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Exception & Escalation Workflows

Exception & Escalation Workflows

Handling approval exceptions including delegation/backup approvers, timeout auto-escalation, budget exception requests, emergency PO fast-track, and approval withdrawal processes.

PostgreSQL
5 Tables
Schema: workflow
SLA Based

Exception Handling Flow

PENDING APPROVAL
SLA TIMEOUT
ESCALATED
RESOLVED
5
Exception Types
24h
Escalation SLA
Auto
Delegation
Audit
Full Trail

1. Approval Delegation

1

Delegation & Backup Approvers

Configure temporary or permanent delegation of approval authority with amount limits and entity restrictions.

workflow.approval_delegations

  • delegation_type - TEMPORARY, PERMANENT, BACKUP
  • entity_types - Array of applicable entities (PR, PO, Invoice)
  • amount_limit - Maximum approval amount for delegate
  • start_date / end_date - Delegation validity period
  • reason - Vacation, medical leave, training, etc.

Delegation Rules

Delegate cannot have higher authority than delegator. Multiple backup levels supported. Original approver retains access during delegation. Audit trail shows both original and delegate.

2. Timeout Auto-Escalation

1

Escalation Management

Automatic escalation when approvals exceed SLA. Configurable escalation paths by entity type and priority.

workflow.approval_escalations

  • escalation_reason - TIMEOUT, PRIORITY, ABSENCE, MANUAL
  • escalation_level - 1, 2, 3 (multi-level escalation)
  • pending_since - Original approval request time
  • sla_hours_exceeded - Hours past SLA
  • status - ESCALATED, RESOLVED, PENDING

Escalation SLAs

EntityL1L2L3
PR24h48h72h
PO24h48h72h
Invoice8h24h48h
Emergency2h4h8h

Escalation Path

  • L1 Direct manager
  • L2 Department head
  • L3 VP/Director

3. Budget Exception Requests

1

Budget Exception Management

Request additional budget or waiver for over-budget purchases with business justification.

workflow.budget_exceptions

  • budget_code - Cost center or budget line
  • current_budget - Available budget
  • requested_amount - Total needed
  • excess_amount - Amount over budget
  • justification - Business case for exception

4. Emergency PO Fast-Track

1

Emergency Procurement

Fast-track approval for urgent requirements with expedited workflows and post-facto documentation.

workflow.emergency_pos

  • emergency_type - PRODUCTION_STOP, SAFETY, REGULATORY, CUSTOMER
  • urgency_level - CRITICAL, HIGH, MEDIUM
  • impact_if_delayed - Business impact description
  • normal_lead_time_days - Standard procurement time
  • requested_lead_time_days - Emergency timeline
  • expedite_cost - Additional cost for fast-tracking

Emergency Criteria

Emergency POs bypass normal RFQ process. Require post-facto documentation within 48 hours. Subject to audit review. Limited to $50K without CFO approval.

5. Approval Withdrawal

1

Withdrawal Management

Allow requestors to withdraw pending approvals or reverse approved items under specific conditions.

workflow.approval_withdrawals

  • withdrawal_reason - Justification for withdrawal
  • current_status - Status at time of withdrawal
  • new_status - Status after withdrawal (WITHDRAWN, DRAFT)

Database Schema Summary

TablePurposeKey Columns
workflow.approval_delegationsDelegation setupdelegation_type, amount_limit, dates
workflow.approval_escalationsAuto-escalationescalation_level, sla_exceeded
workflow.budget_exceptionsBudget requestsexcess_amount, justification
workflow.emergency_posFast-track POsemergency_type, urgency_level
workflow.approval_withdrawalsWithdrawal trackingwithdrawal_reason, new_status