Content workflow initiative, the concept map

Mapping out the moving parts of the content workflow initiative we arrived at this high level grouping of related activities:

• Create content
• Review & approve content
• Publish content
• Manage the creation, review and publishing process
• Configure the tools that enable all of the above

For either single items of content or a set of multiple items, bundled in a workspace.

Create content

Everything related to creating new, editing existing content in the first place.

Roles

• Author
• Copy writer
• Photo/image editor

Tasks & activities

• Review assignments
• Create content
• Format content
• Preview content
• Request review
• Edit content based on feedback
• Review other people’s content
• Review existing, live content

Review & approve content

All the things that need to happen to get new content ready for publication. Here’s a more elaborate example of a moderation workflow using a workspace.

Roles

• Editor
• Marketing associate
• Archivist

Tasks & activities

• Review content, give feedback
• Edit content
• Preview content
• Get notified of content conflicts
• Adapt content for different channels
• Analyse impact of content changes
• Review existing content
• Recover content

Publish content

Actual publication of content and managing its life cycle from then on.

Roles

• Section editor
• Legal
• Compliance

Tasks & activities

• Define/specify content packages
• Review content (packages)
• Audit (legal, compliance)
• Preview content
• Approve revivisions
• (un)publish content items
• (un)publish content packages
• Schedule (un)publishing of content
• Archive/delete content

Manage content workflow

Set the strategic agenda, coordinate with other business units, oversee all of the above.

Roles

• Managing editor
• Marketing executive
• Support & maintenance

Tasks & activities

• Define content strategy
• Content planning
• Coordinate with the business
• Coordinate with IT
• Coordinate content delivery
• Define content assignments
• Schedule content production
• Monitor progress
• Review audit trail

Configure content workflow tools

Providing the tools and processes to enable all of the above.

Roles

• Administrator
• Developer

Tasks & activities

• Configure workflows for content moderation
• Configure content workspaces
• CMS configuration: content types, roles & permissions, notification settings…
• Technical development

Have a look at the visual definition of a workspace and a more fleshed out example of a moderation workflow as well.

Hope this helps clarify the main concepts, activities and relationships in the workflow initiative.