Approval Workflow: End user functionality

Who are the end users?

End users are all the people who can participate in a workflow process (users, administrators requesting access to applications, authorities issuing an approval,...). End users are defined in an authoritative identity source, such as an LDAP directory or the SIB.

Web forms

All end-user requests and approvals are performed via web forms. No installation is needed on the end-user stations. The web form access is protected by authentication toward the authoritative identity source.

Starting a workflow process

The example shows a request for access to a new application.

A web form displays the list of
processes the end-user can start.
When one of these processes is
selected, a new web form is
displayed allowing the user to
request access to the new
application. Customized
information can also be displayed
to this end.

E-mail notification

Each end user is notified by e-mail about a new activity that needs to be performed. This e-mail contains the URL for the web form associated with this activity.

This web form is accessed after authentication.

The end users can also receive e-mail containing information about the processes they are involved in.

Executing activities

The illustration shows an approval being granted.

The web form provides the end user with a “to-do" list of the activities he or she has to carry out.

When an approval activity is selected, a new web form is displayed allowing the user to view and grant or reject an end-user request.

Progress monitoring

The end users can obtain information on the processes they have started, so they can know where each request is in the approval chain, and who is responsible for the current step(s).