Status profile functionality three levels

Hi,

I am trying to configure Status profile for maintaining different levels of approval department wise for Sales Orders. I have already gone through all the Status Profile related threads in SCN but could not resolve this.

I have configured as shown below:-

Now, let me explain my process -

I am trying to restrict a user in Production dept in Sales Order through ‘ZCNP’ status(status no. 2), hence I created a Auth. Code ‘ZPRODCHK’ and attached to his role.

And User in marketing department is having auth code ‘ZCRNCHEK’ for changing the status from ‘ZCNP’ (status no. 2)   to ‘ZCNA’ (status no. 3).

Based on the above configuration, the second level (Production) is being confined to approval of the 2^nd level only. He is not being allowed to approve the third level.

Similarly, the third level (Marketing) is being confined to approval at 3^rd level only. He is not being able to go to first/second level.

The issue is that the third level user (Marketing) is being able to approve even if the second level user (Production) has not approved at second level. The requirement is that the third level user can only approve once the second level has been approved.

Kindly suggest what change in configuration is required to disallow 3^RD level user to change status of sales order directly from status no 1 to status no.3 (ZCNB to ZCNA)?