> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.docstudio.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.docstudio.com/user/envelope-processing-flow-template-configuration/serial-and-parallel-processing-flow.md).

# Serial and Parallel Processing Flow

This document explains serial-parallel flow and the role order restrictions when roles share the same step number.

### Role order restrictions

{% columns %}
{% column width="58.333333333333336%" %}

1. **Assignee** cannot be placed after the first **Signer**.
2. **Signer** cannot be placed before the last **Assignee**.
3. **Copy** can be placed anywhere, but the step number must be **1** or higher.

{% hint style="warning" %}
If your template has external documents with Electronic signatures, place document uploader roles before roles that sign those documents.
{% endhint %}
{% endcolumn %}

{% column width="41.666666666666664%" %}

<figure><img src="https://2962383972-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FoqUiFHjwtCCGSaEDqbXb%2Fuploads%2FsQ8QuMe8EkAqKpcd5OxQ%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=57f95e1c-726a-46ef-b92b-5ed984870eea" alt="" width="217"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}