Using Process Manager

As a process management system, Process Manager has several functional components that collectively form the workflow system. A workflow utilizes these components to move data in a logical, systematic flow through a defined set of parameters. This involves automated (procedural) and manual (participant) processes that determine the outcome of the workflow.

Process Manager tools

Process Manager consists of a set of powerful tools that enable you to orchestrate workflows and implement processes:

• Workflow Database: Stores, delivers, and receives data as part of a workflow system. You must use Microsoft SQL database as the workflow database.
• Database Utility: This tool enables you to conduct database management for Process Manager from the server. This includes creating and connecting to the workflow database, creating connections to local and/or Active Directory users and groups as workflow participants, setting up connections to LANDesk core servers and third-party applications, and saving and restarting services. You also update product licenses using this tool. See "Database utility".
• Process Designer: This tool enables you to define, design, model, create, and implement processes. In addition, you can use the tool to configure event listeners and field mappings for Web services, databases, and e-mail applications that perform tasks in conjunction with Process Manager. See "Process Designer".
• Web application: Change management system that enables users to serve as participants in company processes, and the key to performing all manual tasks in Process Manager. Using the web application, authorized participants can access your change request system from virtually any location to approve or deny requests, mark assigned tasks as completed, view workflow progress, generate audit histories and reports, and pause, resume, and cancel workflow instances. See the Online Help for the Web application.
• Workflow engine: The core management component that interacts with client applications, interprets process definitions, and provides run-time execution of workflow instances. The workflow engine resides on the server and maintains internal control of data as it progresses through the system. All time stamps, date formats, and other global configurations are determined by the server.
• Integration tools: Integration with Microsoft Active Directory, Microsoft InfoPath, and other vertical applications, that work in conjunction with Process Manager to initiate workflows or perform tasks in support of workflows. Client applications can have several levels of involvement with workflows or processes, depending on how they are designed. Several actions are designed specifically for a particular client application.