Workflow Backlog

Overview

The Workflow Backlog dashboard provides a centralized view of outstanding supplier-related tasks across your organization. It helps teams monitor pending submittals, identify bottlenecks, and prioritize actions to keep workflows moving efficiently.

By visualizing backlog data across time periods, workflow steps, and functional areas, users can quickly assess where delays are occurring and take corrective action.

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Why Workflow Backlog Matters

For Operations & Procurement Teams

Using the Workflow Backlog dashboard helps you:

• Gain visibility into pending supplier actions across all stages
• Identify aging backlog items (30, 60, 90+ days)
• Prioritize follow-ups based on urgency
• Improve cycle times and workflow efficiency

For Leadership

It provides:

• A high-level view of process health
• Insight into where approvals or reviews are slowing down
• Data to support process improvements and accountability

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Key Dashboard Components

1. Actors Count by Period

This chart shows the distribution of backlog items by aging buckets:

• D30 (0–30 days)
• D60 (31–60 days)
• D90 (90+ days)

How to use it:

• Quickly assess how much of your backlog is aging
• A higher percentage in D90 indicates potential process delays
• Compare trends over time to measure improvement

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2. Submittals Pending Summary

This section highlights the total number of pending items by aging category:

• Submittals Pending 30 days
• Submittals Pending 60 days
• Submittals Pending 90 days

How to use it:

• Click “Click to view” to drill into detailed records
• Focus on older items (60/90 days) to reduce backlog risk

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3. Actors Count by Steps

This chart breaks down backlog by workflow step (e.g., AP Governance, Supplier Management Review).

How to use it:

• Identify which workflow steps have the highest backlog
• Detect process bottlenecks (e.g., review or approval stages)
• Allocate resources or adjust workflows accordingly

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4. Actors Count by Functional Area

This chart groups backlog by business or functional area.

How to use it:

• Understand which departments are contributing most to backlog
• Spot imbalances across teams
• Support targeted process improvements

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Filters and Controls

At the top of the dashboard, you can refine your view using:

• Step Filter – Focus on a specific workflow stage
• Supplier Filter – View backlog for specific suppliers or all suppliers
• Export/Print Option – Share or download dashboard insights

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Best Practices for Managing Backlog

To keep workflows efficient:

• Regularly review D60 and D90 aging items
• Assign clear ownership for each workflow step
• Use filters to focus on high-priority suppliers or stages
• Investigate recurring bottlenecks and adjust workflows

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How Workflow Backlog Fits into the Process

Workflow backlog is a critical part of the broader procurement and supplier management lifecycle. It provides visibility into the approval and review stages, which are often where delays occur in real-world processes.

When backlog is actively managed, organizations can ensure smoother transitions between steps—from submission to approval—reducing operational friction and improving overall efficiency.

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Next Steps

• Use the dashboard regularly to monitor backlog health
• Drill into aging items and take action
• Align teams around reducing delays in key workflow steps