# How does invoice approval workflow automation work?
Invoice approval workflow automation routes invoices to the right approvers based on predefined business rules without manual intervention. The system: captures invoice data, applies routing rules based on criteria (amount, department, vendor, GL account), sends to appropriate approver(s) via email or portal, escalates if not approved within time limits, supports multi-level approvals for high-value invoices, allows approvers to approve, reject, or request more info from any device, maintains complete audit trail of all actions, and automatically moves approved invoices to payment queue. Advanced systems use AI to learn approval patterns and predict optimal routes. Benefits include faster approvals (hours instead of weeks), full visibility, no lost invoices, and compliance with approval policies.
## Key Takeaways
- Invoice approval workflow automation routes invoices to the right approvers based on predefined business rules without manual intervention.
- The system: captures invoice data, applies routing rules based on criteria (amount, department, vendor, GL account), sends to appropriate approver(s) via email or portal, escalates if not approved within time limits, supports multi-level approvals for high-value invoices, allows approvers to approve, reject, or request more info from any device, maintains complete audit trail of all actions, and automatically moves approved invoices to payment queue.
- Advanced systems use AI to learn approval patterns and predict optimal routes.
## Related Topics
- invoice approval
- approval workflow
- invoice routing
- automated approval