We have a workaround but no permanent fix. Can we move on?
Uncontrolled temporary workaroundA workaround can support continuity when its limits, owner, and expiry are explicit. Keep the underlying problem visible and agree whether the residual exposure is acceptable.
What to do now
- Document the workaround and limitations
- Confirm authorized use
- Assign permanent-fix ownership
- Set a review date and retirement condition
When to escalate
Escalate when
The workaround creates unacceptable operational or security exposure.
Who decides
The issue owner or delegated decision authority
Example
A daily reconciliation supports service temporarily while a dated corrective action addresses the faulty interface.
Mistake to avoid
Allowing a temporary manual step to become invisible permanent work.
Prevent a repeat
Track unresolved decision age and verify the outcome before treating an issue as closed.
Suggested ApprovedFlow setup
- Tasks
- Documents
- Approvals
Record the issue and next action on an owned task, attach evidence, and route the unresolved decision to the proper authority. See the platform
Related cases
- We are solving symptoms faster than we understand causes. What should we change?Reactive issue cycle
- Management wants an issue closed before the fix is verified. What should I report?Premature issue closure
- How do we stop temporary technical shortcuts becoming permanent?Unmanaged technical exceptions
- How can we tell whether a budget variance is temporary or permanent?Variance timing ambiguity