---
title: Workflow Statuses Explained
description: "How record statuses and action states work in Symbiant, using Incidents as the example. ## Record Statuses Most modules have a **Status** field that shows where a record is in its workflow. For example, an incident moves from **Open** to…"
url: "https://support.symbiant.co.uk/kb/workflow-statuses-explained/"
updated: "2026-10-30"
category: User Basics
---

# Workflow Statuses Explained

How record statuses and action states work in Symbiant, using Incidents as the example.

## Record Statuses

Most modules have a **Status** field that shows where a record is in its workflow. For example, an incident moves from **Open** to **Under Investigation** to **Closed**.

To change a record's status, open the record, pick the new value in **Status** and save. See [Editing a Record](https://support.symbiant.co.uk/kb/editing-a-record/).

Statuses are coloured, and the colours are used on the dashboard charts and in the record grid so you can see progress at a glance.

## How Statuses Are Set Up (Administrators)

Each module's statuses are a dropdown list that administrators manage. In Incidents, select **Status** under **Incidents** in the left-hand menu. Each status has:

1. A **name**.
2. A **colour**, used in charts and grids.
3. A **sort order**, which sets the order in dropdowns and charts.
4. An **Open?** tick, which shows whether records with this status still count as open.

![The Incident Statuses list](https://support.symbiant.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/workflow-statuses-explained-01-status-list.png)

**Note:** Changing a status name or colour changes it for everyone. Some modules use status values in their reports, reminders or rules, so check with Symbiant Support before renaming or removing a status.

## Action States

Actions on the **Reviews & Actions** tab have their own state, which Symbiant sets for you:

| State | When |
| --- | --- |
| **Not Started** | The action has no due date yet |
| **In-Progress** | A due date has been set |
| **Complete** | **Implemented** has been ticked |

![An action marked Implemented and showing Complete](https://support.symbiant.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/action-progress-updates-and-comments-04-implemented.png)

See [Reviews & Actions](https://support.symbiant.co.uk/kb/reviews-actions/) for more.

## Other Modules

Some modules have their own status logic, for example document approval. See [Document Status Logic](https://support.symbiant.co.uk/kb/document-status-logic/).

## Related Articles

- [Editing a Record](https://support.symbiant.co.uk/kb/editing-a-record/)
- [Reviews & Actions](https://support.symbiant.co.uk/kb/reviews-actions/)
- [Document Status Logic](https://support.symbiant.co.uk/kb/document-status-logic/)