---
sourceDocument: Yokohama Build workflows
sourceDocumentLink: https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/r/yokohama/build-workflows

 Release :

    - yokohama

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Yokohama Build workflows

ft:clusterId :

    - crworkflow

bundleId :

    - crworkflow

workflow :

    - Creator


---

# Approval rules

# Approval rules {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Yokohama  
Updated January 30, 2025  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read  
Many organizations rely on an approval process to ensure that requests are reasonable
and fit an organization's budget.  
Important:  
Classic approval rules have been replaced by the Workflow Studio [Ask for Approval action](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/eNjrggHQNOdpv8E3iNKJ4w "Request approval for a record with an approval field. You can configure a rule set for an approval, rejection, or cancellation. If a due date is added to an approval, the approval is automatically approved, rejected, or canceled if the approvers have not responded by the designated time."). Use Workflow Studio to create workflow-driven approval logic that is easier to maintain and provides better reporting information.  
The service catalog can use these classes of approvals:

* Gating approvals: Must occur before a request can be initiated. For example, allow a manager to reject an employee's request for a company car. To learn more about gating approvals, see [Gating approvals](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/VSzVNMicgaOuLFJjIbsn3w "A gating approval acts as a gate through which a request must pass before it can start.").
* Process approvals: Take place within an execution plan process that has been initiated. For example, allow the security group to reject a request for access to SSN even though the employee's manager approved it. To learn more about process approvals, see [Process approvals](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/ZRbPLMKkiaBB5XYef3bLXQ "Once a request has passed its gating approvals, any relevant execution plans are initiated.").

{#c_ApprovalRules__ul_stm_b4d_b2c}  
Note:  
To enable approval processes to operate smoothly, make sure that the appropriate users have the correct role, and that the role grants access to the necessary tables for users in all the relevant departments and domains.