Build an Approval Workflow with Power Automate
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Build an Approval Workflow with Power Automate

Khawar HabibJune 18, 202535 min read55 min video

Create a multi-stage approval workflow in Power Automate. Handle approvals, rejections, reminders, and notifications with Microsoft Teams integration.

Introduction

Power Automate enables no-code/low-code workflow automation. In this tutorial, you'll build a multi-stage approval workflow that integrates with SharePoint and Microsoft Teams.

Step 1: Set Up the SharePoint List

Create a SharePoint list with columns for request details, status, approver, and comments. This serves as the data source for the workflow.

Step 2: Create the Flow Trigger

Set up a Power Automate flow that triggers when a new item is created in the SharePoint list.

Step 3: Configure the First Approval Stage

Add a "Start and wait for an approval" action. Configure the approval type (Approve/Reject), assignees, and details.

Step 4: Handle Approval Responses

Use a condition to check the approval outcome. Route the flow to different branches for approved and rejected requests.

Step 5: Add a Second Approval Stage

For approved requests, add a second-level approval with a different set of approvers (e.g., management chain).

Step 6: Send Teams Notifications

Integrate Microsoft Teams to send notifications at each stage — submission confirmation, approval/rejection notices, and final status.

Step 7: Add Reminder Logic

Configure a parallel branch with a delay to send reminder notifications if an approval is pending for more than 48 hours.

Step 8: Update SharePoint & Send Summary

Update the SharePoint list item with the final status, approver comments, and timestamps. Send a summary email to all stakeholders.

Power AutomateSharePointMicrosoft TeamsWorkflowNo-Code

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Chapters (8)

  1. 1

    Introduction to Power Automate

    Overview of Power Automate and approval workflows

    00:00
  2. 2

    SharePoint List Setup

    Create the data source for approval requests

    04:00
  3. 3

    Create the Flow

    Set up the trigger and basic flow structure

    10:00
  4. 4

    First Approval Stage

    Configure the initial approval action and assignees

    17:00
  5. 5

    Handle Responses

    Branch logic for approved and rejected outcomes

    24:00
  6. 6

    Second Approval Stage

    Add multi-level approval for management sign-off

    32:00
  7. 7

    Teams Notifications

    Send notifications to Teams channels and users

    40:00
  8. 8

    Reminders & Summary

    Add reminder logic and final status updates

    47:00

About the Author

KH

Khawar Habib

Microsoft MVP | AI Engineer

Software & AI Engineer specializing in Microsoft Azure, .NET, and cutting-edge AI technologies.

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