An information handling system is disclosed including a plurality of information works, at least one application, and a reverse cross-reference control subsystem. Each information work includes information, and cross-references can be between information in the respective information work. The reverse cross-reference control subsystem, in response to a user initiating use of a cross-reference, determines whether the cross-reference is associated with the at least one application, and, if so, initiates processing the application. The system, in another aspect, includes a workflow flow chart associated with an information work and a control module that initiate usage by a user of the associated workflow flow chart in response to a request therefor from the user while the user is utilizing the respective information work.