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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Questions or need help?

Our customer support is always available to help with any questions or setup assistance

Contact us

Email: 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

We look forward to hearing from you.

Updated on: 29/05/2026