A status workflow is the sequence of production stages an order moves through for a given decoration method. Because different techniques need different steps, each method can have its own workflow — screen printing, for example, needs screen prep and film output stages that embroidery doesn't.
Why methods have their own workflow
The steps to produce a job depend on the technique:
- Screen printing typically flows through stages like art approval, film output, screen prep, printing, quality check, and complete.
- Embroidery follows a digitizing-and-stitching path.
- A custom method (like laser engraving) needs stages that fit that process.
Matching the workflow to the method keeps production organized and gives your team a clear checklist for every order.
Set up a workflow
- Open the method's status workflow manager.
- Add the stages the technique requires, in order.
- Load Defaults appears only for methods that belong to a workflow category with a template: screen printing, DTG, DTF, embroidery and heat transfer. Sublimation and custom methods have no template, so the button does not appear and you build their stages from scratch.
- Rename, reorder, add, or remove stages until the flow matches how you actually work.
- Save the workflow.
How it drives orders
- As an order is produced, staff advance it through the stages you defined.
- The current stage shows on the order, so everyone knows where each job stands.
- A well-built workflow surfaces bottlenecks and keeps nothing from slipping through.
Tips
- For a brand-new custom method, build the stages from scratch to match that specific process.
- Keep stage names short and action-oriented (for example, "Art Approval," "Printing," "Quality Check").
- Include a final "Complete" stage so finished jobs are clearly marked.
- Revisit workflows as your process matures — trimming unused stages keeps production tidy.