What term describes a structured process for completing a series of tasks?

The term that describes a structured process for completing a series of tasks is workflow. A workflow encompasses the sequence of steps or activities that are required to achieve a specific outcome, often visualizing the flow of information and tasks. Workflows help standardize processes, ensure that tasks are completed in the correct order, and can include rules about how tasks are assigned and escalated.

In various fields, workflows help streamline operations by providing clarity and consistency. For example, in IT and cloud environments, workflows can automate processes for deploying applications, managing resources, or handling data, ensuring that each step is carried out correctly and efficiently.

The other terms, while related, have distinct meanings. Automation refers to the use of technology to perform tasks without human intervention. Orchestration involves coordinating multiple automated tasks or services to work together efficiently, often integrating various processes. An application programming interface (API) allows different software applications to communicate with each other but does not specifically describe a structured series of tasks in the same way a workflow does.