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Term · 8. Approval Workflows

Approval Timeout

IDM/IGA Domain

Definition

Maximum time an approver has to respond before request escalates or auto-decides. Typical settings: 3-5 business days for non-urgent, 24 hours for production access. On timeout: escalate to manager's manager, route to deputy, or auto-deny (rarely auto-approve due to security risk).

Application
Configurable in IGA workflow engines. Reduces «approval limbo» — requests stuck waiting for unresponsive approvers. Metric: 95th percentile approval time per workflow type.