> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.coherent.global/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.coherent.global/coherent-control/platform-overview/introduction.md).

# Introduction

Coherent Control gives teams a controlled way to manage spreadsheet-driven work.

It combines workflow, permissions, and file governance in one platform. Teams use it to standardize spreadsheets, control edits, and track approvals across critical processes.

### What the platform does

* Turns Excel workbooks into governed processes.
* Controls who can edit, submit, review, and approve.
* Applies template-driven workflow rules across every process.
* Produces controlled workbooks for contributors to complete.
* Supports optional downstream publishing to Spark.

### How it fits together

The platform is built around a few core parts:

#### Templates

Templates define the workflow.

They set the steps, roles, actions, conditions, and lock behavior a process will use. Default options include simple submit, maker-checker, and Spark publishing flows.

See [Default Templates](/coherent-control/workflow-templates/default-templates.md), [Create a new Template](/coherent-control/workflow-templates/create-a-new-template.md), [Actions](/coherent-control/workflow-templates/actions.md), and [Conditions](/coherent-control/workflow-templates/conditions.md).

#### Processes

Processes are live instances of a template.

Each process has its own name, file, role assignments, and workflow history. Publishing a process creates the governed asset that users work with.

See [Create A New Process - Coherent Assistant](/coherent-control/processes/create-a-new-process-coherent-assistant.md) and [Creating a New Process - Platform UI](/coherent-control/processes/creating-a-new-process-platform-ui.md).

#### Controlled workbooks

Controlled workbooks are the governed files users receive after publish.

Templates determine what remains editable. Inputs can stay open while outputs, formulas, or static content stay locked.

#### Users, teams, and roles

Access is role-based.

Administrators manage users and teams. Roles control which areas of the platform a user can access and what they can do inside a workflow.

See [User Permissions](/coherent-control/user-management/user-permissions.md), [Team Permissions](/coherent-control/user-management/team-permissions.md), and [Roles](/coherent-control/user-management/roles.md).

#### Coherent Assistant and Platform UI

Teams can create processes in two ways.

* Use **Coherent Assistant** to start from Excel and publish a controlled workbook directly.
* Use the **Platform UI** to create a process through the Control wizard.

Both routes use the same underlying template, role, and governance model.

### Typical workflow

1. An admin sets up users, teams, and roles.
2. A template admin defines or selects a workflow template.
3. A process owner creates a process from the platform or Coherent Assistant.
4. Contributors work in the controlled workbook.
5. Reviewers or checkers approve according to the template.
6. The platform records the workflow outcome and optional downstream actions.

### Where to start

If you are new to the platform, start here:

* [Quickstart](/coherent-control/get-started/quickstart.md) for the fastest path to a working setup.
* [Create A New Process - Coherent Assistant](/coherent-control/processes/create-a-new-process-coherent-assistant.md) if your work begins in Excel.
* [Creating a New Process - Platform UI](/coherent-control/processes/creating-a-new-process-platform-ui.md) if you prefer the web workflow.

{% hint style="info" %}
Use templates when you want consistency across many governed files. Use roles and teams when you want access to stay manageable as users change.
{% endhint %}


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