Activity

Synonyms

Node; Step; Task; Work element

Definition

A description of a piece of work that forms one logical step within a process. An activity may be a manual activity, which does not support computer automation, or a workflow (automated) activity. A workflow activity requires human and/or machine resources to support process execution; where human resource is required an activity is allocated to a workflow participant.

Key Points

A process definition generally consists of many process activities which are logically related in terms of their contribution to the overall realization of the business process.

An activity is typically the smallest unit of work which is scheduled by a workflow engine during process enactment (e.g., using transition and pre/post- conditions), although one activity may result in several work items being assigned (to a workflow participant).

Wholly manual activities may form part of a business process and be included within its associated process definition, but...