How can we help?

View All Support Topics

What is a PO Exception

A Purchase Order (PO) exception occurs when there are discrepancies between your original order and what DigiKey can fulfill. Understanding the terminology in this document is crucial in resolving these exceptions efficiently.

Below you will find an interactive PO exception example with key terms highlighted. Hover over each callout to see detailed explanations and understand what each field means for your order.

Interactive PO Exception Example

Hover over the numbered callouts to learn about each field.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

1Estimated Release Date

The expected date this item will be ready or shipped

2Line Item

A single product or entry listed in your order

3Ordered

The total quantity requested

4Available Qty

The number of units currently in stock

5Backordered Qty

The number of units not yet in stock and scheduled for later delivery

6Item Description

Additional information or special instructions for this item

7Cust PO Line Item

Customers have the option to assign their own internal line item numbers for each part.

8Unit Price

The cost per individual item

9HTSUS Code

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) code classifies imported goods for customs and duty purposes. This code is required to determine applicable tariffs, taxes, and regulatory requirements. Please review for accuracy, as incorrect or missing HTSUS codes may cause shipping delays or customs exceptions

10Tariff Charge

A tariff is an additional duty applied to certain imported goods based on U.S. trade enforcement actions, which may impact the total cost and require acknowledgment before processing a PO exception order.

11Scheduled Amount

The quantity planned for fulfillment or delivery

12Detail Notes (DNOs)

This section highlights any discrepancies identified within the line notes of the item details. Issues found here may directly impact order accuracy and will require your attention. Examples include pricing discrepancies, missing or invalid part numbers, and other irregularities that need to be reviewed and resolved

13General Notes (GNOs)

General notes found at the bottom of a PO Exception

Key Terminology

Open all Close all

The expected date this item will be ready or shipped

A single product or entry listed in your order

The total quantity requested

The number of units currently in stock

The number of units not yet in stock and scheduled for later delivery

Additional information or special instructions for this item

Customers have the option to assign their own internal line item numbers for each part.

The cost per individual item

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) code classifies imported goods for customs and duty purposes. This code is required to determine applicable tariffs, taxes, and regulatory requirements. Please review for accuracy, as incorrect or missing HTSUS codes may cause shipping delays or customs exceptions

A tariff is an additional duty applied to certain imported goods based on U.S. trade enforcement actions, which may impact the total cost and require acknowledgment before processing a PO exception order.

The quantity planned for fulfillment or delivery

This section highlights any discrepancies identified within the line notes of the item details. Issues found here may directly impact order accuracy and will require your attention. Examples include pricing discrepancies, missing or invalid part numbers, and other irregularities that need to be reviewed and resolved

General notes found at the bottom of a PO Exception

Quick Action Checklist

When stock is low:

  • Review backorder lead time
  • Consider partial shipment
  • Search for alternative parts
  • Contact DigiKey for options

Before Accepting:

  • Verify all part numbers
  • Check pricing vs. budget
  • Confirm lead times work
  • Review customer reference

Common Exceptions:

  • Insufficient stock
  • Extended lead times
  • Price changes
  • Discounted parts

Additional Resources

How to Read a DigiKey Quote

Terminology and Abbreviations used on DigiKey's Quotes

Backorder Process

When a normally stocked product isn’t available, your order is then placed on backorder, learn more about DigiKey’s backorder process.

Where has my cart gone?

How to find your cart in myDigiKey

Find an Invoice in myDIGIKEY

How to download a PDF for a processed sales order

Order Acknowledgement Receipt

When to expect an order acknowledgement

Build and Maintain a Bill of Materials

Leverage our myLists tool for all your BOM needs

Product Lead-Time

Find product lead-time prior to purchase