Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 includes a number of predefined workflows for performing specific tasks. These predefined workflows are called 'out-of-the-box' workflows and include all of the necessary components, such as forms, to function properly with no configuration.

A workflow can control almost any aspect of an item in Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007. A simple workflow could require the approval of several users for a document such as a budget. A more complex workflow could require information to be gathered through forms and that the workflow branch out to perform different functions depending on the information gathered. The user interface used by a workflow can be Web-based, created by using Microsoft Office InfoPath forms and accessed by using 2007 Microsoft Office system client applications, or accessed by a custom application.

Workflows can be applied to individual documents by end users. This is useful when only some documents require the formal process in a workflow. However, for consistency in applications, you can associate a workflow with a content type. Then, whenever a document of a particular type is created, the workflow is automatically associated with the new document.

Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 allows you to create customised workflows. To create a customised workflow, you can use either Workflow Designer or Microsoft Office SharePoint Designer.

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