Abstract: A system and method for automating workflow by distributing the tasks required for the execution of said workflow over servers and clients connected on a network. The disclosed system and method allow the stages of the workflow to be performed asynchronously, meaning that, once a workflow initiated by a user has been initiated by a database server, the stages of the workflow can be executed on respective network clients without further interaction with the server (i.e., without requiring a stateful connection between the clients and servers). This is accomplished through the use of a workflow courier that embodies all programs (encompassing rules governing the execution of the workflow) and forms needed by clients to complete stages of the workflow. The workflow courier also stores workflow state information that indicates which stages of the workflow have been completed.