> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.silkline.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.silkline.ai/for-suppliers/check-ins.md).

# Respond to Check-ins

Supplier guide for opening a check-in from your customer and submitting updated ETAs, statuses, notes, and attachments across your open order lines

Check-ins are a quick way to share status updates on your open orders with your customer. When a customer sends a check-in, you receive an email and complete it directly from a secure link — no Silkline account required.

## What you need

* The check-in email from your customer. Just click the **Open Check-in** link — you don't need a Silkline account or password, and you don't have to open it from the same inbox it was sent to.

## Video walkthrough

{% embed url="<https://www.loom.com/share/b2440f78ce734366ad5a12e0bf8c2ea0>" %}

## Submit a check-in

1. **Open the check-in.** In the check-in email, click **Open Check-in** to reach the check-in home screen, which outlines what your customer is requesting.
2. **Start the check-in.** Click **Start Check-in** to open a spreadsheet view of every open line your customer wants an update on. Collapse the sidebar to give yourself more room.
3. **Update each line.** For each line, update the ETA if it has changed, set the order status from the dropdown, and add line-level notes as needed. ETAs behave like a spreadsheet: enter a new date, then drag the fill handle to apply it across additional rows. Notes from your prior check-ins appear inline so you can reference what you sent last time. Updated values are marked with a green check.
4. **Add notes and attachments.** Before submitting, add any overall notes and upload attachments such as a packing slip.
5. **Review and confirm.** Click **Review Changes** to see a summary of everything you're submitting. Values that have changed are highlighted in yellow — hover over one to see the previous value. When everything looks right, click **Confirm Changes** to complete the check-in.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Before you can submit:**

* **Any ETA in the past must be updated.** A past-due ETA has to be moved to a current or future date before the check-in will submit.
* **If you haven't updated any ETAs or statuses, a note is required.** Tell your customer why there's nothing to change. (When you have made updates, a note is optional — but still encouraged.)
  {% endhint %}

## After you submit

Once submitted, the check-in is closed and locked from further edits — it's a point-in-time record. You continue to have access until the link expires.

* Click **History** in the top menu bar to view your prior check-ins and reopen a particular one.
* Click **Open Orders** to view a current report of your open orders.

## Frequently asked questions

**Why are check-ins important?** A check-in is a quick way to tell your customer how your orders are going. When you share where things stand, your customer can plan around your needs and catch small problems early — before they turn into late shipments. Clear updates help you both stay on time.

**Are check-ins required?** Your customer tracks how often suppliers respond to check-ins, so it's important to complete each one you receive. Staying on time keeps your record strong, and a strong record means a smoother partnership. Check-ins that expire without a response count against your completion rate.

**How fast should I respond?** Try to complete a check-in within a couple of days of getting the email. If something might change or run late, tell your customer right away in the notes.

**How long does a check-in take?** Just a few minutes. Update the lines that have changed, add a note if you need to, and submit.

**Does the check-in show all my open lines?** It depends on your customer. They can keep the check-in focused on just the most important lines, or they can include your full open order report. Update whatever lines you see in the check-in. Lines your customer has closed won't appear, even if they weren't fully received — closing a line means they aren't expecting any further updates on it.

## Troubleshooting

* **Link expired:** Ask your customer to send a new check-in to refresh access.
* **Can't submit:** Check two things. First, any ETA in the past must be updated to a current or future date. Second, if you haven't changed any ETAs or statuses, add a note — one is required in that case.
* **Your company policy says not to click links:** Silkline links are private and safe, and they keep your information protected. You can check that a link is real by confirming it opens on the trusted `app.silkline.ai` domain.