You can enable a workflow to run concurrently without defining unique instance names. You can run more than one instance of the same workflow name. The PowerCenter Integration Service distinguishes between each workflow instance by a run identifier number, or run ID. Each workflow run has a unique run ID. ThePowerCenter Integration Service appends the run ID to the workflow and session log names, recovery file names, and other temporary file names to create separate files for each workflow.

Run concurrent workflows with the same instance name when the workflows read from a real-time source, such as a message queue or web service. For example, you manage data from multiple project teams. Create a workflow that reads data from a message queue that determines the source data and targets. You can run the instance multiple times concurrently and pass different connection parameters to the workflow instances from the message queue.