Understanding Workflow

I'm trying to get a better understanding of workflow assigns work. On my current system I initiate a process and attached the checked out documents and cad files. I open the flowchart (the users see the flowchart), select the next node, and assign users from a predefined group (say Purchasing). Purchasing gets the package in their inbox, performs some work and does the same.

In EPDM workflow:

How do you keep a group of files together in under one Change Notice?

How do you assign work, are "notifications" assignments?

How about cc copies when I just want to notify?

How about automatic alerts and due dates?

How are the menu updated for transitions, to select the next path?

How does a group capture the work from their inbox, and prevent someone else from capturing.

I think workflow has great automation tools for handling files within the Engineering department. But I'm having trouble picturing a process that flows across departments for review and signoff. The tools seem to lack some visibility.

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