History of Workflow

History of workflow and workflow management dates back far further than you would imagine.

Workflow isn’t a new modern way of working but one that started many years ago to try and improve productivity and efficiency in manufacturing.

Everyone in business wants to streamline processes to achieve better results.

History of workflow 1900's Manufacuturing

Workflow started back in the 1900’s in manufacturing to improve industrial efficiency. The concept can be traced to two mechanical engineer pioneers, Frederick Taylor and Henry Gantt. They were an early version of what we know as “project managers” they organised work to improve efficiency, help track work and graphically display the workflow.

Henry Gantt

Henry Gantt started out using the harmonogram method which was an early form of his Gantt chart. Gantt charts were created to visualise workflow and a visual timeline for the manufacturing process to track tasks and milestones in a project. These charts are still being used today to plan, coordinate, and track tasks in major projects.

Frederick Taylor

Frederick Taylor carried out a time and motion study to measure the amount of time it takes to complete tasks then find ways to eliminate redundant processes. Using this information to define the process employees must follow to perform as efficiently as possible. This formed a major part of scientific management (Taylorism).