> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.digitalpurchaseorder.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Bypass Approval Levels

With the “Approval Bypass” function, a user can automatically skip lower approval levels. The approval workflow will then start directly at the approval level assigned to the user who created the document.

### **Video Tutorial**
Prefer a visual walkthrough? Watch our video tutorial to learn **how to Bypass Approval Levels** in DPO.

${frame}[](https://www.youtube.com/embed/X5fV6JMBvak)


### **Why use the bypass function?**

The bypass function:
* reduces unnecessary approvals
* speeds up approval workflows
* keeps approval chains transparent
* allows senior users to skip lower approval levels

###### Important Notes

* The bypass setting is configured individually per user
* It should only be assigned to authorized roles
* All approvals and skipped levels remain fully traceable in the workflow history


###### User-specific settings

This option is **not global**; it is configured individually for each user.
Whether a user may **skip approval levels** can be set per person.
* **Default:** “Do not bypass”
* **Recommendation:** Assign this permission only to senior or responsible roles (e.g., project management, accounting) to ensure workflow security and traceability.


### Temporary Use of Bypass

| Tip: The bypass function can also be enabled temporarily for special cases.

Example:
* A CEO creates a P.O., Invoice or Topsheet and **should approve it directly without requiring approvals** from lower approval levels.

In this case:
* the bypass function can be **enabled temporarily**
* the user can **create and approve the document at the same time**

After the approval is completed, it is **recommended to disable the bypass setting again** if it was only needed for a one-time scenario.
The bypass **setting can be turned on and off at any time**.


### **How to activate the bypass function**

1. Go to ***Settings → Users***
2. Click the **pencil icon** next to the desired user
3. Open the ***Approval Levels*** tab
4. Under ***Approval Bypass***, you will find the bypass options for:
* **P.O.s**
* **Invoices**
* **Expenses**

5. Select the desired setting:
* **To the user’s lowest approval level** → ideal for short approval chains.
* **To the user’s highest approval level** → ideal for long approval chains.



![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/7/e/f/8/7ef8b3dbb012a000/screenshot-2026-05-27-at-12275_13vqq7e.png =1029xauto)




###### Example – How the Bypass Works

**Important:**
* The user with the bypass setting enabled must be the creator of the P.O., invoice or Topsheet.
The workflow will then start at the user’s assigned approval level.

**Example 1: User on the Final Approval Level**
A workflow contains:
* Level 1
* Level 2
* Level 3
* Level 4
* Level 5
The user creating the P.O., invoice or Topsheet is assigned to:
* **Level 5**
and has bypass enabled.


![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/7/e/f/8/7ef8b3dbb012a000/screenshot-2026-05-27-at-12295_vskj02.png =1067xauto)



**Result**
The system automatically skips:
* Level 1
* Level 2
* Level 3
* Level 4
The user only needs to approve the P.O., invoice or Topsheet on:
* **Level 5**


![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/7/e/f/8/7ef8b3dbb012a000/screenshot-2026-05-27-at-12303_1tbck10.png =1096xauto)


###### Example 2: User on Level 3
A workflow contains:
* Level 1
* Level 2
* Level 3
* Level 4
* Level 5
The user creating the P.O., invoice or Topsheet is assigned to:
* **Level 3**
and has bypass enabled.


![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/7/e/f/8/7ef8b3dbb012a000/screenshot-2026-05-27-at-12312_4xnc7p.png =1047xauto)



**Result**
The system automatically skips:
* Level 1
* Level 2
The approval workflow starts directly at:
* **Level 3**
Afterwards:
* Level 4
* Level 5
still need to approve the document.


![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/7/e/f/8/7ef8b3dbb012a000/screenshot-2026-05-27-at-12320_1mrux9f.png =1075xauto)




${color}[#0d5068](**Questions or need help?**)
*Our customer support is always available to help with any questions or setup assistance*

**Contact us**
**Email**: [support@digitalpurchaseorder.com](mailto:support@digitalpurchaseorder.com)
Support: __+1 888 DPO 7254__
Support Int'l: +44 20 331 88 338
Berlin Office: +49 (0)30 55 572 5956

[Or book a personalized support call](https://calendly.com/d/gpk-ppc-rjg)
We look forward to hearing from you.