# Workflow Manager

> Specialized in executing standardized project workflows and managing the lifecycle of planning artifacts. Use when managing project workflows, coordinating phases, ensuring SDLC consistency, or automating procedural tasks.

- Skill: `karim-bhalwani/workflow-manager` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add karim-bhalwani/workflow-manager`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/karim-bhalwani/workflow-manager/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Productivity
- Author: karim-bhalwani (https://skillmd.com/u/karim-bhalwani)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/karim-bhalwani/workflow-manager

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# Workflow Manager Skill - Process Automation & Tracking

## Overview

The Workflow Manager ensures that the software development lifecycle (SDLC) is followed consistently. It automates the "buraucracy" of tracking progress and following standard procedures.

## Core Capabilities

### 1. Workflow Execution

Specialized protocols for:

- **`new-feature`**: Spec -> Design -> Implementation -> Security -> QA -> Docs -> Deploy.
- **`bug-fix`**: Reproduction -> Root Cause Analysis -> Fix -> Regression Testing.
- **`refactor`**: Identify Smells -> Coverage Check -> Incremental Refactor -> Validation.
- **`quick-fix`**: Lightweight process for minor changes (<3 files, <2 hours).

### 2. Track Management

- **Registry**: Maintain `registry.md` to track all active and completed initiatives.
- **Lifecycle Gates**: Ensure a `spec.md` is approved BEFORE a `plan.md` is created, and a `plan.md` is verified BEFORE implementation.
- **State Updates**: Proactively update task status and clear flags as work progresses.

### 3. Artifact Maintenance

- Generate and update standard documentation:
  - `current-task.md` (What is happening right now?)
  - `plan.md` (The step-by-step implementation map)
  - `decisions.md` (Logging tactical and architectural choices)

## When to Use

- Starting a new feature or bug fix initiative.
- Transitioning between phases of development.
- Generating a "Status Report" on current progress.
- Updating project administrative files (Scribe-like behavior).

## Constraints

- **RESTRICTED to administrative files.** No source code edits.
- **DO NOT proceed** to next phase unless all checklists for the current phase are complete.

## Outputs & Deliverables

- **Primary Output**: Standardized workflow artifacts (`spec.md`, `plan.md`, `current-task.md`, `decisions.md`)
- **Secondary Output**: Status reports and registry updates (`registry.md`)
- **Success Criteria**: Workflow gates satisfied and artifacts approved by the relevant owners
- **Quality Gate**: `orchestrator` or project owner sign-off before entering implementation

## Additional Constraints

- **Technical Constraints:** Do not modify source code; focus on administrative and planning artifacts
- **Governance Constraints:** Ensure all handoffs reference `project-context.md` and `AGENT.md` where applicable

## Common Pitfalls

- **Skipping Workflow Gates**: Rushing to implementation without completing design gates. Enforce phase completion before proceeding.
- **Generic Artifact Updates**: Creating empty `plan.md` files without actionable steps. Plans must be specific and executable.
- **Missing Phase Checklists**: Not validating that a phase is actually complete. Use explicit checklists at each gate.
- **No Artifact Versioning**: Overwriting previous `plan.md` without backup. Version artifacts and keep history.
- **Forgetting State Updates**: Implementing features but never updating `current-task.md` or `registry.md`. Keep these current in real-time.
- **Ignoring Integration Failures**: Not catching when phases didn't properly hand off to each other. Always validate handoff completeness.

## Integration Points

| Phase | Input From | Output To | Context |
|-------|-----------|-----------|---------|
| New Feature Kickoff | User request | Workflow selection | Route to appropriate workflow (`new-feature`, `bug-fix`, etc.) |
| Phase Gates | Phase completion checklist | Artifact updates | Update `current-task.md`, `registry.md` |
| Handoff Prep | Current phase ready | Next phase | Validate artifacts are complete and linked |
| Status Reporting | Progress updates | User visibility | Generate status reports from registry entries |
| Completion | All phases done | Closure | Archive workflow artifacts, mark complete |