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Stages

Policy stages define the steps required to complete a governance workflow. Each stage can have custom fields, validators, and approval logic.

Stage Components​

Custom Fields​

Build dynamic forms for each stage with various field types:

Text Fields​

  • text: Single-line text input
  • textarea: Multi-line text input
  • richtext: Rich text editor with formatting

Selection Fields​

  • radio: Single selection from options
  • checkbox: Multiple selection from options
  • dropdown: Single selection dropdown
  • multiselect: Multiple selection dropdown

Data Fields​

  • number: Numeric input with min/max validation
  • date: Date picker
  • datetime: Date and time picker
  • url: URL input with validation
  • email: Email input with validation

File Fields​

  • file upload: Upload documents, images, or other files

Field Validation​

Ensure data quality with validation rules:

  • Required Fields: Mark fields as mandatory
  • Regex Patterns: Validate format (e.g., phone numbers, IDs)
  • Min/Max Values: Set bounds for numeric inputs
  • Custom Validators: Write JavaScript validators for complex rules
  • Conditional Logic: Show/hide fields based on other field values

Field Help Text​

Provide guidance for completing each field:

  • Inline help text below field
  • Tooltip on hover
  • Examples of valid input
  • Links to documentation

Validators and Approvers​

Validator Types​

Assign different types of validators to stages:

Individual Validators​

  • Assign specific user by email or ID
  • User receives notification when stage ready
  • Only assigned user can approve

Role-Based Validators​

  • Assign by role (Admin, Developer, etc.)
  • Any user with that role can approve
  • Flexible as team membership changes

Group Validators​

  • Assign a group of users
  • Configure approval logic (see below)
  • Useful for committee approvals

Approval Logic​

For group validators, configure how approvals work:

  • All Must Approve: Every group member must approve (unanimous)
  • Any Can Approve: First approval completes stage (any one)
  • Majority Vote: More than 50% must approve
  • Quorum: Minimum number of approvals required (e.g., 3 of 5)

Delegation​

Allow validators to delegate approval authority:

  • Enable delegation in stage settings
  • Validator can assign to another user
  • Delegation is logged in audit trail
  • Original validator remains responsible

Escalation​

Automatically escalate stages that aren't completed on time:

  • Set SLA time for stage completion (hours)
  • Configure escalation path (e.g., to manager)
  • Send escalation notifications
  • Log escalations in audit trail

Stage Workflow​

Sequential Stages​

Stages complete one after another:

  1. Stage 1 completes → Stage 2 begins
  2. Stage 2 completes → Stage 3 begins
  3. And so on...

Best For: Linear approval processes, dependent stages

Parallel Stages​

Multiple stages run simultaneously:

  • Stage 1, 2, and 3 all begin at once
  • All must complete before proceeding
  • Faster overall completion time

Best For: Independent reviews (security, legal, technical)

Mixed Workflow​

Combine sequential and parallel stages:

  1. Stage 1 (sequential)
  2. Stages 2 & 3 (parallel)
  3. Stage 4 (sequential, after 2 & 3 complete)

Best For: Complex workflows with dependencies

Stage States​

Each stage can be in one of these states:

  • Not Started: Stage hasn't begun yet
  • In Progress: Stage active, waiting for completion
  • Pending Approval: Submitted, waiting for validator
  • Approved: Validator approved, stage complete
  • Denied: Validator rejected, needs revision
  • Conditionally Approved: Approved with conditions
  • Skipped: Stage was optional and skipped

Best Practices​

Keep Stages Focused​

  • Each stage should have a clear purpose
  • Avoid combining unrelated reviews in one stage
  • Break complex stages into smaller steps

Set Realistic SLAs​

  • Consider validator availability
  • Allow time for thorough review
  • Build in buffer for delays

Provide Clear Instructions​

  • Use help text to guide users
  • Provide examples for each field
  • Link to relevant documentation

Use Parallel Stages​

  • Run independent reviews in parallel
  • Reduce overall workflow time
  • Improve efficiency
tip

Start with simple sequential stages and add complexity as needed. Most policies can be implemented with 2-4 well-designed stages.