Comparing leave request and approval workflows

Apps365 describes a SharePoint-based system within Microsoft 365 that centralises requests, approvals and records. Employees can submit requests, view balances and track approvals in real time, while managers and HR monitor schedules. Automated workflows and notifications support the process, but the described route does not name who approves a request or in what order.

HRSimplified specifies a two-step route: an employee’s request goes to their manager, then moves to the Leave Processing menu for final approval by an HR executive. Turning off the two-step feature changes the route to single-step approval. Unlike the Apps365 description, HRSimplified identifies the approval hand-offs.

Dynamics 365 Human Resources allows a workflow to define tasks, who completes them, and who can approve or reject requests. It can route by reason code or leave type: for example, a sick leave request with the reason code Surgery can go to HR, while other reason codes go to the manager. Requests submitted on an employee’s behalf by HR or a manager can also be automatically approved.

The clearest contrast is routing: HRSimplified gives a named manager-then-HR sequence, while Dynamics 365 Human Resources describes configurable conditional and automatic routes. Apps365 describes centralised visibility and automation but does not specify its approver sequence. The descriptions therefore identify different workflow designs, not comparative approval outcomes.

Dynamics 365 Human Resources assigns both a leave request status and a workflow status. Its listed request statuses include Draft, Submitted, Denied and Approved. Apps365 describes real-time approval tracking without naming statuses, while HRSimplified describes where a request goes without listing status labels.

A manual route can mean requests arriving by email or chat while leave is tracked in a shared spreadsheet. Missed requests, conflicting formulas and forgotten updates are problems associated with this approach; Apps365 instead describes centralised requests and records.

For businesses using an external payroll system, HRSimplified offers a configuration to disable the Apply for Leave and Apply for Claims buttons, so employees do not submit requests in two places and data is processed in the payroll system. The described Apps365 workflow does not specify a payroll hand-off.

When assessing a configured route, look for clear decision ownership, exception handling, record accuracy and effort required to correct an error. The descriptions do not specify what happens when a manager is away, leave requests overlap or a request changes; they also do not identify escalation, delegation or correction-history options.