🔄 Workflow & Approval System
MongoDB Minute includes a comprehensive 3-stage workflow system designed to ensure content quality through technical review and approval.
Workflow Overview
Workflow Stages
1. Draft Stage
Status: Initial creation and editing phase
Available Actions:
- Edit all episode content
- Add metadata and social links
- Submit for technical review
Who Can Act:
- Content creators
- All authenticated users
What Happens:
- Episode is created with workflow tracking initialized
- Creator information is recorded
- Initial history entry is created
2. Tech Review Stage
Status: Awaiting technical accuracy review
Available Actions:
- Approve episode (moves to Approved)
- Request changes (returns to Draft with notes)
Who Can Act:
- Technical reviewers
- All authenticated users
What Happens:
- Episode appears in review queue
- Reviewer evaluates technical accuracy
- Review notes are recorded
- Decision is logged in workflow history
3. Approved Stage
Status: Final approval, ready for video recording
Available Actions:
- Record video
- Update video URL
- Publish episode
Who Can Act:
- Content creators
- Administrators
What Happens:
- Episode is locked for quality
- Ready for video production
- QR code can be generated
Using the Workflow Panel
The workflow panel appears on every episode edit page, showing:
Visual Progress Stepper
Color-coded stages:
- Draft: Grey (#5F6C76)
- Tech Review: Blue (#0077B5)
- Approved: Green (#00684A)
Stage-Specific Actions
Draft Stage
"Submit for Review" Button
- Moves episode to Tech Review stage
- Records submission timestamp
- Adds entry to workflow history
- Triggers notification in review queue
Tech Review Stage
"Approve" Button
- Opens approval dialog
- Optional notes field
- Moves episode to Approved stage
- Records reviewer information
"Request Changes" Button
- Opens feedback dialog
- Required notes field
- Returns episode to Draft stage
- Notifies creator of requested changes
Approved Stage
Completion Indicator
- Shows approval timestamp
- Displays approver information
- Indicates readiness for recording
Workflow History Timeline
Complete audit trail showing:
- Action Types: Created, submitted, approved, changes requested
- User Attribution: Name and email for each action
- Timestamps: When each action occurred
- Notes: Review feedback and comments
Review Queue
The admin dashboard includes a review queue for managing pending reviews.
Accessing the Review Queue
- Navigate to Admin Dashboard
- Click "Review Queue" button (shows notification badge with count)
- View table of episodes pending review
Review Queue Features
- Episode Information: Title, category, submitter
- Submission Date: When episode was submitted
- One-Click Access: Direct link to review page
- Top 5 Display: Shows most recent with indicator if more exist
Reviewing an Episode
- Click episode title in review queue
- Review all content sections
- Check technical accuracy
- Verify script timing (~60 seconds)
- Choose action:
- Approve: If content is accurate and ready
- Request Changes: If revisions are needed
Requesting Changes
When requesting changes:
- Click "Request Changes" button
- Enter detailed feedback in notes field
- Submit changes request
- Episode returns to Draft stage
- Creator receives notification
Best Practices for Feedback:
- Be specific about what needs to change
- Reference exact sections or lines
- Provide examples when helpful
- Be constructive and clear
Approval Process
Approving an Episode
- Review episode content thoroughly
- Verify technical accuracy
- Check script structure and timing
- Click "Approve" button
- Add optional notes
- Confirm approval
After Approval
- Episode moves to Approved stage
- Ready for video recording
- QR code can be generated
- Workflow history updated
- Creator can proceed with production
Workflow Permissions
Currently, all authenticated users can:
- Submit episodes for review
- Perform technical reviews
- Approve episodes
- Request changes
Role-based permissions (reviewer, approver) are planned for Phase 2.
Workflow Best Practices
For Content Creators
- Complete Before Submitting: Ensure all sections are filled
- Self-Review: Check for typos and clarity
- Test Timing: Read script aloud to verify ~60 seconds
- Be Responsive: Address review feedback promptly
- Iterate: Use feedback to improve content
For Reviewers
- Review Promptly: Check queue regularly
- Be Thorough: Verify technical accuracy
- Provide Clear Feedback: Specific, actionable notes
- Be Constructive: Help creators improve
- Approve When Ready: Don't over-request changes
Workflow History
Every workflow action is recorded with:
- Action: Type of action performed
- Stage: Workflow stage at time of action
- User: Name and email of person who acted
- Timestamp: When action occurred
- Notes: Any comments or feedback
This creates a complete audit trail for accountability and process improvement.
Troubleshooting
Episode Stuck in Review
- Check if reviewer has been assigned
- Verify episode is in Tech Review stage
- Contact reviewer directly if needed
Changes Requested Multiple Times
- Review feedback carefully
- Address all points mentioned
- Ask for clarification if needed
- Consider scheduling a review session
Approval Not Working
- Verify you're authenticated
- Check episode is in Tech Review stage
- Ensure all required fields are complete
- Try refreshing the page
Next Steps
- Learn about Admin Features
- Review API Reference for workflow endpoints
- Explore Deployment Guide