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.