Managing Workflow Tasks: How and When to Skip a Task in Tropic

Requires the following user role:  Owner Platform Member Department Admin

Overview

Owners, Platform Members, and Department Admins can skip tasks assigned to them. Owners can also re-open tasks skipped by other users. This guide explains how to skip a task in Tropic, when it’s appropriate to skip a task, and the implications of doing so.

What Are the Implications of Skipping a Task?

Before deciding to skip a task, consider the broader impact on the workflow:

For example, other tasks may be dependent on yours or unable to commence until yours is addressed. Therefore, it's essential to consider the impact on other tasks before skipping yours. 

• Task Dependencies: Some tasks may depend on yours for activation. If skipped, these dependent tasks might not become visible or actionable.
• Workflow Continuity: Tasks within workflows may follow specific rules. Skipping tasks could interrupt workflows where multiple criteria determine subsequent steps.
• Compliance and Legal: Completing tasks ensures adherence to procurement policies, regulations, and legal requirements.
• Audit Trail: Skipping a task is recorded for transparency and accountability.
• Risk Management: Completing tasks allows for thorough risk assessment and mitigation.
• Process Quality: Tasks play a role in maintaining standards and efficiency

Why Skip a Task?

While it's important for auditing purposes to complete tasks, there may be instances where skipping a task is considered. These instances include:

• Task was already completed outside of Tropic.
• Task was already approved outside of Tropic.
• Task is not necessary for the current request.

What Skipping a Task Does Not Do? 

• Skipping a task does not mark it as completed.
• It may impact downstream task visibility or progression based on workflow configuration.

Important Considerations Before Skipping a Task

• Ensure skipping the task will not impact dependent tasks or disrupt key workflow steps.
• Review workflow requirements before skipping to maintain process integrity.

How to Skip a Task

From Email:

• Click View Task

• The task will display automatically
• Click the ellipsis […] and select Skip Task

From Tropic Platform

• Click Requests and select the Request that contains the task.
• Click Workflow Tasks tab
• Select the task you want to skip and click the  ellipsis […].
• Click Skip Task.

Additional Resources

To learn more about tasks and workflows, visit our Help Center.