Overview

What is a workflow?

A workflow is a system of organization used to streamline and manage tasks. Cascade is a library of personalized workflows that allow users to build, automate, and schedule processes. With the aid of a workflow, large and complex data processes can be simplified, while small, tedious tasks can be automated.

Using Cascade, one can construct a logical structure to run on data, making the workflow process much easier. This way, tasks are carried out in an efficient and organized manner.

What do workflows do?

Workflows execute a defined process and eliminate the need to manually update, adjust and share results. In Cascade, tools are used to define a workflow. A workflow executes each tool in sequential order. Tools streamline and consistently apply the same rules and logic for every iteration the workflow is executed, or as we say in Cascade - “Run”.

Benefits of building workflows in Cascade.

Cascade workflows provide a consistent and reliable way to perform tasks, save resources, increase transparency and accountability, and are self-documenting. Additionally, they are reusable and expandable to meet individual needs, making them an invaluable asset to any organization.

Example - HRIS Report

Let’s take Lily as an example. As an analyst at a chain restaurant’s headquarters, Lily is required to provide the HR department with a daily report listing employees who have missed their scheduled work shifts. To build the report, Lily must export data from a database, join data, remove redundant records, and share a spreadsheet with employee details and statistics.

However, Lily decides to automate the process with Cascade. Using the Import from Integration tool, she connects directly to her database and uses transformation tools to remove compliant employees and calculate statistics about flagged employees. She then takes advantage of the scheduling feature to automatically generate the report at the same time every day.

With the workflow automated, Lily now has more time to consider and investigate data anomalies instead of verifying the quality of the results. Her manager also has access to the entire process, enabling them to track changes Lily makes to the workflow. Furthermore, Lily can quickly create ad hoc reports and new KPI’s that the HR department will find useful.

Thanks to her innovative solution and cost reduction mindfulness, Lily has streamlined her work process, and enjoys her job even more.