> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.elementum.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Getting Started > An overview of what it takes to build your first business workflow in Elementum. ## Prerequisites * An active Elementum account with access to an organization * A [CloudLink](/administration/setup-cloudlink) datasource configured in your organization * Basic understanding of your business process When onboarding to Elementum, your Elementum contact will help you with initial Cloudlink setup. ## How to Build Your First App Throughout these steps, we'll use an **Expense Approvals** app as a running example — employees submit expense reports, managers review and approve them, and finance processes the reimbursement. Go to Apps icon Apps in your dashboard and click Create App. During setup you will: * Connect a CloudLink data source that holds the data your workflow needs * Set a name, namespace, and handle — the namespace and handle cannot be changed later * Add a description and category so others in your organization understand what the app does For the expense approvals example, you'd name the app "Expense Approvals", connect the CloudLink with your finance data, and set a handle like `EXP` so every record is identifiable (e.g., `EXP-001`). For a detailed walkthrough, see the [Build an App](/getting-started/build-an-app) guide. Use the [Layout Builder](/workflows/layouts) to define what users see and interact with on each record. This includes: * Adding fields for the data your process requires (e.g., contact info, status, priority, due dates) * Defining stage-specific sections that control what is visible at each phase of the workflow * Configuring views — List for scanning and filtering, Board for Kanban-style tracking, and Calendar for date-driven processes * Creating a [form](/workflows/form-builder) to control how data enters your workflow and which fields are required at submission For the expense approvals example, your fields might include Employee Name, Department, Expense Amount, Category (travel, software, meals), Description, and Receipt attachment. You'd create a submission form requiring all fields, and use a List view so finance can filter by department or status. Open the [Flow](/getting-started/build-an-app#step-5-map-your-flow) tab to connect your stages and define how records move through your process. Then layer in [automations](/workflows/automation-system) to make the process run. Key tasks include: * Defining stages that represent each phase of your business process * Setting [assignment rules](/workflows/assignment-rules) to define who owns work at each stage, based on role, workload, or field values * Adding automations for notifications, field updates, [approval routing](/workflows/approval-processes), and decision-point branching * Configuring integrations to push data to external systems when key events occur For the expense approvals example, your stages would be Submit → Manager Review → Finance Processing → Reimbursed (with a Rejected exit path). You'd assign the Manager Review stage to the submitting employee's manager, and add automations to notify the manager on submission, auto-approve expenses under \$50, and flag anything over \$500 for VP review. Before going live, walk through the entire process yourself and verify everything works end to end: * Create test records that represent realistic scenarios, including edge cases and branching paths * Move records through every stage to confirm assignments, field updates, and stage transitions behave correctly * Check the automation log to verify every automation fired as expected * Invite a small group of users for feedback and iterate before rolling out to your full team For the expense approvals example, submit test expenses at different amounts — one under \$50 to confirm auto-approval, one over \$500 to verify VP routing, and one mid-range to walk through the standard manager review path. *** ## Common First Apps Track deals from lead to close with automated approvals and notifications. Manage customer issues with smart routing and SLA tracking. Streamline expense processing with automated workflows. Handle supplier relationships and contract tracking. *** Best Practices: *** ## Explore More Learn the fundamental concepts behind Elementum's platform. Master the automation system to build advanced workflows. Follow proven patterns for building effective workflows. Integrate Elementum with your existing systems. *** ## Take Your Workflows on the Go Stay on top of your workflows from anywhere with the Elementum mobile app. Monitor progress, receive real-time notifications, and take action on approvals and tasks — all from your phone. Available on the Apple App Store Available on the Google Play Store *** ## Need Help?