Learn what an approval flow is in Power Automate. Understand how approval flows automate business processes by requiring user approval before proceeding, streamlining decision-making and ensuring compliance.
Table of Contents
Question
In Power Automate, what is an ‘approval flow’?
A. A process that deletes unnecessary automation steps
B. A setting that speeds up automated flows
C. A data filtering mechanism for Power Apps
D. A workflow that requires user approval before proceeding
E. A method to share Power BI dashboards with external users
Answer
D. A workflow that requires user approval before proceeding
Explanation
Approval flows require one or more users to approve or reject actions before an automated process continues.
An approval flow in Power Automate is a workflow that requires one or more users to approve or reject actions before the automated process continues. These flows automate the routing of approval requests for documents, processes, or tasks—such as expense reports, vacation requests, or contract reviews—ensuring that designated approvers review and authorize actions at the appropriate stages.
How Approval Flows Work
- Initiation: Approval flows can be triggered automatically by events (e.g., a new item in SharePoint), on a schedule, or manually.
- Approval Request: The flow sends an approval request to specified users or roles, who can respond via email, Teams, the Power Automate portal, or mobile app.
- Decision Handling: Approvers can approve or reject the request, often with comments. The flow then takes different actions based on the decision, such as updating records, notifying stakeholders, or escalating to higher authorities.
- Audit Trail: All actions and responses are logged, supporting compliance and process transparency.
Types of Approval Flows
- Single Approver: One person must approve or reject.
- Multiple Approvers: Can require all to approve (unanimous) or proceed on the first response.
- Sequential Approvals: Approvals occur in a specific order, moving to the next approver only after the previous one responds.
- Role-Based Approvals: Requests are routed dynamically based on roles, departments, or other business logic.
Business Benefits
- Reduces manual intervention and delays.
- Ensures consistent, auditable approval processes.
- Integrates with Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Dataverse, and third-party systems.
Approval flows in Power Automate automate business processes that require one or more users to review and approve actions before the workflow can continue, ensuring proper oversight and compliance.
Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals PL-900 certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals PL-900 exam and earn Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals PL-900 certification.