Abstract: A scalable workflow management system is provided that includes queues for storing work items to be processed. Work items may be placed into the queues by front-end services executing within the workflow management system. When a work item is placed on a queue, it remains on the queue until an appropriate back-end service is available to de-queue the work item, validate the de-queued work item, and process the de-queued work item. Separate queues are provided for storing normal work items, work items generated according to a time schedule, and work items generated by job launching services. The state of operation of the workflow management system may be controlled by an administrative console application.