Can I notify Content Approvers when a content channel item is Pending Approval?

Question

As of Rock 16.6 there is are no automatic Pending Approval Notifications. Is there any way I can send a reminder or notification for the approvers to review the content items?

Answer 1

While there isn’t an automatic way to notify approvers when a content channel item requires approval, you can schedule a communication that pulls information from a data view of the content channel.

You'll need to set up a few items:

1. Create a data view that Applies To: Content Channel Item. Show if all of the following are True: Filter for Content Channel Item Field "Status"-Pending; Filter for Content Channel (choose a specific one).

2. Create a new System Communication that includes the following lava:

{% contentchannelitem dataview:'925' %}
There are {{contentchannelitemItems | Size}} <b>Newsletter Items</b> that need to be reviewed for Approval, or Denied:<br><br>
    {% for item in contentchannelitemItems %}
    {{ item.Title }} <br />
    {% endfor %}
{% endcontentchannelitem %}</b>

3. Update the data view number in the lava to match yours. This lava will return something like this in the communication:

There are 2 Newsletter Items that need to be reviewed for Approval, or Denied:

Guatemala Mission Trip
5 Point Youth

You can also add a direct link to the content channel, for easy access.

4. Add a group where you can add the people who will be responsible for approving the content item.

5. Add a new system Job. The Job Type will be "Send Group Email." Choose the group who will be approving. Choose the System Communication template you want to send. Schedule the Job.

This process will create a routine reminder for people who need to approve content. It works great for content for newsletters or other timely items.