The Configurability of Workflow
In some cases, these capabilities represent very basic, generic understandings of a workflow in the abstract that do not match the specific processes of the organization in question. Even in tools focused on a specific function or application of GRC, the workflows used by the solution may not match the individual permutations or requirements of an individual organization. Overly rigid workflows can create impediments to the value of a solution by requiring either that: (1) internal processes be adapted to a universal or generic process of the solution, or (2) the software environment itself be customized to fit internal processes and use cases. If the former erodes the value of the solution in much the same way as generic data management, the latter introduces new costs and delays into solution implementation as well as subsequent upgrades and expansions.
By contrast, solutions with “configurable” workflows are predesigned to be adaptable to particular use cases without customization. While not necessarily offering the level of tailoring available through customization, a configurable solution offers a closer fit to the organization’s processes without incurring the additional costs and delays of customizing the solution. In this way, configurable solutions help to control the implementation costs of the investment. Ultimately, this helps to speed time to value of the investment. It also helps to enhance the total impact of the solution by helping to match the solution’s workflow capabilities to the organization’s needs.
CONFIGURABLE WORKFLOWS Configurable workflows are predesigned to be adaptable to particular use cases. While not necessarily offering the level of tailoring available through customization, a configurable solution offers a closer fit to the organization’s processes without incurring the additional costs and delays of customizing the solution.
The contribution of workflow configurability does not necessarily relate to the execution of compliance and risk management. Rather, the primary impact of configurability manifests in the implementation burdens and total cost of ownership of the solution. While not directly related to the efficiency and effectiveness of risk and compliance professionals, by helping to control the cost and time of the implementation, configurable workflows help to speed time to value and improve the ultimate return on the investment.
