Flat Approval and Sequential Approval determine how requests are routed when multiple approvers are involved. The key difference is whether approvals can be performed simultaneously or must follow a predefined approval sequence. 

  • Flat Approval

  • Uses a single-level approval workflow. 

  • All assigned approvers receive the request at the same time.

  • Approval is not dependent on any specific order.

  • If multiple approvers are assigned, all approvers must approve the request before it is fully approved.

  • Suitable when all approvers have equal approval authority.

  • Sequential Approval

    • Uses a multi-level approval workflow. 

    • Approvers are arranged in a predefined order or hierarchy.

    • The request is routed to one approver at a time.

    • The next approver will only receive the request after the previous approver has approved it.

    • The process continues until all approval levels have been completed.

    • Suitable for organisations that require approvals to follow a chain of command.