Why Rules Engine Software is the Next Big Thing in BPM Workflow

Dileepa WIjayanayake • October 9, 2018
Earlier this year, Gartner put out an article talking about how Rules Engine within Workflow/BPM process automation. We all know in today's landscape of tasks, assignments, workflow/sub-workflows, the need for automating business processes is greater than ever. 

Most automated processes make decisions based on rules, some decisions are made using simple or complex expressions, but decisions are also made using rules. For example, a process that automates applying for a bank loan might have many rules, such as if the amount borrowed is between certain amount, then required assets and approvals might be different. Or in a simple case such as purchase order approval, based on the amount, the # of approvals are different. The higher the purchase order amount is, the higher the level (executive level) of approval is required.

Some workflow products use decision tables to define rules and use them. FlowWright handles this differently, where we believe that even though decision tables are powerful, they hide lot of the run-time information, primarily what decisions were made by the workflow. FlowWright lets you design these complex decisions graphically. After executing a workflow, you can render and view graphically what decisions were made by the workflow.

Here's a simple example, in reference to the purchase order example from above. As you can see in the below graphic, the decision step evaluated the purchase order amount and made a decision to send the purchase order to be approved by Manager 1.
A flow diagram of a process with arrows pointing in different directions.

Imagine if this decision logic was hidden inside decision table, you will have to go look for it, and it won't be able to see the decisions the workflow made. Today, the most value in any workflow is to be able to view the execution, so that you can review and optimize your workflow. 


Given that some customers still prefer to use decision tables, FlowWright v9.5 will support simple to complex decision tables.

Interested in learning more about Test Automation?  Set-up a demo today.

enterprise workflow automation
By Dileepa Wijayanayake March 27, 2025
Once you implement workflow automation, we highlight a multitude of use cases that demonstrably enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and empower employees.
enterprise workflow automation
By Dileepa Wijayanayake March 25, 2025
Automation streamlines workflows, reduces manual intervention, and minimizes the potential for errors. De-risk data loss with FlowWrigh.
Share by: