Setting timeouts for automatic approving in advanced workflows

Advanced workflow allows you to define a timeout, after which the system automatically shifts a page in a certain step to the next step in the workflow process.

You have two options how to define a timeout:

• Set a timeout in a step’s properties
• Add a Wait step into the process

When you set a timeout for a specific step, you can ensure that pages won’t stay in the particular step longer than what is necessary. If nobody shifts a page to another step before the time expires, the system shifts it automatically. If you set a timeout for a step that creates multiple branches, you can choose the branch to continue in after the timeout expires. For all steps, you can also use a special timeout branch.

The Wait step acts as a stand-alone approval step, with one incoming and one outgoing connection. During the time a page is in this step, users can approve or reject it as they’re used to. After the specified timeout expires, the workflow process automatically continues in the next step.

Setting a timeout in a step’s properties

1. Edit () the step you want to set a timeout for.
2. Specify when you want to shift to the next step on the Timeout settings panel. You have two options:
   • Select Specific interval and specify a time interval. The time starts running when pages get approved to the step.
   • Select Specific day and choose the date and optionally the time when you want pages to shift to next step.
3. Select the step that you want the process to continue in after the timeout expires in the Leave through drop-down list. Note that besides the standard source points of the step you’re editing, the drop-down list offers an extra timeout source point.
4. Click Save and close the properties dialog.
5. If you selected the timeout source point in the Leave through drop-down list, connect another step to the source point.

Adding a wait step

1. Drag and drop the Wait step from the toolbar onto the grid.
2. Connect the step with a step that will precede it and with a step that will follow.
3. Open the step’s properties by clicking the Edit (pencil icon) button.
4. Specify when you want to shift to the next step. You have two options:
   • Select Specific interval and specify a time interval. The time starts running when pages get approved to the step.
   • Select Specific day and choose the date and optionally the time when you want pages to shift to next step.
5. Click Save.