Escalation Configuration
Configure automatic escalation for overdue approvals to prevent invoice processing delays.
How Escalation Works
Section titled “How Escalation Works”The system implements a multi-stage escalation process:
- Invoice enters pending approval state
- After configured timeout, a reminder notification is sent to the original approver
- If still pending, escalation occurs to a backup approver
- Further delays trigger additional escalation levels
Global Escalation Settings
Section titled “Global Escalation Settings”Access Tapr Settings > Workflow tab to configure:
| Setting | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Enable Escalation | Activate/deactivate feature | Enabled |
| Reminder After | Hours before first notification | 24 hours |
| Escalate After | Hours before escalation triggers | 48 hours |
| Max Escalation Levels | Number of escalation steps | 2 |
Escalation Path
Section titled “Escalation Path”The hierarchy proceeds through:
- Level 0: Original approver receives initial assignment
- Level 1: Email reminder sent to original approver
- Level 2: Escalates to designated backup approver
- Level 3: Escalates to approver’s manager
- Level 4: Final escalation to AP manager
Setting Up Backup Approvers
Section titled “Setting Up Backup Approvers”Per-user configuration: Navigate to user settings, open the approver’s profile, set the backup approver field, and save.
Per-rule configuration: Access approval rules, edit the specific rule, set the escalation approver field, and save.
Amount-Based Escalation
Section titled “Amount-Based Escalation”High-value invoices receive accelerated timelines. For example, invoices exceeding $50,000 might trigger reminders after 4 hours and escalation after 8 hours, compared to standard 24-48 hour delays.
Monitoring Escalations
Section titled “Monitoring Escalations”Access Reports > Escalation Dashboard to view:
- Currently escalated invoices
- Average approval times by approver
- Escalation frequency patterns
- Process bottleneck identification
Best Practices
Section titled “Best Practices”- Establish realistic timeframes accounting for workload and time zones
- Use reminders before escalation to give approvers response opportunities
- Ensure clear backup approver assignments for absence coverage
- Monitor escalation metrics to identify systemic issues
- Communicate policy expectations to all approvers