startFeatures and Benefits: CCH Workflow
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Features and Benefits: CCH Workflow

CCH Workflow
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WorkflowOverview

    What is a workflow?

    A workflow in CCH Central represents a business process, and comprises of a series of steps. Here's a diagrammatic example of a VAT return process:

    The workflow design defines the steps, and the order in which they are carried out. It also allows for loops and branches, where steps can be carried out in a different order depending on the circumstances or user selection. There are also automated steps which will execute without any user input (marked with the "cogs" symbol cogs.png).

    Using workflows

    The easiest way to progress and monitor your workflows, is to use the workflow homepage control.

    homepage1.png

    This homepage control shows active workflows, and can be filtered (for example to show just a specific office or manager).

    Right-clicking on this homepage control will invoke many other view features, such as the field chooser, and what the totals at the bottom represent. If you require printed reports, or wish to save a 'snapshot' for benchmarking, the Excel export feature will take into account your view settings and filters.

    Advancing workflows

    The currently active step will be shown as a cog or with a blue or orange background (depending on your preferred view settings). To sign off a step, right-click on the step. If this is a simple task, you will choose 'Complete Milestone', otherwise you will see 'Select Outcome'. In this case you will then choose from the options available:

    signoff1.png  -  OR  -  signoff2.png signoff3.png

    Advancing workflows using the tasks homepage

    An alternative view of workflow is available using the 'Tasks' homepage of CCH Central. This focuses on active tasks from an individual's point of view, and will show all currently active steps (from any workflows) awaiting completion by that individual user:

    tasks.png

    Related documents

    CCH Workflow 2025.3: Release Notes
    The document provides release notes for CCH Workflow version 2025.3, highlighting installation prerequisites through the Central Suite Installer and introducing a new configuration key, Wf_DocumentExtraFields, which enables the merging of document extra fields. Firms wishing to disable this feature can adjust the key value. It includes legal disclaimers regarding accuracy and confidentiality, as well as trademark information. The content is proprietary to Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited and is not to be reproduced without permission.
    VAT Workflow : Quick Start Guide
    This document serves as a comprehensive guide for managing VAT returns using the CCH Central Workflow system. It details the steps for creating a customized VAT workflow by saving the standard workflow as a practice-specific version, updating assignment responsibilities, and setting up VAT assignments and jobs. The guide covers the process for adding workflows to clients, customizing the homepage for workflow management, and tracking tasks within the workflow system. Additionally, it highlights automation features for task assignment and periodic workflow creation with links to further resources for detailed instructions.
    Progressing the tasks
    This document outlines the process for managing workflow tasks. Users can complete tasks via the Tasks homepage by selecting their names and using the ribbon bar for options like "Mark as complete." Multiple simple tasks can be completed in bulk. Tasks can also be reassigned to different employees, or specific employees can be selected for subsequent workflow steps. The document includes images to illustrate these procedures.
    Progressing workflows
    This document provides instructions on progressing tasks within a workflow homepage, detailing actions such as completing milestones, selecting outcomes, passing or failing tasks, and selecting employees. Users are guided on how to navigate the interface, including right-click options to manage tasks effectively. The document also mentions non-milestone tasks, directing users on how to reveal these tasks and proceed with their completion. Additionally, it highlights the ability to add comments to choices made within the workflow.
    Introduction to the Workflow homepage control
    The document provides an overview of the Workflow homepage control, detailing its functionality for monitoring workflow progression. It covers how to customize the interface, select workflows, and change view options, including due dates and employee views. The document also highlights the use of the "Field Chooser" for adding relevant columns, adjusting totals displayed for workflow steps, adding or editing comments, and applying filters to streamline the displayed workflows. Visual aids and step-by-step instructions complement the descriptions for ease of use.