Can I upload POs directly to Ella instead of emailing them?

Yes. Manual PO Upload lets users submit POs via direct file upload through the same AI extraction pipeline. A confirmation is sent back to the submitter automatically once processing is complete. This is useful when buyers send POs via portals, Dropbox, hand delivery, or scan-to-email setups that bypass the inbox.

» How processing instructions work

When uploading a PO manually, the submitter can include plain-language instructions for how they want that specific order handled. Ella reads and applies them during extraction, before the draft is created.

For example:

• "Apply a 5% discount to this order."
• "Ship all lines to the Chicago warehouse, not the default address."
• "This order is urgent — flag it for same-day processing."

Instructions are per-upload and apply only to that specific PO. They do not affect standing rules configured in Prompt Management.

» Things to keep in mind

• Manual PO Upload supports the same file formats as email-based processing — PDF, DOCX, Excel (XLSX/XLS), CSV, and images (JPG/PNG, including photos of handwritten notes).
• Processing instructions are free-text and handled by Ella's AI. Keep them clear and specific. Vague instructions may not be applied as intended and will be flagged on the draft for the rep to review.
• The confirmation sent back to the submitter includes a link to view the draft order directly in the Ella dashboard.