Introduction
Walmart provides suppliers with a wide range of tools, apps, and scorecards to manage operations efficiently. Among these, NOVA (New Order Validation and Approval) is one of the most important for managing and maintaining purchase orders (POs). Understanding how NOVA works helps suppliers stay compliant, prevent delays, and maintain strong relationships with Walmart.
What Is Walmart NOVA?
NOVA—short for New Order Validation and Approval—is Walmart’s system that allows suppliers to review, validate, and maintain purchase orders within Retail Link®. The tool is designed to give suppliers greater visibility into PO details and help ensure accuracy before orders move downstream in the supply chain.
NOVA has become the centralized system for PO management, providing enhanced visibility, editing capabilities, and reporting features to support supplier collaboration with Walmart’s replenishment and merchandising teams.
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How to Access NOVA
Suppliers can access NOVA through Retail Link® using the following steps:
- Log in to Retail Link®.
- Navigate to Apps > NOVA (New Order Validation and Approval).
- If the app is not available, request access through your Retail Link® Administrator.
- Once approved, access will appear in your Retail Link® dashboard.
Suppliers should ensure that their Retail Link® profiles have the correct permissions for View or Edit access, depending on their team’s responsibilities.
How Can NOVA Be Used?
NOVA provides visibility into purchase order activity, allowing suppliers to review, edit, and validate details before fulfillment. Key functions include:
- Reviewing and approving POs for accuracy.
- Editing item quantities, ship dates, or delivery windows as needed.
- Exporting line-level PO data for further analysis.
- Identifying open or delayed orders to address potential supply chain disruptions.
Using NOVA consistently can help suppliers reduce order errors, improve on-time performance, and enhance overall supply chain efficiency.
System-Generated vs. Manual POs
All purchase orders—whether system-generated or manually created—are transmitted to suppliers via EDI. However, only manually created purchase orders originate within NOVA. Once created, both system and manual POs can be viewed and maintained within the NOVA application.
This means that NOVA provides a single point of visibility for suppliers to monitor and edit their POs, regardless of how they were generated. Maintaining accurate PO data in NOVA helps suppliers prevent costly chargebacks and supports stronger collaboration with Walmart replenishment teams.
Limitations
While NOVA is a powerful PO management tool, suppliers should note that it is intended primarily for domestic purchase orders. E-commerce, import, and fulfillment-center (FC) orders are managed through separate systems and cannot be created in NOVA.
How 8th & Walton Can Help
Through the PathFinders consulting program, 8th & Walton helps Walmart suppliers integrate NOVA and other Retail Link® tools into their broader supply chain strategies. Our experts bring decades of experience supporting suppliers in refining PO accuracy, improving operational visibility, and strengthening communication with Walmart buyers and replenishment teams.
Ready to take the next step? Complete the short form below, and our team will reach out to discuss how PathFinders can support your goals.
The Bottom Line
NOVA helps Walmart suppliers manage purchase orders with greater accuracy, visibility, and efficiency. Using it effectively can reduce errors, improve communication, and support long-term success with Walmart.
