A supplier hold can change tomorrow before the progress claim is paid

The missing receipt has reached the supply chain

A late progress payment leaves a supplier invoice unpaid, and the supplier puts your account on hold. Before telling every site that no materials are coming, establish exactly what the hold affects. An account-level message may cover new credit orders, pending dispatches or a particular invoice. Ask for a precise explanation through the supplier's authorised contact.

Match the hold to actual orders

Imagine an electrical contractor waiting for a builder's progress receipt. Its wholesaler has orders for three sites, including one paid upfront. List each order number, goods, promised dispatch date and payment status. Ask which are blocked and whether any have already left the warehouse. Do not assume that an earlier delivery booking is still current.

Check the terms before making demands

business.gov.au recommends reading contractual payment conditions and recovery options when payment problems arise. Review the supply agreement with your adviser where needed. Ask the supplier to explain the basis and scope of its position. Avoid asserting a right to immediate delivery merely because the goods were ordered before the account hold appeared.

Source: business.gov.au: What to do when you haven't been paid

Identify the first site consequence

For each blocked delivery, ask the site manager what activity depends on those materials and when it is needed. Distinguish an essential component from stock that can arrive later without affecting work. In the electrical example, one missing switchboard may matter more than several routine consumable orders. Use that information to focus the discussion.

Confirm a workable operational response

Check any proposed collection, partial delivery or revised dispatch arrangement directly with the supplier. Obtain the necessary approvals before substituting materials or changing contractual commitments. Keep the funding discussion separate from confirmation that a particular order will actually move. Payment into an account does not by itself establish the warehouse's next available delivery slot.

Update the programme from confirmed facts

Tell affected project staff which orders are confirmed, which remain blocked and who is following up. Communicate with customers under the relevant contract and advice where dates may change. Continue pursuing the overdue progress claim, but do not leave the site programme based on the assumption that paying the supplier will instantly restore every original delivery date.