> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://developer.collibra.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://developer.collibra.com/workflows/out-of-the-box-workflows-walk-throughs/escalation-process.md).

# Escalation Process

This process is the default mechanism for the escalation of user tasks in workflows.

![](/files/QQGHI6cXOiA59V0A666e)

## Roles

| Role             | Task                                                | Required |
| ---------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | -------- |
| Business Steward | <ul><li>Reassign the task</li></ul>                 | Yes      |
| Business Steward | <ul><li>Receive mail to reassign the task</li></ul> | Yes      |

## Workflow status transformations

No status transformations happen within this process.

## Start the workflow

The workflow starts automatically when a user task is not completed before the escalation deadline. The deadline is determined by the value of the user task **EscalationDuration** variable. For more information about user task generated variables, see [View and edit workflow definition settings](/workflows/managing-workflows-in-collibra/view-and-edit-workflow-definition-settings.md).

{% hint style="info" %}
If the user task has a timer boundary event attached, Collibra does not generate the **EscalationDuration** and **EscalationType** variables, so this workflow does not start. Handle escalation manually through the timer boundary event instead.
{% endhint %}

## Mail escalation

When the escalation type of the user task is set to `mail` via the **EscalationType** variable, each user who is assigned that task is emailed a warning that the task is about to expire and that an action is required from their part. If no action is taken within the time set by the **mailNotifyDuration** variable, the users identified by the **mailToUserExpression** variable are notified via email to reassign the user task.

## Reassign escalation

When the escalation type of the user task is `reassign`, the **mailToUserExpression** users are assigned a task to reassign the escalated user task.

{% hint style="info" %}
Since the "Reassign Task" is a user task, it is also governed by the escalation process.
{% endhint %}

## Resolution

If the escalated user task is resolved before it is reassigned, the process ends.