Supplier Guide to Root Cause

Coming Soon

Root Cause explains why you are making a change to a purchase order (PO), such as updating a date, quantity, price, or canceling a line.

Providing a clear Root Cause helps your customer (the buyer) understand the situation and respond more quickly.

When to enter Root Cause

Root Cause may be optional or required by your buyer company. 

You’ll select or enter a Root Cause when:

• Acknowledging a new PO
• Proposing a change (date, quantity, price)
• Responding to a buyer’s proposed change
• Splitting or canceling a PO line

Best practices

• Select the most accurate root cause from the dropdown when available
• Use + Add to add a custom reason only when needed
• Keep custom root causes clear and reusable
• Add a message when additional explanation will help your customer

How to add a root cause

From the accept/propose change window

1. Select a root cause from the dropdown menu
2. If the correct reason is not listed:
   • Click + Add
   • Enter a custom root cause
3. (Optional) Enter a message with additional details
4. Submit your response

If none of the listed options apply:

• Click + Add
• Enter a clear, concise reason

Your custom entry will be saved and available for selection in the future.

A tooltip is available to provide additional guidance when selecting a root cause.

From the PO details page (email workflow)

1. Open the PO from your email link
2. Select a root cause from the dropdown menu
3. If the correct reason is not listed:
   • Click + Add
   • Enter a custom root cause
4. (Optional) Enter a message
5. Submit your response

If none of the listed options apply:

• Click + Add
• Enter a clear, concise reason

Your custom entry will be saved and available for selection in the future.

Note: The field previously labeled Reason for change is now labeled Root cause.

From bulk import

1. Download your unique import template
2. Add the PO identifying details (number, line, release)
3. Enter your proposed changes
   • Supplier quantity
   • Supplier date
   • Supplier cost
4. Enter the Root Cause code 
5. Upload

On the Imports page you can review your processed import files and view available codes on the right.  

The codes are also listed in your account settings, under your initial icon in the top right corner. They can be easily copied with the icon on the right of the row.