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Workflow module aids engineering drawing review

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 15, 2003

eQuorum has developed an enhanced Workflow module as an option for its ImageSite web-based engineering document management system.

eQuorum has developed an enhanced Workflow module as an option for its ImageSite web-based engineering document management system.

ImageSite Workflow automates work by assigning tasks to users, providing them with the tools to complete these tasks, and directly linking users to the necessary documents.

The enhanced Workflow module further leverages ImageSite's document distribution, collaboration and printing features to automate mission-critical business processes.

This helps ensure that tasks critical to a business, such as engineering change orders, plan reviews, or drawing release approval are performed efficiently and consistently.

As a web-based solution, ImageSite Workflow effectively automates and manages engineering processes that span multiple departments within a firm, or across multiple companies.

Participants handle these work processes through their Web browser, so there is no need to buy or install any special software on individual computers.

Module enhancements include an issues management function that goes beyond traditional workflow.

Issues management lets users categorise business and technical issues, establish structured response strategies, and manage the responses through timely resolution.

Issues can range from simple management review to complex, multistep, schedule-driven workflow processes.

Monitoring issues against deadline dates helps ensure quick resolution.

Direct participation, simultaneous reviews and active monitoring prevent the delay of the approval process and expedite the entire response.

"The Workflow module is extremely flexible and can be configured to meet a variety of business requirements without the need for custom coding", states Frank Bouchard, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at eQuorum.

"For instance, ImageSite Workflow can automate the distribution of requests for information (RFIs) between multiple organisations who work together on common projects.

The Workflow module can also be used to automate an engineering change request process or the review and approval of construction plans for government permits".

"The enhancements to the Workflow module enable many current customers to expand the use of ImageSite to other departments", explains Bouchard.

"It also opens new markets for ImageSite as we can satisfy the needs of companies or local governments who have very structured business processes that are tied to engineering drawings or construction plans".

The Workflow module is sold separately and is licensed by the number of concurrent users, or by the number of documents stored within ImageSite.

The licensing model for Workflow must match that for ImageSite itself.

ImageSite is available directly from eQuorum, or through authorised resellers and partners including Xerox Corp.

Free tryouts of ImageSite are available from the eQuorum website.