Adding PDF Conversion to Workflows Created with Nintex Workflow 2007

In this post, I’ll discuss how Nintex Workflow can be used with PDF for SharePoint to create workflows that include converting documents to PDF. This is what the finished workflow looks like with Nintex (see right). 

Workflows are used implement these types of business processes within SharePoint. SharePoint comes with a few workflows out of the box, but usually companies need to make their own to suit their particular business requirements.

There are several products that can be used to create workflows in SharePoint. Some of the most popular workflow building products are:

• K2 blackpoint
• Microsoft SharePoint Designer (SPD)
• Nintex Workflow 2007

I am a fan of Nintex because it is easy to use, it provides an intuitive, graphical web browser interface that allows you to build complex workflows quickly and easily. Within minutes of installing it I was able to create a simple approve and publish workflow that included these steps:

• Request approval of the selected document
• If approved, set Document Status metadata column to TRUE and convert the document using PDF for SharePoint
• If declined, send a notification to the author

How it was done

The integration between Adlib and Nintex makes it very easy to add document rendering to your workflows. You simply insert a “Start Workflow” Action into the workflow you are building in Nintex, and then configure it to invoke any of the Adlib workflows for SharePoint that are deployed on your system. A list will automatically appear within the Configure Action window in the Nintex interface. It is easier and more interesting to show how this was done, watch this 30 second video to see how PDF conversion can be added to an approval workflow using Nintex and Adlib PDF for SharePoint.

See this short video for a visual demonstration of how this is done.

Converting documents to PDF is often part of a larger business process. Two examples of where this is used are:

• Converting documents, such as SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) manuals, to PDF after being approved so they can be published for internal use
• Applying electronic signatures to approved documents