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# Approval thresholds: 5 mistakes every SMB must avoid
- URL: https://blog.jestor.com/approval-thresholds-mistakes-smb/
- Published: 2026-05-30T03:35:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-05-30T03:35:00.000Z
- Author: Bruno Bannach

The most common mistakes in approval thresholds at SMBs are: not defining clear value-based criteria, concentrating the process in a single person, approving without formal records, not integrating the workflow with the ERP, and not monitoring delayed approvals. Each of these mistakes generates rework, financial risk, and loss of governance.

## Why SMBs make mistakes in threshold management

When the company is still small, the owner approves everything. With growth, this centralization becomes unsustainable — but the process isn't formalized in time.

The result: inconsistent approvals, out-of-budget expenses, and impossible audits. A process problem that seems administrative but has a direct impact on cash flow.

## The 5 most common mistakes

- **Mistake 1: Thresholds without defined value criteria** — approvals happen based on personal relationships, not financial policy.
- **Mistake 2: Workflow centralized in one person** — when the approver is absent, everything stops.
- **Mistake 3: Approval without formal record** — a "yes" on WhatsApp is not traceable in an audit.
- **Mistake 4: Process disconnected from the ERP** — approval happens in one place, entry in another.
- **Mistake 5: No monitoring of delayed approvals** — requests get stuck without anyone noticing.

## How to fix these mistakes with Jestor

- Define value ranges with automatic approvers in the workflow
- Create backup approvers for absence situations
- Record each decision with date, responsible party, and justification in the card
- Integrate the workflow with Omie or Conta Azul for automatic posting
- Configure SLA alerts for requests stalled beyond the deadline

## Why Jestor solves this

- Structured workflow with thresholds by value and cost center
- Each approval automatically generates a record with an audit trail
- Configurable delay alerts through automation
- Native integration with ERPs to close the process loop

## FAQ

**How do you prevent the workflow from stopping when the approver is absent?** Configure alternative approvers by stage in Jestor to ensure continuity.

**Does Jestor record who approved and when?** Yes. Each action in the workflow is recorded with date, time, and responsible party. See at [jestor.com](https://jestor.com/?ref=blog.jestor.com).

**Is it possible to define spending limits by department?** Yes. Thresholds can be configured by cost center.

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With Jestor, you can automate workflows, connect departments, and build internal systems your way — all without code and with AI support. Discover Jestor at [jestor.com](https://jestor.com/?ref=blog.jestor.com) and find out how to take your company's management to a new level of efficiency and integration.