Sequential approval is the process of sending a task or request to multiple people one after another. Each approver must approve or reject the request before it moves to the next step in the sequence. This contrasts with parallel approval workflows, where multiple approvers can act simultaneously.
Benefits of Sequential Approval:
Structured Decision Making: Requests are evaluated in a systematic manner, progressing from less to more senior stakeholders.
Tracks individual action: Tracks who signed off or blocked at every step.
Compliance: Maintain a log of the approval and audit process for meeting compliance necessities.
Prerequisites:
Subscription to Power Automate.
Office 365 Outlook and Office 365 Users account.
Create your flow:
Firstly, sign in to Power Automate.
Select create and choose Instant cloud flow.
Give your flow a name and choose a trigger “Manually trigger a flow”.
Add the text parameters in the trigger.
Add “Start and wait for an approval” action. It sends an approval request to specified users and pauses the flow until a response is received.
Select approval type as Sequential Approval.
Use Dynamic Content to fill Title and Details parameters. Assign the users by clicking on Add new Item and give their Email Address.
Now save the flow and test it manually.
Enter the Input and Details for approval mail.
An approval request is sent to the first assigned user with options to approve or reject, and upon approval, it is forwarded to the next user for their decision.
The approval request will be sent to the next approver in the sequence after the current one is completed.
After approving, approved message will be displayed.
Sequential approval helps keep things organized and ensures everyone approves in turn, but it can be slow if someone delays. It's best used when decisions need to follow a specific order.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Why would I use sequential approval instead of parallel approval?
Sequential approval is the best choice when you need a particular order, perhaps a manager needs to review something before it gets to a senior executive. If the order is not important, parallel approval might suit better because everyone can review at the same time.
2. Can anyone approve the request in sequential approval?
No, everyone in the order must authorize it. If one individual vote no, the process ends. The request only progresses when both people consent.
3. How do I know who the next approver is?
A sequential approval process workflow is configured to follow a particular order. Every starter notifies the correct approver at the right time and knows their role.
4. What if one of the approvers is unavailable to approve it?
This can delay the entire process if an approver is unavailable. You may have to find a workaround by naming an alternate approver to keep things progressing.
