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Process Automation

Workflow Automation for Requests and Approvals

We turn paper and email-based requests and approvals into clear digital routes: online forms, rule-based routing, reminders and a live view of where every request sits — using tools such as Power Automate and n8n.

The problem

"Where's my request?" It's the question every organisation hears when internal requests run on email and paper forms.

A small purchase needs the manager, then finance, then procurement — and sits in someone's inbox for days. A leave request goes over WhatsApp and is forgotten. A new-hire form is printed, signed, scanned and emailed again. Nobody knows exactly whose desk a request is on, how long each approval takes, or where the delays keep happening.

The result: staff spend their time chasing by phone, managers sign without enough context, and leadership has no data to improve anything. Worse, without a clear record every internal audit or compliance check becomes a painful exercise.

Our solution

Workflow automation turns every internal request into a clear digital route: one online form, defined routing rules, automatic reminders and a full record of every step.

We simplify the route first

Before building anything we review the current approval chain. We often find approvals that can be dropped for small amounts, or steps run one after another that could run in parallel. We agree a clear delegation-of-authority matrix with you before automating.

Smart forms and automatic routing

We design bilingual Arabic/English forms that validate data as it's entered and pre-fill what's already known, such as employee or supplier details. Each request is then routed by rule — amount, department, request type.

Reminders and escalation

Approvers are notified by email, Microsoft Teams or WhatsApp, whichever suits your organisation, and can approve from their phone. If a request passes its deadline, it's escalated or the approver is reminded automatically.

A live dashboard and data to improve

A dashboard shows the status of every request, average approval time and where delays recur — so you improve the process based on evidence rather than impressions.

Tools that fit your environment

We work with Microsoft Power Automate for organisations built on Microsoft 365, and with tools such as n8n when self-hosting and full data control are priorities. We choose the tool after understanding the process and your environment, not before — and we make sure your team can adjust simple forms and rules themselves without calling us for every small change.

When we add other tools

If a workflow needs to key data into a legacy system, we add an RPA bot. If it must sync with ERP or CRM, we use systems integration. To generate letters and contracts from an approved request, we use document automation.

This service is part of our business process automation practice. For ideas on where to start, read 10 processes you can automate today.

What you get

  • Current and simplified request-route maps
  • Agreed delegation-of-authority matrix
  • Bilingual online forms with built-in data validation
  • Automated workflows with notifications and escalation
  • Dashboard for request status and approval times
  • User training and a workflow administration guide

Timeline

  1. 1

    Discovery 1 week

    We map current request routes and pinpoint delays and unnecessary approvals.

  2. 2

    Simplification and design 2 weeks

    We agree the new route and authority matrix, and design forms and rules.

  3. 3

    Build and test 2–4 weeks

    We build the workflows and test them with a pilot group of users.

  4. 4

    Launch and adoption 2 weeks

    We roll out in stages, train users and track adoption and approval times.

Frequently asked questions

Which processes suit workflow automation?
Any process where a request moves between people or departments for review and approval: purchase requests, leave, onboarding, payment requests, IT requests and internal complaints. The more requests and approvers involved, the bigger the impact. We usually start with the process staff complain about most.
Do we need to buy Power Automate licences?
Not necessarily. If you already have Microsoft 365, some capability may already be included. In other cases an open-source tool such as n8n may fit better. We compare total cost of ownership before recommending anything, taking into account your team's ability to run it and where data is hosted.
Can approvers act from their phone or WhatsApp?
Yes. Approvers can review and approve on mobile via email or Teams, and WhatsApp notifications are possible depending on the tool and your internal policies. We make sure every approval is recorded in the system, not in a side conversation.
How do we make sure staff actually use it?
We involve users in designing the forms, make the new way genuinely easier than the old one, and roll out in stages with short, practical training. We also agree with leadership to retire the old channels after a clear transition period.

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Ready to simplify your processes?

Book a free 30-minute consultation. We will map one process with you and show where the savings are, with no obligation.