At each step in a running workflow, each participant assigned to process that step receives a work item in his or her workflow Inbox. When a participant opens a work item, an application called a step processor displays the necessary instructions, attachments, current data field values, response options, or other resources needed to complete the step. The participant performs the tasks required for the step, such as choosing a response, or reviewing and editing an attachment. When all the tasks are complete, the participant indicates that the work item is complete, and the system advances to the next step in the workflow.
Similarly, launching a workflow starts an application called a launch processor that displays any instructions, attachments, and other resources necessary to start the workflow. When the launch user completes the launch step, the work proceeds to the first step in the specified workflow.