How does Ella handle out-of-stock items on a PO?

It depends on whether back-order is allowed for that item.

• If back-order is enabled: Ella accepts the order and marks that item as a back-order.
• If back-order is not enabled: Ella blocks submission and shows similar products as alternatives so the rep can swap the item on the spot.

The back-order setting lives on the item itself, not on the customer — so the same buyer can have some items that back-order and others that don't.

» What the rep sees on screen

For a back-ordered item: The item appears on the draft order with a back-order indicator. The rest of the order is unaffected, other items that are in stock proceed normally. The rep can submit the order as-is, and the back-ordered item is flagged accordingly when it reaches the ERP.

For a blocked item: Submission is prevented until the item is resolved. Ella surfaces similar products directly on the draft screen so the rep can swap the item with one click. Once a valid alternative is selected, submission is unblocked.

» Things to keep in mind

• The back-order setting is configured at the item level in your ERP or pricelist — not by Ella. If a product's back-order behaviour needs to change, it needs to be updated at the source.
• Similar product suggestions are based on product family, spec attributes, and the customer's purchase history. They are not generic, they are matched to your catalog and the specific buyer.