Walmart’s APDP: A Clear Guide to the Accounts Payable Dispute Portal

When Walmart suppliers notice deductions they disagree with—like shortages or pricing errors—they can dispute them directly through Walmart’s Accounts Payable Dispute Portal app, APDP. 

This guide explains what the app does (and doesn’t do), how to navigate it efficiently, and what suppliers can expect when disputing Walmart deductions. It combines everything suppliers need to know from Walmart’s older and newer systems in one clear walkthrough.  

What is APDP? 

Walmart launched the APDP app in 2021, replacing the previous third-party system known as DCI (Direct Commerce, Inc.). The move was designed to bring everything in-house, streamlining communications between Walmart’s Accounts Payable (AP) team and suppliers. 

Today, APDP serves as the single source for managing AP deduction disputes—including shortages, allowances, and pricing differences—for suppliers who do business with Walmart on a Goods-For-Resale (GFR) basis. Suppliers supporting Goods-Not-For-Resale (GNFR) do not have access to this app and will need their primary supplier partner to submit disputes on their behalf. 

APDP is located under the Apps tab in Retail Link. Users can search for “APDP” or star it as a favorite for quicker access.  

Inside the APDP App 

The dashboard begins with a key metrics bar and pie chart showing real-time dispute statuses. 

Each category is clickable for quick filtering: 

Below the key metrics are the 5000 most recent disputes (20 per page). Users can filter by vendor number, username, invoice number, claim code, PO number, or date; then export a CSV that includes all visible columns plus freight method, shipping details, and extended status information.  

Within the dashboard, suppliers can: 

• Dispute line-by-line: Previously, suppliers had to dispute an entire claim. With APDP, suppliers can dispute at the individual claim line level.  

• View structured updates: Users can monitor cases by category through the dashboard tabs such as Drafts, In Process, Closed, and Reports.  

• Track status in real time: Suppliers can see detailed statuses like “Walmart Research” or “Supplier Action” to know exactly what stage the dispute is in and what action to take if any.  

• Accuracy: APDP requires precise codes, claim numbers, and documentation before submission, ensuring accuracy and transparency for all parties. 

This visibility helps support suppliers to act quickly when disputes need clarification or supporting documentation.  

Which Deductions Can Be Disputed in APDP? 

APDP only handles accounts payable (AP) deductions—not post- –audits  or accounts receivable (AR) disputes.  The most common deduction categories handled in APDP are: 

Users can search by claim number for deduction-based disputes or by iInvoice number for invoice-based issues like tax corrections or cash discounts.  

Walmart occasionally updates the list of allowed codes, so it’s wise to check back here and review Retail Link updates regularly. 

Which Deductions Cannot Be Disputed in APDP? 

Not all deductions can be disputed in APDP. Currently, suppliers cannot dispute the following within the app at this time: 

• Post Payment audit deductions 

• Accounts Receivable (AR) deductions 

• Certain returns and overages 

As of 2023, Returns Deductions aren’t visible in APDP if the PO flows through a returns center. These include: 

• Code 44: Freight on Returned Merchandise/Returned Goods 

• Code 62: Labor and Handling (Packaging/Repackaging) 

• Codes 92, 93, 94, and 95: Merchandise Returned  

• Code 97: Returned Goods Handling Charge 

• Code 120: Merchandise Returned, Walmart Discretion 

Certain allowances are also excluded, including:  

• Code 58: DSDC/ASN Allowance (Suppliers can contact their Walmart supply chain management representative for guidance). 

• Code 69: Grocery Billback Allowance (Suppliers can dispute through HighRadius). 

If a deduction doesn’t appear in APDP, suppliers can check APIS to determine the correct channel for resolution. 

Suppliers should always verify where the deduction originated before filing a dispute as well as review Walmart's Returns Charges and Disputes FAQ page in Retail Link for the most up-to-date process and information.  

Related Reading: The Difference Between AR and AP Deductions 

The Role of APIS in APDP 

The Accounts Payable Inquiry System (APIS) is a separate Retail Link app that complements APDP. APIS lets users view and pull payments, invoices, and claim information—data that is often essential for supporting disputes. Before submitting a case in APDP, suppliers should review the related payment data in APIS to ensure accuracy.  

