Sharepoint style workflows?

[brig]

Hi,

I'm completely new to Alfresco but am now in a situation where I need to find an alternative to Sharepoint.

One of my main requirements to an alternative is custom workflows. Can I create my own workflows in Alfresco the same way as in Sharepoint 2007?

For example a user uploads a document or creates a new entry in a list, the workflow then starts and sends an email or creates a copy of the document/entry in a different list on the portal.

I know I'll have to test it out for myself but before I get installing I would just need to know if this is possible please.

Thanks!

[jpotts]

Sorry it took so long for you to get a reply. Maybe by now you've already moved away from SharePoint to Alfresco and you are enjoying your new-found freedom from the world of Microsoft.

I am not super familiar with SharePoint's workflow capabilities, but you can definitely create custom workflows with Alfresco. We have two models: Basic workflows and Advanced workflows. Basic workflows give non-technical end-users a way to create simple one-step forward or one-step back flows that move documents from folder to folder. As part of that you could send an email notification as well or perform other actions (this is implemented using something called a "rule").

Advanced workflows give you all the power of a "real" workflow engine (either jBPM or Activiti, your choice). With this you can implement any business process you can think of.

If you want to explore further, take a look at this tutorial.

Jeff