methods for enforcing group oriented workflow requirements for multi - layered documents . embodiments allow results of multi - layered operations to dictate the flow of tasks that occur on a multi - layered document . flow is directed to roles and may be directed by the data values operated on in addition to multi - layered operation results . the system enables the workflow enabled creation and maintenance of multi - layered documents that minimize repeated data to ensure the highest possible data integrity when targeting a publication at multiple audiences . when a publication is changed and requires maintenance , use of a defined workflow for updating the publication ensures consistency in each publication . embodiments may comprise performance metrics for monitoring and benchmarking publication processes .