An alternate approver can act on behalf of a main approver if an alternate approver is designated for a specific approval rule.
Functionally, main approvers and alternate approvers have the same authority. By default, the main approvers get an alert and the alternates do not. However, if you wish, you can also allow alternate approvers to receive alerts in order to expedite the approval process.
To have alternates receive an alert, go to "Manage Branch", click on "approvals" on the left hand side, add or edit an approval rule, click on the "Add alternate approver" button and select the "Notify" option next to it.
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