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Creating Workflow Applications from Databases

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This content is no longer actively maintained. It is provided as is, for anyone who may still be using these technologies, with no warranties or claims of accuracy with regard to the most recent product version or service release.

A workflow application must be based on a Microsoft® SQL Server™ database. You can create that database using SQL Server Enterprise Manager or Microsoft® Access.

To add workflow to an existing database

  1. From the Start button, point to Programs, point to Microsoft Office XP Developer, and then click Microsoft Development Environment.
  2. Open the File menu, point to New, and click Project. The New Project dialog box is displayed.
  3. Under Project Types, select Office Developer Projects.
  4. Under Templates, select the SQL Server Workflow Project icon.
  5. Enter a project file name and location path for the project (or accept the defaults), and click OK.
  6. Select the server and the database on which you want to enable workflow. A default Web URL is created. You can change the URL if you would prefer a different location for your Web-based user interface.
  7. Click OK. The database is registered with the server and the Workflow Designer, and is ready for you to add a workflow process.
  8. Select the project node in the Solution Explorer.
  9. Open the Project menu, and click Add New Item. The Add New Item dialog box is displayed.
  10. Double-click the Add a Workflow Process icon.
  11. Select the table you want to add workflow to from the list, and then click OK. The table and all dependant tables are added to the Tables folder, and the new workflow is added to the Workflow Processes folder. Item Created and Item Deleted shapes are added to the design surface.
  12. Build your workflow by adding states and transitions from the toolbox to the design surface.

See Also

Building Workflow Applications for SQL Server | Understanding the Workflow Application | Creating Workflow Applications Based on Templates | Understanding the Workflow Process | Setting up a Table Hierarchy | Using Access to Create SQL Server Databases | Creating SQL Server Database Tables