# Approval matrix and exception test sheet

Ops Automators | Updated September 7, 2026

Use your organization's actual authority policy. Example routes are illustrative. Record request versions and test stale links, duplicate decisions, and absent approvers.

Guide: https://www.opsautomators.com/guides/approval-workflow-design

## Worked example

| Condition / test | Authorized route | Required evidence | Timeout / delegation rule | Expected decision or action | Owner | Observed evidence |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Standard request | Budget owner | Complete request | Registered delegate if absent | Pending until valid decision |  |  |
| Outside authority | Additional authorized approver | Required supporting record | Policy-owner escalation | No action without approval |  |  |
| Changed after approval | Reapproval of new version | Changed fields | Old links invalid | No action on stale approval |  |  |
| Duplicate click | Same authorized decision | Decision record | No new execution | One destination action |  |  |
| Timeout after action | Operator reconciliation | Destination reference | Inspect before retry | No duplicate execution |  |  |

## Blank brief

### Condition / test

[Complete this field.]

### Authorized route

[Complete this field.]

### Required evidence

[Complete this field.]

### Timeout / delegation rule

[Complete this field.]

### Expected decision or action

[Complete this field.]

### Owner

[Complete this field.]

### Observed evidence

[Complete this field.]


## Acceptance

- Owner:
- Date:
- Evidence:
- Open decisions: