If you cannot meet one or more requirements within a specification, you may be able to submit a variance request for your Community Owner's review.
A variance request allows you to propose an alternative value for specific specification attributes and provide supporting information for consideration.
Note
Variance requests are only available when your customer has enabled them within the specification template.
Access the Specification
- Navigate to Specifications from the left navigation menu.
- Open the Inbound Specification Requests tab.
- Select the specification assigned to your location with a status of Awaiting Response.
Start a Variance Request
After reviewing the specification:
- Select Actions in the upper-right corner.
- Select Request Variance.
The specification will enter variance request mode, allowing you to update fields that are eligible for variances.
Identify Editable Fields
You can only modify attributes where your customer has enabled variance requests.
Editable fields are identified by:
- An amber-colored field or section title
- An edit icon next to the field
Fields that do not display these indicators cannot be modified.
Note
Variance requests are only available when at least one attribute in the specification has been configured to allow variances.
Update Attribute Values
Enter the proposed values for any fields requiring a variance.
Depending on the specification design, you may be able to:
- Update attribute values
- Modify descriptions
- Adjust percentages
- Add rows within editable tables
- Remove rows from editable tables
Only update the attributes that require approval.
Working with Tables
Some specifications include standard or custom tables that allow variances.
Within editable tables, you can:
- Add new rows using Add Entry
- Remove rows using the delete icon
- Modify values in editable columns
In the example below, required entries such as Strawberries and Blueberries cannot be modified because they are locked by the specification. Additional entries and editable values may still be updated where permitted.
Note
Attributes populated through Genesis Foods integrations cannot be modified through the variance request process.
Save a Draft
If you need additional time to complete your request, select Save Draft. Drafts can be reopened and updated before submission.
Submit the Variance Request
When you have finished updating all applicable fields:
- Review your proposed changes.
- Scroll to the bottom of the specification.
- Select Submit Request.
Your Community Owner will be notified that a variance request has been submitted for review.
Review and Approval Process
After submission, your Community Owner reviews the proposed variances and determines whether they can be accepted. The Community Owner may:
- Approve the variance request
- Reject the variance request
- Request additional information
- Return the specification for updates
You may receive email notifications when further action is required.
Track Variance Status
The specification status updates throughout the review process.
You and your Community Owner may continue collaborating until a final decision is reached.
Once all variances have been approved and the specification has been accepted, the status updates to Approved.