Creating and Maintaining Purchase Request Reason Codes and Categories

Objective

After completing this lesson, you will be able to configure purchase request processor reason codes and categories

Purchase Request Reason Codes and Categories Overview

You can use the Reason Category and Codes tab on the Workflows page to define standardized reasons for returning part or all a purchase request to an employee. When a processor returns a purchase request, they must select a reason code. This mandatory step allows the company to track and analyse return reasons, supporting targeted employee training and policy review.

When the processor selects Send Back to Employee, the Send Back Purchase Request dialog box displays all available reason codes set by the administrator. The processor selects the appropriate code(s) and selects OK to return the purchase request to the employee.

Note

The Reason Code Categories cannot be customized because they’re tied directly to a Cognos report.
Workflows screen showing the Reason Category and Codes tab, the Invoice subtab selected, action buttons, and a list displaying one reason category labeled Incorrect Amounts.

Configure Purchase Request Reason Codes and Categories

Review the following steps to learn how to create purchase request reason codes.

Steps

  1. On the Workflows page in Invoice Processing Admin, select the Reason Category and Codes tab, and then select the Purchase Request sub-tab. Select New.

    Purchase Request section of the Reason Category and Codes screen showing the New button highlighted and an empty list for reason codes and categories.
  2. Enter the Reason Code which is generic text of the most popular reasons a processor may reject a purchase request.

    Reason Category and Codes screen showing the Purchase Request subtab, a reason code entered, and the Reason Category column displaying Incorrect Amounts.
  3. Select the Reason Category that matches the reason code created.

    Purchase Request Reason Category screen showing a reason code entered and the Reason Category dropdown expanded with multiple options.
  4. Select Save.

    Save button highlighted on the Purchase Request Reason Category screen, showing an entered reason code and the selected category Incorrect Items.

Result

The new Reason Code is saved and appears on the Reason Codes and Categories tab.

Summary

  • Create standard reason codes to explain why processors return purchase requests.
  • Require processors to select a reason code when they send back a request.
  • Configure codes from Reason Category and Codes > Purchase Request subtab.
  • Select a matching reason category and save the new code.

Reference

TopicLink
Creating a Reason CodeSAP Help Portal
Modifying a Reason CodeSAP Help Portal
Deleting a Reason CodeSAP Help Portal