Abstract: A method and system for designing, storing, and executing workflows for laboratory processes have been disclosed. According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method, comprises executing a workflow. The workflow includes a process activity, a system activity, and a flow control activity. A first user interface is adapted to collect one or more process elements for the process activity. The process activity is collected with form elements, the form elements identifying containers. The containers include plates, tubes, and bottles holding samples. States are associated with the samples and containers. The states are automatically changed as the workflow is completed. A second user interface is provided to create a customized workflow.