Summary:
The Vendor Mandatory Field (VMF) Enhancements improve how vendor-required information is captured, stored, and validated during quote and order creation. These updates ensure that all required vendor data is collected upfront, reducing order holds and manual rework.
With the VMF Engine enhancements, required fields are automatically displayed on the Vendor Required Information (VRI) screen, data can be prepopulated when available, and pre-sales comments now flow directly from quotes to orders. The enhancements apply to both Quotes and Orders, including Stock and Direct Ship, and support smoother order processing through clearer hold resolution and improved data accuracy.
Table of Contents:
What is the VMF (Vendor Mandatory Field) Engine?
Do existing VMF configurations need to be reviewed?
Where can I see Vendor Mandatory Fields when creating quotes?
Are VMF requirements the same for Quotes and Orders?
When does the Vendor Required Information (VRI) screen appear?
What happens if required VMF data is missing?
How do I release an order on a VR or VI hold?
Do pre-sales comments still need to be manually added to orders?
What is the main benefit of these VMF enhancements?
What is the VMF (Vendor Mandatory Field) Engine?
Answer: The VMF Engine manages vendor-required information needed for quotes and orders. It integrates with other systems (such as GDE), saves vendor data, supports hold resolution workflows, and parses comments to ensure all required vendor details are captured before an order proceeds.
Do existing VMF configurations need to be reviewed?
Answer: Yes. All existing VMF configurations have been passed into the VMF Configurator, and it is the responsibility of the user or team to review and confirm that configurations are accurate for each vendor. Incorrect configurations may result in unnecessary order holds.
Where can I see Vendor Mandatory Fields when creating quotes?
Answer: Vendor Mandatory Fields appear on the Vendor Required Information (VRI) screen when creating quotes:
The VRI screen appears in X4A and X4C during quote creation
Fields are prepopulated when data already exists in the VMF Engine
In CRM, the Vendor Mandatory Fields screen allows associates to add VMF data while building new quotes
These fields may be required or optional, depending on vendor and discount program setup.
Are VMF requirements the same for Quotes and Orders?
Answer: Yes. Vendor Mandatory Fields apply to both Quotes and Orders and are valid for Stock and Direct Ship orders. Any field marked as required must be completed before the order can move forward.
When does the Vendor Required Information (VRI) screen appear?
Answer: The VRI screen appears after clicking “Preview Order.”
At this stage:
Required and optional fields are clearly identified
If a discount program is used, its required fields will also appear
Fields for both vendor code and discount program may be displayed together
What happens if required VMF data is missing?
Answer: If required data is missing, the order may go on a VR (Vendor Required) or VI (Vendor Information) hold.
To resolve:
Review why the order is on hold
Enter the missing information at the field, header, or line level
Complete any darker highlighted fields
Validate, release, and resubmit the order
How do I release an order on a VR or VI hold?
Answer: Use Exceptions Management:
Open the IM Order Number that has a Vendor Request Hold
Go to the Review Reasons tab
Update or release the required VR or VI fields as instructed
Once completed, the order can be resubmitted.
Do pre-sales comments still need to be manually added to orders?
Answer: No. Pre-sales comments entered in the quote workbench now automatically flow to the order.
Comments added during pre-sales will auto-populate on EDI/XEDI orders
This eliminates manual re-entry and reduces errors
What is the main benefit of these VMF enhancements?
Answer: The enhancements:
Reduce manual effort
Improve data accuracy
Ensure vendor requirements are consistently met
Speed up order processing by minimizing holds