# Arup Workflow Framework
# 🙋 What does it do?
The Arup Workflow Framework (AWF) (opens new window) allows you to create and run automated workflows in the cloud. You can upload your automation scripts and define the sequence of steps you want to run them in.
AWF runs the workflows for you and stores the workflow output in a database so that you can retrieve it anytime. You can run the same workflow any number of times. You can make generic workflows that can be shared with others, or workflows that are tailored specifically for a project.
# Check out our demo
Sometimes things are just easier to explain with a video 🤷♂️. Check out our demo to see all the cool features that AWF has to offer!
# What is a workflow?
A workflow is a series of activities that need to be executed in order to achieve a desired outcome. Each activity can be a manual or automated step, and takes a set of inputs and produces a set of outputs. Automating as many of these activities reduces the time needed to execute a workflow, and ensures consistency in what is delivered.
Each step in the workflow processes a set of inputs and produces a set of outputs. Each step usually needs to be run with a piece of engineering software. It may even need to communicate with external services such as Speckle.
Once you've defined a workflow you're able to run it any number of times. Simply upload your workflow inputs, run the workflow, and then download the results. We've created several workflows that you can start using already.
# What can AWF run?
AWF can run a variety of types of analyses, scripts, and even communicate with other APIs. It supports any software that can be run programmatically (any executable that can run from the command line).
What that means is that most engineering software is supported by AWF.
Here is a list of services that we currently support
🙌 IMPORTANT
AWF not only runs these services in the cloud for you, you can string these services together into a single automated workflow! Harness the power of automation 💪
Even if you don't see a service listed above, as long as it can run programmatically AWF can add it as part of your automated workflow.
# Documentation contents
The documentation on this website is divided into three main parts.
Just getting started with AWF? Run a workflow
Want to create your own workflow and know the basics of AWF already? Create your own workflow
Want to develop additional tools that use AWF as a service? Developer docs