What is an Approval Process and how do you configure one?

An Approval Process routes records through a defined approval chain. Configuration steps:

1. Define entry criteria (conditions a record must meet to be submitted).
2. Set up approval steps — each with an assigned approver (user, queue, related user field, or role).
3. Configure approval actions (field updates, emails, tasks) and rejection actions.
4. Set up recall actions for when the submitter withdraws the request.
5. Choose whether approvers can edit records during the process. Records in an approval process are locked from editing. Approvers can act via email (one-click approve/reject) or via the approval queue in Salesforce. Multiple steps can require unanimous or first-response approval.