Is there a way to schedule approvals without having to create an automation?

[Mady Wirtz]

We currently have an automation for sending out department approvals once a week. That automation includes a status change to trigger the department approvals.
I am currently trying to simplify a workflow in one of our spaces, Is there a way to schedule department approvals without having to add an additional status and transition to the work flow?

This is a new, work-in-progress, workflow and I am trying to avoid the squared section. 

[Arkadiusz Wroblewski]

Hello and welcome to Atlassian community @Mady Wirtz 

Currently, native JSM approvals lack a separate scheduler.

Approvals are tied to workflow statuses and activate when a work item reaches that status. Based on your workflow, I suggest simplifying it by removing the READY FOR DEPT APPROVAL status.

You could transition directly from gathering requirements to department approval.

Best,

Arek 🤠