Method, system, and program for generating a workflow

Provided is a method, system, and program for generating a workflow. A plurality of graphical user interfaces (GUI) panels are displayed through which a user may define nodes of a workflow and associate at least one action and user with each node. During workflow execution of each node, the associated user performs the associated action. Further, multiple nodes define actions that process at least one object that is routed through multiple nodes of the workflow. A workflow model is generated from information entered into the GUI panels including the nodes and workflow defined by the user through the GUI panels that process the at least one object. The workflow model is transformed into a workflow definition language (WDL) file. The WDL file is then transferred to a workflow server, wherein the workflow server interacts with a database to implement the workflow model defined in the WDL file in the database. When executing the implementation of the workflow, a request by one user associated with one node is received to access the node when no other user is accessing the node. The user requesting access to the node is granted access to the node to perform the action associated with the node. The node is locked to prevent other users associated with the node from accessing the node. The lock on the node is released when the user granted access to the node completes the action associated with the node, wherein other users can access the node after the lock is released.