A workflow manager which executes software having one or more channels configured to communicate events-based messages between processes. Events are associated with transitions between states, which mark the progress of an order. An event remains in an associated channel for a period until is retrieved by a peripheral system or expired. When retrieved by a system, the event may trigger a task or process. The workflow manager further includes an event editor, coupled to the workflow manager and configured to retrieve a selected event for editing by a user. The event editor includes a graphical user interface allowing a user to define, monitor, or modify a workflow.