no turning back. You can take the blue pill—the story ends and it's back to a life of manually clicking through screen after screen. Or you can take the red pill—you'll enter a wonderland and discover the power that automation can bring to your life. The choice is yours. You must decide. Confused about all this pill talk? This might help. What's The Use? Workflows. That word can be confusing. So, let's simplify it. Workflows are a series of steps that can be automated. We all know computers are better at repetitive tasks than humans. Rock workflows provide a framework for getting computers to do what they're good at so we can focus on what we humans do best - relationships. So, what can Rock do? We’re glad you asked! Request Systems: One common use for Rock workflows is to create request systems that can take information from a person and provide automated flow based on their input. An HR Position Request or IT Request are good examples of these functions.Data Changes: Workflows can be launched in response to data changes in Rock. For instance, you could configure a workflow to be launched whenever a group is added to the system. This workflow could email an administrator, or even prevent that creation if certain information about the group is not provided.Background Tasks: By using a Rock Job, you can enable a workflow to run on a specified schedule. When you're done with this manual, we think you'll see how workflows empower you to create powerful application logic without needing to become a programmer. Once you understand the basics, your mind will start racing with all of the ways you can put them to use. These are just the tip of the iceberg of how workflows can be used within an organization. Our fear is the list above will pigeonhole your thinking of when and how to use workflows. When you're looking to solve an organizational need, be sure to think out-of-the-box when it comes to using workflows. A Sample Workflow Let's take a look at a sample workflow to get an idea of what's possible. In our sample, the fictitious "Rock Solid Church" has implemented a human resources process to help manage new position approvals. With this process in place let's say that Ted Decker wants to get approval to hire a part-time event planner. Let's walk through the workflow that has been defined. Request - Ted starts the process by entering his request into the system. Many of these requests would be started by going to Tools > Workflows, but you can add new workflow pages anywhere you'd like in the navigation. On the first entry screen, Ted selected the option of needing a Part-Time position. The workflow took that into consideration and immediately asked him to complete an additional entry screen specifically for part-time submissions that asks for the number of hours needed for the position.Sent - After all of the entry screens have been completed, the workflow sends an email to the designated human resources worker, in this case Alisha Marble.Additional Info - After clicking a link from the email, Alisha completes an entry form to add additional human resources fields like salary range and who will need to approve the position. Keep in mind this is a simple example. You could automate the selection of the approver if you'd like. In our example Alisha has selected the church's senior pastor Pete Foster.Approve/Deny - The workflow now sends Pete an email regarding the position. From the email, Pete can click to approve or deny the position.Notes - In our example, Pete has chosen to click the link to approve the request using the Rock website. This allows him to add further notes.Emails - With the request approved, emails are sent to both Ted to let him know the good news and Alisha so that she can start the needed human resources paperwork. This is just a quick example of one workflow. We'll look behind the scenes of this specific workflow later in the chapter Building a Simple Workflow.