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Project management

Project Approval Workflow: 7 Steps for Client Teams

Use this seven-step project approval workflow to make client decisions traceable, reduce waiting time and keep the approved version clear.

Published by Pactuno · Oct 19, 2026

Approvals are decisions with consequences

Use this seven-step project approval workflow to make client decisions traceable, reduce waiting time and keep the approved version clear. These practical steps keep teams aligned, reduce rework and create a clear record of work and decisions.

Define the decision

State the exact decision and what will happen after the response.

Attach the source

Link the design, plan or deliverable that needs a decision.

Name the approver

Identify the person with authority to decide.

Recommend an option

Explain the recommended route and meaningful trade-offs.

Set a deadline

Tie the due date to the delivery impact of delay.

Record the outcome

Capture approved, declined or changes requested with date and conditions.

Update the project

Make the decision update the relevant milestone, scope or document.

Separate review from approval

Feedback is not permission to proceed, so use clear states.

Keep a decision log

Record the approver, artifact, outcome and action in a short format.

Close the loop

Tell the team and client what happens next and link the approved version.

Use Pactuno as the shared record

Pactuno brings project delivery, documents, milestones and client context together for teams that need a clear operational view.