Pro Tip: Confirm that the deduction amount and remittance details in APIS match internal records. Mismatched data is one of the most common reasons for rejected disputes. 

How to File and Manage a Dispute in APDP 

All AP deduction disputes are created and tracked through the app’s dashboard. Once you’ve confirmed the deduction details in APIS, you’re ready to file the dispute in APDP. 

Accessing APDP 

To open APDP, log in to Retail Link, click Apps, and select APDP. The portal opens in a new window.  

Find the Deduction 

Use the search bar or filter option to locate the deduction in question. Users can search by: 

• Claim number 

• Invoice number 

• Purchase Order number 

• Deduction code 

• Vendor number 

Select ‘Create Dispute’ 

Users will choose whether disputing from a claim or from an invoice, as each view presents slightly different fields.  

Enter the required information: 

• Deduction code 

• Disputed amount 

• Description of issue 

• Freight and ship method 

Attach Documentation 

Suppliers should upload clear, readable evidence such as: 

• Proof of Delivery (POD) 

• Bill of Lading (BOL) 

• Packing list or receiving support records 

Additional supporting documentation requirements will vary depending on ship method: 

• Prepaid: Facility freight stamp signed by Walmart.  

• Prepaid Dropped Trailer: Dropped trailer stamp + BOL. Listing PO numbers and case quantities. 

• Collect: Carrier signed BOL including PO list (and seal number for FTL shipments). 

• Small Parcel: Individual POD signature pages showing address, PO number, and recipient signature.  

APDP accepts PDF, JPEG, and PNG files up to 10 MB per file. Users can save a draft during the process to gather documentation, but it is important to note that drafts automatically expire after 14 days.  

Submit and Monitor 

After uploading documents, suppliers will see the submission confirmation appear at the top of the dashboard. Suppliers can track progress directly in the dashboard and open ‘Detail View” for a complete log of activity, attachments, and messages. 

Pro Tip: Once submitted, a dispute cannot be edited unless it is returned for clarification by Walmart. 

After Resolution 

After Walmart makes a decision on the dispute, suppliers can verify outcomes directly from the dashboard or via the downloaded CSV report.  

Approved or partially approved disputes should appear in the next remittance, though timing may vary by payment cycle.  

If the dispute is denied, suppliers should review the reason in the dispute detail pane before determining whether re-filing with new documentation is justified. If new evidence is available, a supplier can often refile under the same deduction number.  

Related Reading: Redisputing Walmart AP Deductions 

Best Practices for Working in the APDP App 

• Check Weekly: Review key metrics regularly to catch “Supplier Action” cases from lapsing.  

• Keep an Internal Log: Download CSV reports regularly to identify recurring deduction types and root causes. 

• Double-Check Document Uploads: Files must be attached before submitting—there is not an ‘add later’ option.  

• Act Within Timelines: Walmart auto closes unanswered “Supplier Action” cases after 7 days. 

• Group Disputes Carefully: Only combine claim lines that share documentation (such as one shipment). 

Preventing Future Deductions 

Many AP deductions originate from pricing or invoice mismatches. Walmart will automatically deduct the price difference between the PO and the invoice as long as the price on the invoice is more than the purchase price. If the price difference is in Walmart’s favor, they will hold off on issuing the deduction. 

If a PO price is incorrect, it’s best to wait until the buyer or replenishment manager corrects the PO before shipping to prevent automatic deductions. 

Consistently reviewing APIS and APDP helps to ensure compliance issues are addressed before they become much bigger issues and financial losses.  

For technical issues on APIS, submit an inquiry using the category “Suppliers Portal” at https://gss-latam-sp.custhelp.com/. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

• Submitting the wrong supporting documentation 

• Using the wrong deduction code 

• Missing the 7-day Supplier Action window 

• Disputing non-AP deductions (like post-audit or AR) in APDP 

• Not re-disputing enough 

Key Takeaways 

• APDP allows users to file, track, and manage deduction disputes directly in Retail Link. 

• The portal improves visibility and accuracy across supplier teams. 

• Suppliers can export data for internal tracking and proactive deduction management. 

• Reviewing both APDP and APIS regularly can help prevent compliance and payment issues.  

• If APDP access or visibility issues occur, suppliers can submit a ticket in the Supplier Portal app.