1. A processor implemented method for migrating an item within a workflow process, comprising: specifying a plurality of logical nodes within the workflow process, wherein each logical node defines a type of processing performed on the item; associating a plurality of physical nodes with the logical nodes to generate the workflow process based on whether the physical nodes perform the type of processing defined by the logical nodes, wherein each physical node has a physical location; generating the item; inserting the item into the workflow process; determining, by one or more computer processors, whether the item requires physical migration; upon determination that the item requires physical migration, selecting a target physical node from a set of physical nodes, and physically migrating the item to the physical location of the target physical node, wherein each of the physical nodes in the set of physical nodes is associated with one common logical node; and upon determination that physical migration is not required, performing logical migration to a subsequent logical node without physical migration.