Runbook approval process

The runbook approval process offers control over the publication of runbooks. This is beneficial if a mandatory review process is necessary, if prematurely released runbooks could be harmful, or when auditable information on the publication is required.

Figure 1. Runbook approval process

Runbook approval process

Figure 1 illustrates the states and transitions of the runbook approval process. If the approval process is enabled, it is not possible to directly publish a runbook. Instead an option to submit the runbook is displayed. The following options are then available:

List all runbooks that need approval

  1. Go to the runbook library page.

  2. From the Status filter drop-down menu, select Approval pending.

  3. All runbooks for which approval is pending are shown.

List all runbooks that are approved

  1. Go to the runbook library page.

  2. From the Status filter drop-down menu, select Approved.

  3. All approved runbooks are shown.

Note: You can also filter for a status of Approval expired and Approval rejected.

Submit a runbook draft for approval

  1. Create or edit a runbook and click Submit for approval.

  2. Select a user from the approver list, then click Submit.

The runbook is now in a pending state. It can no longer be edited, except for changes to its state.

Cancel a pending runbook approval

  1. Locate the runbook on the runbook library page.

  2. Click the menu overflow icon (three dots at the end of the row) and select Remove approval.

The runbook is now in normal draft mode and can be edited. The assignee can no longer approve or reject the runbook.

Approve a runbook

Only the assigned person from the submission can approve a runbook.

  1. Locate the runbook on the runbook library page.

  2. Click the menu overflow icon (three dots at the end of the row) and select Review runbook.

  3. Review the runbook details.

  4. Click Approve runbook.

The runbook now has a status of approved, which is the default for execution. New drafts can be created. Information pertaining to the approval assignee and timestamp is stored within the runbook.

Reject a runbook

Only the assigned person from the submission can reject a runbook.

  1. Locate the runbook on the runbook library page.

  2. Click the menu overflow icon (three dots at the end of the row) and select Review runbook.

  3. Review the runbook details.

  4. Click Reject.

The runbook now has a status of rejected and can be edited again. Information pertaining to the approval assignee and timestamp is stored within the runbook until a new draft version is created and the old information is deleted.