Build Multi-Step Approval Workflows with Power Automate

RezaDorrani · ‎08-31-2021

Hello everyone,

In this tutorial video, I will show how to build Multi-Step Approvals in Power Automate.

We will build a multi-level / serial approval workflow using the Approvals action & add approvers dynamically based on various use cases (type of data, value greater than, etc.).

We will leverage SharePoint Lists & an approval workflow along with SharePoint column formatting.

We will showcase an Approval timeline which will include a progress / status indicator for showcasing the current state of the approval process related to the SharePoint list item + Approval history which includes all details of the approval action (approver name, approval date, time taken to respond, comments), highlight the serial list of approvers, show status of each approver & calculate the time taken for the approval.

We will define our approvers dynamically based on metadata & log the approval history to SharePoint list item (best practice since flow approval history is only available for 28 days).

Scenario in video is an Expense Report application in SharePoint where users log expense details & we have a multi level approval process.

Topics covered:

✔️ Multi Level Approval Workflow using Power Automate

✔️ Dynamic approvers selection for serial approvals

✔️ SharePoint Column Formatting

✔️ Approval Status Indicator

Thanks,
Reza Dorrani, MVP
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watch?v=gb_FUeRjgg4

Doreen_Lam1 · ‎01-29-2022

Hi Reza,

I am trying to build a multi step approval, i.e. a requestor sends a purchase order request. Once request is approved, the approver sends a copy of the purchase order which has been raised. The requestor then receives the invoice relating to the purchase order and then has to resubmit for approval. The approver matches the invoice to the PO on the accounting system and needs to send confirmation the invoice has been successfully allocated. I have tried several versions of when an item is created and modified but I get loops. Can you please help?

Anonymous · ‎11-30-2021

Reza, hi!
I have created the same multi-approval form, but it doesn't work, it shown as bad request: "The variable 'varApproval' of type 'Array' cannot be initialized or updated with value of type 'String'. The variable 'varApproval' only supports values of types 'Array'. Can you please advice me how can I fix it? Thanks in advance!