> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.aptlydone.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quickstart

> Start using Aptly by creating your first decision and issuing a delegation — all through our API. Follow this guide to get up and running in minutes.

## Quickstart: Creating and Delegating Decisions

This guide walks you through the core workflow in Aptly:\
**1. Create a Decision** → **2. Delegate it to the appropriate users**.

> 🛠️ Aptly enables structured delegation of authority at scale — all via API or integrated provisioning.

***

## 🔁 Authority Flow in Aptly

Here’s how authority typically flows in Aptly:

### 🟦 Step 1: Create a Decision

Define a specific authority type — such as approving spend, signing contracts, or hiring.

### 🟩 Step 2: Delegate to People or Positions

Assign that decision to individuals or position titles. Configure it with limits, timeframes, and conditions.

### 🟨 Step 3: Optional: Approvals & Cascading

Route delegations through approval workflows or allow cascading if permitted.

> You can delegate to multiple individuals or positions, but not directly to a Role or Team.

***

## ⚙️ Before You Start

Before creating decisions or delegations, you need to configure your organization’s structure in Aptly.

You’ll need to:

* [Create Users](/api-reference/users/list-users)
* [Define Groups (Entities, Departments, etc.)](/essentials/system-settings)
* [Set up Roles and Permissions](/essentials/roles-permissions)
* [Review System Settings](/essentials/system-settings)

<Info>
  Your configuration determines how authority can flow. Setting it up first ensures your delegations are valid, compliant, and scoped correctly.
</Info>

***

## 📘 Step 1: Create a Decision

A Decision defines a specific type of authority in your org — like approving capital expenditures or signing contracts.

Use the API to create a decision:

```bash theme={null}
POST /decision/v1/decisions
```

### Example payload:

```json theme={null}
{
  "name": "Approve Capital Expenditures",
  "category": "Finance",
  "section": "Capital Budget",
  "description": "Authority to approve capital expenses up to defined limits",
  "guidance": "Refer to CAPEX policy section 3.1",
  "requiresApproval": true
}
```

> 🔗 [View full API reference for creating a decision](/api-reference/decisions/create-decision)

***

## 🔄 Step 2: Delegate the Decision

Once a decision exists, you can assign it to individuals or positions — with limits, durations, and delegation controls.

```bash theme={null}
POST /decision/v1/delegations
```

### Example payload:

```json theme={null}
{
  "decisionId": "DEC-123456",
  "userId": "USR-7890",
  "groupId": "GRP-4567",
  "limitAmount": 100000,
  "currency": "USD",
  "startDate": "2025-04-01",
  "endDate": "2025-12-31",
  "delegable": true,
  "notes": "Temporary delegation for Q2 budget management"
}
```

> 🧠 Delegations in Aptly are limit-bound, time-based, and can be configured to cascade or require approval based on your policies.

***

## 🧩 Related Pages

* [Delegation Lifecycle →](/essentials/delegation-lifecycle)
* [Delegation Approvals →](/essentials/delegation-approvals)
* [Matrix Management →](/essentials/matrix-management)
* [System Settings →](/essentials/system-settings)

***

## 🎯 What’s Next?

Once you’ve issued your first delegation, you might:

* ✅ Automate provisioning via [SSO & SCIM](/essentials/sso-scim)
* ✅ Define complex delegation logic using [Roles & Permissions](/essentials/roles-permissions)
* ✅ Track and manage approvals via [Delegation Approvals](/essentials/delegation-approvals)

***

<Callout emoji="🚀">
  You're now ready to operationalize delegation and signatory control — the Aptly way.
</Callout>

Need help? Reach out to [support@aptlydone.com](mailto:support@aptlydone.com)