---
title: "Run a system"
description: "Start a run of a published system, follow it node by node, approve its sign-offs and cancel it when it is no longer needed."
url: "https://okido.io/en/docs/systems-decision-trees/run-a-system"
chapter: "Systems and decision trees"
chapterUrl: "https://okido.io/en/docs/systems-decision-trees.md"
plans: ["All plans"]
roles: "Everyone in the organization"
language: "en"
edition: "2026-10-23"
---

# Run a system

> Start a run of a published system, follow it node by node, approve its sign-offs and cancel it when it is no longer needed.

A run is one pass through a system, for example the launch of one new client. OKiDO works through the nodes in order: it starts the SOP runs, creates the tasks, and waits wherever a person has to approve or decide.

## Start a run

1. In the **Playbook**, open the folder and choose the system. You see its flow and, on the right, its **Recent Runs**.
2. Choose **Run System**.
   ![A published system with the Run System button](https://okido.io/docs/screenshots/en/system-overview.webp)
3. Enter a **Run Name**, such as the client's name. The newest published **Version** is already chosen.
   ![Starting a run of the system for a new client](https://okido.io/docs/screenshots/en/start-system-run.webp)
4. Choose **Start Run**.

The run opens and its first nodes start right away. You find every run on the **Runs** page, under **System Runs**.

## Follow a run

The run shows the system with its progress: a green frame around the nodes that are done, and a pulsing ring around a node that waits for a person. Above it you see the run's status and how far it has come.

![A running system: the checklist is done and the sign-off is waiting](https://okido.io/docs/screenshots/en/system-run-view.webp)

The tabs on the right show more:

- **Timeline**: everything that happened in the run, with the time.
- **Artifacts**: what the run created, such as SOP runs and tasks.
- **Variables**: the values the run works with.
- **Blocking**: why a node is waiting.

## Approve or reject a step

When a run reaches an **Approval** node, the approver gets a notification in the **Inbox**, under **Approvals Pending**. The notification opens the run.

1. In the run, choose the approval node with the pulsing ring.
2. Add a note if you like.
3. Choose **Approve** or **Reject**.
   ![The approval of a step, with a note](https://okido.io/docs/screenshots/en/system-approval.webp)

After an approval the run goes on with the next node. After a rejection the run stops at this node.

The approver set on the node (or a member of the approving team) can approve or reject it, and so can owners and admins.

## Cancel a run

1. Open the run and choose **Cancel Run** at the top.
2. Confirm with **Cancel Run**.

The run stops and shows as cancelled. Owners, admins and the person who started the run can cancel it.