Automating Business Processes with Custom JD Edwards Workflows
As part of a client project, I was involved in finding a solution to modify workflows for “Payroll Status Changes” as well as implementing a new custom workflow as “New Hire Process”. The requirement was to use the same approval rules in place with the client in a way that would allow users to see both approval records in same screen, i.e. in “Payroll status change” approvals screen, which makes the job more complex.
What is a Custom Workflow? Is it Worth it?
In technical terms, a workflow is defined as follows:
Breaking down and ultimately automating a business process composed of connected activities that complete a particular task can be achieved through implementation of workflows. In other words, workflows simplify automation of business processes.
To get an idea of the benefits of implementing such a solution, it is important to understand the issues that the client faced. The HR department would have to address each request for any new hire or payroll status change manually. Additionally, this required thorough documentation, traceability for the status as well as taking valuable time and effort from important resources. Implementing the solution discussed below allowed the client to experience the following benefits:
The Requirement & Challenges
The Human Resources department maintained all requests for new hiring & payroll status changes manually. The following list details the main requirements the solution had to address.
Challenges
The Custom Workflow Solution
After many hours of research, testing and ultimately hair loss, we were finally able to identify a viable solution. Essentially, a new custom JDE workflow was developed to address the requirements mentioned above.
The solution ultimately eases the HR department hiring process (also known as the requisition process). Since there are already standard JDE Workflows that use the Employee/Supervisor relationship for the approval process, we customized the solution based on these existing Workflows.
It gives the ability to use the deprecated functionality (which is not available in the new toolset as mentioned in sections above). Finally, other necessary components (e.g. business functions, business and transition rules, etc.) were developed ground up and configured to sync with the modified design.
Lessons Learned
The truth is that I have not worked on Workflows for a long time (XE days). This task certainly proved to be a challenge and as with any challenge, I learned a lot from my experience.
Keep Reading: Build your own JD Edwards workflow
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