What each exception means
| Exception | Meaning | Usual fix |
|---|---|---|
| Price variance | Invoice unit price is above the PO price by more than the tolerance | Ask the supplier for a credit, or get the PO amended if the new price was agreed |
| Billed more than received | Invoice quantity exceeds what was received | Hold the excess until goods arrive, or short-pay |
| Billed more than ordered | Invoice quantity exceeds the PO quantity | Check for an unapproved over-shipment |
| No receipt | Nothing has been received against the line | Confirm delivery with the requester before paying |
| No PO | The invoice has no purchase order | Route for approval, and remind the buyer of the no-PO, no-pay policy |
| Duplicate line | The same invoice and item appear twice | Pay once |
Amount at risk = invoice amount − (the lower of quantity received and quantity ordered × PO price).
Questions
What is a three-way match?
A check that the purchase order, the goods receipt and the supplier invoice agree on item, quantity and price before an invoice is paid.
What tolerance should I use?
Many teams allow a small price tolerance (1–5%) or a small dollar amount to avoid chasing rounding. Quantity tolerance is usually zero for goods.
What is the difference between two-way and three-way match?
A two-way match compares the invoice with the PO only. A three-way match also checks the goods receipt, so you only pay for what arrived.
Is my data uploaded?
No. The check runs in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere.
Last reviewed 27 September 2026.