Configuring the workflow

Click Edit... to configure the workflow. Then, use the toolbar to add and delete stages and tasks. You can also move stages and tasks, manage dependencies, and access other options. After you configure the workflow, you can save it as a workflow template. You can reuse a workflow template in another project template as-is or import and edit it.

About this task

If you are using Marketing Operations version 10.0.0.2 and the integration with Workflow Services is configured, you can use the Advanced Workflow capabilities for workflows.

Procedure

  1. Open the workflow tab. Click Edit....
  2. Select Enable for Advanced Workflow execution to enable Advanced Workflow capabilities.
  3. Click Add Stage Row (Page with columns and plus sign image). Stages organize workflow tasks and approvals. Add tasks and approvals under stages.
  4. Select dependency options for the rows you are adding.

    By default, tasks are added in series: each task depends on the task that precedes it. To use a different dependency option, click Page with plus sign image and make a selection before you add the next task to the workflow.

    • No Dependencies
    • In Series
    • In Parallel

    Each task that you add uses the same dependency option until you change the selection.

    You can also change the dependencies for a task manually: click the task name and supply a comma-separated list of task numbers in parentheses.

  5. Add task and approval rows.
    • Click Add Task Row (Page with clipboard and plus sign image) to add the workflow and people tasks you need.
    • Click Add Approval Row (Page with thumbs up and plus sign image) to add the approval tasks you need.

    You can copy and paste rows. You can also fill, or copy, information from one row to the rows above and below to improve efficiency. Click Gears image for these options.

    Note: To configure the task or approval, save and return to view mode. Then, click the name of the task or approval in view mode to edit it. You can decide whether users can add attachments to tasks and approvals. You can also add notes to the task or approval.
  6. If Advanced Workflow capabilities are enabled, configure the rework loop for the approval tasks by adding the first task that is to be reworked in square brackets.
    For example, an approval task 2.5 depends on task 2.4. If the approval is denied, tasks 2.4 and 2.3 must be redone. So the approval task name is set as 2.5 Cost Approval (2.4) [2.3].
  7. Organize your stages, tasks, and approvals. Click Table with highlighted row and up arrow image to move up rows. Click Table with highlighted row and down arrow image to move rows down.
    Note: When you move a row, Marketing Operations does not change its task dependencies.
  8. Configure rows in the workflow spreadsheet.

    You can configure the rows in the following ways:

    • Give the stages, tasks, and approvals relevant names. Click the name of the row to edit it.
    • Mark tasks and approvals Required. Users cannot skip, rename, or delete rows that are Required.
    • Select Enforce Dependencies to make sure that users update only the task after all previous steps are completed.
      Note: If Advanced Workflow capabilities are enabled, the Enforce Dependencies option is selected by default and cannot be cleared.
    • Select a Milestone type. For more information, see Customize milestone types.
    • Set the date as Anchored. Anchored dates cannot move, even if a previous step is late.
    • Set time durations for the Default Duration and Target Effort of the work.
    • Set the time that the work will Schedule Through. By default, Marketing Operations only schedules work on business days. You can calculate schedules to include weekends, holidays, or all calender days.
  9. Click Save as you work. Click Save and Finish when you are done.