Implementing workflow-based innovations in practice is the reason behind the rapid implementation of workflow systems. Organizations having difficulties with coordination among tasks have discovered that simplifying or redesigning their main business processes is an efficient solution. A sample of twelve companies utilizing workflow management systems has been investigated to determine the development of such systems and the reasons for their development. Thanks to the research done in connection with this dissertation, terminology has been created, a methodology has been designed, and insights into the innovation process for implementing automation through workflow have been acquired. For those methodologists wanting to learn how workflow analysis can be done, for those managers wanting to know what workflow means in reality, and for those researchers wanting to learn what real problems require investigation, this paper should prove to be useful.