Automating Approval Workflows: How to Handle Exceptions
Exceptions in an approval workflow are requests that don't follow the standard rule — an urgent case, an unforeseen situation, an absent approver. Jestor lets you handle these exceptions without breaking the main workflow, using role-based permissions and a visual Kanban & Pipe to track each case.
Why every approval workflow eventually has exceptions
No rule covers 100% of real-world cases. An urgent request that can't wait for the standard SLA, an approver on vacation, a situation that doesn't fit exactly into the defined value ranges — these are all exceptions that, if not planned for, end up breaking the process or being resolved informally, outside the system.
How to handle exceptions without abandoning the process
The goal isn't to create a rigid rule for every possible exception, but to let someone with the right permission decide outside the standard rule, in a controlled and logged way.
Common pains when exceptions aren't planned for:
- An urgent request handled outside the system, with no record
- A stalled process because the standard approver is unavailable
- No flexibility for cases that don't fit the normal rules
- No distinction between "following the rule" and "opening a controlled exception"
How Jestor handles exceptions:
- Role-based permissions can include backup approvers for cases of absence
- Urgent requests can be flagged and prioritized on the Kanban & Pipe
- Exceptions are logged as such, without blending into the standard workflow
- The history clearly shows when a decision deviated from the normal rule, and why
Where Jestor fits in:
- Defines role-based permissions, including backup approvers
- Organizes requests, including exceptions, on a visual, prioritizable Kanban & Pipe
- Keeps the Approvals workflow flexible enough for cases outside the standard
- Logs exceptions in a traceable way, without mixing them with normal decisions
| Exception type | How to handle it |
|---|---|
| Absent approver | Permission configured for a backup |
| Urgent request | Priority flag on the Kanban & Pipe |
Why choose Jestor to handle exceptions
Jestor lets exceptions be handled in a controlled, logged way, with no need for the team to resolve cases outside the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a backup approver for cases of absence? Yes, that can be configured in role-based permissions.
Can urgent requests be visually prioritized? Yes, Kanban & Pipe lets you flag and reorder requests by priority.
Are exceptions logged differently from the standard workflow? Yes, the history clearly shows when a decision deviated from the normal rule. Learn more at jestor.com.
With Jestor, you can automate workflows, connect departments, and build internal systems your way — all without code and with AI support. Check out Jestor at jestor.com and see how to take your company's management to a new level of efficiency and integration.