Automate changing the status of tasks

Status actions explained

Status actions in Tallyfy do one thing - they automatically re-open a step (task) that was already marked as complete. The target task must already be complete for this to work. If it’s still open or hasn’t started yet, nothing happens.

They’re particularly handy for:

• Approval/rejection steps - when something gets rejected, the previous step automatically re-opens so corrections can be made.
• Feedback loops - need to send a process back for revisions? Status actions handle the return trip.

Examples of status actions

Example 1: Re-open task after rejection

IF (Approval Decision field) is "Requires changes"
THEN re-open task "Make changes for next draft"

When reviewers request changes, that draft task opens right back up.

Example 2: Loop back if quality check fails

IF (Quality Check field) is "Failed"
THEN re-open task "Review product specifications"

This sends the process back to specification review whenever quality doesn’t pass.

Example 3: Handle document corrections

IF (Manager Approval field) is "Rejected"
THEN re-open task "Update documentation"

Manager says no? The documentation task re-opens automatically.

Completing step 2 automatically re-opens step 3 - that’s your process loop in action.

Important limitations

• Status actions can only re-open completed tasks. That’s their one job.
• They can’t complete, cancel, or modify tasks that are still open or not yet started.
• A status action can’t re-open the same task that triggered it - the target must be a different step.

Related articles

Examples > Multi-level approval loops

Set up approval chains where rejections automatically reopen earlier steps for corrections - with examples for financial, content, and contract workflows.

Automations > Actions

Automation actions in Tallyfy are the “THEN” part of IF-THEN rules - they automatically assign tasks, adjust deadlines, change status, control step visibility, or trigger webhooks when conditions are met.

Tasks > Complete or reopen tasks

Tallyfy tasks can be completed by clicking the checkmark icon in list views or using the Complete button within the task and can be reopened by clicking the Re-Open button with options to restrict completion to only assigned members through advanced settings.

Actions > Automate hiding or showing tasks

Use visibility actions to show or hide steps based on form values or task completion, creating sequential dependencies in your workflows.

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