Under Setup, App Setup | Create | Workflow & Approvals you can define approval work flows that invoke automatic notification to approvers of submission of new records. Some uses for approval processes can be:

1. Submitting expenses or expense reports
2. Approval prior to beginning work on a newly added matter
3. Approval to create a new client

For additional Information see Force.com's documentation: 

• TRIAL user link:  Getting Started with Approval Processes
• Active Customer Link:  Getting Started with Approval Processes