The only way data gets in the CDM is via publishing, and the process of publishing doesn't vary based on whether you have approvals turned on or not. Publishing intentionally prepares for the next occurrence (since when you execute it that will be necessary). Is there any way to trigger your outside process by email? If so, you could set up a notification based on a status change (or a request for approval if you use our approval system), which would send the email to trigger your outside process, perhaps.