Why does a task show \"Supplier Needed\"?

When to use it

Use this article when:

• A task in your project shows the status "Supplier Needed" and you're not sure why

• You want to understand what "Supplier Needed" means and how to resolve it

• A supplier has completed their work but the task still shows "Supplier Needed"

Overview

The "Supplier Needed" status appears when a task requires action from a supplier (translator, editor, or reviewer) before it can be marked as complete. This status helps project managers track which tasks are waiting for supplier input.

What "Supplier Needed" means

When you see "Supplier Needed" on a task, it means:

1. The supplier hasn't clicked "Done" - Even if the supplier has finished translating or editing, they need to manually mark the task as complete

2. Segments still need confirmation - Some segments in the task may require the supplier to confirm them in the CAT Editor

3. The supplier may not be aware - They might not know they need to take additional action

How to resolve "Supplier Needed"

Step 1: Contact your supplier

Send a message to your supplier asking them to:

1. Click the "Done" button in their task view

2. Confirm any unconfirmed segments in the CAT Editor if needed

Step 2: Check for unconfirmed segments

If the supplier says they've clicked "Done" but the status hasn't changed:

1. Ask them to open the CAT Editor for that task

2. Look for segments that need confirmation (usually highlighted or marked differently)

3. Have them confirm these segments by clicking on them or using the confirmation shortcut

Step 3: Wait for automatic update

After the supplier clicks "Done" and confirms all segments:

• The task status should update automatically within a few minutes

• If it doesn't update after 30 minutes, contact Smartcat support

Special case: AI Translation tasks

For AI Translation tasks, "Supplier Needed" might appear even when no human supplier is involved. This usually means:

• The AI translation is complete but needs final confirmation

• You may need to review and approve the AI-generated content

• Check the task details to see if any manual review is required

FAQ

Q: My supplier says they clicked "Done" but I still see "Supplier Needed". What should I do?

A: Ask your supplier to check for unconfirmed segments in the CAT Editor. They may need to confirm individual segments before the task can be marked as complete.

Q: How long does it take for the status to update after a supplier clicks "Done"?

A: The status should update within a few minutes. If it takes longer than 30 minutes, contact support.

Q: Can I mark a task as complete myself instead of waiting for the supplier?

A: In most cases, the supplier needs to mark their own work as complete. However, project managers may have options to override this in certain situations. Check your project settings or contact support for guidance.

Q: What if my supplier can't find the "Done" button?

A: The "Done" button is usually located in the supplier's task view or dashboard. If they can't find it, they can try refreshing the page or logging out and back in. If the issue persists, contact support.

Related articles

• How to assign suppliers to tasks

• Understanding task statuses in Smartcat

• Managing project workflows