The best replacement for workflows is plugins.

The best alternatives to workflows are rated as following:
★★★★★  plugins
★★★  mashups

Your alternative for workflows is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about workflows, one probably shouldn't forget about visio.

Other search terms related to workflows and their ratings are:
★★★★★ visio
You have in mind a companion for workflows and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

Scale is based on the average worldwide traffic of workflows in all years. Click on graph for more.
workflows
plugins
mashups