Workflow automation is useful when pre and post activities need to be executed before or after the actual software compile process. For an individual developer, a Workflow may involve creating a .war and copying it to a server for testing. More complex Workflow automation may involve interfacing into version control tools, testing tools and email notification with relationships associated between steps.
Build automation drives down into the software compile process to automate and manage calls to the software compilers and linkers. Workflow automation calls Build automation as part of the Workflow but cannot control how the compilers and linkers are called, managed or accelerated. This is the job of Build automation solutions such as OpenMake Meister.