Returns to vendors usually start as a quality issue, but they become a reporting issue if the reason is not captured consistently. If you want monthly supplier performance reporting that includes defects and return reasons, you need a simple way for your team to enter that information at the point the vendor return is created.

In Cetec ERP, there are a couple practical options. You can keep it lightweight by using the built-in Description field, or you can make the reason more structured using Vendor Return bonus columns so it is easier to filter and report on.

Why Track Vendor Return Reasons

A vendor return without a reason is hard to use in supplier performance reviews. When your team records a consistent reason, you can sort and filter returns, tie issues back to a supplier, and use that data in routine reporting without rebuilding the story later from emails and notes.

Option 1: Use the Vendor Return Description Field

If you want a simple approach, use the Description field on the vendor return to record the reason. To reach the vendor return screen, start on the part record and scroll to the warehouse section, then use the Vendor Return button.

Once you are capturing reasons in the Description field, you can show that field on the Vendor Returns list and use it for sorting. The Vendor Returns report is available at Parts > Vendor Returns, and you can use the +/- Columns link to display the Description column.

Option 2: Add a Vendor Return Bonus Column for Structured Reasons

If you want a cleaner picklist and more consistent reporting, set up a Vendor Return bonus column. This gives you a dedicated field (for example, “Reason”) that can be shown on the Vendor Returns list and used for filtering. To add a bonus column, go to Admin > Maintenance > Bonus Columns and select VendorReturn, or navigate directly to /bonuscolumns/VendorReturn/edit.

In the bonus column setup, choose the data type that matches how you want people to enter the value. A common approach is a select box, where you define the allowed options and make the field searchable.

After you create the bonus column, show it on the Vendor Returns list using the +/- Columns link. This makes the reason visible at a glance and keeps your reporting based on a consistent set of values.

How to Choose Between Description and Bonus Columns

Use the Description field when you need flexibility and your team can write a clear reason consistently. Use a bonus column when you want controlled values for filtering and supplier reporting, especially if multiple people are creating vendor returns and you want the data to stay uniform.

Key Takeaways

• Capture a vendor return reason at the time the return is created so it is usable for supplier reporting later.
• The Description field is a quick way to record the reason and display it on the Vendor Returns list.
• Bonus columns let you create a structured field (such as a select box) for consistent filtering and reporting.
• Use the +/- Columns link on the Vendor Returns list to show the fields your team needs for review.

Conclusion

Tracking vendor return reasons is a small habit that improves supplier performance reporting and makes quality discussions easier to support with real system data. In Cetec ERP, you can start simple with the Description field or standardize the data with Vendor Return bonus columns, depending on how you plan to report and who is entering the returns.