Core Docs - Core Concepts - Intro to Workflows

Rock Version: v20.0
Last Modified: 2026-04-06 3:59 PM

Workflows are all around Rock. Do you want to know what workflows do? They're used for check-in, requests, even to authorize changes to data. You have a choice: embrace workflows or deny the truth. The truth is that without them you are a slave to repetition. Stuck in a virtual prison of repetitive time-wasting activity.

.... dramatic pause... sigh...

Unfortunately, you can't just hear about what workflows can do, you must see them for yourself.

This is your last chance. After this there's no turning back. You can take the blue pill—the story ends and it's back to a life of manually clicking through screen after screen. Or you can take the red pill—you'll enter a wonderland and discover the power that automation can bring to your life.

The choice is yours. You must decide.

Confused about all this pill talk? This might help.

What's The Use?

Workflows. That word can be confusing. So, let's simplify it. Workflows are a series of steps that can be automated. We all know computers are better at repetitive tasks than humans. Rock workflows provide a framework for getting computers to do what they're good at so we can focus on what we humans do best - relationships.

So, what can Rock do? We’re glad you asked!

When you're done with this guide, we think you'll see how workflows empower you to create powerful application logic without needing to become a programmer. Once you understand the basics, your mind will start racing with all of the ways you can put them to use.

These are just the tip of the iceberg of how workflows can be used within an organization. Our fear is the list above will pigeonhole your thinking of when and how to use workflows. When you're looking to solve an organizational need, be sure to think out-of-the-box when it comes to using workflows.

A Sample Workflow

Let's take a look at a sample workflow to get an idea of what's possible. In our sample, the fictitious "Rock Solid Church" has implemented a human resources process to help manage new position approvals. With this process in place let's say that Ted Decker wants to get approval to hire a part-time event planner. Let's walk through the workflow that has been defined.

This is just a quick example of one workflow. We'll look behind the scenes of this specific workflow later in the article: Build a Workflow.