Embodiments of the invention are directed to a programmable computer system that includes a processor system operable to perform processor system operations. The processor system operations include using a workflow composer to perform an automated workflow composition process that generates a composed workflow that is operable to, when executed by a host device, satisfy a target logical goal. Performing the automated workflow composition process includes using a workflow-metric model to control the automated workflow composition process such that the composed workflow is operable to, when executed by the host device, satisfy the target logical goal in a manner that optimizes a target metric goal. The target metric goal quantifies a performance feature of the composed workflow.