approval workflow does not start

Question

Hi,

we face an issue regarding the publishing of main versions in SharePoint.

When a co-worker starts the workflow in e.g. a word document, the workflow does not start but the status changes from "Entwurf"(concept) to "Ausstehend" (outstanding).

When we start the workflow on SharePoint, there is not a problem. Regarding usability, how can I provide a solution for my co-workers so that the can start the workflow directly out of the document which needs to be approved?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

1.       Document is opened in Word desktop version from SharePoint

2.       Checkout document

3.       Work in document

4.       Check in

5.       Choose publish main version and click okay.

Can you assist? Many thanks!Stays in document

Document is outstanding in document library.

Workflow does not start and no E-Mail is  sent to the approver. If the person start it directly on SharePoint it is possible to start the workflow.

For me otherwise it is possible to start the workflow out of the document. We compared our settings but did not find any difference.

Answer 2

Hi Raphael,

May I know if further assistance is needed on this issue?

Thanks,

Cliff

Answer 3

Hi Raphael,

Thanks for your updates.

About “The use case is when I am in the document to check it in and to start the workflow at once. here the Status marks the start of the workflow, but the workflow does not start.”, do you not receive the task email in Outlook Web App?

If no, could you upload some screenshots showing the issue you are talking about?

Thanks,

Cliff

Answer 4

Hi Cliff,

we use the built-in approval workflow.

Everybody has permission to start the workflow and they are able to do so on SharePoint, when they go via the 3 dots to tue Publishing button. There is no issue.

The use case is when I am in the document to check it in and to start the workflow at once. here the Status marks the start of the workflow, but the workflow does not start.

Thanks for helping.

Answer 5

Hi Raphael,

I’d like to confirm whether you are using SharePoint Online or SharePoint Server. If you are using SharePoint Server, I suggest you post a new thread on our TechNet forum - SharePoint Server for expert help.

If you are using SharePoint Online, what approval workflow are you using , the built-in approval workflow or the customized approval workflow? Could you upload some screenshots showing the settings of the workflow you make and the symptom about “the workflow does not start but the status changes from ‘Entwurf’(concept) to ‘Ausstehend’ (outstanding).”?

Note: Remove any private information before uploading the screenshots.

Please check if the co-workers have the Edit permissions to run the workflow.

Thanks,

Cliff